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With so many choices, parents may find it difficult to select toys for their
children. Following are some tips on the best types of toys to choose as your child
grows.
Infants to 1-year-olds
Color, sound, movement and texture help little ones develop. Look for cloth,
plastic or board books with large pictures; large blocks of wood or plastic; cradle
gyms; music boxes; mobiles; rattles; squeeze toys and soft washable animals and
dolls. Children of this age will put toys into their mouths, so check that rattles are
larger than 15/8 inches across. Check stuffed animals and dolls to be sure that the
eyes and nose are firmly attached, and remove any ribbons from these toys.
1- to 3-year-olds
Children in this age group are curious and enjoy taking things apart and trying to
put them back together. They have no sense of danger. Consider cloth or plastic
books with colorful illustrations, stacking or nesting toys, sturdy dolls and stuffed
animals, push or pull toys, toy telephones and musical toys. Remember that pull
toys should have strings that are no longer than 7 inches.
3- to 5-year-olds
Preschoolers love to imitate adults and older children. Play tools and benches,
housekeeping toys, tricycles and helmets or other transportation toys, building
blocks, puzzles with large pieces, dress-up clothes, books, blackboards and chalk,
crayons, finger paints and clay are good choices for this group.
5- to 9-year-olds
Imagination plays a key role during this stage of development, giving children a
new sense of creativity. Favored toys include sewing or art sets, card games, table
games, board games, puppets, balls, bicycles and helmets, protective gear for
sports, tea party sets, doctor and nurse kits, electric or windup trains, work
benches with tools and materials, dolls and crafts.
9- to 14-year-olds
Preteens and young teenagers can advance their knowledge or develop hobbies
with computers, microscopes, board games, electric trains, model kits, sporting
goods, coin or other collections and sewing, knitting or needlework kits.
Tips on toys for all girls and boys
In addition, keep in mind the only good toy is a safe toy. When choosing and
using toys, remember:
- In homes where there are children of varying ages, do not allow younger
children to play with their older siblings’ toys. Make sure that toys with small
parts always are out of an infant’s reach.
- Put toys away when not in use. If you buy a toy chest, choose one with smooth
finished edges, a lid that will stay open in any position, hinges that will not
pinch your child and ventilation holes to prevent suffocation if your child is
trapped inside. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using boxes
or baskets without lids to store toys.
- Read instructions before using toys.
- Toys should be sturdy, particularly toys that will receive hard use. Make certain
toys intended for infants and younger children do not have small parts that can
be swallowed or parts that can be broken off and swallowed.
- Examine toys frequently for signs of wear or broken pieces.
- Avoid toys with long strings and cords that can strangle a child. As a rule, strings
and cords must not be longer than 12 inches. Avoid ribbons and small
decorations when wrapping gifts for small children.
- Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noises to protect your child’s hearing. Your
child’s hearing is more sensitive than your own, so ask to test the toy in the
store.
- Keep toys clean. Stuffed toys should be machine washable.
- If a toy breaks, repair it immediately or dispose of it.
- Check toy packaging material for staples or twist ties that can harm children if
swallowed. Throw away plastic bags immediately to prevent possible injury.
- Wait to buy electric toys with heating elements, such as toy ovens, until your
child is older than 8. Even then, provide constant supervision.
- Never give a child a toy gun that fires anything but water.
- Never leave toys out overnight, as weather can damage them.
- Never buy a bicycle for someone without purchasing a helmet as well. (Unless
you know the person already has one).
- You can choose to not use a toy given as a present if you do not think it is safe.
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