One of the great things about having babies in our lives – whether they’re our own or those of family members and friends – is that we get to buy toys for them. Sometimes it’s really tempting to buy the toys that we like best, but when it comes to buying a toy for a baby, suitability has to be a primary consideration.
Most toys come with a recommended age range marked right on the package or tag. Lest you think that a toy is fine for your younger child – who’s clearly more brilliant than all the other children her age – you should realize that those recommended age ranges also indicate the ages for which a toy is safe. Children under three, for example, tend to put things in their mouth without thinking. Many toys aren’t suitable for the “under three” age group because they present potential choking hazards. Older children are less likely to put items in their mouths, and because they’re physically larger, small toys are less likely to lead to choking.
Fine motor skills should be another consideration. If you choose a toy for the wrong age group, the child may not enjoy it either because she can’t operate it properly or because it’s too simple and doesn’t provide any challenge. Choose a toy that helps the child develop the skills that are appropriate for her age group.
Suitable toys should also be made of suitable materials. These days, we’re learning more and more about certain plastics that have the potential to be dangerous. Always check toy labels to find out what the toys are made from. Wooden toys are a popular choice, but you’ll want to choose toys that are finished with wood-grade wax or non-toxic paints.
Hand me down toys are also popular, but must be evaluated with a critical eye. Could the toy be made of materials that are no longer safe, either because we know more now or because the materials are showing signs of wear? Are there pieces or parts of the toy that could become detached and present a choking hazard? Is the toy itself a choking hazard? You might find it helpful to use the Internet to do a search on the toy to make sure it hasn’t been the subject of a recall since it was purchased.
Other considerations also apply to new toys. For example, is the toy well-made or are there edges that could be dangerous? If there’s stitching on the toy, it is tight and secure? Even loose threads can prove dangerous in children’s tiny fingers. If the toy makes sound, is there a way to control the volume? Many toys can be surprisingly loud for little ears.
More than anything else, a suitable toy is one that will engage your baby and help her develop the skills she’ll need as she grows. The best toys provide a variety of textures and colors for your child to feel, see and explore as she grows and develops.
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