Toy companies are constantly developing new gizmos for parents to buy for their children. However, when it comes to babies and toddlers, there are some very basic tried and true toys that have stood the test of time in helping them to develop motor, language and cognitive skills, as described below.

1. Mobiles

these are ideally designed to boost infant sensory development. They work by enhancing eye control, visual tracking ability, concentration and sometimes sound recognition.

2. Chimes, rattles and musical instruments

these can assist with sensory development by stimulating the baby’s sense of directional hearing and touch. In addition, children learn coordination skills and about cause and effect.

3. Black and white toys

the stark images of black and white toys are particularly beneficial for young infants. The high contrast and repeating patterns of toys such as art cards are known to stimulate thought and motivate eye motion.

4. Baby playmats

can help infants and toddlers develop their bodies and expand their brains. They can give hours of entertainment while providing a range of sensory experiences such as hand eye coordination and head and neck control.

5. Special baby books

books made for children are constructed to endure a certain amount of physical abuse, making them suitable for all ages. Starting at infancy, parents can read them to babies to soothe them any time. The main benefit of books for smaller children is language development to improve memory, cognitive and communication skills.

6. Mirrors

can encourage babies to recognize the face and develop social skills, as well as define visual focus.

7. Balls

these have always been fun to play with. But they also offer the chance for babies and toddlers to master both visual and physical coordination while teaching about cause and effect.

8. Blocks

have been used for child development for decades. There are many to choose from, including wood, plastic and fabric. They help to refine gross and fine motor skills and there are many skill levels that come along with just one set of blocks. From stacking to building structures, any child can refine coordination and stimulate problem solving abilities from blocks.

9. Baby bouncing walkers

these teach coordination as infants learn to touch the ground and move with their feet. They can also be used in a stationary fashion and can also strengthen legs. In no time, babies may abandon this useful device to walk on their own.

10. Nesting cups

a popular and traditional toy which can include an endless number of designs. Similar to blocks, they develop motor skills and refine hand and eye coordination, as well as intellectual development.

11. Sorting, stacking and dropping buckets

just like nesting cups, these are also good for early eye and hand coordination. Quite soon, babies may learn to match and sort the various block shapes through a sorting lid. Developmental benefits include learning to identify shapes and colors, as well as enhancing problem solving abilities.

All of the above toys motivate imagination, encourage creativity and enable discovery for infants and toddlers. Through using their hands, eyes, legs, feet and brains they are also provided with hours of captivating entertainment that makes learning enjoyable.

About the author: Georgina Clatworthy is a freelance writer and mother of 3 young children. Kids II are a market leader in developing baby toys and products such as playmats, which are distributed worldwide under their flagship brands. Their creative approach to the development of new toys for babies and young children has seen them win many awards and gain the trust of parents across the world.