Toys!
It’s that time of year again, the beginning of the holiday season when we start the search for the perfect gifts for our family and friends. As a pediatric physical therapist, I often get asked this time of year for toy recommendations. I decided to put together a brief list of toys that aid in gross motor development from birth to 3 years.
Tummy time activity mat:
These can come with or without a small pillow attached to help keep your infants arms positioned in front of their shoulders for improved weight bearing through their forearms to encourage them to keep their head up. These mats encourage your infant to hold their head up to play with the attached toys. Tummy time improves head, neck and shoulder strength which is needed to eventually learn to sit and crawl.
Activity gym:
Another floor play mat your baby can play with by reaching overhead or kicking the attached toys. Your baby can also reach for toys across their body which will eventually help them learn how to shift their weight to learn to roll over onto their tummy.
Learning table:
I recommended a four legged table vs. a 3 legged table to extend the life of this particular toy. It can first be used without its removable legs on the floor during tummy time, then with two legs attached to encourage reaching on their tummy and/or on their hands and knees and finally with all four legs as the learning table. Your child can play at the table in a half kneel position, tall kneel and in standing. It is also a good toy to use to teach them to pull to stand. It is best used against a wall or couch when first learning to pull to stand and stand for added stability. Once your child is more confident, the toy can be used in the middle of the floor with less stability.
Push toy:
Not to be confused with a “baby walker”. See previous post from my colleague, Tracy R. These toys, although, used only briefly, offer your child extra balance support when learning to walk. It helps them gain a sense of independence by being able to walk without your help, but with the help of a toy.
Play tent with tunnel:
A tunnel encourages reciprocal crawling and bilateral coordination in a fun environment. Even after your child learns to walk, it is good to continue crawling during play to work on weight shifting and core strength as they grow.
Balls:
Various sizes and textures, such as the nubby ball to use to roll back and forth, learn to kick and to catch and throw. Larger balls are easier to kick, throw and catch and smaller balls are more challenging for smaller hands. Once your child masters a bigger ball, try using a smaller or textured ball for a challenge.
Most importantly, the greatest gift you can give your child/grandchild/friend is your time. Take time this holiday season to play with those children in your life that you cherish. Get down on the floor and actively engage with them. Young children often enjoy playing with the simplest items, such as blocks, an empty plastic bottle or measuring cups from your kitchen. You can make a toy out of everyday items in your home and spending time with those we love is what is most important.
Thanks,
Danielle
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