Toys for 1–2 Year Olds

Between the first and second birthday, most children start walking, then pushing, pulling and carrying things around. Their hands become more precise: they stack, sort shapes, put objects into containers and take them out again. They understand cause and effect better and love repeating actions that make something happen. Language grows quickly too, so naming toys, colours and actions during play helps a lot. Every child develops at their own pace, so use age labels as a guide rather than a rule.

• Walking and movement. A wooden walker with a mirror, rotating blocks and storage, and a ride-on tractor with a detachable trailer. See baby walkers and push toys.
• Hands and shapes. A 3-in-1 shape sorter, a stacking train and a balance puzzle with farm animals. More in shape sorters and wooden blocks.
• Cause and effect. A cascade car ramp and a marble run with chimes. Put something at the top and watch what happens.
• Senses and stories. 7-in-1 sensory blocks, suction spinners for the window or high chair and a fold-up farm with animal figures.

The collection also includes a BIG Bobby Car Potty, a potty in the shape of the famous ride-on that can make potty training a little more fun.

Choose toys with large pieces that are easy to grip and impossible to swallow. Look for toys that can be played with in several ways, such as a sorter that is also a stacker. Wooden toys suit this age well: they are sturdy, pleasant to hold and work without batteries. You will find more in wooden toys and Montessori toys.