We’re toys (almost) all the time around here, but with baby’s ongoing therapies, my view of some toys have totally changed. Being in the business of kid products for a few years now, what I once thought was a so-so toy, is now an excellent developmental tool.
We just had another crazy week of doctors visits, therapists and tests, so I wanted to focus on positive aspects of our day: toys. Toys always make things better, especially when “professionals” are constantly evaluating my sweet guy.
So, I thought I’d round up just a few of our favorite toys of the moment, particularly ones that I consider to have excellent developmental value for my boy with delays. Even though my guy is just about 20 months, most toys’ age designators round up around 18m, hence the photo’s title. What’s so great about these toys is that they’re geared to kids of all abilities, which basically means, they can be found on “regular” toy shelves or specialty stores and online.
1. Haba Walker Wagon
As first time parents, my husband I invested in less toys, but instead procured quality, eco-friendly baby products. From our crib to this wooden walker, I carefully researched each item that we welcomed into our home…and I’m so glad we did! Six years later, we STILL use many of those products, including this amazing Walker Wagon from Haba.
Made of solid wood and touting storage in the back and fun seat in the front, Haba’s Walker Wagon is a sturdy walker and one that can carry toys or a sibling upfront. Its solid construction makes it a heavy toy, one that’s not meant to be picked up, but instead, serve as a sturdy walker that can help early walkers to balance themselves. I absolutely this thing and am so glad we opted for this one years ago, now that we have a late walker who needs a bit more reinforcement.
While the concept of bowling and toddlers may not align well, this Happy Giddy Bowling Set from Melissa and Doug engages would-be knee-high bowlers. Along with the bright colors, M&D incorporates fun bug faces to engage curious tots, including my own. We don’t own this set, however, the baby’s physical therapist uses the bowling set to encourage total body interaction—picking up, putting down, rolling— something that helps my late walker to build his core.
3. Tolo Electronic Cash Register
I am a huge fan of Tolo toys, specifically this cash register, which just so happens to be the only electronic toy on this list. 
The main electronic feature of this great developmental toy is the noise it makes when a child swipes the mini credit card. The cash register features Tolo’s primary colors and sturdy plastic construction, all assets that engage my toddler. What makes this cash register stand apart, is that it’s small enough for a toddler to manipulate with their tiny fingers. It’s easy to operate, which also keeps my toddler engaged long enough to play a pretend game of grocery store with big brother. Tolo has a great chart on their site that indicates the developmental skill that is used for each toy, which I LOVE! Dexterity, hand-eye coordination, memory and color recognition are just a few skills that are encouraged when playing with the electronic cash register.
This puzzle game from Reeves Toys is another toy that our physical therapist introduced to my toddler. By incorporating colors and shapes to the interior of the eggs, this toy allows a toddler to handle each piece while figuring things out on their own. I enjoy the overall concept of the puzzle that helps with cognitive and fine motor skills, I just wish the egg crate was easier to open and close for kids.
5. Sensory Balls from Hedstrom
I’m sure many of you have seen these balls, and probably own a few too. What I like most about these balls is that they’re colorful and the tiny nobs give toddlers a better sense of grip, hand-eye coordination and color recognition. These sensory balls also allow toddlers to engage in independent play as well as co-play with friends. Personally, I love the size of these sensory balls and tend to have two or three in the car or stroller to entertain the tot when we’re on the go.
This set is actually one of my favorite toys to give to one year olds for presents, but ironically, we don’t own it ourselves. Instead, this is one toy that motivates my toddler to walk during his sessions with his physical therapist. Like many tots, he loves music and banging on things, so this set capitalizes on both with the drum storage and drumsticks. The tambourine, bells and other fun instruments also keep him happy with their fun sounds. The colors and bug faces, too, keep him on his toes. What’s so great about this set, like many other B. Toys, Parum Pum Pum set is highly rated by Able Play, a rating system for children with special needs and disabilities.
I’d love to hear about any awesome toys that you and your kids love that also promote developmental skills.
Full disclosure: samples were provided for the cash register and scrambled eggs. For everything else, we bought on our own, or don’t actually own. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own. And please do not ever mistake my opinions for medical or child professional advice.
