How to play with a Ring Stacker

As parents we are told we need a standard set of toys. Things like stacking cups, blocks, and ring stackers. But how is baby supposed to use them? What should I as a parent be looking for? How do I help my child learn how to use these items?

Before my child started working with developmental therapists, I had no idea how to use these items, and I had a hard time finding any information online. But you can use a ring stacker with baby from the moment they come home from the hospital… and doing so might just save you some money.

Before we talk about using a ring stacker, we need to talk about:

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Which one do I buy?

There are 232 results for “ring stacker” in the baby section of Amazon. That is a truly daunting amount to sift through. Some are wood, some are made of cloth, others light up and sing, and still others are puzzles on top of being a ring stacker. There are so many choices, which do you get?

Personally, I would get two ring stackers. I would get this one before baby comes home:

Then I would get a puzzle type stacker when baby is getting to the point they are actually stacking the rings. Something like this:

Why? The first ring stacker teaches textures and initial dexterity, while the puzzle type stacker teaches problem solving, sorting, and other more complex tasks. Wait to buy the complex ring stacker so you get one that would interest your child and supports the stage of development they are in. Mine loves gears, so I might get one that spins gears on and off the middle stalk. But maybe your kid is into counting, needs help sorting shapes, or loves their wooden toys. So wait to buy the puzzle type/ advanced stacker.

So… What do I do with this thing…?

When baby comes home, obviously they are not going to be stacking rings. I mean, they can’t even hold their head up. But you can, and should, still play with the ring stacker. How?

To start with, hand baby the ring to touch and play with. Just one ring at a time. This helps baby learn how to use their hands. Also hang the rings on string and then secure them to a mobile above baby. Put them just within reach to encourage hitting and pulling the rings. Hitting things on strings helps improve hand-eye coordination. As they grow, they will also start to pull on the rings and may even use them to pull themselves up.

You can also put the rings in front of baby during tummy time. It encourage them to push up on their hands and play with them. Of course, all of this works best if the rings have different textures.

Eventually they will be holding onto a ring in one hand. At this point, encourage them to hold the one ring with both hands. Using both hands to hold something and bring it to the center of their body encourages use of both sides of their brain. Once they are good at this you can put a ring in each hand and encourage them to bang them together.

Once they start to sit,

It is time to hand them the full ring stacker. You, mom/dad, stack all the rings in front of them while they are sitting (supported is fine), and then let them dump the rings off the stacker. This is a super fun game that will yield hours of fun. A child development therapist once told me the child needs to dump the toys off 1000 times, then the 1001st time they will start to put the rings back on. By letting them see you put the rings on, they are learning how the rings go on.

You can also put the rings in an empty container and let baby dump them out or bury them in some sand for them to find. They make great bath toys as well.

At some point the child will start to bang the ring on the top of the stacker. This is them trying to put the ring on. Gently guide them, with the ring in their hand, and help them stack the ring. After a few guided attempts they will start stacking the rings on their own.

They may also begin stacking rings on other items (like blocks, stacking cups, the dog, etc.). Every day they may find new ways to use the rings.

Advanced Usage

Once they have mastered stacking the rings, you can start teaching numbers. Count the rings as they go on the stacker. Stack them in order (some have the numbers printed on them, and others order by size). Stack them in reverse order or make fun patterns on the stacker too. And then have them stack the rings when the stacker is turned sideways to begin learning how to thread.

This is also the time to introduce the second puzzle type stacker. Pick one that your child will find delightful, or that teaches a concept you enjoy or value.

Finally, the rings will become inspiration for imaginative play. They could be bagels or doughnuts. They could be flying saucers, or hula hoops for dolls. The stacker’s post could be a tree. The rings and stacker could be any number of things to the imaginative child.

A good ring stacker could easily be in use from the day the child comes home until they are 5 or older. It is definitely a good investment in your child’s toy chest.

How did your family wind up using the ring stacker? Are there any fun uses that I missed. Let me know in the comments below.

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