ParentlistPlay & Development
Pop-Up Toy
Buttons and switches that make characters pop up.
- Priority
- Nice to have
- Ages
- 9 months-2 years
- Category
- Play & Development
When you need it
Pop-up toys click for babies around 9 months, when they're starting to understand cause and effect and can use a finger to press. Many need a mix of pushes, slides and turns, so they stay challenging well into the second year, until around 24 months.
What to look for
Look for buttons and switches that are easy enough for small fingers but don't snap shut hard enough to pinch. Sturdy plastic or wood with no small parts and a wipe-clean surface is ideal. A mix of mechanisms (push, slide, twist) makes it more interesting. Make sure the lids close with a satisfying click.
Pop-Up Toy: common questions
- Do I need a pop-up toy?
- No. It's fun and simple, but it's one of many cause-and-effect toys you can choose from. If you already have an activity cube or busy board, you probably don't need one too.
- When does a baby need a pop-up toy?
- From around 9 months until about 2 years, as fine motor skills grow.
Ages
- Best Toys for a 9 Month Old
- Best Toys for 1 Year Olds (Montessori & Screen-Free)
- Best Toys for an 18 Month Old
On these checklists
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