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Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Durable and sturdy construction
  • Perfect for small hands
  • Encourages open-ended play
  • No buttons or sounds
  • Great for gifting to children you don't know much about
Cons
  • Does not help with learning shapes
  • Paint on the pieces can be flaky
Bottom Line
The Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Wooden Barn Toy is a durable and sturdy toy that encourages open-ended play and is suitable for children of different ages. However, it may not be helpful for learning shapes and some figures can fit into any hole.
Pros
  • Sturdy egg box
  • Made of good quality plastic
  • Colorful and attractive
  • Educational and great for learning shapes and colors
  • Safe and poses no choking hazards
Cons
  • Eggs can be hard to open
  • Some eggs may be stiff and need to be opened and shut a few times
Bottom Line
This egg carton toy is a great educational and fun toy for children to learn shapes and colors, and perfect for pretend play and cooking. However, some customers have reported difficulty opening the eggs and incomplete sets, and there is a warning label that says not safe to put in child's mouth.
Pros
  • Unique colors and hand-eye learning concept
  • Colorful and interesting for babies
  • Helps with motor skills and hand-eye coordination
  • Aesthetically pleasing and durable
  • Captures child's interest and keeps them engaged
Cons
  • Not sturdy enough for babies
  • Pegs are loose and shapes are cut poorly
Bottom Line
This stacking toy has unique colors and a hand-eye learning concept that captures a child's interest and helps with motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, it is not as sturdy as it should be for babies and some shapes are cut poorly or mishapen. The paint chips easily and some shapes can be put in the mouth, posing a choking hazard. Overall, it is a durable and aesthetically pleasing sensory type toy that lasts long and has non-toxic paint.
Pros
  • Durable and can withstand rough play
  • Versatile and can be used in many ways
  • Stimulating colors and sounds
  • Good for sensory development
  • Keeps children entertained for long periods of time
Cons
  • Easily breakable or crushable
  • Can be too loud for younger children
Bottom Line
The BunMo Pop Tubes are a versatile and stimulating toy that can keep children entertained for long periods of time. However, they can be easily breakable and too loud for younger children. Overall, they are a good option for parents looking for an affordable and engaging toy for their children.
Pros
  • Great for fine motor skills and learning colors.
  • Fun for kids to play with and learn at the same time.
  • Durable material and vibrant colors.
  • Good for sensory bins.
  • Challenging for kids to use tongs and sort animals.
Cons
  • Small size could be a choking hazard.
  • Tongs may break easily.
Bottom Line
This dinosaur set is a fun and educational toy for kids to learn fine motor skills and colors. However, parents should be aware of the small size and potential choking hazard, and the tongs may not be very durable. Overall, it's a good purchase for parents looking for a fun and educational toy for their kids.

The Ultimate Guide to Sensory Toys for Toddlers 1-3 | Best Educational Toys for Early Childhood Development

Overview

Sensory toys are a great way to promote early childhood development in toddlers aged 1-3. These toys are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage exploration, which helps with cognitive, fine and gross motor skills development. In this buying guide, we'll explore the different types of sensory toys available, key considerations when choosing the best toys for your child, features to look for, prices, tips, and FAQs to help you make an informed decision.

Types

1. Tactile Toys: These toys are designed to stimulate the sense of touch and include items such as textured balls, play dough, and sensory blankets.

2. Visual Toys: These toys are designed to stimulate the sense of sight and include items such as light-up toys, mirrors, and colorful blocks.

3. Auditory Toys: These toys are designed to stimulate the sense of hearing and include items such as musical instruments, rattles, and sound puzzles.

4. Cognitive Toys: These toys are designed to promote problem-solving skills and include items such as shape sorters, stacking blocks, and puzzles.

5. Gross Motor Toys: These toys are designed to promote movement and include items such as ride-on toys, push toys, and balls.

