The first 18 months of a baby’s life pass by in a whirlwind of glorious moments and developmental milestones. At this age, they soak up information like a sponge and quickly tick off all those ‘firsts’. Little Tikes is keen to play a part in every one of those precious memories-in-the-making and has launched Fantastic Firsts, a range to help encourage early steps, first words and growing motor skills.

The Fantastic Firsts range has been designed to provide a fun and fresh twist on some classic developmental toys and tap into the love for learning that comes so naturally to young babies and toddlers. We’ve put the spotlight on our favourite pieces from the collection.

Like music to their ears

From around six months, you’re likely to notice your baby coming into their own and beginning to express themselves through a developing interest in music. With more than 200 songs, sounds and phrases, My Buddy Lalaphant is the perfect companion for singing and dancing fun. As your little one grows, Lalaphant will teach them about the alphabet, counting, musical instruments and how to follow directions – what a great best friend!

A step in time

There aren’t many milestones more exciting than baby taking his or her first steps and while every child is different and develops at their own unique pace, there’s plenty you can do to ensure they’re heading in the right direction. Encourage little ones to take to their feet with the 3-in-1 Activity Walker, which is an all-round activity centre that’s been specifically designed to grow with them. This interactive toy uses lights and sounds to inspire your baby to walk and with three play modes and 70 activities, it’ll provide hours of fun right up until the age of three. Meanwhile, the Stand ‘n Dance Starfish helps baby to develop leg strength and begin to move around independently, all the while encouraging them to make music on the keyboard and have a boogie!

Hammer it home

At this age, it’s important to stimulate and nurture their developing minds as well as include elements of surprise to leave them delighted – and repetition is key to learning. Introducing little ones to numbers, the Count & Learn Hammer (pictured) encourages little mathematicians to bang their way from one to 10 with every tap, tap, tap! Turn on colour mode and the hammer lights up and says the colour name as it cycles through them. Plus, this toy’s silly sounds will keep your little one giggling throughout playtime.

The social game

From around seven months, your baby will take more of an interest in their surroundings and other people. But from 13 months, your little one will learn to talk and communicate with others and you may notice attempts to make friends. Choose toys that will encourage those developing social skills and help build confidence around other children. For children aged three and above, T-Rex Strike R/C is an easy-to-use remote-controlled dinosaur that can provide lots of excitement for group play. Meanwhile, our award-winning Activity Garden (pictured) has so much going on for little ones and their friends they won’t know where to start. This multi-functional toy encourages tots to explore their world and develop their fine motor skills. It can be enjoyed from six months old and can be set up as an enclosed play area or a two-sided play centre for a toddler.

Runaway play

Is there any better sound than hearing your child laugh? With a reconfigurable track, the Tumble Train (pictured) randomly reverses, makes unpredictable movements and makes silly sounds to keep little ones giggling, all the while teaching early engineering skills. The track can even be built into a ball shape which will tumble around the floor, encouraging Little Tikes to chase it and helping to keep them active in the process.

Whichever developmental milestone your baby is heading towards, the Fantastic Firsts range can help them get there through exciting, hands-on play. Encourage walking, talking, independent thinking and a broad set of motor skills as well as build confidence with every ‘first’.