This document provides information on selecting developmentally appropriate toys for children from infancy through preschool age. It discusses how play is important for learning and brain development in young children. The document lists examples of toys that are good for different age groups and provides guidance on avoiding toys that may not be educational or could have negative effects, such as some electronic toys. It also discusses the importance of books, parent interaction, and open-ended toys for early childhood learning and development.

1. Good toys/ bad toysCopyrighted by Infant Toddler Family Day Care (ITFDC)703-352-3449, www.itfdc.com

2. What toys or games do you remember from your own childhood?Copyrighted by ITFDC

3. What toys do your daycare children enjoy the most?Copyrighted by ITFDC

4. What toys do you think children learn from the most?Copyrighted by ITFDC

5. The selection of toys available can be overwhelming- How do you know which toys have the most educational value?Copyrighted by ITFDC

6. Play is one of the major ways that a young child learns. Through play, children discover and practice the physical, mental, social and language skills they will need to be independent beings. Copyrighted by ITFDC

7. By actively interacting with their environment and adding more skills and concepts in a step-by-step process, children literally 'grow' their own intelligence. Parents and providers can best help their children develop by aiding, not preventing, this development. Copyrighted by ITFDC

8. During the first five years of their lives, young children are like sponges for information either positive or negative. (examples?)Approximately 85% of the child's brain connections are being made in the early years. Stimulation to these brain connections is crucial to a child's learning as it provides the thinking foundation for all later intellectual development. Copyrighted by ITFDC

9. A child's playthings are people, toys, and everyday objects both in home and nature. With a little understanding of child development, a parent or caregiver can help children learn by providing them with developmentally appropriate toys and activities. Copyrighted by ITFDC

10. It makes sense, both economically and developmentally, to buy the right toy at the right time. A safe, durable multi-purpose toy bought at the beginning of a development stage is much higher in play value than a single-function toy that may be played with for a limited time and then ignored, which is often the case of licensed or fad products. Copyrighted by ITFDC

11. Half the toys children want have been designed by a television show. Little thought of developmental benefits for the children or long term life of the product has gone into these products. Simply because a toy or book has been manufactured for children does not mean that the toy/book is good for children!!http://www.earlylearningworld.com.au/articles/art_toys.aspCopyrighted by ITFDC

12. In the last few decades extensive research has been applied to the science of play, studying the way children interact with their toys and how this play can stimulate development.Copyrighted by ITFDC

13. Major manufacturers have produced many “electronic learning” toys over the years. It would be easy to believe that the research has shown a benefit to these toys. Copyrighted by ITFDC

14. Child development experts warn that “kiddie electronics” can have negative effects such as inhibiting creativity and promoting short attention spans. Researchers found that targeted “electronic learning toys” from the market leaders such as LeapFrog® and V-Tec® offered no identifiable benefits to children.Copyrighted by ITFDC

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17. “The research team found that with every hour per day spent watching baby DVDs and videos, infants learned six to eight fewer new vocabulary words than babies who never watched the videos”8/6/08 Alice Park with Time.comCopyrighted by ITFDC

18. “Babies require face-to-face interaction to learn," says Dr. Vic Strasburger, professor of pediatrics at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. "They don't get that interaction from watching TV or videos. In fact, the watching probably interferes with the crucial wiring being laid down in their brains during early development.”8/6/08 Alice Park with Time.comCopyrighted by ITFDC

19. A good toy…Copyrighted by ITFDC

20. Suggested toys forInfantsToddlersPreschoolersCopyrighted by ITFDC

21. Suggested infant toysBusy box/crib mobilePlastic or wooden rattlesUnbreakable plastic mirrorToys that squeakPlay telephonesToys for filling and dumpingCloth blocksCopyrighted by ITFDC

22. Suggested toys for infantsToys that stackPlastic, cardboard, or cloth booksWashable toys/stuffed animalsToy key ringsTeething ringsDifferent sized ballsChime ballLarge wooden or plastic animalsCopyrighted by ITFDC

23. Homemade toys for infantsCloth animals made from old towels or material stuffed with socksHomemade books made of cardboardTextured ballsPots, pans, wooden spoons, plastic food containers, rubber spatulas, empty cardboard boxes, measuring spoons and cupsCopyrighted by ITFDC

24. Toys to buy for infants/toddlersPush/pull toysWooden stringing beadsMatching gamesDoctor’s kitCrayonsTricycles, riding toys, wagonsTapes or cds with children’s stories or musicCopyrighted by ITFDC

25. Large pegs and peg boardsWooden puzzles with big pieces (3-8 pieces)Plastic or wooden people and animal figuresCars, wagons, and trucksShovels and pails for sandBig cardboard blocksCopyrighted by ITFDC

