St. Louis Children’s Hospital

 
Bookmark and Share

Back to Health Library Home

Toddler Play

What can I do to help promote play in my child?

While all children are different and may enjoy different toys and interactions, the following are suggestions for activities and toys for the toddler:

  • Toddler:

    • Needs space in which to play and explore

    • Likes sandboxes, swings, and playgrounds

    • Likes to imitate others by pretending to perform adult tasks

    • Likes to play in the water

  • What you can do as a parent:

    • Allow your child to help with chores

    • Read to your child

    • Regulate your child's television watching

    • Provide your child with a toy vacuum, pots and pans, and other housekeeping or work toys

Toys for the toddler:

  • Toys that can be pushed and pulled

  • Rocking horse

  • Toys that can be ridden safely

  • Balls

  • Playground equipment

  • Shovel and bucket

  • Music

  • Toys that can help with housework, such as brooms, a vacuum, and dishes

  • Dolls

  • Puzzles

St. Louis Children's Hospital is affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine.

COPYRIGHT © 2012, ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Directions | Contact Us | Site MapMedia | Financial Assistance | HIPAA | Terms of Use / Privacy

St. Louis Children's Hospital • One Children's Place • St. Louis, MO • 63110 • 314.454.6000