Educational toys for 2 to 3-year-olds

From farms and fire stations, to dolls houses and Playmobil – let their imaginations run wild as they create characters and stories with their toys.

Toddlers of this age experience a growth spurt in key areas like:

• Language and communication - they learn more words fast, form shorter sentences.
• Motor skills - they get better at running, climbing, and fine motor tasks like stacking or turning pages.
• Cognitive development - they solve simple problems on their own and engaging more in role play.
• Social & emotional growth - they're more independent, more expressive and engage in play with other children.

Toys that support these milestones

• Building blocks & puzzles - to boost fine motor skills and enhance problem-solving abilities.
• Pretend play sets (cash registers, doctor kits) - to encourage imagination.
• Ride-on toys & balls - to strengthen gross motor coordination.
• Books & musical toys - to support language and listening skills.

Here are some toy safety tips for 2 to 3-year-olds

• Age-appropriate toys help prevent choking-  by choosing toys labelled for ages 2–3 with no small parts, you can keep your child safe.
• Non-toxic materials - pick toys made from safe, chemical-free materials since toddlers often put them in their mouths.
• Sturdy construction - avoid toys that can break easily or have sharp edges to reduce the risk of injury.
• No strings, magnets, or small batteries - as these can be dangerous if swallowed or wrapped around the neck.
• Washable toys are the best - choose toys that are easy to clean to keep germs away during everyday play.

Have your little one teach their favourite toy how to use the potty. Children find learning through play much more stimulating and they are more likely to remember why and when they should use the potty by doing so.

Using a potty is not a very comfortable process to begin with. Your little one may fidget about and not want to stay on it for long. Having them blow some bubbles while sat on the potty is a great distraction. There is also the added benefit of it working their abdominal muscles as they blow, which in turn will help them push when they have a poo.

Print out a potty training chart with key potty training steps on it; such as, 'sat on the potty', 'did my business in the potty' and 'washed my hands'. Every time your little one completes one of these steps, let them put a sticker on their chart. It's a great way for them to learn all of the things they need to do when using the potty.

Have a potty-related ritual like making flush time fun, singing a song during or after potty or setting a toilet schedule. Encourage them and celebrate their successful use of potty seat. Lastly, make sure you treat this as a normal process like any other so they are not reluctant to learn.