Development of a 1-year-old and which toys suit it

Around their first birthday, your child learns at lightning speed: standing and walking, deliberate grasping, first words and solving simple problems. Toys that match this, such as a shape sorter, stacking rings, a ball, simple puzzles and board books, give your child the chance to practise these skills through play. They work best when they are simple and let your child do something themselves.

What can a 1-year-old do?

Around 1 year, a lot happens at once, and every child does it at their own pace. Some children are already walking, others are still crawling enthusiastically. Some say a few words, others mainly make sounds. That is all normal. Roughly speaking, at this age you’ll see:

• Gross motor skills: crawling, pulling up to stand, cruising along furniture, sometimes already walking unaided.
• Fine motor skills: picking up small things with thumb and forefinger, putting things in and out of a container, stacking.
• Thinking: understanding that something still exists when it’s hidden, trying out cause and effect, copying what you do.
• Language: understanding simple words and gestures (“no”, “wave bye-bye”), sometimes saying their first words.
• Social and emotional: strongly focused on familiar people, interest in other children, sometimes wary of strangers.

A good choice of toys responds to these areas, without your child “having” to learn anything.

Which toys help with gross motor skills?

Crawling, standing and walking require strength and balance. Toys that invite movement suit this well:

• A sturdy push-along walker to push, for children who can already stand and cruise along furniture.
• Balls to crawl or walk after, to roll and to throw.
• Large, lightweight building blocks to pick up, move and knock over.
• Pull-along toys that roll behind your child, once they are walking steadily.

Don’t force walking: every child walks when they are ready. Read more about this in why your baby doesn’t need to walk early.

Which toys help with fine motor skills?

Fine motor skills are about small movements: grasping, letting go, turning and placing precisely. Around 1 year, your child loves to practise this, and often.

• Stacking rings and stacking cups: picking up, stacking on top of each other and knocking over again.
• A shape sorter: pushing a block through the right hole requires looking, turning and trying. A wooden shape sorter is a classic that lasts a long time.
• Simple knob puzzles: large pieces with a knob are easy to hold. Also have a look at puzzles for toddlers.
• In-and-out play: a container with a few objects to take out and put back.

Activities like these promote hand-eye coordination and the precision of hand movements.

Which toys stimulate thinking and problem-solving?

Around 1 year, your child starts to understand the world and solve simple problems. Where does the block go? What happens if I press this? Toys that help with this:

• Simple puzzles with two to four large pieces, such as a shape puzzle.
• Shape sorters of different kinds.
• Cause-and-effect toys: a ball rolling down a run, a box with flaps, a drum.
• Hiding and finding: putting a toy under a cloth is free and enormous fun.

By trying things themselves and doing them again, your child learns to think and look for solutions. Let your child struggle a little before you help; that’s part of learning. How to choose the right puzzle is explained in how to choose the right puzzle for each age.

Which toys help with language development?

Around their first birthday, many children start with their first words and understand simple instructions. You are the most important factor here: talking, singing, naming things and looking at things together.

• Sturdy board books with clear pictures: point and name (“Look, a dog. Woof!”).
• Cuddly toys and dolls: to talk to together, wave at and play little role-play games with.
• Small musical instruments such as a drum, xylophone or rattle: making rhythm together and singing songs.

Toys that talk a lot or play music by themselves aren’t necessary. Children learn language mainly through contact with you.

Which toys suit social and emotional development?

Independent play

Around 1 year, your child increasingly wants to do things themselves. Toys that can be used without help support this: blocks, a shape sorter, a doll or a cuddly toy. Independent play builds self-confidence and helps your child feel comfortable without constant guidance. Do stay nearby, though.

Playing together

Most 1-year-olds still play alongside other children rather than truly together. They do show more and more interest in others, though. Toys for shared moments, such as large building blocks, a ball to roll to each other or music and dance toys, lay the foundation for playing together later on.

Toys for a 1-year-old by category

Category	Examples	What your child practises
Educational toys	Shape sorter, sorting toy, stacking cups, simple puzzles	Shapes, colours, problem-solving, fine motor skills
Musical toys	Xylophone, drum, rattle	Rhythm, listening, coordination
Building toys	Large blocks, large building bricks	Gross and fine motor skills, creativity
Role-play toys	Doll, cuddly toy, simple play kitchen	Imitating, imagination, emotions
Movement toys	Ball, push-along walker, pull-along toy	Balance, strength, walking

Role play starts around this age with imitation: feeding a doll, stirring with a little spoon, tucking in a cuddly toy.

Tips for choosing toys for a 1-year-old

• Choose simple and open-ended. Toys that let your child do something themselves last longer than toys that do everything on their own.
• Fewer but good. A few toys that you rotate regularly keep play calm and interesting.
• Mind safety. Choose toys with a CE mark that are suitable for the age, without small parts, and check regularly for loose pieces. A 1-year-old still puts a lot in their mouth.
• Watch your child. What is your child busy with right now: walking, stacking, putting things in and out? Choose toys that suit that.

For specific Montessori choices for this age, read Montessori toys for 1-year-olds.

Toys from this article

• wooden shape sorter
• shape puzzle
• puzzles for toddlers
• cuddly toys

Frequently asked questions

What are good toys for a 1-year-old?

Good toys for a 1-year-old are simple and let your child do something themselves. Think of a shape sorter, stacking rings, large blocks, a ball, simple knob puzzles and sturdy board books. Choose toys that are safe for the age and have no small parts.

How many toys does a 1-year-old need?

Not many. A handful of varied toys that you rotate regularly is enough. Too many toys at once can be distracting; a calm play area helps your child concentrate.

Can a 1-year-old do puzzles?

Yes, simple ones. Choose puzzles with two to four large pieces, ideally with a knob to hold. Let your child try and only help if it really isn’t working.

My 1-year-old isn’t walking or talking yet. Is that normal?

Yes, around 1 year the differences are big. Many children only start walking or talking later, and that is normal. If you’re worried, discuss it with your health visitor.

Are toys that make sound and light good for a 1-year-old?

They aren’t necessary. Toys that do a lot by themselves often let your child discover less on their own and can quickly become too busy. Simple toys where your child makes the sound themselves, such as a drum, usually work better.