A: Toys should help develop every aspect of a child's development. That includes his physical, social, emotional, language, cognitive and imaginative skills. Many toys are designed to develop all of these skills in an integrated way, while some focus on one or a few. For example, infants are attracted to bright colors and are developing the skill of holding onto things, so colorful teethers and rattles are appropriate for them and will help them practice and master grasping.

Research has shown that children learn through play, so it's important to provide them toys designed for their abilities and specific stage of development.