Start Building Lifelong Learning Skills With Baby Blocks
Children who learn to be creative early on are better prepared to solve problems later in life. Playing with building blocks, one of the most classic childhood toys, develops skills like problem-solving and dexterity. Simple letter blocks work great for teaching the alphabet. The tried-and-true versions are still around, but there are also many newer options for children of all ages.
What kinds of blocks are good for infants up to 6 months old?Bright or contrasting colors catch a baby’s eye, and plush finishes and rounded corners help keep them safe. In the early months, sorting blocks of different shapes and sizes is a good activity. Stacking games work well, and so do sensory blocks with a variety of textures. You can also find baby blocks that stack and nest, plush blocks that babies can squeeze, and blocks that double as chewing toys for teething babies.
Eight kinds of blocks for creativity and funYou want to be sure you pick building blocks that meet safety standards and are appropriate for the child’s age. Building helps your child build confidence and skills, but keep it on the child’s level to keep him or her from getting frustrated. You want them to be challenged but not so much that they don't have fun with the blocks. Consider sets like these:
- Interlocking pieces in bright colors
- Embossed wooden letter blocks
- Wooden blocks that cling together with magnets
- Soft squeezable blocks
- Block puzzles that teach shapes
- Interactive blocks for activities with add-ons like bells or mirrors
- Traditional wooden blocks with a variety of shapes for creative building
- Classic heirlooms with an artistic flair
When your child gets a little older, it’s time to let the imagination run wild. Blocks can be a good way to lay a foundation for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills. From wagons of letter blocks and jumbo cardboard squares to nesting towers and wooden playhouses, options for toddlers range from simple to sophisticated.
Building blocks are educationalChildren can increase math skills and learn concepts like balance and gravity by playing with building blocks. If you have a baby or toddler, you can teach shapes, letters, numbers, and colors. Blocks can also help children understand math, think in creative ways, and develop better dexterity. You might even inspire your child to pursue a career in engineering or architecture.