Feral Toddler Co.

These independent play toys for toddlers help kids stay engaged on their own for longer stretches.

In this post:

• toys that encourage independent play
• ideas for different ages
• realistic expectations for playtime

Key Highlights

• Independent play is crucial for building a toddler’s confidence, boosts creativity, and enhances problem-solving abilities.
• Independent play means that your child is able to play alone, without needing constant direction or a playmate.
• The best toys for solo play are often open-ended, like building blocks, magnetic tiles, and puzzles, which spark imaginative play and encourage independent play for toddlers.
• Effective independent play toys boost creativity, problem-solving, focus, confidence, and self-regulation in toddlers.
• Sensory play with items like play silks or jumbo droppers can keep little hands busy and engaged.
• Setting up a safe, designated play space with a rotation of toys encourages your child to play alone.
• Independent play helps develop fine motor skills and provides a healthy alternative to screen time.

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Quick comparison: toys that support independent play

Toy	Why it works for solo play	Link
Magnetic tiles (starter set)	Open-ended building that encourages focus, creativity, and problem-solving.	See it on Amazon
Classic wooden building blocks	Simple, durable blocks that grow with your toddler’s imagination.	See it on Amazon
Large wooden puzzles (knob style)	Self-correcting play that builds confidence and independent problem-solving.	See it on Amazon
Play silks / scarves (set)	Sensory-rich, open-ended play that encourages creativity and calm focus.	See it on Amazon
Jumbo droppers + cups (sensory set)	Keeps little hands busy while building fine motor control and focus.	See it on Amazon
Montessori-style busy board	Practical life skills that naturally hold attention during solo play.	See it on Amazon

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Introduction

As a parent, you cherish every moment with your toddler. But let’s be real—parenting is a full-time job, and burnout is common. If you feel a pang of guilt every time you need a minute to yourself, you are not alone. Encouraging independent play isn’t about ignoring your child; it’s about giving them a gift. This type of play is a key factor in supporting your child’s development, helping young children build confidence and creativity, all while you get a much-needed breather. Let’s explore how the right toys can make this a win-win for everyone.

It’s important to note that the type of toy matters when it comes to independent play, as it can greatly influence your child’s ability to engage and learn on their own. Independent play often grows out of earlier sensory exploration.

Understanding Independent Play for Toddlers

Guiding your toddler toward independent play is a journey, not a race. It’s a skill that builds over time, helping them learn to entertain themselves and explore their own ideas without constant direction. Through independent play, a child learns essential skills such as self-regulation and problem-solving. This is a foundational skill for life.

The benefits of independent play are immense, supporting everything from emotional regulation to cognitive growth. Below, we’ll look at what solo play really means for your toddler and how it supports their development in amazing ways.

Independent play allows children to learn how to entertain themselves, which is a valuable life skill. If independent play feels short-lived, it may help to explore how regulation affects focus.

What Is Independent Play and Why Does It Matter?

Independent play is simply when your child plays by themselves, without your direct involvement. They take the lead, make up the rules, and navigate their own imaginative worlds. This doesn’t mean you have to leave the room; it just means you are a quiet observer rather than an active participant.

This type of play is incredibly important. It gives your toddler the space to think for themselves, make decisions, and solve problems without looking to you for the answer. Do these blocks fit together? What happens if I stack them this way? This process nurtures critical thinking.

Ultimately, the benefits of independent play extend far beyond just keeping your child occupied. It builds self-reliance and teaches them that they are capable and creative. It’s a quiet, powerful tool for building a confident and resourceful little person who is comfortable in their own company.

Common Parental Challenges and Guilt Around Solo Play

It’s completely normal to feel guilty when you encourage your toddler to play alone. Many parents feel a constant pressure to be their child’s primary entertainer. You might worry that you’re being neglectful or that your child will miss out on developing social skills.

Let go of that guilt. Independent play is not a substitute for your time and attention; it’s a healthy part of a balanced play diet. It offers a wonderful alternative to screen time, allowing for quiet time that stimulates the brain in different ways than a tablet or TV can.

Think of it this way: solo play gives your child a chance to practice being with their most important friend—themselves. It fosters self-confidence and creativity, skills that are just as vital as social skills. You’re not checking out; you’re empowering them.

