They should be easy to clean, since younger kids may still put some blocks in their mouths. Select blocks that are safe and long-lasting. Shafi, they have long-term benefits like “building hand strength that will help them with learning to write one day.” Just remember, 'using only screen games for building can hinder their dexterity,' she adds. Not only are blocks fun, but according to Dr. Older, school-aged kids would likely enjoy smaller blocks with detailed designs that allow them to bring their imagination to life. For younger toddlers and babies, large blocks that are lightweight will allow them to explore stacking, carrying, and creating. Playing with building blocks can teach kids cause and effect and strengthen gross motor, dexterity, and fine motor skills and enhance sensory play abilities. Talk with your doctor about milestones for your child and then choose blocks (and other toys) that can help develop or advance their skills.

“Between one and two years old, children should gain the motor skills and dexterity to be able to stack blocks and sort them,” says pediatrician Heather Shafi. The smaller the block, the older the child should be before they play with them. Select blocks that are safe and age-appropriate for your child. What to Look for in Building Sets and Blocks Age-Appropriateness

If your school-age kids are just getting into LEGO, the LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box (view at Amazon) provides plenty of blocks for tons of builds and helps promote open-ended building and creative thinking. If your kids are on the younger side and you’re looking for a block set that’s just as fun to play with as it is to clean up, MegaBloks (view at Amazon) should be at the top of your list. It's fun for both kids and adults and can build both 2D and 3D structures. Our top pick is the Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Solid Colors Set (view at Electronic Express). Here are the best construction and building block toys for your family. A pediatrician from our Review Board reviewed this information to ensure accuracy regarding the benefits of building toys and finding the right set for your family. We carefully considered age recommendations, design, material, toy safety, and value when assessing products. When it comes to choosing the right blocks for a child, age can be the deciding factor, but you also want them to be durable so they last longer. 'By building with physical objects, children will learn spatial skills such as 'on top,' 'under,' and 'next to.' They will learn to problem solve how things fit together,' Heather Shafi, MD, a New Jersey-based pediatrician, says. Plus, blocks are fun solo activity or with friends and offer an important alternative to screen time. From improving brain development to enhancing language growth, building blocks can help a child exercise a range of developmental skills. Considered a classic toy by experts, parents, and teachers, construction and building block toys unlock many skills for kids.

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