Best Baby and Toddler Toys – 2011 Top Rated by CTTC

Nov 19, 2010
Linda Wongkee

Fisher Price Best Baby Toy - Photo by Linda Wongkee

Find out what toys were rated as the best educational, durable and fun toys by the Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC). Pick the best toys for babies!

On November 19th, 2010, the Canadian Council of Toy Testing (CTTC) released its "top toys" list for the 2011 year. Use the CTTC advice to chose the best infant and toddler toys. Buy gifts and toys with the confidence of knowing they were tested and rated. The CTTC tests toys based on safety, assembly, design, durability, function and play value.

Best Battery Operated Toy

V-Tech Text and Chat Walkie-Talkie (3+) – Children can talk to each other, send pre-set text messages and e-cards. The walkie talkies have a 1 mile range, volume control and automatically shut off when not is use. Each walkie-talkie requires 3 AA batteries. Price: $30.

Best Infant (Baby) Toys

Baby Builder Alex (6 month +) – This is a baby's first building set. They can twist, pull and snap the pieces together and apart. The set includes 26 colourful pieces of different shapes and colours. Great for fine motor development, as well as, shape and colour discrimination. Price: $20.

Tug Boat Green Toy (5+ mos) – Made of 100% recycled milk containers, this boat, with pouring spout is durable and colourful. It helps babies discover the properties of water. Use in the tub, sink or pool. Price: $13.

Best Educational Toys for Babies and Toddlers

Musical Croc Block Wagon (also sold as the Stack and Surprise Blocks) by Fisher Price (3-36 months ) – Babies and toddlers can stack, hide or feed blocks to the crocodile. This is push/pull toy has a handle that makes fun sounds and music. The Croc toy improves fine motor skills and teaches cause and effect. This toy will provide years of enjoyment. Price: $30-$35.

Hasbro Stack & Gears (9 mos+) – Babies make the critters eyes and gears move by pushing it along the floor. As the toddler grows, the gears can be removed for endless building fun. Stack and Gears provides visual stimulation, cause and effect awareness and fine motor development. Price: $13.

More CTTC Best Bets for 2011

Leap Frog My Pal Scout/My pal Violet (6- 36 months) – A soft stuffed toy pet that plays songs and talks to your child. The toy is activated by the touch of a paw and has adjustable volume control. Additional songs and personal messages(including the child's name) can be programmed from a user friendly website. Price: $20.

Hasbro First for Me Alive Sips and Cuddles (18 months+) – Cute portable doll that drinks, snuggles and giggles (quietly). The dolls durability, permanently attached bottle and ease of cleaning were popular with parents. Price: $15.

3 in 1 Musical Band V-Tech (3+) Interactive guitar, piano or drum. Toy converts easily from one type of instrument to another. Kids can listen to pre-recorded songs or create their own music. Requires 3 AA batteries. Price: $20.

The CCTC rating system helps parents, friends and relatives make smart toy purchases. For book recommendations read Best Canadian Books for Babies and Children: CTTC Top Book Picks. For the top rated toys of 2010 read: Best Toys of 2010. Consult the website for the complete CTTC list of Best Bet Toys in all categories, for all ages. Use this list when Christmas shopping for the babies and toddlers in your life.

For baby gift ideas read: New Baby Gift Basket Ideas: Unique DIY Hamper Themes.