Fisher-Price My First Thomas Double Delivery

As a first "train" toy, many features make this set very convincing. One of the biggest obstacles to enjoyable play with an older baby is a toy that is easily knocked apart, or difficult to puzzle together (i.e. a traditional wooden railway toy). With its clickable, one-way-only structure, this toy cannot fall victim to the wooden railway trap of "almost" fitting - and yet a slightly older child can still have the fun of putting it together and taking it apart. Two tunnels to go through, a small hill, two cargo zones and a little station gate (at the tiny model train station pop-up) complete the experience, allowing a very young child to feel just as powerful as an older toddler with a bigger, more versatile train set. The removable "cargo" helps to encourage sequenced play, with drop-offs and pick-ups, and attractive primary colours separating the various "sections" of track.

Obvious limitations on play make this a toy that probably needs to be replaced, donated, or handed on as your 18 month old gets into his or her older toddler years, but as a way to encourage a bit of self-sufficient, narrative play in a younger child, this really hits the mark. Thomas and his cargo wagon also work well off the track, so if they become a very popular item for chewing or holding, you can take them with you without having to bring the entire, large set.