Developmental Toys & Progress for 18-24 Months of Age

With the change in your child’s developmental progress, it’s time to up your game with some developmental toys that match her growing needs. Age appropriate toys are a must!

During the period of 18 to 24 months your toddler’s development increases in language and relational skills. 

This is also the time to donate some of the older toys that he or she shows no interest in, and move on to toys that engage your toddler’s mind and movement.

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With the change in your child's developmental progress, it’s time to up your game with some developmental toys that match her growing needs. Age appropriate toys are a must!

Developmental Toys for 18-24 Months of Age

Basic Development

Your toddler is at the stage where he or she wants to do everything by his or herself. Encourage this.

Let your toddler pick out his or her clothes and get dressed.

Yes, the outfit may not match, but you are giving your toddler the independence that he or she is taking.

The learning of your child increases more with his or her attendance.

Learning can be done with role-play toys to bring the large world to a smaller scale for your toddler to understand the dynamics of how things work as well as the continued development in creativity.

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Mobility becomes more stable for your toddler as he or she walks with ease and enjoys running around.

Vocabulary increases at this stage of development up to 200 more words.

Your toddler is also emotionally connected to the experiences of his or her surroundings.

This means your toddler now has the ability to truly feel happiness, sadness, frustration and even jealousy.

If you’re concerned your child isn’t reaching any of these milestones, read 18 Month Old Milestones Red Flags.

Learning Developmental Toys

To develop sensory, fine motor and curiosity and discovery skills for your toddler, you may want to consider investing in developmental toys that encourage this through better eye and hand coordination.

For example, a miniature basketball with a basketball stand and net allows your toddler to practice his or her fine motor skills that include eye and had coordination.

Other toys that develop these skills include activity puzzles, miniature homes with little dolls for role playing.

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Another popular toy is the miniature farm sets with a workable farm unit, sounds, farmer and animals helping with problem-solving skills.

Moveable Toys

Moveable toys, such as trucks, cars and airplanes engages the sensory, fine motor, curiosity and discovery, and imagination and creativity skills in your toddler.

You may also consider reading picture books to your toddler about the different cars and airplanes and what each is used for.

This is a practice that is critical at this stage as your toddler is developing language skills rapidly.

best toys for toddlers 18-24 months

To continue to engage your toddler in learning activities, having a wagon, stroller, or grocery cart that is made of sturdy plastic for safety will teach your toddler about mobility.

Teach your toddler to understand the process of transportation and understanding of how different objects can be easily moved from one location to another.

Best Toys for 18-24 Months of Age

Toddlers between 18 and 24 months are active explorers, and they benefit from toys that engage their growing imaginations and help develop fine and gross motor skills. Here are some of the best toys for this age group:

Large Building Blocks: Stacking and building with large, soft blocks can promote creativity, fine motor skills and spatial awareness.

Push and Pull Toys: Sturdy push or pull toys, such as wagons or animals on wheels, encourage walking and balance.

Shape Sorters: More complex shape sorters with multiple openings challenge problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.

Musical Instruments: Simple instruments like xylophones, drums and maracas allow toddlers to explore rhythm and sound.

Pretend Play Sets: Toys that mimic everyday objects, such as kitchen sets, tool sets, or playhouses, foster imaginative play and social development.

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Art Supplies: Washable crayons, markers, and large paper provide opportunities for creative expression and fine motor skill development.

Puzzles: Larger, more complex puzzles with knobs or pegs for easy grasping help improve problem-solving and fine motor skills.

Dress-Up Clothes: Costumes and dress-up clothes encourage imaginative play and role-playing.

Outdoor Play Equipment: Safe outdoor toys like tricycles, slides, and sandboxes promote physical activity and exploration.

Interactive Books: Books with interactive elements like flaps, textures and sound buttons enhance language development and engagement.

Stacking and Nesting Toys: Toys that stack and nest in various ways continue to develop fine motor skills and spatial understanding.

Educational Toys: Toys that teach numbers, colors and shapes through play are excellent for early learning.

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Water and Sand Play: Water tables, sandboxes, and toys for pouring and scooping are great for sensory play and exploration.

Playdough and Modeling Clay: These allow for creative sculpting and fine motor skill development.

Bath Toys: Toys designed for bath time, such as water squirters, cups for pouring and interactive bath books, make bath time enjoyable and educational.

Interactive and open-ended toys that encourage exploration, creativity, and social interaction are ideal for this age group.

Ensure that the toys you choose are age-appropriate, free from small parts that could pose choking hazards, and made of non-toxic materials. Always supervise playtime and engage with your child to support their development and learning.

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