Babies and toddlers learn so much from exploring their environment! If their play spaces are too overstimulating, it can make learning a lot more challenging for them. Just like having a cluttered office space or pantry can feel frustrating and make it difficult to keep your attention on a focused task, having too many toys in a play space can be chaotic and make it difficult for tots and young children to develop important play skills.
Benefits of Using an Organization System:
Supports development of attention & focus skills by reducing distractions in the environment
Reduces overstimulation and contributes to better regulation
Increases opportunities to build frustration tolerance and problem solving skills - when given less options, children play with the same toy for longer and in more diverse ways
Improves structure and routine in the home
Helps kids develop independent play skills and creativity
How to Organize Toys:
Declutter
Think about keeping the “good toys” (see definition below) and consider removing excess over stimulating toys (battery powered) that aren’t special favorites
Put extra toys away in storage, you will need them for step 3!
Set Up & Organize
Toys are best organized in ways that support your child’s ability to see and access them. Low shelves and labeled bins are great ways to support independent play (as well as your child’s participation in clean up)!
Rotate
Keep the novelty alive! At the start of each month (or when you notice your child is bored of the current toys), swap out some toys for the ones in the storage area. This will keep your child engaged and keep the play space decluttered.
What are “good toys”?
Are appropriate for the child’s age and developmental level and stimulate learning
Keep the child’s interest
Are safe and durable, and have longevity (in other words they are toys that will stand the test of time and can be used by the child in a variety of ways for years, think Legos)
Everyday household objects make great toys - think stacking cups, tupperware containers, cardboard tubes, and empty boxes
Try to have a variety of toys available that fall in the following categories:
Active toys (ride-on toys, outdoor or sports equipment)
Manipulative toys (construction toys, puzzles, dressing toys, beads, blocks, bath toys, and sand/water toys)
Make-believe (dolls, stuffed toys, puppets, role play, transportation toys)
Creative toys (musical toys, arts and crafts materials, digital music)
Learning toys (games, specific-skill toys such as color sorters and letter identification, books)
Make sure to ask your therapist if you have questions or are seeking specific recommendations to fit your family’s needs.
Author: Aly Bothman, MS, OTR/L
More Resources:
Toy Recommendations - https://ei.northwestern.edu/for-parents/toy-recommendations
Reducing the Number of Toys - http://ei.northwestern.edu/less-is-more
References:
Case-Smith, J., & O'Brien, J. C. (2014). Occupational therapy for children and adolescents - e-book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Dauch, C., Imwalle, M., Ocasio, B., & Metz, A. E. (2018). The influence of the number of toys in the environment on toddlers’ play. Infant Behavior and Development, 50, 78-87.