Parents are always looking for the perfect toy. The one that will keep their child entertained and out of mischief while teaching them new skills and making them smarter. It’s a tall order, but these toys need to be safe for child’s play as well. Here is a list of some great options to consider when shopping for the next birthday or Christmas present for a young child in your life.
1. Start by considering the child’s age
Of course, the first step you should take towards finding the perfect toy is considering the child for whom you are shopping. Toys come with age ranges for a reason! These aren’t just old wive’s tales, but are there to help guide you in your search. By following the age recommendations you can be sure that your young child will find hours of fun and enjoy their new toy without getting bored too quickly.
2. Look for toys that are made of safe materials
As you are considering age, it is also important to keep in mind the safety of the toy. Babies often put anything they can find into their mouths. If your young child falls in this category you’ll want to make sure that all toys from plastic molding manufacturers are made with non-toxic materials. You may not realize it, but many toys today contain harmful additives such as BPA and PVC. A great way to be sure that you’re getting a safe toy is by looking for the health-conscious label called ICTI. It’s an international certification program that guarantees healthy, environmentally friendly products.
3. Consider buying educational toys
If you want your child not only to have fun but also to gain some valuable skills, you should look for educational toys. Toys are a great way for children to learn new things and stimulate their imaginations. Just be sure that the learning toy is age-appropriate to ensure maximum fun!
4. Buy safe wooden toys
Wooden toys are great because they can stand up to harsh play without warping or breaking apart. Also, they are safe for younger children because they can’t be easily swallowed. And, if your child is old enough to play with the toy without supervision you don’t have to worry about hazardous materials such as lead paint and unsafe chemicals.
5. Avoid toys with small parts that could be choking hazards
Babies and young children are often very excited about their new toys, but it’s important not to forget about safety when they become over-zealous. Toys with small parts can often pose a choking hazard, so you’ll want to avoid this type of toy if your child is under the age recommended on the package.
6. Check to see if the toy has any recalls or safety warnings
This is especially important if you are purchasing a toy online. You won’t be able to hold the toy in your hand or see how it works, so it’s always better to do some research before you buy anything that can potentially be dangerous. A good place to start is the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission website which posts any recalls or safety warnings for toys.
7. Store your child’s new toy in a safe area when it is not being used
This will help to ensure that the child has access only to age-appropriate toys and prevents these items from becoming death traps such as electrical cords or small, hard-to-reach places where a young child may become trapped and suffocate.
8. Stay away from toys with strings, ropes, cords, or ribbons
Toys with these types of attachments can be a strangulation hazard and should never be given to small children. If you’re shopping for a slightly older child it would be fine to purchase toys that contain this type of material but only if the toy is designed for older children and is closely supervised while in use.
9. Take special care to avoid toys that shoot objects
Toys such as darts, rubber bands, and slingshots can be dangerous if used improperly and should never be given to a child who has not yet reached the age recommended on the package. Children under 8 may become frustrated if they are not able to play with these toys, but it would be far better to wait until your child is older and can safely use them.
To find the perfect toy for your child, consider what they like to do or play with. This will give you a better idea of their interests and help narrow down your search. It’s also important not to forget about safety when it comes to toys that may pose a choking hazard or are too advanced for young children. Finally, be sure that the toys are age-appropriate so you can ensure maximum fun!
