Consumer Information Center Fun Play, Safe Play

In the second year of life, children are explorers. Fueled by curiosity and wonder, toddlers also possess the physical skills that make it easy for them to play and learn. A busy toddler needs toys for physical play -- walking, climbing, pushing and riding -- and ones that encourage experimentation and manipulation. At this age, children imitate adults and enjoy props that help them master life skills.

Toy Suggestions
  Balls (1¾ inches and larger)
  Push-pull toys
  Ride-on toys (feet-propelled)
  Wagons
  Backyard gym equipment (infant swing, small slide, small climbing apparatus)
  Nesting and stacking toys
  Simple shape sorters
  Pop-up toys
  Blocks
  Bath toys
  Sandbox/sand toys
  Wading pool/water toys
  Puzzles with knobs (whole-object pieces)
  Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
  Dolls and baby gear
  Play vehicles
  Kitchen equipment and gadgets
  Play household items (telephone, lawn mower, workbench, shopping cart)
  Playhouse
  Child-sized table and chairs
  Non-toxic art supplies (large crayons and coloring books, clay, finger-paints)
  Musical instruments
  Cardboard picture books, pop-up books