Playtime & Development Checklist
Play is one of the most important ways children learn about the world. From those first sensory discoveries as a newborn to imaginative storytelling in the preschool years, play supports physical development, language, creativity, and confidence.
This checklist highlights simple play ideas and toy types that support each stage of development, helping you choose toys that match your child's growing abilities while keeping playtime fun and engaging. Browse our full toys range to find the right fit for your child's stage.
0–6 Months: Discovering the World
During the first months of life, babies are learning to focus their eyes, recognise voices, and explore their bodies through movement and touch.
Play & Development
☐ Encourage daily tummy time
☐ Talk, sing, and make eye contact during play
☐ Place toys slightly out of reach to encourage reaching and rolling
☐ Introduce different textures and gentle sounds
☐ Read simple high contrast books together
Toys That Support This Stage
☐ Soft rattles
☐ High contrast toys
☐ Fabric or crinkle books
☐ Baby mirrors
☐ Tummy time mats
☐ Baby gyms or activity centres
☐ Teething toys
☐ Comforters or soft plush toys
7–12 Months: Movers & Explorers
As babies begin sitting, crawling, and pulling to stand, they become curious explorers who love cause and effect play.
Play & Development
☐ Encourage crawling and movement
☐ Play simple games like peekaboo
☐ Build and knock down towers together
☐ Introduce toys that demonstrate cause and effect
☐ Encourage grasping, stacking, and transferring objects
Toys That Support This Stage
☐ Stacking cups and nesting toys
☐ Activity cubes
☐ Push and pull toys
☐ Ride on toys
☐ Musical shakers or instruments
☐ Soft balls
☐ Walkers or push carts
☐ Block sets
13–24 Months: Busy Toddlers
Toddlers are developing coordination, independence, and language skills. Play at this stage often involves movement, problem solving, and early pretend play.
Play & Development
☐ Encourage building, stacking, and sorting
☐ Introduce simple puzzles
☐ Support pretend play and imagination
☐ Offer opportunities for drawing and creativity
☐ Rotate toys to keep play fresh and engaging
Toys That Support This Stage
☐ Shape sorters
☐ Puzzles
☐ Building sets
☐ Musical instruments
☐ Pretend play toys
☐ Crayons and early art supplies
☐ Posting boxes
☐ Balance bikes (from around 18 months)
☐ Dolls or dollhouses
☐ Play kitchens
☐ Magnetic tiles
2–3 Years: Imagination & Role Play
At this stage, toddlers begin copying the world around them and creating their own stories through play.
Play & Development
☐ Encourage pretend play and storytelling
☐ Introduce toys that support role play
☐ Offer activities that build coordination and problem solving
☐ Encourage creativity through drawing and craft
☐ Use simple storage systems to help children tidy up
Toys That Support This Stage
☐ Pretend kitchens
☐ Dolls and toy strollers
☐ Toy tool benches and tools
☐ Dress ups and role play props
☐ Chunky puzzles
☐ Matching games
☐ Train sets
☐ Dollhouses
☐ Art kits
3–4 Years & Beyond: Creativity & Early Learning
Preschoolers begin enjoying more complex play that includes storytelling, cooperation, and problem solving.
Play & Development
☐ Encourage imaginative storytelling and role play
☐ Introduce simple board games and cooperative play
☐ Support creativity through art projects
☐ Encourage outdoor play and movement
☐ Offer toys that challenge coordination and concentration
Toys That Support This Stage
☐ Construction blocks and building sets
☐ Threading beads
☐ Art supplies
☐ Cooperative games and board games
☐ Dress ups and role play sets
☐ Scooters or balance bikes
☐ Kinderboards or balance toys
☐ Puzzles and early STEM toys
Everyday Play Essentials
☐ Accessible toy storage such as baskets or shelves
☐ Books available for daily reading
☐ A comfortable play space such as a play mat
☐ Toy rotation to keep play engaging and reduce clutter
☐ A mix of active, creative, and open ended toys
A Helpful Reminder
The best toys are often the simplest. Toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and exploration can grow with your child and support learning at every stage.
