Guidelines for buying toys for children and toy suggestions for young children.
We often hear about the demand for one toy during the holiday shopping season. A few years ago there was a rush on a stuffed animal, like one kids saw on TV. The news reported on parents standing in store lines for hours or fighting other parents to make sure their child would have one of these toys on Christmas morning. Sad to say, after all this effort, many parents found their child playing with this toy for a few minutes, then putting it aside to play with something else.
Think about safety and how children would use a toy before you buy it.
There are lots of toys on store shelves to choose from and the cost can really add up. Children often want every toy they see in the store and on TV. It's up to adults to choose the best toys for the money they have to spend. How do you choose good toys that children will really like to play with?
Before you buy a new toy, ask yourself the following questions about safety:
- Is the toy made of sturdy material that will hold up with lots of playing?
- Does the toy shoot or throw things that may hurt a child's eyes?
- Does the toy make loud noises that may harm a child's hearing?
- Does the label on a painted toy state 'nontoxic'?
- Is the toy easy to wash and keep clean?
- Does the toy work well?
Then look at the toy and think about how children would use it:
- Can children use this toy in more than one way?
- Can children decide how to play with this toy, or does it play for them?
- Is the toy right for the age of the child?
- Will children of other ages be able to use this toy?
- Can the toy be used with other toys for playing?
- Is there anything about this toy that could raise tension or cause stress for the children or you?
Toys to avoid
Toys that play for the child -
such as dolls, stuffed animals, phones, and books that talk, sing, dance, or jump when a button is pushed; hand-held computer games that children play with by themselves; play computers that say the alphabet, colors, numbers, or make animal sounds.
Toys that teach violence -
such as guns, swords, action figures of professional wrestlers, balls made to look like bombs, toys from horror TV shows or movies.
Toys that don't allow children to choose how to play with them -
such as play-dough molds to make shapes in only one way or construction toys that can only be built in one way.
Toys that are linked to TV programs, movies, music, and video games for teens or adults -
such as dolls based on teenage stars and pop music, pretend body piercings and tattoos, action figures, dolls, and other toys linked to PG-13 or R-rated movies.
Toys that are linked to advertising, candy, and unhealthy foods -
such as toys with the name or logo of a fast food restaurant on them, books or games based on name brand or junk foods.
Great toy choices for children
You can't go wrong by choosing toys in the groups listed below.
Dramatic play -
toys that help children work out their ideas about the world.
These include blocks, toy cars, trucks, planes, boats, dress-up clothes, ocean, farm, and rainforest animals, insects, dolls, stuffed animals, tool sets, medical kits, doll houses, puppets, props to make a restaurant, store, post office, etc.
Small object play -
toys for children (three years of age and older) to use the small muscles in their hands and fingers. Playing with small objects helps children's learning about math and science.
These include construction sets, blocks, plastic blocks that fit together, puzzles.
Art play -
materials for children to use in ways they choose.
These include paints, paper of all sizes and colors, crayons, markers, children's safety scissors, glue, clay.
Physical play -
helps children use their arm and leg muscles.
These toys include bikes and other riding toys, balls, bats, jump ropes, swing sets, things to climb on, or tunnels to crawl through.
Game playing -
teaches children about taking turns, following rules, solving problems.
These toys include board games, card games, and games you or the children make up.
Choking Cautions
Young children can choke on small objects and toy parts. All items used for children under three years of age and any children who put toys in their mouths should be at least 1¼ inch in diameter and between 1 inch and 2¼ inches in length. Oval balls and toys should be at least 1¾ inch in diameter. Toys should meet federal small parts standards. Any toys or games labeled as unsuitable for children under three should not be used.
Other items that pose a safety risk and should not be accessible to children under three include, but are not limited to: button batteries, magnets, plastic bags, styrofoam objects, coins, balloons, latex gloves, and glitter.
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