3 Best Tips for Selecting Toys for Your Speech or Language Delayed Child
Updated: Aug 25
Many families are buying toys for their children since the holiday season is approaching. But which toys should parents buy for their toddlers with a speech delay? Here are our top 10 tips.
1. Toys Without Batteries
Skip the batteries or take them out because you probably don’t want your toy speaking or making noises. Instead, you or your child should be making noises or saying words. If you have a stuffed animal like a dog, model for your child how to "woof woof." If the stuffed animal is already doing that, what incentive does your child have to vocalize anything?
The one exception to the "no battery rule" is a microphone that can record your voice (so cool!), and any other “karaoke” type toy. Because that type of toy can motivate your child to make sounds into it just to hear themselves.
2. Open Ended Toys
What are those toys and how does it help your kids? These are toys that have no beginning, middle or end. These are toys like dolls you can wash and change diapers, cooking sets you can make dinner with, or farms you can where you can take the animals to the doctor or out for a walk. These toys give your speech delayed toddler a way to use the toys in a variety of ways and allow your child creative freedom in how to manipulate and use them.
Choosing the right toys is important.
3. Don't Worry about the “ABC and 123” Toys
Many parents are so concerned with getting ahead in school that they end up trying to teach their kids the ABCs and 123s way too early. Department stores or other big chain stores are always trying to push these toys on us with shelves stacked high full of educational toys or ones that teach numbers, colors or letters. But think about it... how functional will it be for your toddler to know how to say "one, two, three" if they can't ask you for a cup of juice? The language these toys are focusing on is just not functional and therefore not motivating to your speech or language delayed child.
Instead of teaching your toddler how to say their ABCs, try playing with them with pretend food so that you can act out activities you engage in at least three times a day. These wooden foods are ones your toddler would see every day at home or when coming with you to the market. And what is more motivating than getting food when you ask for it. This gives kids with a speech delay a lot of motivation to ask mom or dad.
And by the way, we feel that whether your child has a speech delay or not, we would make the same recommendation.
Today parents have so many options for what to get their kids.
And it can be so difficult to make a decision. But we believe that parents want to make the best choices for their children, not just any choice.
In the end, the BEST choice is YOU. That's right, you are the best toy for your child. Take a few moments each day sing with with your toddler, play patty-cake, talk in a funny voice, read your toddler a bedtime story or just be silly.
What toys are your favorite?
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of toys are best for encouraging speech development in young children?
Toys that encourage back-and-forth interaction tend to work best, such as simple puzzles, pretend play sets, and cause-and-effect toys. Look for options that naturally prompt your child to request, label, or comment rather than toys they can use silently and independently. Open-ended toys like building blocks or play kitchens give children many opportunities to communicate.
Should I avoid electronic or screen-based toys if my child has a speech delay?
Not necessarily, but use them mindfully. Many electronic toys talk at children rather than with them, which limits real communication opportunities. If you do use electronic toys, sit with your child, pause the toy often, and encourage your child to respond or repeat. The key is keeping interaction and conversation at the center of playtime.
How do I know if a toy is actually helping my child's speech and language skills?
A helpful toy will prompt your child to communicate in some way, whether that means pointing, vocalizing, or using words. Watch whether the toy creates opportunities for you to model language and for your child to respond. If your child is engaging silently and independently most of the time, the toy may not be building communication skills the way you hoped.
Can playing with toys replace speech therapy for a child with a language delay?
Play is a powerful learning tool, but it works best alongside professional support rather than instead of it. A licensed speech-language pathologist can show you exactly how to use everyday toys to target your child's specific goals. Better Speech connects families with licensed therapists who accept insurance and have no waitlists, making it easy to get started quickly.
At what age should I be concerned about my child's speech development and seek help?
Most children say their first words around 12 months and use simple two-word phrases by age 2. If your child is not meeting these milestones, or if you notice a significant drop in communication skills at any age, it is worth reaching out to a speech-language pathologist. Early support makes a meaningful difference, so trusting your instincts as a parent is always a good idea.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
