Puzzles are a great way to educate and entertain your kids. If you get your kids started on puzzles while they are young they will build up an appreciation for them as they get older. Here are some ideas to help you select fun puzzles your toddler will love.

Start with simple puzzles and build up to more complex. Peg Puzzles and wooden puzzles with knobs are great first puzzles for toddlers. Look for chunky puzzles with large, easy to grasp pieces. Make sure the puzzle includes matching pictures painted on the puzzle pieces and the puzzle board. Avoid giving toddlers puzzles with small pieces since this can be a choking hazard.

Search for puzzles with various colors and textures. In addition to wooden puzzles, try cardboard puzzles and soft mat puzzles. You can find large alphabet and number floor puzzles that are also great for playing games. For instance, after you and your child put the puzzle together, sing the alphabet as he or she jumps from square to square. This is a great puzzle and since it includes both numbers and letters, it’s really two puzzles in one.

Look for ways to build confidence in your toddler. Work with them to complete a puzzle then start to coach them through putting a puzzle together on their own. You can help by pointing out colors, shapes, or anything else that will allow your toddler to identify the missing pieces.

Here are some simple ways to keep puzzles organized.

• Use a single wire storage case for peg puzzles.
• Keep the original packaging of cardboard puzzles and stack them on top of one another.
• If you lose the original packaging for the puzzle, use a plastic zip bag to hold the pieces. 

Puzzles are also a great way to keep your toddler entertained while visiting friends and family. Just bring them along with you and allow others to join in the fun!