Developmental toys: 2-3 years

Toys to help your baby's development | Learning toys

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By two and a half, your child will have a mind of their own - and is often very strong willed! They can now organise their toys by shape, size and colour and solve simple puzzles with your help.

Movement

Your child should probably have nailed walking by now, and be moving on to other forms of transport! Between 2 and 3 is a good time to introduce ride-on toys such as tricycles or a little push along car. They're always the most popular toys in the nursery so why not invest in one for home. They'll help them to develop their movement skills further and improve their balance and strengthen their legs.

Best buy: My First Ride On - £15.00

Hand-eye coordination

Balls are a good way to take their coordination skills to the next level. Most 2-3 year olds won't be able to catch, but throwing on the other hand, is a good skill to encourage. Buy them a selection of soft balls and encourage them to throw them through a hoop or at a target. They probably won't be very accurate but with encouragement, they're bound to love trying.

Best buy: My Very First Play Ball - £6.99

Cognitive skills

By the time your toddler is 3, they'll be able to do all sorts of things and their brain will be able to process more complex tasks. Start them off playing simple board games. Not only will it teach them about winning and losing but it will really help their brain development.

Best buy: Maisy's Giant Snakes and Ladders - £8.98

Creativity

Your toddler will love painting and colouring and you should give them every chance to do so. It encourages their brain to be creative and helps with their hand-eye coordination, particularly when they're trying to paint something in particular.

Best buy: Best buy: Finger Paints Set - £7.99