4 mandatory toys for toddlers

As a daddy I occasionally roam the toy isle, looking at what’s trendy, age appropriate and if anything peaks Baby Mojo’s interest.  He just turned 10 months old, so many things are peaking his interest, but only a couple toys have really risen to the top.  If you have a baby that’s about to hit the toddler stage look for any of these items at a yard sale and you’ll have a very happy camper on your hands.

As most of these items were picked up at a yard sale or given to us by in-laws, I don’t know the proper names of them.  However, just roam into any large store like Target or Wal Mart and you’ll see them.  

Standing Play Activity Set

House Front that goes on the floor

He started playing with this one around four months old.  We’d have tummy time near this and he’d crane his next up to look at the door, light and spinny things.  Gradually he’d crawl over to it and now that he can pull himself up with ease he really loves this toy.    It’s surprisingly durable, he puts his entire weight against it and it’s not breaking or cracking.  The noises and movements all work very well too, there’s a switch where you can do music or learning for the window, door and clock movements. 

The Step 2 Buggy

We got this when he was six months and he absolutely loved it.    He initially grabbed the steering wheel as if he was on a roller coaster, now he glances to the side like he’s a teenager in a muscle car.  Bonus:  There was a recall on the handle of these buggies and their customer service was outstanding.  We received a new handle for free, seven days after we called them.

Brown Bear/Ten Apples on Top

Hardback books are a must for this age.  His favorite has always been Brown Bear.  We’ve been reading that to him since he was a couple weeks old.  Now he’ll turn the pages himself, chew on a couple select ones then turn the book upside down.  We do trace the words with our fingers in hopes that the phonetic pronunciation will start to be absorbed.  When we’re reading to him he really likes Ten Apples on Top too.  Around 6 months we started reading that book to him and loved it from the start. 

That’s a nice sample of four great items to look for toddlers, either as gifts or for your own child.  If you’re looking for infant baby supplies a good place to start is Daddy Mojo’s Parent Emporium.