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Date Published: May 14, 2025
Play isn’t just about keeping kids entertained — it’s one of the most powerful tools for learning and growth in early childhood. Play is a way young children can naturally explore, experiment, and understand the world around them.
The right toys and activities can help young children reach key developmental milestones, foster brain development, and build emotional and social skills. Whether you're a parent, teacher, babysitter, or caregiver, understanding what’s developmentally right for each age group can make playtime more purposeful and fun.
American Red Cross Babysitting Classes cover age-appropriate activities in addition to important babysitting skills. Find a class near you:
Sign up for an American Red Cross Babysitting Basics Class (Online) or in-person Babysitter’s Training course to learn real-life readiness skills.
Selecting the right toys, games and activities for children at different ages is essential for their development. We will guide you through understanding the unique needs and abilities of children at various stages, from infants to older school-age children and how to choose toys that support their physical, emotional and cognitive growth.
Each stage of a child’s growth comes with unique needs and abilities, and selecting the right toys can help support their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. Let’s explore age-appropriate toys and activities to help every child thrive.
Infants, from newborn to 12 months, benefit from toys that simulate their senses and support their rapid development.
Age-Appropriate Toys, Games and Activities (6 Months and Younger)
Age-Appropriate Toys, Games and Activities (6 Months and Older)
Toddlers, aged 1 to 3 years, are energetic explorers who thrive on curiosity and movement.
Age-Appropriate Toys, Games and Activities (Ages 1-3 Years Old)
Preschoolers, aged 3 to 4 years, are eager learners who love to explore, create, and engage with others.
Younger school-age children, aged 5-7 years, are growing rapidly and becoming more independent. These activities help them develop their reasoning skills and understand the cause and effect, making them better able to follow rules and enjoy praise for good behavior.
Older school-age children, aged 8 to 10 years, experience significant growth in height and weight while becoming more self-sufficient.
Tip: Let them take the lead in choosing projects — they’ll be more engaged and feel empowered.
Babysitters and caregivers who understand the stages of play and development can be better equipped to keep children safe, engaged, and happy. Whether you’re new to childcare or want to level up your babysitting skills, understanding child development helps you do more than supervise — it enables you to nurture, guide, and inspire.
If you’re hoping to start babysitting or boost your confidence as a trusted caregiver, American Red Cross Babysitting and Child Care Training is an empowering next step. This nationally recognized babysitting and child care education and training program teaches you how to care for children of different ages, handle emergencies, manage behavior, and even market your babysitting services.
Whether you’re just starting or want to strengthen your skills, babysitting classes and child care courses equip you with the tools and knowledge to keep kids safe, engaged, and happy—while giving parents peace of mind.
Once you’ve built a foundation of knowledge, having the right tools at your fingertips makes daily caregiving even easier.
Play is how children learn best. Offering toys and activities that align with developmental stages helps kids grow stronger, smarter, and more confident. Whether you’re stacking blocks with a baby or solving puzzles with a 7-year-old, you’re building more than skills — you’re building connection, trust, and joy. The right knowledge, tools, and mindset make every play session a powerful opportunity to support healthy childhood development.
Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross. Our mission is to advance lifesaving education so you are better to prepared. Our robust training curriculum includes CPR and AED, First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Babysitting and Child Care, Lifeguarding, Water Safety and more.
