Baby toys: the importance of choosing according to your baby's age

The arrival of a baby in a home is a source of joy and happiness. We take care to provide baby with everything they need to thrive and grow in the best possible conditions. A decorated and furnished nursery, toiletries bought, and carefully chosen toys are all things parents make sure to have ready. When it comes to toys, the choice must be made wisely, taking the baby's age into account. Discover in this article which toys are most suitable for different age groups.

The importance of age when choosing a toy for baby

When choosing a toy for a baby, it's important to understand that age is an essential factor to consider. Indeed, when a child plays with a toy, it isn't simply a moment of entertainment. It is also a time for stimulating their senses, for learning and for development. This learning framework can only work well when it is suited to the child's level of development.

Toys generally include age recommendations for the child who can use them, such as the Djeco card game which is aimed at children aged at least two years old. Some more basic toys, on the other hand, don't necessarily include any age guidance. It is up to each parent to do their research and choose the most appropriate toy for their child's age.

For a baby aged 0 to 6 months

In the first six months of life, baby is learning to discover sounds and colours, textures, and movements. The most suitable toys are generally a play mat, a musical box, a soft toy, a rattle, and so on. As they grow, from around 4 months, they begin to be able to grab a toy with their hands, to manipulate things more and to develop their motor skills.

From 6 months to one year

Baby starts to take an interest in the shapes and sizes of objects. Toys that encourage them to fit objects together also attract them. It's not uncommon to see them filling and emptying containers. At this age, toys that allow them to practise these activities will be the most suitable. A ball, for example, or toys they can stack or push will be great fun for them. A picture book would also be a good choice, as during this stage of development they are also interested in images, even if they don't yet understand much of what they see.

From one year onwards

They start to walk, and they love it. They never tire of expending energy and setting off to explore their surroundings. They'll start climbing on furniture, toddling about, jumping — and hello, bumps and bruises! They're bursting with energy.

They'll love playing outdoors. Ride-on toys, for example, little cars, and tricycles can all be wonderful toys around the age of two. Beyond that, they start to assert their independence. Offer them role-play games, for instance, pictures to colour in, and even puzzles. From the age of three, they'll start telling you stories straight out of their imagination. They'll ask you endless questions. And maybe they'll even sing you songs!