2016 Holiday Gift Guide
BEST TOYS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS ACTIVE
Welcome to my December newsletter! I am passionate about providing physical therapy to babies and children in their homes throughout Westchester County. Helping children reach their full potential, regardless of their physical abilities, is my life's work. With the holidays fast approaching, I thought I'd share some of the toys I recommend to parents to keep their little ones active and promote physical development during the long winter months.
Here is a list of the toys I LOVE and use regularly in my pediatric practice. Knowing how busy we all are, I’ve made it quick and easy. Click on the link to purchase on amazon.
0-6 months:
Fischer Price Kick-n-play piano gym: this playmat will encourage your baby to reach for toys above and has the added benefit of encouraging your him to kick his feet to play the piano keys. As your baby gets older, you can place him on his tummy to encourage him to reach to push the keys.
6-12 months:
V tech move and crawl Ball: I love this toy because all your baby has to do is touch a button and the ball rolls along the floor. For the younger child this is great cause/affect and this toy will have your baby following the ball all around which promotes transitions and crawling.
Fisher Price Bright Beats Learnin’ Lights Dance Mat: This interactive play mat encourages your little one to move and dance on the mat. Whether they are crawlers or walkers, they will love the lights and songs they are rewarded with for moving to different areas on the mat.
Foamnasium Gymnasium: If you have the space and the budget, this is a wonderful addition to your playroom. The various pieces can be put together in any combination your child can imagine. I particularly love the wedges which i use for crawling up/down and rolling up/down.
24 months:
Leap Frog Learn and Groove Musical Mat: This jumbo interactive mat (it’s 4 ft long) has a variety of different settings to keep your toddler moving and learning. In addition to a free play setting, you can pay a “Simon”-like game, identify numbers, or step on a particular number to hear your favorite song.
Little Tikes Junior Play Slide: Why not bring the playground indoors (or at least a part of it)? This small plastic slide is the perfect size for most playrooms and will keep your toddler climbing up and down for hours. I also like to encourage kids to climb up the incline of the slide to promote core strengthening (with adult supervision, of course).
BATTOP Kids Play Tent 3-in-1 Tunnel, Ball Pit with Basketball Hoop: This 3-in-1 will take up quite a bit of real estate indoors, but each piece can be used separately if needed, and it will entertain your little one for hours while encouraging crawling or running. The tunnel and ball pit are great for sensory input and the basketball hoop promotes eye-hand coordination.
Zoom Bike Kids Trike: This is my all time favorite scooter. It looks and feels more like a “big kid” bike and is small and compact enough to use indoors. The no scratch wheels ensure that your floors remain beautiful.
3 years:
Little Tikes 3’ Trampoline: What kid doesn’t love to jump on a trampoline? In my experience, the simpler the better. There are many options out there with lights and songs which I find distract kids from the simple fun of jumping.
Rody: While these blow up, bouncy toys used to only be found in a PT clinic, they have made their way into the hearts and homes of many children. They are great for working on core strength and balance reactions.
Fat Brain Toys Teeter Popper: Your kids will love finding new ways to maneuver the teeter popper and hear all the pops. Whether they are sitting or standing, they will unknowingly be working on core strength, balance and coordination. And it comes in lots of cool colors to choose from.
Kidoozle Counting Pogo Jumper: This foam pogo jumper is perfect for indoors. It not only digitally counts, but also squeaks with each jump. I find the counter to be especially motivating.
ECR4Kids Tumbling Mat: Just put down this mat and let your little one go wild. Watch as she jumps, hops, rolls and somersaults all day long. Try putting the mat up against the couch to create an incline for crawling and rolling.
Four Years:
Cranium Hullabaloo: We love this game in our house! Watch as kids (and grown ups) jump, spin and bounce between pads. The best feature of this game is that your child can also play by himself.
EZ Steppers: Your kids will love this modern take on steppers, all the while working on balance and coordination. Use a timer for races or put out a few cones to create an obstacle course for an added challenge. E
TA Hand 2 Mind Plastic Scooter: This is a staple in my PT practice. Kids can sit on the scooter and have races or even better, place your child on his tummy so he has to walk on his hands. This is an excellent way to strengthen the shoulder girdle, especially important for kids receiving OT. Your little one can also use it to spin for vestibular input or try having him push you while you’re sitting on the scooter for a ton of proprioceptive “heavy work” exercise.
Sport Cone Set: There are endless possibilities for these simple cones: use them to create an obstacle course track to work on coordination and agility. Place a ball on top of each cone and have your little one kick each one off to work on standing on one leg (balance) and kicking skills.
I hope you find my recommendations useful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or inquiries about your child's physical therapy needs. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!