How Independent Play Fosters Toddler Development

During independent play, your toddler is doing much more than just passing the time. They are hard at work developing essential skills. When they pick up small blocks or manipulate puzzle pieces, they are refining their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Activities like building a tall tower or pushing a toy car around the room engage their gross motor skills, helping them understand how their body moves and balances. These physical explorations are crucial for their overall development.

Most importantly, independent play is a gateway to incredible imaginative play that nurtures your child’s imagination. A simple set of blocks can become a castle, a car, or a spaceship. This freedom to create fosters problem-solving, emotional expression, and cognitive flexibility, laying a strong foundation for future learning.

Independent play boosts creativity and imagination in children.

Setting the Stage for Successful Independent Play

Creating an environment that invites your toddler into solo play is key. The house can be a versatile and accessible space for independent play, offering many opportunities for creative and imaginative activities. You can’t just expect them to start playing alone without some gentle guidance and preparation. The goal is to make their play space feel so engaging that they naturally want to explore it on their own.

By being intentional about the setup and your approach, you can reap the benefits of independent play for both you and your child. Setting up a clear, tidy, and inviting play area in the house helps kids focus on their play and supports independent play. We will explore how to encourage this skill, create a safe space, and build your toddler’s confidence over time.

Tips for Encouraging Independent Play at Home

If your toddler is used to you being their constant playmate, transitioning to independent play can be a process. Start by playing with them for a few minutes, then quietly step back while they continue. This shows them you’re still nearby and supportive.

Keeping the selection of toys minimal but engaging is also important. Clutter can be overwhelming and distracting. A few well-chosen toys will encourage deeper focus and creativity. Little hands can do more when they aren’t overwhelmed by too many options.

Here are a few more tips to get you started:

• Start small with just 10-15 minutes of quiet time and gradually increase it.
• Rotate toys every few weeks to keep the play environment feeling fresh and exciting.
• Praise their efforts. Say things like, “I love seeing the tower you built all by yourself!”
• Set a routine for independent play so your child knows when to expect it.

Creating a Safe and Inviting Play Space

A safe play space is non-negotiable. It allows you to relax nearby without having to hover, giving your child the freedom to explore without constant interruption. For younger toddlers especially, this means ensuring the area is fully childproofed.

Make the space inviting. A soft mat, accessible, low shelves with a few toys, and good lighting can turn a corner of a room into a magical play zone. The goal is to create a “yes” space where your child can touch and explore everything safely.

Here’s how to set up a safe play space:

• Use toy shelves that are anchored to the wall to prevent tipping.
• Store toys in open bins or on low shelves so your child can easily see and access them.
• Regularly check toys for broken pieces or sharp edges that could be a hazard.

How to Gradually Build Confidence in Solo Play

Building confidence in solo play is a gradual process. Your presence is a secure base from which your toddler can explore. Start by sitting quietly in the same room while they play. Your calm presence provides the reassurance they need to focus on their activity.

As they become more comfortable, you can slowly increase the distance. Maybe you move to a chair across the room to read a book or start a quiet task. This teaches them that they don’t need your constant engagement to feel secure and have fun.

Here are two simple ways to help:

• Use a timer to make the duration of independent play clear and predictable.
• Let them see you enjoying your own quiet activity, which models that being alone is pleasant.

Toy Features That Promote Independent Play

When choosing the best toys for independent play, certain features are more effective than others. Look for toys that support independent play by inviting curiosity and being used in many different ways. These are the toys that will hold your child’s attention far longer than a single-purpose, battery-operated gadget.

Toys that allow children to lead the way promote independent play. Additionally, toys that do not do all the playing for children help them engage in independent play. Toys that don’t require batteries often do a better job of encouraging focus and imagination. Instead of waiting for a toy to perform, your child is in control. Let’s look at what makes a toy great for solo play, from safety to its ability to spark creativity. These toys also complement many of the ideas in structured cognitive activities.

Open-Ended Toys Versus Single-Purpose Toys

What makes a toy “open-ended”? It’s a toy that can be used in countless different ways, limited only by your child’s imagination. A set of plain wooden blocks is a perfect example. They can be a tower, a fence for toy animals, a road for cars, or even pretend food.

