Parents often find themselves looking for toys that keep the baby entertained as well as informed. If you find yourself in a similar spot, we are here to help you with our shape sorters. Toys like shape sorters help children learn by using their hands. This activity helps them build early skills like problem-solving and shape recognition.
That’s why, at Barnshenn, we carefully design each wooden shape sorter to support your baby’s development. Every toy is safe, strong, and made for babies. But when should you introduce one? In this blog, we’ll discuss the best age for your child to start using a shape sorter toy.
When to start playing with a shape sorter?
Every baby is different and develops at their pace. This makes it challenging to say when to start. Let’s break it down:
6–9 Months: The Early Exploration Stage
At this age, babies love exploring. They may not yet match shapes with the holes, but they’ll enjoy holding, chewing, and playing with the wooden shape sorter. The activity helps them start learning about shapes.
9-12 Months: Developing Hand-Eye Coordination
By 9 to 12 months, babies get better at handling things. They may try putting shapes in holes but still need help. This stage is when they start developing hand-eye coordination. Wooden stacking toys and shape sorter toys are ideal for this.
12-18 Months: Toddlers Begin to Solve Problems
At this stage, toddlers begin thinking and solving problems on their own. They begin to recognise shapes and know how to put them in the right places. Your child will start matching shapes, which helps them improve both thinking and motor skills.
18-24 Months: Mastering Shape Sorting
By 18 to 24 months, toddlers can use the wooden-shaped sorter by themselves. They can match and place shapes in the right holes without help. This is an exciting time as your child gains confidence and learns new skills.
The Key Benefits of Shape Sorters for Your Baby
Shape sorters are not only fun but also provide a range of developmental benefits. Here are just a few reasons why they are an essential toy in your baby’s early years:
- Enhances Cognitive Skills: Shape sorters help babies understand shapes, colours, and sizes, fostering their cognitive growth.
- Improves Fine Motor Skills: As babies manipulate the shapes, they develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities.
- Encourages Problem-Solving: Sorting shapes is a fun problem-solving activity, helping your child develop reasoning skills through trial and error.
- Stimulates Sensory Exploration: The tactile experience of feeling and fitting shapes into holes helps your baby explore different textures, shapes, and sizes.
- Promotes Independence: As your baby begins sorting shapes on their own, they gain confidence and develop a sense of independence.
Tips for Making the Most of Shape Sorter Play
To make shape sorting an even more enjoyable and educational toy for your baby, here are a few tips:
Lead by Example
Demonstrate how the shapes fit into the wooden shape sorter. Babies learn through observation, so demonstrate the process to them!
Make It a Fun Activity
Play together with your baby. The more fun they have, the more likely they will want to engage with the toy.
Positive Reinforcement
Celebrate each small victory. Cheering your baby on when they fit a shape into the correct hole boosts their confidence.
Encourage Exploration
Let your baby explore the toy in their own way. The goal is not just to solve the puzzle but to enjoy the process of discovery.
Incorporate Learning Into Daily Life
Point out shapes in everyday objects. Reinforcing shape recognition outside of playtime helps solidify their learning.
Why Choose Barnshenn's Wooden Shape Sorters?
At Barnshenn, we believe in creating high-quality, educational toys that are both safe and eco-friendly. Our wooden shape sorter toys are made with love and care, offering your child a safe and enriching experience. We use sustainable, non-toxic materials that ensure your baby is playing with the best. Plus, our toys are designed to be durable, standing up to hours of play.
The Perfect Toy for Your Baby's Development
Shape sorter toys are more than just fun—they are essential tools that support your baby's cognitive, motor, and problem-solving skills. At Barnshenn, we’re proud to offer a range of wooden shape sorters and wooden stacking toys designed to grow with your child. Whether you’re starting to introduce the toy at 6 months or your toddler is ready to tackle it independently at 18 months, the benefits of this simple yet powerful toy are clear.
So, when do babies play with shape sorters? The answer depends on their developmental milestones, but it’s safe to say that introducing one early on provides endless opportunities for learning and growth. Start today and watch your baby explore, learn, and grow with a wooden shape sorter from Barnshenn.
FAQs:
1. How do shape sorters benefit babies?
Shape sorters help babies build fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. They also encourage early recognition of shapes and sizes, contributing to cognitive growth.
2. At what age can babies start using shape sorters?
Babies can start playing with shape sorter toys around 6 to 9 months, once they develop the ability to grasp and manipulate objects. The activity enhances their fine motor skills.
3. Are wooden shape sorter toys better than plastic ones?
Wooden shape sorters are durable, safe, eco-friendly, and free from harmful chemicals—perfect for curious babies who mouth their toys.
4. How can I introduce a shape sorter to my baby?
Start by showing your baby how to insert shapes into the sorter. Keep the playtime interactive, guiding them with praise and encouragement to help build their confidence and skills.
