- How to Choose the Best Toys for Kids
Safety is the first consideration when looking for toys. If shopping for a child under three years old, take along a toilet paper roll to see if the parts are small enough to become a choking hazard. If it fits into the roll, choose something else. Make sure there are no little parts that can come loose.
Make sure toys are nontoxic. Crayons and paints should have ASTM D-4236 on the package. This means the materials have been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials and judged safe for young children.
Some toys are loud enough to damage hearing. Use caution when buying toys that make noise.
Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Check for choking hazards.
- Check to make sure stuffed toys are washable. Fabrics must be flame resistant.
- Avoid anything that can fit into a toilet paper tube.
- Make sure any string is less than seven inches long.
- If toy has a battery, the case needs to be secured with screws so child cannot open it.
- Make sure the toy has no sharp edges or ends, or small ends that can reach the back of the mouth.
- Check riding toys for stability. Rocking horses and other riding toys should have a safety strap.
Elementary School Age
- Make sure the child wears a helmet with CPSC or Snell certification when using a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or skates
- Do not buy darts or arrows with hard tips
- Pellet and BB guns should be reserved for those 16 or older
- Electronic toys should have the UL label.
Check the online lists, but keep in mind the child's interests and capabilities. Classic toys that have stood the test of time may last much longer than the latest fad and can be wonderful learning tools. Check the source of the information and try to determine whether it is unbiased.
Listen to what the child says, but also keep common sense in mind. Consider what the child does in leisure time and how he usually plays with friends. This will give important clues to the best choice. A few well-chosen toys that are durable and versatile will keep children entertained long after the latest fad has been forgotten.
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- How to Choose the Best Toys for Kids
Safety is the first consideration when looking for toys. If shopping for a child under three years old, take along a toilet paper roll to see if the parts are small enough to become a choking hazard. If it fits into the roll, choose something else. Make sure there are no little parts that can come loose.
Make sure toys are nontoxic. Crayons and paints should have ASTM D-4236 on the package. This means the materials have been tested by the American Society for Testing and Materials and judged safe for young children.
Some toys are loud enough to damage hearing. Use caution when buying toys that make noise.
Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Check for choking hazards.
- Check to make sure stuffed toys are washable. Fabrics must be flame resistant.
- Avoid anything that can fit into a toilet paper tube.
- Make sure any string is less than seven inches long.
- If toy has a battery, the case needs to be secured with screws so child cannot open it.
- Make sure the toy has no sharp edges or ends, or small ends that can reach the back of the mouth.
- Check riding toys for stability. Rocking horses and other riding toys should have a safety strap.
Elementary School Age
- Make sure the child wears a helmet with CPSC or Snell certification when using a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or skates
- Do not buy darts or arrows with hard tips
- Pellet and BB guns should be reserved for those 16 or older
- Electronic toys should have the UL label.
Check the online lists, but keep in mind the child's interests and capabilities. Classic toys that have stood the test of time may last much longer than the latest fad and can be wonderful learning tools. Check the source of the information and try to determine whether it is unbiased.
Listen to what the child says, but also keep common sense in mind. Consider what the child does in leisure time and how he usually plays with friends. This will give important clues to the best choice. A few well-chosen toys that are durable and versatile will keep children entertained long after the latest fad has been forgotten.
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