Rocking toddler toys are most children’s favourite toddler toy. Children in the age group of 1 to 6 years adore this kind of toy and it is a must for any child’s play pen. These toys are generally made of wood and this makes them extremely durable, sturdy and can be handed down from generation to generation. Apart from the fact that rocking toddler toys make for endless hours of fun and imaginative and pretend play they do play an important role in the growth of your child. A rocking toy is great to help your child improve and perfect his or her balance and coordination.

While rocking toddler toys might be the perfect gift for your little one, there a couple of very important things you should keep in mind before actually buying the toy. It is vital to remember that buying a rocking toy for a child between the age group of 1 and 2 years will be different from what you will buy a child who is 3 years of age. Toddlers in this age group are still trying to perfect their balancing and coordinating skills and therefore care must be taken to ensure that the toy is sturdy. Care also has to be taken to ensure that the toy is low so as to facilitate easy dismounting and mounting. You should also check to see that the feet of your toddler touch the ground when he or she is sitting on it. This is important to prevent accidents. The ideal height for the toy would be if the seat is 10 inches above the ground. You might want to ensure that the toddler toy has a wide enough arc at the base as well.

Buying rocking toddler toys for this age group is an easier task as these are easily available in the market. If you are buying this toy online however, it is important that you check the measurement of the toys as most toys that are made for the age group 1 to 4 years usually land up being small for 3 to 4 year olds. The glaring difference will be that a rocking toddler toy for a 1 to 2 year old will be shorter and wider than a rocking toddler toy for a 3 to 4 year old. These are generally taller and thinner. Today the market is filled with rocking toddler toys of various non toxic materials, like wood, plastic and fabric. The ones made of fabric are referred to as plush rocking toys. 1 to 2 year olds will be happy with simple rocking toddler toys. These come is various shapes and vibrant colours. A slightly older child however might prefer a rocking toddler toy that has a closer resemblance to the real thing. They also tend to prefer rocking toddler toys that have some sort of activity or sound linked to it. Wooden rocking toys are perfect for this age group.

Vintage rocking horses have been the much loved toy of children for centuries. They have remained a popular present, and cherished heirloom still found in baby nurseries and playrooms the world over. But where did these wonderful toys comes from? The toys found in today’s antiques shops have a long and fascinating history. And like all great tales, the story of the rocking horse includes princesses and kings, children and most of all magic. The original version is said to have been inspired by the wheeled, wooden horses used by swordsmen during the middle ages. Though these wooden horses were not toys but training tools, they sparked the imagination of toy makers and led to the development of what we now know as the toy rocking horse. The traditional design which has become increasingly popular with children, complete with saddle details, rocking base, reins and painted accessories was introduced to well-to-do children in the middle of the 18th century.

In the 19th century, as a result of the industrial revolution, these toys started to be made in abundance and were accessible to families from all walks of life. However, the vintage rocking horse design so collectable today did not become popular until it was given “royal approval” from a very special young queen. Unlike other toys, as time went by, love for these horses did not dwindle, but rather grew and spread. The horse toys collected today range from elaborate carousel designs of the 18th century to more modern models which were mass-produced and purchased in the 1900s. If you are a collector interested in purchasing a vintage rocking horse, do your homework and enjoy the history! After all, it is the story behind a collection which really makes the magic come alive.