26. Homemade items for toddlersDress up clothes, shoes, hats and suitcasesCoffee cans with plastic lids for drums, bells sewn on ribbon, wooden dowels to be used as rhythm sticks, shakers made from yogurt containers filled with beans and secured with duct tapeHomemade booksPlaydoughBean bagsCopyrighted by ITFDC

27. Toys to purchase for toddlersAnimal and people figuresGamesToys that interlock such as legosMagnetic boards and shapesSturdy puzzles with 8-20 piecesHula hoops and ballsWater based paints and brushesPlay doughProps for block play (buses, cars, animals, airplanes etc)Small play house, garage, zoo, farm setPlastic snapping blocksPegboards and pegsPattern and parquetry blocksFelt boards with felt animals, people etc.Washable markers, crayons, glue, chalk, scissorsTricycles, wagons, baby carriagesCopyrighted by ITFDC

28. Materials to collectBrooms, full length mirror, dress up clothes, mops, plastic dishes, hats etc. for dramatic playFeathers, Styrofoam, toilet paper tubes, macrame, glitter, scraps of wrapping paper etc. for collagesSquirt bottles, combs, shells, rakes to add to sand and water collectionButtons, seashells, coffee scoops, keys, fabric squares, plastic bottle tops for sortingCopyrighted by ITFDC

29. Homemade Materials for preschoolersA wooden frame made with two pieces of material with buttons, snaps or a zipper to practice self help skillsHomemade bubblesPuppetsHomemade puzzles made from a cut out magazine picture that has been covered with clear contact paper, glued onto cardboard and cut into puzzle piecesCopyrighted by ITFDC

30. musical instrumentsblocksCopyrighted by ITFDC

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34. What about books?Here are some ideasCopyrighted by ITFDC

35. Pat the BunnyBy Dorothy KunhardtThis classic is still one of our favorites because it's so interactive -- we love touching the bunny's fur, playing peekaboo, and more.Copyrighted by ITFDC

36. Goodnight MoonBy Margaret Wise BrownThere's no denying that this bedtime routine classic deserves space on every kid's bookshelf.Copyrighted by ITFDC

37. Go, Dog, Go!By P.D. Eastman Perfect for young children's short attention spans, this book is simple, straightforward, and silly.Copyrighted by ITFDC

38. Goodnight, GorillaBy Peggy RathmannThis story is told almost entirely through the illustrations -- making it very easy for babies to follow along.Copyrighted by ITFDC

39. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?By Dr. SeussThis book will have you making all sorts of sounds from pop to klopp, all of which will delight your baby -- and bring on plenty of those smiles and giggles you love.Copyrighted by ITFDC

40. Toes, Ears & Nose!By Marion Dane BauerTeach older babies to ID their body parts with this fun read.Copyrighted by ITFDC

41. Mrs. Mustard's Baby FacesBy Jane WattenbergBabies loooove looking at other babies. These close-up pics of other gorgeous baby mugs are sure to fascinate your infant.Copyrighted by ITFDC

42. C Is for Coco: A Little Chick's First Book of LettersBy Sloan TannenGet your baby on the fast-track to preschool with this book teaching numbers 1 to 10.Copyrighted by ITFDC

43. Baby FacesBy DK BooksThis tome of different babies making expressive faces (happy, sad, etc.) helps boost your baby's social IQ. Plus, the squishy cover is perfect for mouthing, teething babies.Copyrighted by ITFDC

44. Belly Button BookBy Sandra Boynton What baby or toddler isn't obsessed with his belly button? This book on the subject is full of Boynton's signature illustrations and silly rhymes.Copyrighted by ITFDC

45. White on BlackBy Tana HobanThis wordless book of white shapes on a black background is perfect for young babies, who love looking at bold, contrasting colors while their eyes are developing.Copyrighted by ITFDC

46. Guess How Much I Love YouBy Sam McBratney, Illustrated by Anita JeramFollow a young rabbit on his quest to test his parents' love -- you'll find it easy to believe just how deep it runs. This is a heartwarming book, and kids will feel reassured knowing that you love them that much, too.Copyrighted by ITFDC

47. The Going-to-Bed BookBy Sandra BoyntonWhat better way to soothe your baby to sleep than with a book that makes going to bed fun? Sandra Boynton's colorful illustrations make this book come alive -- a terrific ritual for ending the day.Copyrighted by ITFDC

48. Daddy KissesBy Anne GutmanCalling all fathers! Cuddle up with your baby and read this charming tale about how lions, rabbits, and frogs show their wee ones that they love them.Copyrighted by ITFDC

