What happens at each age?

From learning to sit to taking those first wobbly steps – every new skill takes lots of practice for children to master. And each skill usually develops during specific time periods; we call them developmental milestones. It’s these developmental milestones we base our toys on.

0-6 months

Exploring the World Through Senses

Babies’ vision is still developing, so they focus on things close by - especially bright colors. New sounds evoke smiles and giggles as they are first experienced. By three months, they start using their hands and mouths to explore new tastes and textures.

6-12 months

Developing Curiosity and Fine Motor Skills

Babies can now reach and grab objects - enjoying touching, feeling and sometimes biting them. Different shape and sized objects also become more interesting and fine motor skills start developing as they learn to pick up small things.

12-24 months

Building Independence and Language

Toddlers confidence grows as they begin walking, climbing and exploring. They start to imitate adults - enjoying pretend play like cleaning or cooking. Language skills improve and they can likely say simple words. Fine motor skills also advance with activities like turning pages, stacking toys and simple puzzles becoming more enjoyable.

2 years

Hands-on Discovery and Early Problem Solving

At this age, their motor skills have improved significantly. They love scribbling with crayons, stacking toys and dropping objects into containers. Simple puzzles and shape sorters provide great entertainment after 18 months.

Tips: Our My First Railway range features unique functions for frustration-free play designed specifically for this age.

3 years

Mastering Coordination and Imaginative Play

Children’s hand-eye coordination becomes more refined and they enjoy playing with smaller objects. Playing alongside others starts to improve, although not yet to a point where they're really playing together. This is the age where pretend play takes off and kids this age also love helping with simple tasks like peeling bananas or cutting with safety scissors.

4 years

Problem Solving and Growing Empathy

By four, children are more focused on problem-solving and creative play than before. Physical activities like skipping, running and jumping become even more enjoyable as they practice. Empathy starts developing and they begin sharing and taking turns with others more naturally.

5 years

Social Skills and Creative Expression

At five, social skills flourish and playing with friends is just fantastic. Fine motor skills get a boost through activities like painting inside the lines or building things. And kids this age love encouragement , showing real pride in their accomplishments.

6+ years

Expanding Creativity and Critical Thinking

By this age, children enjoy more complex problem-solving and imaginative play. They can follow multi-step instructions, meaning building and crafting projects become more exciting.

Socially, they play cooperatively with others, taking on roles in group games. Creative skills, like drawing detailed pictures or building more advanced models, continue to grow.

Children at this stage also love a good challenge - one that pushes their thinking and give them a sense of achievement.

Tips: Check out our metal ball based games.