Good Toys for Toddlers With Down Syndrome

The Mayo Clinic describes Down syndrome as a developmental disability caused by a genetic disorder. Depending on the severity of the condition, a toddler experiences a delay in reaching milestones, mild to moderate mental retardation and physical disorders including slighter height, shortened fingers and poor muscle tone. These differences make it challenging as a parent to find toys that are not only safe, but also have educational or therapeutic potential. The key here is having a good grasp of your child̵7;s struggles before looking for toys that address those difficulties and challenges.

  1. Toys for Motor Skill Development

    • Many Down Syndrome children have problems with fine motor skills. When your goal is improving those skills, look to over-sized puzzles or games that require aiming and tossing. You can even create a floor version of tic-tac-toe for your toddler using cardboard and bean bags for an economical option. For the tossing toys begin with the child close by so they experience success. As their aim improves with time and practice you can move them back farther from the target. Don̵7;t forget to make this interactive.

    Toys that Communicate

    • Toddlers with Down syndrome develop their vocabulary at a slower pace. As a result they may use gestures rather than words. Toys that communicate encourage on-going verbal growth. You can get talking books, talking watches, and child-friendly laptops that teach letters, words and numbers, just to name a few. Take your child with you for a test run if possible, as not all such toys will grab your child̵7;s attention.

    Hypotonia Toy Solutions

    • Nearly all Down syndrome children experience hypotonia, or low muscle tone. Finding a musical mat or toys that support the child̵7;s body, therefore, is important to their health, safety and enjoyment. Also, toys where the child can kneel with support, like a work bench, swings that get those little legs moving and slides have all proven useful for improving muscles while still having fun.

    Oversize Toys

    • Oversize toys make it easier for a toddler's grasp and interaction with the item. Dolls or stuffed animals with large eyes and faces, a large well-balanced tricycle for balance and exercise, and oversize learning boards with knobs and buttons that encourage reaching, pushing or grabbing are all examples. Additionally, large building blocks or interlocking systems work too.

    Sensory Products

    • While most experienced parents might immediately object to drum sets and other toys that make noise, for the Down syndrome child they̵7;re ideal tools for stimulating all the senses. The more beeps, pings, lights and music made by the toy, the more engaging it becomes. Just remember to look for ̶0;off̶1; buttons and volume controls. Some toddlers can get overstimulated, let alone mom and dad.

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