Toy Shopping for 0–3 Years: A Pediatric SLP’s Guide to Simple, Supportive Play
Moxie Speech Therapy | November 16, 2025
Looking for toy ideas for babies and toddlers? This guide breaks down what types of toys truly support learning, language, and connection. Learn what to look for, what to skip, and how to choose toys that match your child’s stage of play (0–3 years), all backed by research and real SLP insights.
‘Tis the season for toy shopping! As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, one of the top questions I hear from families this time of year is:
“What toys should I get for my baby or toddler?”
The truth is, the best toys depend on your child’s developmental stage and unique interests. But there are some guiding principles that help families choose toys that support learning, confidence, curiosity, and connection.
Below, you’ll find simple guidelines — backed by research — along with play-based toy ideas for ages 0–3. And remember: there is no wrong way to play. Children grow through play at their own pace.
What to Look For When Choosing Toys
(with research to support your choices!)
🎨 1. Choose visually simple toys
Babies and toddlers learn best when toys are uncluttered, simple, and easy to focus on. Visually busy toys can actually pull attention away from learning opportunities.
📚 What research says:
A Developmental Review found that younger babies tend to stay focused longer when objects are visually simpler. As infants get older, they gradually handle more complexity — but in the early months, simpler toys help them focus and explore.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends traditional, simple toys because they naturally support parent–child interaction and meaningful language experiences.
💡 Parent takeaway:
👉 Simple toys = deeper exploration, better attention, and more meaningful language modeling.
Examples: plain blocks, stacking cups, basic balls, rings, simple rolling toys.
🔕 2. Choose toys without too many “bells and whistles”
Toys that light up, talk, or play songs often do the play for children. Traditional toys invite creativity, turn-taking, and language-rich interaction.
📚 What research says:
A 2016 JAMA Pediatrics study showed that electronic toys led to lower-quality and fewer parent–child interactions compared to basic toys like blocks and books.
According to a summary of a JAMA Pediatrics study (also referenced in the AAP’s guidelines), play with electronic toys was found to reduce the quantity and quality of social interaction — the foundation of early language development.
💡 Parent takeaway:
👉 The less a toy does, the more your child does.
Open-ended toys = more imagination, more talking, and more connection.
🧺 3. Offer fewer toys at a time
An overflowing toy bin can overwhelm little ones. Fewer toys actually support deeper, more meaningful play.
📚 What research says:
A 2018 study in Occupational Therapy International found that toddlers showed more advanced, sustained play when presented with four toys rather than sixteen.
Early childhood research consistently shows that rotating toys boosts focus, creativity, and pretend play skills.
💡 Parent takeaway:
👉 Try toy rotations or keeping a few toys in bins/baskets.
Fewer choices = more imagination and more interaction.
Toy Ideas by Stage of Play (0–3 Years)
Every child grows through play differently — these stages are guides, not rigid timelines for checklists. Follow your child’s lead, observe how they play, and build on what captures their curiosity.
If you have concerns about play or language, an SLP or developmental specialist can help. At, Moxie Speech Therapy, LLC, we help families build strong foundations for communication through play, both in Denver and through teletherapy.
👶 Exploratory / Sensorimotor Play (1–12 months)
Babies explore the world by touching, mouthing, shaking, dropping, banging, and looking closely at objects.
⭐ Toy Ideas:
Easy-grip balls
Soft shakers or rattles
Crinkle toys
Stacking cups
Large rings
Simple rolling toys
💬 How to model language:
“Shake shake!”
“Roll!”
“Up!”
“Uh oh!”
Peek-a-boo through rings or a ball
Put a toy on your head and let it fall (“Oops! Down!”)
🧠 Why this matters:
Exploratory play builds sensory awareness, joint attention, motor skills, and the very beginnings of communication.
🧩 Relational / Cause-and-Effect Play (12–18 months)
Toddlers love discovering what things do. They begin to experiment with intentional actions and simple routines.
⭐ Toy Ideas:
Pop-up toys
Containers for filling/dumping
Blocks
Simple barns, bus/trucks, or houses
Toy cars
Basic shape sorters
Play instruments
Soft animals or figures for in/out play
💬 How to model language:
“In!” “Out!”
“Push!” “Go!”
“Up!”
“Hi!” “Bye!”
Simple routines like: “Knock knock… open… hi cow! Moo! Bye cow… close!” or “Block on, block on, bock on, boom! Uh oh! Again!”
🧠 Why this matters:
Cause-and-effect play supports problem solving, object understanding, and early vocabulary — especially words like in/out, up/down, go/stop.
🎭 Symbolic / Pretend Play (18+ months)
Pretend play is a huge milestone in early language and cognitive development. Kids begin using imagination, acting out routines, and showing early storytelling skills.
⭐ Toy Ideas:
Cars and simple vehicles
Dolls or stuffed animals
Play food
Toy kitchen items
Toy tools
Pretend cleaning sets
Doctor kits
Ice cream or toy cooking sets
Dress up clothes
Playdough
💬 How to model language:
“Feed baby!”
“Stir stir!”
“Fix it!”
“Night-night!”
“Uh oh, all done!”
Pretend routines like cooking, cleaning, washing, driving, or caring for a doll.
🧠 Why this matters:
Pretend play builds vocabulary, sequencing, flexible thinking, emotional understanding, and social skills — all foundations for early language.
📖 When in Doubt, You Can Never Go Wrong with Books
Books are a wonderful complement to toys because they naturally support language, attention, and shared interaction. Look for books that are age-appropriate, sturdy, and engaging — think board books with clear pictures, repeating words or phrases, simple stories, interactive flaps, or rhythm and rhyme. Reading together encourages vocabulary, turn-taking, and early narrative skills. Stay tuned for a future blog post where I’ll dive deeper into the best books for babies and toddlers!
✨ Final Thoughts
Toy shopping doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When in doubt, choose toys that are:
✔ Simple
✔ Open-ended
✔ Visually clear
✔ Designed for interaction, not entertainment
✔ Matched to how your child plays today
The most important “toy” will always be you — your face, your voice, your presence, your curiosity, and your connection.
If you’re unsure about your child’s play or early communication, reach out to Moxie Speech Therapy, LLC. We support families in Denver and online with play-based speech therapy and caregiver coaching.
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