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It happens in what feels like the blink of an eye. Your baby turns 1 and is officially a toddler. And while those toddler years (ages 1 to 3) will go by faster than you may think, they are some of those most active years in childhood, which means you’ll need to keep up with your LO’s constant need to learn and discover as they go from crawling to walking — and then climbing and biking. The best toys for active toddlers are designed to stimulate their motor skills and keep them entertained while burning tons of energy so you can get stuff done. Scary Mommy reached out to early childhood development expert Lisa Lohiser to learn more about what to look for in the best toys for active toddlers, so they can burn off all that energy.
The Expert
Lisa Lohiser, manager of early childhood development research at Fisher-Price Lab, has 15 years of experience as an early childhood educator/researcher with the iconic toy brand. She earned her doctorate in learning and teaching in social contexts at University of Buffalo, has a master’s degree from Buffalo State University, and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and learning from State University of New York At Fredonia. She has a passion for the power of play in the early years and is a firm believer that parents and children playing together in meaningful ways helps children develop essential social, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In her years at Fisher-Price, she has conducted observational research with infants and toddlers, provided curriculums and resources, and advised on educational trends and age grading.
What Do You Buy An Active Toddler?
As anyone with a busy toddler can attest, not all toys are capable of holding their attention. “Active toddlers are constantly on the move so they do best with toys that can keep up with their busy bodies and active minds,” Lohiser says, “As toddlers discover how to […] navigate where they are going, they are practicing important balance and coordination skills. They are also developing their spatial skills while gaining self-confidence and independence as they go from place to place on their own.”
Lohiser says the best toys for active toddlers help develop and engage gross motor skills, specifically recommending ride-on toys and games that encourage toddlers to move around. Any game or toy that can be played with siblings or friends helps toddlers “develop listening and friendship skills while activating their gross motor skills,” she adds.
Taking cues from the expert, we’ve rounded up the best toys for active toddlers that engage them physically, challenge them mentally, are loads of fun, and maybe best of all, will keep them busy while doing so.
In a hurry? Here are the top picks for the best toys for active toddlers.
1. This Ride-On Scooter That Plays Music: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter
2. A Bowling Set With Friendly-Faced Pins: Melissa & Doug K’s Kids Bowling Friends Play Set
3. This Cult-Fave Push Toy That Blows Bubbles: Lydaz Bubble Lawn Mower
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