Single-purpose toys, on the other hand, typically do one thing. Think of a button that plays a specific song when pushed. While fun for a moment, these toys limit creativity and can interrupt a child’s focus.

For long-lasting independent play, prioritize open-ended toys. They grow with your child and invite deep engagement.

• Open-ended toys include blocks, play silks, and magnetic tiles.
• These toys encourage problem-solving: “How can I make this stand up?”
• They can be combined with other loose parts to create elaborate play scenarios.

Safety and Age-Appropriateness Factors for Toddler Toys

Safety is the top priority when choosing any toy for your toddler or baby. Always check for age-appropriate recommendations from the manufacturer. For babies and toddlers, the biggest concern is often choking hazards. Make sure any toy or part of a toy is too large to fit through a toilet paper roll.

Toys designed for babies support early developmental stages, such as sensory exploration and motor skills. Look for toys that encourage babies to sit independently or with support, as sitting is an important developmental milestone and a foundation for independent play.

The materials matter, too. Look for toys made from non-toxic materials with smooth, rounded edges. A toy should be sturdy enough to withstand the enthusiastic (and sometimes rough) play of little hands. A safe play space is only as safe as the toys within it.

Interactive books, art supplies, shape sorters, and nesting cups are beneficial toys for toddlers.

Quiet Play Options for Reducing Overstimulation

Sometimes, the goal of independent play is to have a moment of calm. Quiet play helps toddlers decompress and focus, which is especially important if they get easily overstimulated. These activities are a great alternative to screen time for winding down.

Sensory play can be very calming. Activities like squishing play dough, drawing with crayons, or running fingers through a bin of rice or sand can be meditative for a young child. These toys engage the senses without loud noises or flashing lights.

Look for toys that encourage quiet concentration:

• Simple puzzles or sorting toys require focus and problem-solving.
• Mess-free coloring books or a small easel with paper and crayons can provide hours of quiet artistic expression.

Sensory and Tactile Toys for Independent Exploration

Sensory and tactile toys are fantastic for encouraging independent play because they tap into a child’s natural curiosity about the world. These toys invite exploration through touch, sight, and sound, keeping your toddler engaged as they discover different textures and materials.

From simple water play to mess-free art, these options provide rich learning experiences that your child can navigate all on their own. Let’s explore some of the best toys for hands-on, independent exploration.

Best Sensory Bins for Solo Play

A sensory bin is one of the most versatile tools for independent play. At its simplest, it’s a container filled with a material like water, sand, rice, or dried pasta, along with scoops, cups, and other tools. It’s an invitation for little hands to pour, scoop, and explore.

You can easily theme your sensory bin to keep things interesting. Add animal figurines or plastic animals to a “jungle” of green-colored rice to foster imaginative play and storytelling, or shells to a “beach” of sand. The possibilities for sensory play are endless, and the setup can keep a toddler happily occupied for a good stretch of time.

Ideas for simple sensory bins:

• A water bin with jumbo droppers and cups for pouring practice.
• A bin of dry oats with hidden toy animals to find.
• A bin filled with colorful pom-poms and tongs for sorting.

Mess-Free Art and Craft Supplies

The thought of art time might bring to mind visions of paint on the walls and marker on the furniture, but it doesn’t have to be messy. There are many mess-free options that allow your toddler to explore their creativity without causing you stress. This makes solo art time a realistic possibility.

An easel can be the centerpiece of a clean art station. Paired with a dry-erase board or large sheets of paper, it encourages big movements and creative expression. Stickers are another fantastic, low-mess option for developing fine motor skills.

Consider these mess-free art supplies:

• Water-reveal coloring pads where colors appear with a water-filled pen and disappear when dry.
• Large, chunky crayons that are easy for little hands to hold and harder to break.

Top Picks for Tactile Focused Toys

Tactile toys are all about the sense of touch. They often feature different textures, shapes, and materials that invite a child to explore with their hands. This kind of play is excellent for developing fine motor skills and sensory awareness.

Many of the best toys for independent play have a strong tactile element. Think of the smooth, cool feel of wooden blocks or the satisfying click of magnetic tiles connecting. These sensory inputs are engaging and help a child stay focused on their play.

