Home Conditions & Treatments Pediatric Health Library Growth and Development

Pediatric Health Library

Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Topic Index
Library Index
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Toddler Play

What can I do to help encourage play for my child?

Each child is different and may enjoy different toys and activities. But these ideas may work for your toddler.

What toddlers like to do

Keep in mind that a toddler likes:

  • Space to play and explore

  • Sandboxes, swings, and playgrounds

  • To imitate others by pretending to do adult tasks

  • To play in the water

What you can do as a parent

Tips for parents include:

  • Let your child help with chores.

  • Give your child a toy vacuum, pots and pans, and other housekeeping or work toys.

  • Read to your child.

  • Limit your child's screen time. Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult. Between 18 and 24 months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver. For children ages 2 to 5, limit noneducational screen time to 1 hour per day.

Toys for your toddler

A toddler will enjoy:

  • 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

Online Medical Reviewer: Dan Brennan MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.