Every toy offers your little one an aww-some way to learn while playing. ELISA CHIA rounds up 16 playthings for his first two years.
Every toy offers your little one an aww-some way to learn while playing. ELISA CHIA rounds up 16 playthings for his first two years.
0-6 MONTHS
Bring the outdoors in
This Insta-worthy playmat has dangling toys with music and lights to encourage Baby to reach out and kick freely. Prop him up on the plush bear pillow during tummy time to build neck strength.
Skip Hop Camping Cubs Activity Gym, $179, from Takashimaya D.S. and Pupsik Studio.
Sleep tight
More than just windmills to engage Baby on the go, this stroller toy has a generously sized sun shade inside the cloud pouch. Drape it over the stroller to block light when he is napping.
Taf Toys Playful sun shade, $49.90, from Motherswork and Kiddy Palace.
Bee-sy treat
Lull your newborn to sleep with this musical toy, which has a 15-minute auto shut-off timer. The wings light up, and its varied textures will satisfy his urge to chomp, as well.
Bright Starts Beaming Buggie, $29.90, from Kidzloft.
Track and focus
He is fascinated by movement. Over time, he will learn to track the fluttering, high-contrast firefly. Take his hand to bat at the roller to activate faster motion.
Fisher-Price Flutter ’N Glow lantern, $59.90, from major department stores.
7-12 MONTHS
Merry-go-round
Baby can swivel and bounce in the 360-degree rotating seat and step on the buttons to make music. When he is stronger, convert this to a play table – the activities motivate him to step from side to side.
Skip Hop Explore & More Baby’s View 3-Stage Activity Center, $229, from Pupsik Studio.
Tap, tap, who‘s there?
You’ll love Oribel’s new wall toy series, which help reduce clutter on the floor. Guide Baby to tap the tail to make a knocking sound. The action lights up the little birds’ house, as well.
Oribel Vertiplay Busy Woodpecker wall toy, $29.90, from Motherswork.
Wait up, owl
The owl and stacker rings rotate while the truck is moving. Encourage your little one to crawl after it.
Taf Toys Crawl ’N Stack, $42.90, from Motherswork and Kiddy Palace.
Just purr-fect
Push the kitten along, bat its ball of wool or press the number buttons to hear fun counting songs. This helps him learn about cause and effect.
Leapfrog Count & Crawl Kitty, $36.90, from major department stores.
13-18 MONTHS
Walk this way
Help your tot gain the confidence to get around with a sturdy push walker. This wooden model allows you to adjust the tension to control his speed and keep it stable.
Hape Step & Stroll, $89.90, from Hamleys and Isetan Katong.
What a rush
The simple act of pouring water into the head and watching it rush down the wiggly body, helps train his eyes to follow movement. This will prove useful when he starts to read.
Munchkin Waterpede bath toy, $15.90, from Kiddy Palace and Takashimaya D.S.
Fun with food
It’s not just fine motor skills your tot will pick up; this talking shape-sorter teaches the names of food items and shapes, too.
Bright Starts Giggling Gourmet Sort ’N Giggle lunchbox, $44.90, from Kidzloft.
On the move
Riding on a toy is another great way to work on his gross motor skills. This cute cart has storage under the seat and its squeaky horns light up, too.
Btoys Buggly Wuggly, $120.90, from Motherswork.
19-24 MONTHS
On the farm
Put the vehicle at the top of the wooden track and watch it whiz down to the bottom. Your tot will play with this classic toy again and again, without realising that he’s enhancing his observation skills.
Oribel Vertiplay Tree Top Adventure wall toy, $59.90, from Motherswork.
Ni hao!
It’s all about exploration and improving his language skills. Your tot can spin the globe, press the buttons and flip the pages to learn about animals, music and greetings from around the world.
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Greetings Globe, $109.90, from major department stores.
Ready, set, race
The cars may be chunky – perfect for little hands – but they sure go fast. Adding to the excitement is a giant claw that lifts the vehicles and throws them on the bounce pad. Teach him about patience as you set up the ramps.
Oball Go Grippers Bounce ’N Zoom Speedway, $99.90 (comes with one car), from Kidzloft.
Rocking fun
Your tot is learning to play alongside other kids. This sturdy plastic rocker, which seats up to three children, will give him the opportunity to hone his social skills.
ELC Crocodile rocker, $99, from Early Learning Centre and Mothercare.