Here are some top picks for tactile-focused toys:

• Play dough or modeling clay provides endless opportunities for squishing, rolling, and shaping.
• Fabric play silks are light and transparent, perfect for peek-a-boo or creating capes and blankets.
• Textured balls or blocks with varied surfaces for sensory exploration.

Building and Construction Toys for Imagination

Building and construction toys are classics for a very good reason. They are the ultimate open-ended toys, allowing little builders to create anything they can dream up. From simple stacking to complex structures, these toys grow with your child.

Whether it’s traditional wooden blocks or modern magnetic tiles, construction toys are a powerhouse for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and fine motor control. Let’s look at some of the best options for fostering your toddler’s inner architect.

Blocks, Magnetic Tiles, and Stackers

If you could only choose one type of toy, building blocks would be a strong contender. Plain wooden blocks are a staple of childhood, allowing kids to focus on size, shape, and balance without the distraction of bright colors or characters.

Magnetic tiles, like Magna-Tiles or PicassoTiles, are another parent favorite. The magnets make it easy for small hands to build stable structures, reducing frustration and encouraging more ambitious creations. They are also great for exploring concepts like geometry and color mixing.

Here are some must-have building toys:

• A quality set of wooden blocks, such as those from Melissa & Doug.
• Colorful magnetic tiles that click together with ease.
• The Grimm’s Rainbow Stacker, which can be used for stacking, balancing, or as tunnels and bridges.

Recommended Sets for 2- and 3-Year-Olds

When choosing a set of blocks, the right piece set depends on your child’s age and developmental stage. For 2-year-olds, larger, simpler blocks are best. They are easier to grasp and stack, which helps build confidence.

As children approach age 3, they are ready for more complexity. A larger set of blocks with more shapes or a starter set of magnetic tiles can challenge them in new ways. These recommended sets can often be expanded as your toddler grows, making them a great long-term investment.

Consider these options:

• For 2-year-olds: A basic 60-piece set of wooden blocks or a starter set of LEGO Duplos.
• For 3-year-olds and older kids: A 100-piece magnetic tile set or a larger, more creative LEGO box.

Benefits of Manipulative Play

Manipulative play is any play that involves using hands and fingers to move, turn, or connect objects. Building with blocks, piecing together a puzzle, or stringing beads are all forms of manipulative play. This hands-on activity is a workout for the brain.

This type of play is essential for developing fine motor skills. The precise movements required to stack a block or connect a magnetic tile strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers, which is crucial for later skills like writing.

It also supports cognitive development. As a child figures out how to make a tower balance or which puzzle piece fits where, they are practicing problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and persistence. Manipulative play turns abstract ideas into concrete, hands-on learning.

Pretend Play Sets That Spark Creativity

Pretend play sets are magical because they allow your toddler to step into different roles and explore the world around them. This type of toy supports a unique play style, where children engage in imaginative activities independently. One moment they are a chef in their own kitchen, and the next they are a doctor fixing a toy’s boo-boo. Pretend play sets, like toy kitchens, allow children to explore different roles and develop social skills. This type of play is a powerful engine for creativity and empathy.

These toys provide a framework for storytelling and imaginative scenarios that a child can direct all on their own. Let’s look at some pretend play sets that are perfect for encouraging creative solo play.

Toy Kitchens, Toolbenches, and Play Houses

Large-scale pretend play items like a toy kitchen or a toolbench are amazing for encouraging independent role play. They provide a dedicated space where your child can imitate the real-life activities they see you doing every day, like cooking dinner or fixing something. With a toy kitchen, children can enjoy putting their crafted food items into a pretend oven as part of imaginative play, enhancing their sensory and creative experiences. The Step2 Best Chefs Kitchen Playset allows for pretend cooking and role play, making it an excellent choice for fostering independence.

These toys are fantastic for long stretches of solo play because there are so many things to do. A child can spend time “washing” dishes, “baking” a cake, or “hammering” nails, all within their own little world.

This gift guide favorite helps in many ways:

• A toy kitchen fosters an understanding of daily routines and sequencing.
• A toolbench encourages problem-solving and fine motor skills as they work with nuts and bolts.

Small World Figures and Animal Sets

Small world play involves creating miniature scenes with figures and accessories. Small world figures and animal sets are some of toddlers’ favorite toys for independent play, as they allow a child to create stories and act out scenarios on a small scale.

