Since the first soft toy hit the scene, many years ago, it has become perhaps the most favoured toy amongst the millions on offer. Traditional toys – the teddy for example – have been given to children throughout the ages. Many have grown so attached to them that they still keep them even though they, and the bear, have reached pension age. Of course, fashions change over the years and today’s child has more choice in soft toys than anyone can imagine. Rag dolls, elephants, sheep, rabbits etc., Bright colours abound and many are made in recyclable materials for the ‘greenies’ out there. For babies soft toys are perhaps the first in the baby’s life. Snuggly soft toys provide the touch sensation, one of the first the baby develops, and the baby will be more than happy to cuddle it in the cot. When the child progresses rattles made of soft materials, sometimes with a mirror attached will provide endless hours of fun. These, of course, are the more traditional toys on offer but still they are firm favourites amongst babies and parents alike.

Babies progress on an almost daily basis and a lot of soft toys provide the visual and aural stimulation to encourage the child to explore. Wobbly soft toys which make a noise when pushed or perhaps a toweling truck whose plastic wheels click when turned all add to the wonder and fun for the small child. When the child is older, more appropriate soft toys may be the rag doll type of toy. This traditional toy has progressed though. Today you may get a dog rag doll with removable clothes. Each piece of clothing will have a different style of fastening which will show the child how to manage when dressing him or herself. Snap fasteners, laces, hooks and eyes, zips etc., are all there and the child still has the advantage of a soft toy to cuddle up to in bed.

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.