The first two years of a child's life go by so fast, and the stages of development come in rapid succession. In that brief span of time, children gain motor skills, start to walk, learn language and seek out numerous ways to understand the world around them.

Stuffed animals, chewable toys, rattles and sensory objects—like a crinkly or textured toy—are perfect infant toys. Babies may also enjoy an unbreakable mirror or music. From six months to a year, a baby is going to start learning how to move around—rolling, scooting, crawling and eventually walking. A playpen can be a good environment for exploration. Children may also enjoy time in a baby swing or other baby care items that help them experience a variety of positions and movements.

From ages one to two, infants grow into toddlers, gaining motor skills. Toys for 1-year-olds often focus on providing objects that children can organize or build with, like DUPLO sets or Mega Bloks.

Just because your toddler can now stack Mega Bloks doesn’t mean she or he will lose interest in the teddy bear or textured ball from months before. As they grow, children will often incorporate earlier toys into more complex play.

Many parents choose educational toys for their children. Play is how children learn, and well-designed toys can make it easier to learn something your child might be struggling with. That said, children have a strong drive to learn no matter what they have available. They can turn just about anything into a toy when they want to, so don’t worry too much about the educational value of every single toy in your child’s collection. All the toys can play an important role.

When you have a baby to care for, some of the focus should also be on how to make life easier for yourself. You may find naptime easier if you choose a wearable baby monitor or try out baby sleep solutions, like a white noise machine.