49. Dear ZooBy Rod CampbellA child's search for the perfect pet goes off-track in this funny lift-the-flap book. The repetitive pattern lets babies predict what comes next.Copyrighted by ITFDC

50. My CarBy Byron BartonThese bold, chunky characters (think Fisher-Price's Little People) will grab your baby's attention. The book makes the most of its few words, explaining how Sam cares for his car.Copyrighted by ITFDC

51. Let's PlayBy Leo LionniIn this sweet and simple tale, two cute mice decide how to spend their time. Your baby will learn all the fun things friends can do, from a game of hide-and-seek to dress-up time.Copyrighted by ITFDC

52. HugBy JezAlboroughA baby chimpanzee is in search of a hug from his mommy. While he tries to find her he sees other animal families snuggling together.Copyrighted by ITFDC

53. Is Your Mama a Llama?By Deborah GuarinoChildren have fun as they follow a llama on the search for its mama. Colorful pictures and fun animals make this a must-have.Copyrighted by ITFDC

54. Peek-a-Who?By Nina LadenPeek-a-boo has its merits, but this book brings the game to a new level. With a peek-a-moo cow and a peek-a-boo ghost, children will love guessing what comes next. Copyrighted by ITFDC

55. Book ideas for ToddlersThe Very Hungry CaterpillarBy Eric CarleYup, the caterpillar's still hungry! And just like him, when it comes to this book toddlers can't seem to get enough.Copyrighted by ITFDC

56. Freight TrainBy Donald CrewsHave a train-crazy kid? This book has great illustrations to help children learn the names of each type of train car.Copyrighted by ITFDC

57. The Happy EggBy Ruth KraussAs you know, toddlers are curious about...well, everything. This book tackles one interesting phenomenon: how a baby bird comes from an egg!Copyrighted by ITFDC

58. Fast FoodBy Saxton FreymannFreymann has a gift for transforming recognizable fruits and veggies into adorable animals and objects.Copyrighted by ITFDC

59. Counting KissesBy Karen KatzA countdown to bedtime, this book is sure to inspire lots of sweet mom-toddler snuggles.Copyrighted by ITFDC

60. Sheep in the JeepBy Nancy E. Shaw and Margot AppleFull of fun rhymes, this is a book that your toddler will want to hear again. And again. And -- you get the idea.Copyrighted by ITFDC

61. Green Eggs and HamBy Dr. SuessTry as you might, you cannot resist Sam-I-Am and his green eggs and ham. This wacky rhyming classic is as fun now as it was the first time you read it. Now, run out and get it!Copyrighted by ITFDC

62. CorduroyBy Don FreemanFor any kid who has dreamed of having an empty department store all to himself, Corduroy is a dream come true. This adorable bear has terrific adventures on his way to find his missing button.Copyrighted by ITFDC

63. Are You My Mother?By P.D. EastmanFor the restless toddler who relishes audience participation. Each time the confused young bird asks a strange animal, "Are you my mother?" your kids will knowingly answer, "No!" And they might even explain why not. A wonderful teaching tool with a warm-fuzzy ending.Copyrighted by ITFDC

64. Are You My Mother?By P.D. EastmanFor the restless toddler who relishes audience participation. Each time the confused young bird asks a strange animal, "Are you my mother?" your kids will knowingly answer, "No!" And they might even explain why not. A wonderful teaching tool with a warm-fuzzy ending.Copyrighted by ITFDC

65. The Big Shiny Sparkly First Words BookBy Willabel TongThis is a great book for the curious preschooler who is just discovering that learning can be fun. There's plenty to do -- questions to answer, flaps to lift, and unique illustrations to teach children about their first words.Copyrighted by ITFDC

66. I Know a RhinoBy Charles FugeA little girl has tea with a rhino, a bubble bath with a giraffe, and more adventures. The crisp rhymes and lively drawings will make this one of your bedtime faves.Copyrighted by ITFDC

67. Baby BelugaBy Raffi, illustrated by Ashley WolffWe love this board-book version of Raffi's most popular tune about a baby whale and his Eskimo, walrus, and dolphin friends. Wolff's lighthearted illustrations bring the song to life.Copyrighted by ITFDC

68. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?By Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric CarleA blue horse, green frog, and yellow duck are some of the unforgettable animals your baby will spot in this colorful book.Copyrighted by ITFDC

69. Need more ideas?Ask a Librarian!Copyrighted by ITFDC

70. http://www.parents.com/family-life/entertainment/books/best-books-for-babies/Copyrighted by ITFDC

71. http://www.earlylearningworld.com.au/articles/art_toys.aspCopyrighted by ITFDC