When you’re looking for baby toys you should prioritize safety, durability and whether the toy is appropriate for the child’s developmental level. Look for toys that are non-toxic, easy to clean, have no small parts, have no sharp edges or long cords for safety. Focus on toys with textures, sounds and bright visuals for newborns like plush toys and then move to functional open-ended toys like LEGO DUPLO blocks and action figures.

The best baby toys are ones that focus on cognitive learning, discovery and exploration, sensory learning and building fine motor skills. Some examples include high-contrast books, soft rattles, stacking cups and STEM toys. Introduce young kids to the world of science, technology, engineering and math early on with our wide selection of science toys, tech toys, engineering toys and math toys that encourage learning while being fun to play with.

Puzzles are an excellent way for toddlers and preschoolers to engage their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness and memory. We have a great selection of puzzles for kids that can match different age groups. Puzzles can also foster skills like problem-solving, patience, persistence and confidence as they are able to complete challenges. Puzzles also make great gifts for kids if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion.

Sensory toys are specifically designed to stimulate senses like touch, sight, sound, smell and movement in toddlers and young children. Some examples of sensory toys include sand art, Play-Doh, stepping stones, water tables and fidget tools. These types of toys are ideal for helping kids explore textures, colours and sounds. Items like stuffed animals can even help a toddler feel safe and calm when they feel stressed.

Baby toys should be cleaned and sanitized regularly because toddlers and young children often share toys and put them in their mouths. To sanitize hard plastic toys, wash them first in hot water with soap, using a brush to clean small crevices¹. Rinse them well and then use a disinfectant wipe to go over the toy. Toys should be rinsed again and then left to air dry completely before being used again. Soft toys and dress-up clothes should be washed in warm or hot water and dried on a hot cycle. But make sure to check labels and the manufacturer’s instructions before washing. Do not mix cleaning products when cleaning toys.

¹ https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/professionals-and-partners/cleaning-and-disinfection-of-toys.aspx