1. Active play
First you want toys for active play. "On the go!" That's the catch phrase that comes to mind when we think about toddlers. Wheel toys that match their new mobility are ideal. There are several things that we do not recommend for toddlers: They're not ready for pedals or motors. Choose toys that allow them to use their big muscles and develop their coordination. Our top picks: Radio Flyer Classic Walker Wagon (Radio Flyer $80); Retro Rocket (Radio Flyer $60) and Walker-to-Wagon (Fisher-Price $24.99).

2. Climbing toys
Climbing is another important form of locomotion. We spend so much of our time telling toddlers not to climb. It's important to give them space where they are encouraged to use their energy productively. Going up and down, under and over are all opportunities to use their big muscles. For this stage, skip the big, tall climbers. They're really not safe for toddlers. You're better off not having any, than to bring home something to grow into. That said, even low climber slides require adult supervision and cushioning underneath. New and small in scale is the Naturally Playful Lookout Treehouse (Step 2 $129.99). We also recommend Step 2's bigger Naturally Playful Clubhouse Climber ($599.99). It's pricey but a perfectly scaled climber/playhouse for this age group that will also be enjoyed by 3s and 4s.

3. Again-and-again toys
To know a toddler is know that they love doing things over and over again. While it may seem silly at times, these repetitive actions are a way of building their confidence and sense of themselves as active doers. It's important to select toys that build on that ability. There are several great choices in this category: Rollipop Toddler Starter and Advanced Sets (Edushape $19.95 and $24.95)/Roll Around Tower (International Playthings $28.99).

4. Exploration toys
Toddlers' play is all about exploration. Toddlers learn best through their senses so it's important to provide them with opportunities to make their own discoveries.

* Sand/water exploration. Experience sand running through fingers, or through a sieve, or pushing a small boat through water. These are all fun ways to explore. What happens if I spill water through the water wheel? For exploration, you want toys that do not require a right or wrong way to make things happen. They are completely open-ended invitations for sensory learning. This kind of play gives meaning to concepts like full and empty, wet and dry. They're beginnings of basic science and great for language development. It's a good kind of messy play! We recommend the Sand & Sea Play Table (Little Tikes $79.99). It holds up to 50 pounds of sand. It comes with a water wheel, boats, an umbrella, and covers for both sides. Great for small spaces as well.

As a child reaches the toddler years, he begins to learn new things. He becomes curious and starts to learn his "firsts". Being a toddler is a crucial phase in a child's life. This is a year of milestones for him. Thus, it is imperative that parents give their child only the best toddler toys to aid in his proper development.

Each child develops at a different pace. There are those who develop quicker and there are those whose development lag behind others. If you want your child to become an achiever and to shine above his peers, be sure to give him all the attention, support, and encouragement he deserves. Moreover, give him toddler toys which can help develop his aptitude.

What are the best toddler toys for your baby?
There are many kinds of toddler toys. Toy makers have developed toys for specific age groups. In buying a toy for your precious toddler, make sure that the toy is designed especially for children his age.

For the one-year old toddler, it is best to buy him toys which can be filled and emptied. Two- to six-piece puzzles are also good. These toddler toys help develop the child's ability in forming mental images of things. Other toys best for this age group are squeeze toys, colored balls, assorted sizes of unbreakable mirrors, toy trucks, and colored books with vibrant and colorful pictures. Toddler toys like these help improve the child's grasping and releasing ability, develop self-discovery, enhance creativity and imagination, and develop his conceptual development. Furthermore, toys that are imitations of real gadgets such as toy POS machines and toy cellular phones cultivate a child's problem-solving skill and social and language development.

For the two-year old toddler, toddler toys such as mini cassettes, toy phones, toy trucks, building blocks, books of rhymes, picture books, and toys which let them play and hear music are the best. At two years old, a child can already form mental images of things, actions, and concepts. Likewise, he can already grasp the concept of simple puzzles and shape-sorting toys. He also hums and tries to sing and enjoys looking at colorful books. Giving him such toys would help develop these abilities.

At three-years old, a child already has the ability to speak clearly. It is at this period that he begins to ask questions about anything and everything that catches his fancy. This is the best opportunity to develop his mental ability. Toddler toys that are best for this age group are coloring books, toy PC, alphabet puzzles, easel companion sets, latches board, doll houses, dolls, and furniture set. Building blocks can also aid in the mental development of a three-year old.

Toy stores offer a wide variety of toddler toys. Make sure that when you buy a toy for your toddler, you buy only those which are safe for your precious one. Do not just buy any toy which catches your fancy. Buy those which have passed quality assurance and are truly baby-friendly.