When starting a daycare, you will need to invest in a lot of equipment. You will need high chairs, sleeping mats, car seats, cribs and of course toys. Selecting the toys for your daycare will require more thought than you might originally imagine. You will likely be caring for children of all age groups and most toys do not appeal to all ages. In fact some toys, while ideal for older children, are not appropriate and could even pose a danger for younger children. On the other hand, toys that are safe for the youngest children will probably not hold the interest of the older ones. Therefore you find yourself in the spot of having to buy toys that appeal and are safe for each age group you will be caring for.

Toys for Infants

Babies up to about six months have little mobility and because of this, they need toys that will stimulate their interest but do not require interaction. Toys for this age group should be brightly colored, soft, and appropriate for putting into the infant's mouth. Therefore, any toy with small parts, sharp points or fake fur is not for this age group. Instead, brightly colored pictures and blankets are a good choice as are bouncy seats and toy bars. Older babies use their hands more and put most anything they touch into their mouths. This group will do well with soft toys, books, and teething rings that can be chewed on. In addition, plastic toys such as phones, rattles, and soft balls will delight them since they can manipulate them with their hands and make noises.

Toys for Toddlers

This is the age when children begin to really play with toys and interact with them. Small parts and sharp edges should be avoided but at this stage, almost anything will work with this group such as wooden spoons and pots and pans. Anything that makes noise and is brightly colored such as blocks and sturdy picture books would be a good investment.

Toys for Preschool and Older Children

Children of this age enjoy role playing so providing dolls for them to play mommy or daddy with would be a good choice. In addition, play kitchens for making pretend meals, toy vehicles, and action figures are good to nurture imagination. This age group also enjoys outdoor sturdy equipment such as swings and ride on toys. These types of toys also help to burn off excess childhood energy. This is also a good age to introduce art supplies such as finger paints and crayons to keep the children busy on rainy days when they must stay indoors.

You will probably want to choose a combination of educational toys and toys just for pure fun. Young children learn through playing and even the most basic and classic toys can be educational so there is no need to feel pressured to buy into electronic expensive toys and computers at this age. Although, it might possibly be a marketing point for your daycare if you provide computer education to the older children in your care.

Selecting the right toys for your daycare is not really all that difficult. The most important thing is to make sure they are age appropriate so they do not bore the older children or post a safety threat to the younger ones. Of course, when starting a daycare, you may be limited initially due to budgeting concerns, but you can always add toys as your business grows and you become more experienced in determining what children love to play with.