Baby blocks are an essential part of early childhood. In fact, the childhood of a normal child would seem incomplete if no baby blocks were included in his play routine. We guess every child might receive baby blocks on his first birthday, considering the commonality of this toy.
Baby blocks provide a safe and engaging way for young children to explore their creativity. The use, however, isn’t limited to imaginative enhancement. These extensive resources are the best for fine motor, cognitive, and language skills development as well.
The market, however, is flooded with a variety of Baby Blocks. Parents might find it overwhelming as to which brand or type to invest in. If you have been facing this, we’ve got you covered. This article explains various types of baby blocks to help you choose the one that fits your criteria.
Different Types of Baby Blocks to Choose From
Here’s the list of the top brands that any parent can rely upon.
Mattel MEGA Blocks
Mattel’s MEGA blocks are an excellent substitute for the popular brand LEGO, with the edge of flaunting the perfect size, particularly for infants. Though designed for age brackets 1 to 3, the best part is their compatibility even for infants who can’t even sit or crawl. Mattel mega blocks are safer and eliminate the chances of any choking incident.
Since these blocks are oversized, they facilitate easy gripping and stacking, allowing children to freely create. Mattel Mega Blocks also help toddlers develop visual and auditory skills unconsciously while playing and enjoying. In a broader view, Mattel MEGA Blocks are compatible with DUPLO and MEGA standard bricks, mainly because the sizes match.
LEGO® DUPLO®
LEGO DUPLO is known worldwide. It’s a user-friendly, vividly colored, and large product line designed for young ones. Children of 18 months and above can make the best use of it. Safety is a top priority, and LEGO's top-notch materials ensure durability.
The large size and round edges of DUPLO blocks facilitate easy and stout grip. Also, their size makes it impossible to swallow these blocks, even if they’re chewed. Remember chewing these blocks is safe, thanks to the thoughtful design and high-quality material.
DUPLO brings an extensive range of sets, including buildings, trains, racing cars, and vibrant scenes like farms and recreational parks. These sets provide opportunities for imaginative play and skill development.
Standard LEGO Bricks
LEGO has been a leader in the building blocks industry, known for high-quality, durable materials. It offers endless creativity and building possibilities, from simple structures to complex models.
With 8mm x 8mm dimensions, LEGO blocks are suitable for children aged 6 and above.
The world of building blocks remains incomplete with LEGO blocks. In fact, they serve as a staple in this domain. However, Standard LEGO Bricks are not suitable for young children due to their fine size and tiny dimensions. They can pose serious choking hazards.
JMBricklayer and Mould King
These brands produce bricks known for their unique patented designs. Also, their compatibility with LEGO blocks carries much worth. JMBricklayer's Great Ball Contraption, powered by a dual-motor system, is such a unique and hit set that takes the baby blocks game to another level.
Another famous set from the same brand is the Steampunk Marble Run 70003 is a Kickstarter project with a different design. It requires hours of labor to build the entire project, fostering concentration and interest in young children.
Mini Building Blocks
Mini Building Blocks are smaller than standard LEGO bricks, offering a different building experience. These blocks are suitable for older children and adults due to the increased difficulty level.
Mini building blocks are available in 6mm x 6mm dimensions, making them safer for children aged 10 and above. The smaller size requires more dexterity and patience to complete each step. LOZ is a recommended brand for Mini Building Blocks, providing various sets that cater to different interests.
Micro Bricks
Microbricks are even smaller with 4mm x 4mm dimensions, making them much tinnier than mini blocks. With such a fine size, they offer a challenging and detailed building experience for children of 10 years and above. These bricks are suitable for older children and adults who enjoy intricate construction. The small size of Micro Bricks allows for highly detailed models that take up minimal space. Despite their small size, Micro Bricks maintain a high cost-performance ratio, providing a budget-friendly alternative to larger sets.
Conclusion
Baby blocks are probably one of the best investments one can make as a parent or caregiver for their little ones. Varying by dimensions, there are various types of blocks available. Some of the leading names include Mattel MEGA Blocks, LEGO, DUPLO, and many others, which are different from each other in size and cater to different developmental levels.
These blocks have also been declared great for cognitive, fine motor skills, and language development.
Whatever brands the parents choose for their kids, there’s one thing common to all of them: fostering the child’s developmental skills.