Wise purchase of toys : A way for child’s holistic development

Manisha Dhami
Every child grows according to their own time but at the same time to have qualitative development it is very crucial to stimulate their mind and senses. Children go through various stages where brain changes also occur. There is no doubt about how much children love toys. Toys are more than fun and time passes for the children. Toys can act as a catalyst to spark children’s imagination, engage their senses and also persuade them to interact with others.
How toys can be helpful for development ?
Physical Development : This lead the way to build little bodies. Mastering these skills is a vital part of childhood. Fine motor: Holding a toy to pincer grasp, assist to develop fine motor skills which find to be valuable in school and beyond.
Gross motor skills : Jumping, running, skipping, etc are the huge physical milestones that occur in the early years and these skills keep getting refined as your child grows.
Cognitive Development: Puzzle, Colour shape identification and its relation type game can engage curious minds, helps in problem-solving and promote imagination and creativity which are very beneficial to enhance cognitive skills.
Social & Emotional Development : While playing children express their ideas, they do sharing with friends, become good listeners. These are the technique to develop good social skills and enhance emotional well–being to nurture confident personalities.
Things should be kept in mind while purchasing toys: Toys should be bought according to the age and interest of the child.
Toys for your children
Infancy (0-1 year)
Babies give smiles and laugh at funny faces, at this stage, they are starting to sit up and find ways to balance. They will require toys that are easy to grasp and are safe (not sharp) because, at this age, babies put everything in their mouth so parents should make sure to wash toys often. They also respond very well to objects that are moving, that have bright and contrasting colours and sounds, different textures and contrasts help for stimulation and improve eye hand coordination.
Rattles, squeeze toys, toys with mirrors, musical toys, teething toys, soft toys and games like peek-a-boo.
Toddler (1-2 years)
This stage is an age of exploration and child tends to show autonomous behavior, they like to run, kick ball, climb stairs, points out thing they see. They interact with other kids and other social environments. At this age toys that need physical strength are best as well as those that assist them with their language and social skills.
Puzzles, pretend play items, construction toys, child-size household equipment, art and creative activity, books with illustrations, dollhouses play scooters and cars.
Early childhood (3-6 years)
In this time child have more physical strength. The child starts running and even rides a bicycle. They start with their school and interact with many kids of their age. Children have better control over their reflexes. They have better coordination while using scissors and crayons. It means toys for your child that involve brain activity and hand and muscle movements should be encouraged. Allow your child to involve in creative activities/ crafts, playing memory games is best and also let your child to play beyond four walls.  
Jump ropes, spelling toys, toy cars and trucks, kids percussion instruments, tricycles, chalk and slate, Jigsaw puzzles
Middle childhood (7-9 years)
At this age, children can write complete sentences and read. Children develop hobbies at this age. They had an understanding of cause and effect, vocabulary is enhanced by trading or telling stories. They become more creative and also they play for long hours. Their concentration is increased and are curious enough to know the facts, educational board games, science toy can be a powerful source for perfect development.
Science kits, Puppets, Activity books, riddles, chess, 3D Puzzles, board games, painting kits, comic books, mechanical toys, card set
“Play is child brain’s favorite way of learning”

Research Scholar (Dept of Human Development and Family Studies) from Punjab Agricultural University