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Counting the days to Christmas!
Have you made your Christmas list yet? If you haven’t decided on which toys to give your little ones, here are tips to make sure you choose wisely.
Toys are fun and important learning tools, but if inappropriate for your child, they can harm his emotional and educational growth, and can even cause accidents.
Here are some tips on how to choose safe toys for your little one.
Read the Label.
Look for labels that give age recommendations. And when manufacturers give these recommendations, they mean them.
Toys should be developmentally appropriate to suit the skills, abilities and interests of the child. Age labels on toys are guides to safety, as well as skill, levels so a child can have safe and enjoyable fun with a toy that is compatible with his or her abilities.
Toys that are fine for older children may not be safe for younger ones. Buying toys too advanced for a kid’s age can put the child in danger and accidents.
Check for Choking Hazards.
Toys that have several removable parts and pieces are more appropriate for older children. Children under 3 years of age tend to be just as curious but less discerning in their explorations, than their older siblings. Part of experiencing the world around them involves getting a sense of how things look, smell, sound, feel, and yes, taste. Don’t they just put everything in their mouths? They can choke on toy balls or marbles, small parts or even deflated balloons or pieces of broken balloons.
My 10-year old who collects Lego like crazy and would probably aim for a LEGO franchise when he gets older always makes sure that he keeps all the tiny bits and parts from his toddler cousin.
Look for well-made toys.
Choose toys that have a sturdy construction. See to it that stuffed animals have tightly secured eyes, noses and other parts attached. Check squeeze toys for loose or removable squeakers. Look for sharp edges and points that can be hazardous.
Go for toys that Stimulate the Senses.
Younger children enjoy brightly colored, lightweight toys. They are interested in the sight, sound, smell, texture and taste of things. A good choice is something that is bright and safe to hold that can also be hooked to the crib so it won’t fall.
Avoid “Accident-Prone” Toys.
Avoid toys like those with long strings or ropes. They can easily entangle or even strange small children. It is also advisable to avoid toys that have projectile pars like a bow-and-arrow set, slingshots, toy guns and darts.
Toys like skateboards, roller, skates, bicycles and sleds are not advisable for young children.
Once the gifts are opened, enjoy!
Playtime is a very important learning activity for young children. It’s a time for experimenting, exploring and experiencing a new and exciting world. With a little thought and a few safety precautions, you and your kids can have a great and safe playtime.
