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Toys listed on the Good Toy Guide

Toys on the Good Toy Guide list are tested by at least six different families or nurseries over three months, after which adults are asked to complete a two-page form detailing how children have responded to the toy and what they have learnt from it. Here are some that parents have recommended.

1: My First Train, Brio Toys

A train with interactive details that encourages children to master small movements and hand-eye co-ordination. Controlling the train and constructing the track creates an awareness of cause and effect, early scientific understanding and basic mathematical concepts.

2: Crawl Mat, James Galt

A series of interactive pictures on the mat encourage children to pull themselves along its length, examining each picture in turn. This helps the development of large and small movements, an awareness of cause and effect and the evolution of musical understanding.

3: Hug & Tug Horse, Sassy Toys

This interactive toy encourages children to develop listening skills, engage in two-handed play and form an understanding of cause and effect. The toy also encourages children to play together, encouraging social interaction.

4: First Friends Tractor & Trailor, The Early Learning Centre

The different ways in which the tractor andtrailor can be used favour the development of small movements, hand-eye co-ordination and encourages imaginative play, speaking and listening, observation and concentration

5: Baby Einstein Library, Baby Einstien

Baby Einstein baby toys focus on six main themes: art, language, music, nature and science. These books focus on developing listening and speaking skills, rewarding concentration and encouraging social interaction, the development of early mathematical and communication concepts as well as musical development