Sensory toys are an essential part of a toddler's development as they provide an opportunity for children to explore their senses and develop their cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor skills. Sensory toys come in various shapes, sizes, and textures and are designed to stimulate a child's senses, including touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell.
In this article, we will be focusing on the best sensory toys for toddlers. These toys are designed to engage children's senses, improve their hand-eye coordination, and promote their overall development. When looking for sensory toys for your toddler, it is essential to consider the material, size, weight, and safety features of the toy.
One critical thing to keep in mind when purchasing sensory toys for toddlers is safety. Toddlers tend to put everything in their mouths, so it is crucial to choose toys that are non-toxic and free from small parts that could be a choking hazard. Additionally, the size and weight of the toy should be appropriate for your child's age and developmental stage.
We spent countless hours researching and testing various sensory toys to identify the ones that provide the most benefits for toddlers. In the next section, we will be discussing our top picks for the best sensory toys for toddlers.
Best Sensory Toys for Toddlers
We know how important it is to provide the best sensory experience for your little ones. Sensory toys can help improve cognitive development, fine motor skills, and sensory exploration. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best sensory toys for toddlers. These toys are not only fun and engaging, but also safe and durable. Check out our top picks below.
TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys
We highly recommend the TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for parents looking for engaging and safe sensory toys for their toddlers.
Pros
- The suction cups make it easy to attach the toys to any flat surface, providing endless entertainment for toddlers.
- The toys are made of high-quality ABS plastic and safe silicone, making them sturdy and safe for little ones to play with.
- The TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys are lightweight and portable, making them perfect for on-the-go play.
Cons
- The toys may not be as engaging for older toddlers who have already developed more advanced motor skills.
- The suction cups may lose their grip over time, requiring replacement or adjustment.
- The toys may not be as durable as some other sensory toys on the market.
The TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys are a great choice for parents looking for engaging and safe sensory toys for their toddlers. The suction cups make it easy to attach the toys to any flat surface, providing endless entertainment for toddlers. Additionally, the toys are made of high-quality ABS plastic and safe silicone, making them sturdy and safe for little ones to play with. The TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys are also lightweight and portable, making them perfect for on-the-go play.
However, the toys may not be as engaging for older toddlers who have already developed more advanced motor skills. Additionally, the suction cups may lose their grip over time, requiring replacement or adjustment. Finally, the toys may not be as durable as some other sensory toys on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the TUMAMA KIDS Suction Cup Spinner Toys for parents looking for engaging and safe sensory toys for their toddlers. They are a great choice for parents who want to provide their children with a fun and stimulating play experience while also ensuring their safety.
Funny Old Man Sensory Toys
We highly recommend the Funny Old Man Sensory Toys for any parent looking to stimulate their toddler's senses and promote their development.
Pros
- The colourful silicone bubbles are great for stimulating visual development and promoting fine motor skills.
- The retractable tension ball helps to exercise hand strength and develop gross motor skills.
- The hanging rope design makes it easy to take these toys on the go, making them perfect for travel.
Cons
- The rotating disc and removable balls may be a bit difficult for younger toddlers to use.
- The tension ball may be too difficult for some toddlers to retract at first.
- The silicone bubbles may attract dust and lint, requiring frequent cleaning.
We recently tried out the Funny Old Man Sensory Toys with our 18-month-old and were impressed with the quality and variety of activities included. The hanging rope made it easy to attach the toys to our stroller for on-the-go entertainment, and our toddler loved exploring the different textures and colours of the silicone bubbles.
While the rotating disc and removable balls were a bit challenging for our toddler to use at first, we could see how they would be great for promoting hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills in older toddlers. The retractable tension ball was a hit with our toddler, and we appreciated how it helped to strengthen their grip and develop their gross motor skills.
Overall, we think the Funny Old Man Sensory Toys are a great investment for any parent looking to promote their toddler's sensory development and fine motor skills. Plus, they make a great gift for any first birthday or holiday celebration.
Waylipun Sensory UFO Toy
We highly recommend the Waylipun Sensory UFO Toy for toddlers who are looking for a fun and engaging sensory experience.
Pros
- The different sounds and vibrations from pulling, pressing, and shaking the toy promote sensory development and curiosity in babies.
- Made from 100% safe and non-toxic materials, parents can rest assured that their child is playing with a safe toy.
- The toy is versatile, with three different ways to play, which can help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Cons
- Some parents may find the toy a bit too small for their liking.
- The toy may not be as durable as other toys on the market.
- The UFO design may not appeal to all children.
The Waylipun Sensory UFO Toy is an excellent choice for parents who want to promote their child's sensory development. The toy is made from 100% safe and non-toxic materials, making it easy to clean and safe for young children to play with.
The different ways to play with the toy, including pulling, pressing, and shaking, make it versatile and engaging for young children. The toy can help improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, making it an excellent educational toy for toddlers.