Key Considerations

1. Age-Appropriateness: Choose toys that are appropriate for your child's age and developmental stage.

2. Safety: Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and have no small parts that could pose a choking hazard.

3. Durability: Choose toys that are well-made and can withstand rough play.

4. Educational Value: Look for toys that promote learning and development.

Features

1. Textures: Choose toys with different textures to stimulate the sense of touch.

2. Lights and Sounds: Look for toys with lights and sounds to stimulate the senses of sight and hearing.

3. Interactivity: Choose toys that encourage interaction and engagement.

4. Portability: Look for toys that are easy to carry and store.

Prices

Sensory toys can range in price from $5 to $50, depending on the type of toy and its features.

Tips

1. Rotate Toys: Rotate your child's toys to keep them engaged and interested.

2. Play Together: Play with your child to encourage interaction and engagement.

3. Keep it Simple: Choose toys that are simple and easy to use.

4. Follow Your Child's Lead: Let your child lead the play and follow their interests.

FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of sensory toys for toddlers?

A: Sensory toys promote early childhood development by stimulating the senses and encouraging exploration and learning.

Q: What age range are sensory toys suitable for?

A: Sensory toys are suitable for toddlers aged 1-3.

Q: What should I look for in a sensory toy?

A: Look for age-appropriate toys that are safe, durable, and have educational value. Choose toys with different textures, lights and sounds, and interactivity.

Q: How much should I spend on a sensory toy?

A: Sensory toys can range in price from $5 to $50, depending on the type of toy and its features. Choose toys that fit your budget and your child's needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sensory toys are a great way to promote early childhood development in toddlers aged 1-3. By following our buying guide, you can choose the best educational toys that promote cognitive, fine and gross motor skills development. Remember to consider age-appropriateness, safety, durability, and educational value when selecting a sensory toy.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Vibrant colors
  • Can be connected and disconnected in various ways
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Can be used in the tub or kiddie pool
  • Fun for both kids and adults
Cons
  • Pinching hazard for toddlers
  • Too stiff for little toddlers to pull apart
Bottom Line
These sensory tubes are a fun and entertaining toy for both kids and adults. They come in vibrant colors, are sturdy and durable, and can be connected and disconnected in various ways. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to pinching hazards and stiffness, and they may not hold up as well as other similar products.
Pros
  • Different shapes and textures
  • Super stretchy and durable
  • Inspires creativity
  • Thick and don't snap easily
  • Great for sensory needs
Cons
  • Attracts dust, hair, and crumbs
  • Difficult to remove from hair
Bottom Line
These stretchy sensory toys are great for inspiring creativity and meeting sensory needs, but be aware of the potential choking hazard and quality control issues.
Pros
  • Bright and vivid colors
  • Fun addition to bath time
  • No holes to prevent mold
  • Lights up with multiple colors
  • Great for kids who love dinosaurs
Cons
  • Battery life is short
  • Some don't light up after a few uses
Bottom Line
These dinosaur bath toys are a fun addition to bath time for kids who love dinosaurs. They light up with multiple colors and don't have holes to prevent mold. However, the battery life is short and some don't light up after a few uses. They are also overpriced and made of a hard material.
Pros
  • Well-imagined activities
  • Adorable and exceeded expectations
  • Perfect quiet distraction for toddlers
  • Lots of learning opportunities and things to keep them entertained
  • Great for long car rides
Cons
  • Velcro puzzle pieces not securely attached
  • Glue not durable enough
Bottom Line
This busy board book is a great learning toy for toddlers with many activities to keep them entertained. However, some parts may not be suitable for younger children, and the book's illustrations lack diversity.
Pros
  • Helps with sensory needs and relaxation.
  • Good for distracting children during procedures.
  • Can be used as a timer.
  • Comes nicely and safely packaged.
  • Small and fun to play with.
Cons
  • Density of colors is not consistent.
  • Random color assignment.
Bottom Line
This product is a good option for those with sensory needs or for distracting children during procedures. It can also be used as a timer or for relaxation. However, the density of colors is not consistent, and the color assignment is random. The product can crack easily, and some customers received only one item instead of four. The size may not be as expected, and it may not be helpful for potty training.
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