These children’s toys are incredibly versatile. The same set of toy animals can be used in a block-built zoo one day and a farm scene the next. The footprints of realistic animals can even be pressed into play dough for another layer of discovery. The Melissa and Doug Scoop and Serve Ice Cream Counter encourages imaginative play with food, making it another excellent option for independent play.

Expand your small world play with these ideas:

• Realistic animal sets from brands like Schleich or Safari LTD Toob.
• Simple wooden peg dolls that can represent family members, friends, or community helpers.

Role Play Accessories for Alone Time

Sometimes, you don’t need a big play set to inspire role play. A few simple accessories can be enough to spark a child’s imagination for independent play and boosts creativity in toddlers. A doctor’s kit, a chef’s hat, or a collection of play scarves can transform your toddler into a new character instantly.

This type of play is wonderful for developing empathy, as children practice seeing the world from different perspectives. When they pretend to be a doctor caring for a stuffed animal, they are practicing nurturing and compassion. LOOIKOOS Toddler Musical Instruments help develop hand-eye coordination and creativity through music, making them a great addition to independent play.

Here are some simple accessories for solo role play:

• A set of play silks that can become capes, dresses, or blankets.
• A doctor or vet kit with a stethoscope and bandages for caring for their toys.

Educational Toys for Independent Learning

Many of the best independent play toys are also powerful educational toys. They teach concepts like colors, shapes, numbers, and cause-and-effect in a hands-on, engaging way. These toys encourage critical thinking and problem-solving without feeling like a formal lesson.

From simple puzzles to early STEM toys, these items support solo discovery and learning. They empower your child to figure things out on their own, building a strong foundation for a lifelong love of learning.

Simple Puzzles and Sorting Games

Puzzles are a classic educational toy for a reason. They challenge a child’s mind, improve concentration, and provide a satisfying sense of accomplishment when completed. For toddlers, start with simple, chunky wooden puzzles with knobs that are easy for little hands to grasp.

Sorting games are another fantastic tool for independent learning. These can be as simple as sorting colorful pom-poms into matching cups or using a shape-sorter cube. These activities teach color and shape recognition, categorization, and fine motor skills.

Here are some great options for independent learning:

• Chunky wooden puzzles with themes like animals or vehicles.
• Stacking rings or cups that teach size and order.
• Shape-sorting toys that build problem-solving skills.

Interactive Storybooks and Audio Toys

While we often recommend avoiding battery-operated toys, some electronic toys can be beneficial for independent play. Interactive storybooks and audio toys can introduce new ways of learning and provide a different kind of quiet engagement.

Audio players designed for kids allow them to listen to stories or music independently, fostering listening skills and a love for storytelling without any screen time. Interactive books with flaps to lift or buttons to press can keep a toddler engaged while promoting early literacy.

Consider these screen-free tech options:

• Audio players like the Yoto Player or Toniebox that are controlled by physical cards or figures.
• Lift-the-flap books that encourage curiosity and interaction with the story.

STEM Toys Supporting Solo Discovery

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning can start at a very young age. For toddlers, STEM toys are all about hands-on experimentation and discovery. These toys encourage them to ask questions, test ideas, and learn through trial and error during solo play.

Building blocks are one of the earliest STEM toys, teaching engineering and physics concepts in a playful way. Simple science tools like jumbo droppers for water play also fall into this category, allowing for fun experimentation with cause and effect.

Encourage solo discovery with these early STEM toys:

• A set of magnetic tiles for exploring geometric shapes and structural stability.
• Ramp and ball sets that teach basic physics concepts like gravity and momentum.

Musical Toys for Independent Play

Musical toys are a fantastic way to encourage independent play in toddlers, offering a blend of fun and developmental benefits. These toys do more than just make noise—they help little ones develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills as they tap, shake, and explore different sounds. By introducing age-appropriate musical instruments, you can spark creativity and imagination, giving your child the freedom to create their own music and rhythms. Whether your toddler is banging on a drum or plucking at a xylophone, musical toys are a wonderful way to foster independent play and nurture a lifelong love of music.

