As most of us know, children love playing with toys. Not only are they fun and enjoyable, but they can contribute to child development by improving their cognitive, physical, and other skills. It can also benefit child-parent relationships by having the parent actively play with their children! However, many parents wonder what type of toys are appropriate for their children, especially considering that we now live in a time where digital media is everywhere. 

A toy can be defined as “an object (whether made, purchased, or found in nature) intended for children’s play.” (Healy & Mendelsohn, 2019) Physical toys have been around for a long time, whereas virtual/digital toys have been increasingly popular nowadays. For aid in choosing what toy is best for their child, parents can talk to their children’s pediatric healthcare provider! 

Children all develop in different stages and timelines, cognitively. Generally, children would most benefit from toys that match their current development skills and strengthen new ones. For improving engagement with caregivers, toys used in imaginative play are crucial for strengthening relationships as well as social development and language! 

To read more, click here! 

Ashley Bejar, UConn KIDS Research Assistant 

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