For children 2 years and younger, we recommend 3-10 jumbo knob pieces. It’s important not to overwhelm the child with more pieces than they can handle. Puzzles for 2-year-olds should start with 3 big pieces and gradually increase as the child develops.

Free of distractions like colorful illustrations, the puzzles encourage concentration and help a young child focus on the task at hand. As they boost your child’s cognitive development, puzzles work both fine and gross motor skills.

Babies start to work with simple, one-piece puzzles around 6-8 months. Much of the time, that means mouthing the puzzle piece—that’s okay!

Wooden puzzles teaching letter shapes and numbers are great as it aligns with the montessori sensitive period. Wooden tangram puzzles and peg puzzles are other great options as they’ve mastered their pincer grasp and are probably ready for some more interesting problems to solve.

By the age of 3, children can manage even more of a challenge including a 24-piece jigsaw puzzle. Older preschoolers (~ 4 years old) enjoy puzzles with up to about 48 pieces that are of moderate size. Interesting piece shapes are also fun for kids in this group.

From eight months, 12 months, and older, kids start to play, utilizing a shape sorter toy by matching the shape with the hole, identifying colors, and recognizing numbers. The shape sorter piece and hole should be the right size for them to hold the shape and place them in the right hole.

Best for Toddlers: Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Knob Puzzle Young toddlers will love this jungle friends puzzle. Made from extra-thick wood, the three safari animals puzzle pieces have easy-to-grasp jumbo wooden knobs. Safe for kids from 1-year-old and up, this is a perfect introduction to puzzles.

At the start of age 2, she’ll work with up to four pieces, but by the time she turns three, she may be able to put a 10 to 20-piece puzzle together! Her problem-solving skills will continue to grow, too, especially with your guidance.

There is no minimum number of toys needed-in fact, a recent study found that when toddlers had fewer toys in their environment, they played with each toy longer, allowing them to focus more and play more creatively. Experts say parents should allow their children to gravitate towards the toys or objects that interest them.

The 10 Best Puzzles For Kids Mudpuppy Construction. The 25-piece Mudpuppy Construction (appx. The Learning Journey Match It! Mathematics. Matney Mat. BeginAgain Animal Parade. Learning Journey: Glow in The Dark Space. Melissa & Doug USA Map. Ravensburger Pirate Battle. Frozen 4-Pack. SainSmart Jr. Bepuzzled 3D Deluxe T-Rex.

Puzzles are a fun way for children to develop and refine their fine motor skills. When engaged in playing with puzzles, children are required to pick up, pinch and grasp pieces (some with small knobs, pegs or chunky pieces) and move them around, manipulating them into slots, sorting them and fitting them into the correct places.