Best Toddler-Friendly Instruments

When it comes to supporting independent play, some musical instruments stand out as perfect choices for toddlers. Xylophones, drums, and maracas are all excellent options, designed with little hands in mind. These instruments are easy for toddlers to use on their own, allowing them to explore and create music at their own pace. The LOOIKOOS Toddler Musical Instruments set is a great example, offering a variety of safe, durable instruments that encourage solo play and creativity. With these musical toys, your child can experiment with different sounds, rhythms, and patterns, all while building confidence and having fun. Let your little one take the lead and watch as their imagination and love for music grow with every beat and shake.

How Music Supports Solo Exploration

Music is a powerful tool for supporting solo exploration and independent play in toddlers. When children are given the chance to play with musical toys, they naturally engage in problem-solving as they figure out how to make different sounds and rhythms. This process helps develop their problem-solving skills and encourages creativity, all while providing a fun and engaging way to learn. Musical play also supports the development of coordination and timing, as toddlers experiment with various instruments and discover the joy of making music on their own. For parents, incorporating musical toys into independent play routines is a fantastic way to nurture your child’s creativity and support their growth, all while keeping playtime exciting and fresh.

Active Play Toys for Energetic Toddlers

Active play toys are essential for energetic toddlers, providing the perfect outlet for all that boundless energy while supporting healthy physical development. These toys encourage kids to engage in imaginative play, explore their environment, and develop important motor skills. By choosing age-appropriate active play toys, you can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence—all while having a blast. Whether indoors or outdoors, the right toys can transform playtime into a fantastic way for kids to move, create, and discover new ways to play independently.

Indoor and Outdoor Movement Toys

For active kids, a mix of indoor and outdoor movement toys keeps things exciting and supports independent play year-round. Indoors, climbing structures like the Eezy Peezy Monkey Bars Climbing Tower offer a fun and challenging way for toddlers to develop their gross motor skills and imagination. Ride-on toys and soft balls are also great for encouraging movement and creative play, even when space is limited. Outdoors, classics like the Radio Flyer Little Red Wagon invite toddlers to ride, pull, and explore, sparking imaginative play and supporting motor skill development. These toys are designed to encourage independent play, allowing kids to invent their own games and adventures. By providing a variety of active play options, parents can help their children develop a love for movement, creativity, and a healthy, active lifestyle.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fostering independent play in toddlers can be a rewarding journey for both you and your child. Independent play is a healthy alternative to too much screen time, helping to promote creativity and self-reliance. By creating an inviting play space and selecting toys that encourage exploration and creativity, you are setting the foundation for their development and self-confidence. Encouraging independent play can help children learn to manage boredom and emotions, while also fostering confidence and autonomy in children. Remember, it’s normal to feel guilt or uncertainty about letting them play alone; however, providing kids with opportunities for solo play fosters essential skills like focus, problem-solving, and imagination. Embrace this process, and don’t hesitate to explore our top picks for independent play toys that will support your toddler’s growth. If you’re curious to learn more or need personalized recommendations, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I motivate my toddler to use independent play toys?

Start by playing with your young children for a few minutes before stepping back. Rotate toys to keep things fresh, and create a dedicated, clutter-free play zone. Use a timer to set clear expectations for solo play, and offer praise for their independent efforts. These simple tips can provide great motivation.

Are there specific brands recommended for independent play toys?

Yes, several brands are known for high-quality children’s toys that encourage solo play. Melissa & Doug offers excellent wooden blocks and puzzles. LEGO Duplo is perfect for young builders, while brands like Magna-Tiles and Grimm’s are parent favorites. You can find many of the best toys from these brands on Amazon.

Do independent play toys differ for toddlers age 2 versus age 3?

Yes, age-appropriate recommendations are key. Younger toddlers (age 2) need larger, simpler toys like chunky puzzles and big blocks. Older kids (age 3) can handle more complex toys like magnetic tiles or basic LEGO sets with smaller pieces. As a side note, always check for choking hazards for any age.

Additional Resources: Play is one of the most effective ways toddlers build focus, confidence, and problem-solving skills, especially through screen-free, hands-on activities they can repeat independently. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains how play supports healthy development and emotional regulation in young children in The Power of Play. For simple, calming play ideas that help children manage big emotions, this AAP resource is helpful: Play activities to help kids manage emotions. You can also explore age-based developmental expectations, including fine and gross motor skills, through the CDC’s developmental milestone guidelines.