Choosing the most safe toys for your child is very important. It's hard to tell when they are ready for a toy upgrade, and even then how much of an upgrade to give is still a question. Remember within the first few years of your child's life it is extremely important to keep them in constant supervision during play time no matter how safe their toys are.
Starting on the first 12 months you want to consider your baby will have an awareness of sound, motion, and colorful toys. Also keep in mind they might occasionally try to fit toys in their mouth so sanitation and size play the biggest roles early on. Some ideas on toys are solid large-top rattles, bigger squeak toys, and hanging colorful and mobile objects, such as little toy stars, above their crib just out of reach to avoid any incidents. Such toys to avoid at this age include small-top rattles, any small toys in general, and any toys that have any small possible parts that may break off that may cause an incident.
After the first year keep in mind that this is the time of possibly reckless mobility and more curiosity. You can now start introducing larger push-pull toys now they most likely understand it by now. Your child can now work with take apart toys with all large pieces of course. And play blocks are fine as long as they have well rounded corners for safety precautions.
Between the years of 2-4 your child will grow even more curious so safety is still a factor but now you can introduce some slightly more complex toys. Simple musical instruments are a big hit with children during this age just keep in mind the small parts rule. They can understand easy jigsaw puzzles, blocks with numbers and letters, and peg boards. At this point it is best to still stay away from any electrical toys until after age 4. Even at this point make sure the toy is battery operated only with no plugs or wires at all.
After 4 years of age it's a good idea to let your child to try out board and card games along with activity books and picture books. They can start playing with riding toys such as low wagons or non electrical toy cars. Whenever you decide to introduce the tricycle make sure that the seats are low-slung and use them in the safety of your backyard. Make sure that the riding toys are very sturdy and well put together before your child begins to play with them.
Between all these years general safety tips include: stay away from miniature toys or toys with small break of parts, make all toys have well rounded edges, and make sure all equipment is sturdy and well put together. Once again constant supervision during playtime is critical towards the safety of your child.
Baby toys should be evaluated on three different criteria: safety, physical appeal, and developmental value. How a toy rates in each of these categories can determine how essential it can be to a baby's mental and physical growth.
First and foremost, a product should be checked for safety in regards to small children. It should have no pieces that are too small. A good test is to try and put the piece or toy into a paper towel roll. If it fits, it is too small for our little ones. Be especially mindful of toys with parts that might be easily pulled off or broken off, such as baby doll button eyes, wheels off of cars, or beads on a necklace. Most toys these days come with an age recommendation, and it is essential to take heed in what the recommended age is on a product when considering infant toys. Also think about how easy the product is to clean. Is it surface washable? Can it go in a dishwasher or clothes washing machine? Will the color and product hold up to bleach cleaning?
Secondly, is the toy something that is appealing to small children? Is it not only bright and colorful, but does it make good use of contrasting colors (black and white, red and green, blue and orange)? If your baby likes music, does it have a feature where it plays songs or makes sound? For the active child, is it something they can hold, throw, push or move? Is it okay to chew on (because it most likely will be!)? Is it soft or cool to the touch?
Just as important is to evaluate the developmental value of a baby toy. From birth to 12 months of age, children need gross motor development, language acquisition, and sensory stimulation. So, take a look at the product while thinking of these areas. Is the product easy for the child to handle, such as a large nubby ball or rattle with curved handle? Does the toy encourage the child to move, reach, pull, grab or kick? Is it something that a parent or caregiver can interact with as well, such as a soft book or toy, using words to help build language (such as naming objects in pictures)? Does it appeal to a child's sense of hearing or vision, smell or touch?
Toys that encourage children, at any age, to begin to use their imagination will last much longer than the others on the shelf. Of course, the best toy your child can have is the one they enjoy in the company of a caregiver, because interaction with a loved one is the best toy of all.
Both Victor Epand & Judy Griscom are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Victor Epand has sinced written about articles on various topics from Shopping, Trucks and Interest. Victor Epand is an expert consultant about kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls. You will find the best marketplace for kids toys, stuffed animals, and dolls at these sites for. Victor Epand's top article generates over 11100000 views. to your Favourites.
Judy Griscom has sinced written about articles on various topics from Children, Travel and Leisure and Family Concerns. Judy Griscom frequently authors on the subjects of children and education. She contributes to the website WonderBrains, which sells quality .. Judy Griscom's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.