The Best Toys For Each Age: Supporting Growth & Development

We all have a favourite toy we remember fondly, but it's only when we become older with kids of our own that we realise how important toys really are. Toys play a crucial role in supporting a child's overall development; they can foster physical coordination, stimulate cognitive growth, and nurture emotional development.

This is especially true when age-appropriate toys are carefully chosen. In this blog post, we discuss how to select toys that align with your child's developmental stages and promote their physical, cognitive and emotional growth.

Understanding developmental stages

In addition to safety, age-appropriate toys play a crucial role in supporting children's growth through different developmental stages. As children progress, their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities evolve, and they need toys that match these changing needs. According to StartingBlocks.gov.au, 90% of a child's brain develops by the age of five, making early experiences especially important for brain development.

The right toys should provide a balance of challenge and engagement to support the formation of crucial neural connections. Moreover, positive early experiences with diverse and meaningful play build the foundation for future learning and help children develop resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms. 

Now, let’s explore specific toys for different age groups:

• Sensory toys for infants (0 to 12 Months)

Infants experience the world primarily through their senses, making sensory toys an essential part of their early development. Toys that engage a baby’s sense of touch, sight, and sound can promote their cognitive and motor skills as they begin to explore their surroundings. Soft toys, rattles, and play mats are excellent choices as they stimulate sensory development while being safe and comforting.

According to Goodstart, sensory experiences in infancy help build the brain's early wiring, setting the foundation for more complex learning later on. By encouraging infants to grasp, shake, or touch these toys, parents can aid in their baby’s physical coordination and cognitive growth.

• Ride-on toys and walkers for toddlers (1 to 3 years)

As toddlers gain mobility, ride-on toys and walkers become valuable tools for their physical development. These toys help strengthen balance, coordination, and muscle tone, encouraging independent exploration. Ride-on cars, for example, promote meaningful play by allowing toddlers to engage in imaginative scenarios while also enhancing their mobility skills.

Walkers and push toys, on the other hand, support toddlers as they learn to walk, boosting their confidence and encouraging them to take more steps. As they push, steer, and navigate their ride-on toys, toddlers also develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.

• Educational games for preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

During the preschool years, children start to engage in more complex play that requires cognitive growth and emotional understanding. Educational games like puzzles, memory games, and building sets help preschoolers sharpen their problem-solving abilities, logic, and motor skills. These toys also teach children patience and resilience as they work through challenges.

Imaginative play is equally important at this stage. Toys like pretend kitchens, dress-up costumes, and action figures encourage storytelling and role-play, helping preschoolers navigate social scenarios and develop emotional intelligence. By selecting toys that foster both creativity and learning, parents can help preschoolers build confidence and prepare them for the next stages of development.

• School-aged children (6 to 12 Years)

By the time children reach school age, their cognitive and social skills have matured, and toys should reflect these advancements. Educational games like board games, science kits, and craft sets challenge children to think strategically, work collaboratively, and explore new concepts. These activities foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Physical play remains important for this age group as well. Ride-on toys such as bikes, scooters, and skateboards encourage outdoor activity, helping children stay active while building strength, coordination, and social connections through group play.

Structured vs. unstructured play — encouraging creativity through varied play

To introduce various kinds of play for different ways to learn, you can engage your little one in structured and unstructured play. Here's how they differ and support growth:

1. Structured play

• Involves set rules or goals (e.g., puzzles, educational games, or ride-on toys used in obstacle courses).
• Promotes cognitive growth by teaching problem-solving, following instructions, and achieving objectives.
• Helps improve coordination, motor skills, and strategic thinking through goal-directed activities.

2. Unstructured play

• Allows open-ended, imaginative play led by the child.
• Supports emotional development by encouraging creativity, independence, and self-expression.
• Examples include using a ride-on toy to role-play as a driver or explorer, fostering flexibility and adaptability.

By blending both types of play, children benefit from structured learning while also gaining the freedom to explore and create. This combination leads to meaningful play, helping kids build well-rounded skills in cognitive, emotional and physical development.

Investing in quality age-appropriate toys

Choosing age-appropriate toys for each developmental stage is an investment in your child’s growth and long-term value. Here’s why investing in quality toys is a smart choice:

• Durability for future use — When you purchase well-made, durable toys, they can be passed down to younger siblings or even shared with friends and family. By choosing high-quality toys, you ensure long-lasting value and encourage sustainable play.
• Enhanced play experiences — Quality toys are not only built to last but also designed with developmental benefits in mind. Investing in well-crafted toys helps ensure that your child’s playtime is enriching and aligned with their needs, promoting both cognitive growth and emotional development through fun and engaging activities.

Discover age-appropriate toys at RideOns

For parents looking for a reliable, safe, and fun collection of toys, RideOns.com.au offers a wide range of age-appropriate ride-on toys designed to support every stage of your child’s development. Explore options like:

• Ride-ons with remote control for added safety and fun.
• Popular sports cars to fuel your child’s imagination.
• Fireman vehicles to inspire hero play.
• Police cars for thrilling law enforcement adventures.
• Motorbikes to encourage active, adventurous play.
• Tractors for farm-themed fun.

Plus, with durable, high-quality options, you can invest in toys that will last for years and serve many of your children and those in your community. Ready to explore? Check out our full range at RideOns.com.au to find ride-on toys that will help your child thrive, no matter their age or developmental stage.