It’s a scenario every parent knows well — you’re at the park, toddler group, or scrolling through social media, and you spot another toddler doing something your little one hasn’t quite mastered yet. Maybe it’s walking, talking, or stacking blocks with perfect precision. Suddenly, that familiar thought creeps in: “Is my baby behind?”
The truth is, every child develops at their own pace. Comparing your toddler’s development to others can cause unnecessary worry for both you and your little one. Instead of focusing on strict milestones, we can focus on how play supports healthy, happy growth — and celebrate the unique journey of your child.
Why Comparisons Are Misleading
No two toddlers are exactly alike, and every child’s development is shaped by factors like genetics, environment, and personality. What might look like a “delay” is often just your little one taking extra time to master a skill in their own way.
Instead of stressing over milestones, focus on creating playful opportunities that encourage growth and learning. This is where toys and sensory play become powerful tools for supporting your toddler’s development.
How Play Supports Toddler Development
Play isn’t just fun—it’s the foundation of learning! By introducing toys that encourage exploration and motor skills, you’re giving your little one the tools they need to thrive at their own pace.
1. Promoting Motor Skills
Toys like rattles or baby dumbbell toys help develop crucial motor functions such as gripping, grabbing, and shaking. These activities strengthen muscles and improve hand-eye coordination — both key milestones for babies and toddlers.
Example: Hazza Toyz’s Plush Dumbbells are perfect for tiny hands. They’re soft, safe, and designed to encourage those early motor skills.
2. Enhancing Sensory Development
Sensory play helps toddlers make sense of the world around them. Sensory toys for toddlers with different textures, sounds, and shapes stimulate their senses and strengthen brain connections.
Example: Hazza Toyz’s Plush Kettlebells combine tactile fabrics with gentle rattling sounds for a multi-sensory play experience.
3. Boosting Confidence Through Play
When toddlers master small tasks — like stacking blocks or shaking a plush baby toy — it builds their confidence. They develop problem-solving skills, persistence, and a love for learning, all while having fun.
Pro Tip: Celebrate every little achievement, no matter how small. These moments shape your child’s joy in discovering new skills.
Practical Tips for Supporting Your Toddler's Development
1. Embrace Your Toddler’s Pace
It’s perfectly normal if your toddler isn’t walking, talking, or mastering certain milestones as early as their peers. Focus on the progress they are making — every small step counts in their overall development journey.
2. Choose Developmentally Appropriate Toys
Select toys that encourage growth in key areas such as motor skills, sensory development, and problem-solving. Soft sensory toys, baby dumbbell toys, and rattles can all provide engaging, safe ways to support learning through play.
Recommended: Explore Hazza Toyz for UK-designed products that inspire and nurture early development.
3. Create a Play-Friendly Environment
Dedicate daily time for uninterrupted play. Switch off distractions and allow your toddler to explore freely — these moments of hands-on discovery are when learning and skill-building flourish.
4. Limit Screen Time
While some screen content can be educational, hands-on play remains the best way to encourage healthy toddler development. Prioritise physical interaction with toys, imaginative games, and sensory activities over passive screen use.
What to Remember as a Parent
Comparing toddlers is a habit many parents fall into, but breaking it is worth it. Every toddler develops on their own timeline — and that’s something to celebrate! Instead of worrying about how they measure up, focus on how they’re growing, learning, and exploring the world around them.
With the right toys and encouragement, your toddler can thrive — one milestone, one adventure, one small step at a time.
The next time you catch yourself comparing your toddler to another, pause and remember: play is one of the most powerful tools for growth. Choosing engaging, developmentally-appropriate toys — like our baby dumbbell toys and sensory kettlebells — gives your child the confidence, curiosity, and movement they need to succeed at their own pace.
Shop our range today and celebrate your toddler’s unique journey, because every child deserves the chance to shine.
Q: Is it normal for my toddler to develop slower than others?
A: Yes — toddlers develop at their own pace, and small differences are perfectly normal. Walking, talking, and other milestones can happen months apart between children without it being a sign of a problem.
Q: How can I support my toddler’s development without comparing them to others?
A: Focus on creating a fun, supportive environment with toys and activities that encourage movement, problem-solving, and sensory exploration. Developmentally-appropriate toys — like baby dumbbell toys or sensory kettlebells — can help strengthen skills in a playful way.
Q: What toys are best for supporting healthy toddler development?
A: Choose toys that promote motor skills, sensory development, and confidence-building. Soft, safe toys like plush dumbbells are ideal for toddlers, offering a fun way to practise gripping, shaking, and coordination.
Q: When should I be concerned about my toddler’s development?
A: Every toddler develops differently, but if you’re worried about their progress, speak to your GP or health visitor. They can assess whether your child is meeting key milestones and recommend any support if needed.