While the toy may be a bit too small for some parents' liking, it is the perfect size for young children's hands. Some parents may also find that the toy is not as durable as other toys on the market. Finally, the UFO design may not appeal to all children, but those who enjoy it will have a blast playing with it.
Overall, the Waylipun Sensory UFO Toy is an excellent choice for parents who want to promote their child's sensory development while providing them with a fun and engaging toy.
Japace Interactive Felt Busy Board
If you're looking for an interactive and educational toy for your toddler, the Japace Interactive Felt Busy Board is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Multifunctional toy for kids to learn and develop fine motor skills.
- Safe and secure material made of all soft felted wool with no hard folds.
- Designed as a handbag, this toddler board is easy for toddlers to carry and is a veritable toddler travel toy.
Cons
- Contains small parts, children under the age of 3 need to play under adult supervision.
- Slightly expensive compared to similar products.
- Some customers found the board to be too bulky.
The Japace Interactive Felt Busy Board contains various basic life contents for kids age 1 to 5 years old to learn. With a 3-layer sensory board containing 22 learning activity games, it includes dressing exercises, zippers, shoelaces, buttons, snaps, clock, season, weather, learning alphabets, shape recognition, farm experience, and more. It's a multifunctional toy for kids to learn and develop fine motor skills.
The Montessori sensory board contains zippers, buttons, snaps, various buckles, and even lace-up shoes, providing a convenient way for children to learn daily dressing skills. The Montessori sensory board is interesting and attracts children's attention, making it popular in toddler activities.
Made of all soft felted wool and with no hard folds, all the parts of this activities toy for toddlers are safe. They're carefully selected and tightly attached to the busy board. However, it contains small parts, and children under the age of 3 need to play under adult supervision.
Designed as a handbag, this toddler board is easy for toddlers to carry. It's a veritable toddler travel toy and is the best toddler toy, the best birthday, Christmas, or surprise gift for kids.
In conclusion, the Japace Interactive Felt Busy Board is an educational and interactive toy that helps toddlers hit milestones faster and bolder. It's perfect for parents who want their children to learn while having fun.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best sensory toys for toddlers, there are a few key features to look out for. Here, we'll go over some of the most important factors to consider before making a purchase.
Material
First and foremost, it's important to consider the material of the sensory toy. Look for toys made from non-toxic materials that are safe for your child to play with. Soft and pliable materials such as silicone or rubber can be great for tactile stimulation, while toys made from wood or hard plastic can provide more visual and auditory stimulation.
Size and Shape
The size and shape of the toy are also important factors to consider. Look for toys that are easy for your child to hold and manipulate, with no sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Toys with interesting textures, shapes, and colours can provide a range of sensory experiences for your child.
Functionality
Consider what kind of sensory experience you want the toy to provide. Some toys are designed specifically for visual or auditory stimulation, while others offer a range of sensory experiences. Look for toys that can be used in a variety of ways, such as stacking or nesting toys, or toys with multiple textures or sounds.
Durability
Finally, it's important to choose a toy that is durable and can withstand rough play. Look for toys that are well-made and can withstand repeated use without breaking or wearing down. Toys that are easy to clean and sanitise are also a plus, especially if your child is prone to putting things in their mouth.
By considering these factors when choosing a sensory toy for your toddler, you can ensure that you're providing them with a safe, stimulating, and enjoyable play experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toys are best for toddler development?
When it comes to toddler development, toys that stimulate their senses are the best. Sensory toys that encourage exploration, creativity, and problem-solving skills are ideal for toddlers. These toys help toddlers to develop their fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and cognitive abilities.
What is the best age for sensory play?
Sensory play is beneficial for children of all ages, but it is particularly important for toddlers. Toddlers are at a stage where they are exploring the world around them and learning new things every day. Sensory play helps them to develop their senses and learn about their environment.
Are sensory toys beneficial for toddlers?
Yes, sensory toys are highly beneficial for toddlers. They help to develop their senses, improve their cognitive abilities, and promote creativity and imagination. Sensory toys can also help to relieve stress and anxiety in toddlers.
What are some sensory toys appropriate for toddlers with autism?
There are many sensory toys that are appropriate for toddlers with autism. These include toys that provide tactile stimulation, such as textured balls and fidget toys. Toys that provide visual stimulation, such as light-up toys and bubble tubes, can also be beneficial for toddlers with autism.
What are some sensory toys that can benefit kids?
There are many sensory toys that can benefit kids of all ages. These include toys that provide tactile stimulation, such as playdough and sensory bins. Toys that provide auditory stimulation, such as musical instruments and sound puzzles, can also be beneficial for kids.
What are some toys for sensory seekers?
Toys for sensory seekers are those that provide a lot of sensory input. These include toys that provide tactile stimulation, such as squishy balls and textured blocks. Toys that provide visual stimulation, such as light-up toys and spinning tops, can also be beneficial for sensory seekers.
