Motor skills toys: stimulate your baby's development through play

You see your baby grow and learn new things every day. From grasping a rattle to taking their first steps. As a parent, you want to encourage this, but in a playful, natural way.

Motor skills toys is specially designed to develop fine and gross motor skills – and makes learning fun.

What are motor skills toys?

Motor skills toys are toys that focus on developing movement and coordination. They support both fine and gross motor skills.

• Fine motor skills: small movements such as picking up blocks or stringing beads.
• Gross motor skills: large movements such as crawling, pushing and walking.

👉 For you: Your child develops skills through play, without pressure.

The benefits of motor skills toys

1. Stimulates fine motor skills

By grasping, turning, or assembling toys, your child learns to control their fingers and hands. Think of rattles, stacking cups, and beads.

👉 For your child: better grasping and more independence with eating or dressing later.

2. Supports gross motor skills

Push and pull toys, walkers and climbing objects stimulate muscle development and balance.

👉 For you: you see your baby taking their first steps with confidence.

3. Promotes coordination and concentration

A shape sorter or puzzle requires not only movement but also thought. This combines motor and cognitive development.

👉 For your child: learning becomes a playful adventure.

4. Self-confidence through successful experiences

Every time your child places a block correctly or builds a tower, it gives them pride and motivation to explore further.

Motor skills toys by age

Babies (0-12 months)

• Rattles and teethers
• Stacking rings
• Play arch

Toddlers (1-2 years)

• Stacking cups
• Loopwagens
• First puzzles

Toddlers (2-4 years)

• Stringing beads
• Wooden blocks
• Push and pull toys

Examples of effective motor skills toys

• Wooden shape sorter – shape recognition and fine motor skills.
• Montessori stacking tower – balance and coordination.
• Magnetic building sets – combining motor skills and creativity.
• Sensory toys – explore with sand, clay or water.

Tips for parents when choosing

1. Pay attention to the age group – does the toy fit in with current development?
2. Choose quality and safety – wood, rounded shapes and water-based paint.
3. Combine variation – develop fine and gross motor skills.
4. Keep it simple – fewer stimuli means more focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to start with motor skills toys?

From the first few months, you can start with simple items like rattles. Then, expand to stacking and sorting toys.

Isn't this too academic?

No, motor skills toys are all about learning through play. Children see it as play, not as a lesson.

Are wooden motor skills toys better than plastic ones?

Wood is durable, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing. Plastic breaks more quickly and can be overstimulating.

The conscious choice for parents

• Durable – toys that grow with your child.
• Educational – fun and development in one.
• Quiet & stylish – no noise, but neutral tones.
• Screen-free alternative – explore with your hands instead of a screen.

Conclusion: growing through play

Motor skills toys help your child discover new skills step by step. They combine fun with development and give you the peace of mind that you're consciously investing in your child's future.

👉 Discover our motor skills toy collection at WoodyKids – sustainable, safe and playful learning.