BRAIN-BOOSTING TOP TYPES OF TOYS FOR TODDLERS

There’s a dizzying array of toys out there for your children. Occupational therapist and mom TashaLeigh Williams gives advice on what toys will help to boost your toddler’s brain development.

Play is a massive and important part of our children’s lives, which is why finding the right kinds of toys will not only help to reduce toy clutter, but provide an exciting way for them to learn so much! Our little ones’ brains grow at an exponential rate within the first 100 days and these first years are some of the most important for laying that learning foundation.

I have compiled a few top toy categories that will encourage learning through play and boost brain-development. They can either be DIY or worth investing in. There are many toys that can fall within each category, but remember to keep your child’s unique play interests and developmental age in mind when picking out some of these.

It’s amazing to see how these toys can shape development and it has been so much fun and rewarding watching my son discover his unique potential at his own pace, all the while having him teach me just as much.

These toys require more initiative from the child, which in essence develops some awesome characterbuilding skills too, as opposed to being entertained by a one-functional, pre-scripted toy. While those toys might be great to have around for the odd occasion, consistently providing play opportunities to instil the skills below, is not only fun for the kids, but essential building blocks that may shape their approach to adolescence.

OPEN-ENDED TOYS

These are toys that don’t have just one purpose, but can be used in a variety of different ways. They activate and boost the creative part of the brain as your child decides which function the toy will have. Since these toys spark imagination and pretend play, they build executive functioning (higherfunctioning skills), including planning and sequencing through play scenarios. Kids love to add their own bits to play scenarios, which develops their sense of empathy and responsibility.

They’re also great for encouraging self-expression balloon modelling and artistic face painting, family-oriented comedy magic shows, party games and more. We use hypoallergenic face paints and model topquality, professionally sculptured balloons in various animal shapes.

Creative Photography & Design www.creativephotographyanddesign.com

Stand: C4

Creative Photography and Design is a Durban-based studio established by the most mind-blowing team with extensive knowledge and experience in the creative industry. We strive to work with our clients every step of the way. No compromise! We will definitely be seeing you again.

Cricut www.cricut.com

Stand: D12

Cricut™ makes smart cutting machines that work with an easy-to-use app to help you design and personalise almost anything — custom cards, unique apparel, everyday items, and so much more. The possibilities are endless for customising, organising, and personalising your life.

Cryosave SA www.cryosave.co.za

Stand: C7

Our umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cell banking service, provides expectant parents the chance to collect their newborn baby's umbilical cord blood and tissue stem cells at birth and cryogenically store them for future medical use.

Doctors Without Borders www.msf.org.za

Stand: B14

MSF is a global network of principled medical and other professionals working in small and large teams to respond to the medical needs of people affected by conflict, disasters, and epidemics and those excluded from healthcare. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality.