Picking The Perfect Puzzle For Toddlers

Toddlers love puzzles, but not all puzzles are created equally, and not all of them are right for a toddler’s physical and mental capability. To find the perfect puzzle for a toddler, there are 3 things to consider.

 

1. The ease of matching. To you the puzzle may not be all that challenging, but toddlers have to build up their reasoning skills, and have to take small steps to get there. So, one of the most important factors is that the puzzle does not exceed their ability. If a puzzle is too challenging it won’t be fun and if it isn’t fun more than likely it won’t get used. Choose puzzles that use color coordination, that have the picture of the piece in the place it goes, or that have very obvious matches. If all of the pieces of the puzzle look pretty similar, it’s likely that the child will be overwhelmed.

 

2. The number of pieces. This goes along with the first one in that the puzzle can’t be beyond their skill level. Start with puzzles that don’t have too many pieces as these will help build their confidence. A puzzle with too many pieces, even if they are easy to match, can overwhelm the child. Start with around 5-10 pieces, and work your way up from there. A puzzle with over 10 pieces may get too confusing for them, especially if the pieces are too similar. So, help them build their matching ability over time. A good first choice is a board puzzle with only a few pieces. Once they have mastered that puzzle, offer them a jigsaw with a minimal amount of pieces and continue to build from there.

 

3. The durability and ease of handling. This is just as important a factor as the other two mentioned, as the child will not get much use out of it if the puzzle does not last, or is too hard to maneuver. Toddlers are never easy on toys, so it is a good idea to get a puzzle that will last. You should try and find one that is surface washable, and that can withstand being put in the mouth, crawled on, and thrown. Wooden puzzles are usually the most durable. You can also pick thick foam puzzles, just make sure the toddler can’t bite pieces off, otherwise it would become a choking hazard.

 

Toddlers have small hands, and are working on developing their fine motor skills. They often do not have the dexterity to pick up small pieces of puzzle. So, look for puzzles with big, thick pieces that are easy for the child to grasp. Puzzles with knobs or pegs of some kind can be a good option too.