These First Toys for Kids With Disabilities Have Universal Appeal

Small maraca rattle ($10 at the time of publication)

Many wooden or plastic “baby” rattles are too heavy for some babies and children to hold. Weighing in at a quarter of an ounce, this brightly colored, woven maraca is pure magic. An occupational therapist introduced it to my 8-month-old daughter by rubbing the slight ridges across her palm; the maraca was the first object she held on her own. The single bell inside gives just the right amount of auditory and tactile feedback. And its primary-color palette is bold enough to spark intrigue from across the floor.

VTech Spin & Discover Ferris Wheel (about $16 at the time of publication)

When my daughter was 9 months old, she loved this ferris wheel spinner—a “therapy kid” favorite—right away. Even a gentle pat of the animal-shaped levers results in a vigorous and satisfying whirl. The animals are big enough to press with a palm, which is an important—and hard-to-find—feature in toys for children who are working on their finger control and pincer grasp. A single switch controls both power and volume, and the spinner comes equipped with a suction-cup base, so you can attach it securely to a table or the floor. As I write this, the catchy tune is playing in my head. You may find yourself singing it in your sleep.

Little Tikes Tap-A-Tune Piano Baby Toy ($15 at the time of publication)

Most toy piano keys are too narrow for children who are working on their fine motor skills, especially kids who are still transitioning from manipulating objects with their palms or a “pad” of multiple fingers to using a single pointer finger. And if a child deems a toy too intimidating or frustrating, they may give up on it altogether. My daughter had little interest in toys with buttons or keys until I discovered one with wide, square buttons, like the classic Little Tikes Tap-A-Tune. It’s also good for children with photosensitivity.

Playskool Play Favorites Busy Poppin’ Pals (about $23 at the time of publication)

Playskool’s Busy Poppin’ Pals, a favorite from Wirecutter’s guide to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, has been around since 1980. Today’s version is made from thick, durable plastic and has been updated with a bright color palette. Its button, knob, and levers suit a range of fine motor skills—from grasping with the palm to multi-finger or pointer-finger manipulation—so this toy delights kids in a range of ages and abilities. The tension and sound effects designed into the controls are, I’ll venture to say, perfect. With every push, twist, or flick, a corresponding cute animal pops up with a crisp snap. Pushing them back down is equally satisfying, cuing a sense of finality and accomplishment.

TEYTOY Zoo Series Alphabet Cards ($20 at the time of publication)

With the guidance of my daughter’s speech and language therapist, I used flashcards to establish the building blocks for communication. When I held one up, I waited for my daughter’s non-verbal cues—eye contact, a smile, a hand wave—and then I spoke the letter or word on the card. Aside from establishing this kind of shared attention, flashcards motivated my daughter to sit up straight and build her trunk strength. These soft alphabet cards are recommended in Wirecutter’s guide to the best gifts for 1-year-olds, and I own a similar set (now unavailable). Both include a carrying case with drawstring closure, and, better yet, they’re machine-washable. Long after my daughter gnawed the corners off the typical cardstock versions, our set of soft, washable alphabet cards remains in near-perfect condition. They’re thick and lightweight, too, which means she can pick them up on her own.

MOLUK Bilibo ($37 at the time of publication)

I first spotted a stack of Bilibos in my son’s kindergarten classroom. They were available for children with ADHD—or for any 5-year-old feeling extra-wiggly—to help them focus during circle time on the floor. My daughter started occupational therapy when she was 8 months old and recovering from surgery. The first several sessions were challenging for her, so the therapist made sure to begin with an activity she enjoyed. The therapist placed the Bilibo on the floor, and, as my daughter reclined in it, gave it a few gentle twirls. The Bilibo became her favorite warmup, hands down. Made of rigid plastic, the concave seat cupped her body so she could relax and revel in the sensation of weightlessness. She still loves an occasional twirl and (more commonly these days) when her older brother wears it on his head for endless rounds of peek-a-boo. The Bilibo also comes in a mini size, which can be used as a water toy, a sand shovel, or a cap for a favorite stuffed animal.

Hape Penguin Musical Wobbler ($15 at the time of publication)

The clerk at a local children’s boutique recommended this adorable penguin wobbler for its gentle, windchime-like melody, which pleases babies and caregivers alike. The wood base has enough heft that the penguin can wobble in place (it won’t roll away on a hard surface), yet it responds to even the lightest tap. Once my daughter had developed the coordination and strength to bat at it, on several occasions she successfully launched it from her highchair tray onto the hardwood floor below. After more than three years of use—and in spite of some (kid-safe) paint she gnawed off its nose—the penguin remains in excellent, jingle-ready shape.

Miniland Doll (starting around $30 at the time of publication)

My daughter always loved playing with the toy dolls available at the public libraries in our neighborhood. When I decided to get one of our own, I opted for this Miniland doll, which has natural (not exaggerated) Asian features; with a bob and blunt bangs, the doll even resembles my daughter. I recently learned about the full range of Miniland dolls created to foster kindness and acceptance in children. The collection includes infant and toddler dolls with a range of skin colors and features, and dolls with glasses and with a hearing aid. I’ve used this doll with facial features common in children with Down syndrome as a tool in conversations about gender differences (all Miniland dolls are "anatomically correct," as the company puts it) and chromosomal anomalies with my 8-year-old son.

Harkla Sensory Swing ($90 at the time of publication)

There’s a physiological reason why kids love swings. The rocking motion stimulates the vestibular and proprioceptive senses, which help kids’ brains understand their bodies’ physical relationship to space. Harkla’s Sensory Swing has the added benefit of providing a cocoon-like embrace. It’s made of sturdy, stretchy fabric that’s opaque enough to filter out surroundings while being sheer enough to bathe the skin in a soothing wash of colored light. Though many fabric swings are less expensive, the Harkla swing accommodates up to 200 pounds, so a child can swing with an adult or with another child. And it includes the hardware you’ll need to securely install one in your home. We’ve also tried this pod swing from Harkla, but we found the canvas to be a bit stiff, and in the end my kids preferred the comfort of the stretchier fabric. Cocoon swings are generally marketed to the autism community, but who among us wouldn’t love to chill out in a swinging hug? The more I research items for children with “special” needs, the more convinced I become about the universality of the human condition.