First of all, we must understand that the suggested age that is listed on the toy’s packaging is important. This is a good guideline to use when making up one’s mind to purchase a new toy. This is especially helpful to new parents and people who are purchasing a gift. The age recommendation will help you to avoid buying a toy which may be too advanced for a child, or a toy which may be risky to a very small child.
An important point to remember about toddler safe toys, is that they should excite interest and curiosity, without creating frustration. Toddlers are always discovering. Play is a toddler’s job. If we make this job too difficult by expecting them to do what they are unable to do, they will not have fun, and they will not learn. Remember, most toddlers enjoy playing with the box as much as they do the toy.
Painted toys are a bit of a dilemma. Unfortunately, many of these toys are manufactured in areas with standards that do not meet proper safety requirements. There’s in fact been an inflow of painted toys containing lead paint, circulated in many places. If you choose to purchase a painted toy, you should be sure to take a look at the country where it was manufactured. Find out what the toy safety standards and prerequisites are. If you have any doubts, it is probably best not to purchase the toy.
It is important that your toddler’s toys are washable. Again, small kids tend to put everything into their mouths. Germs can be very quickly spread, through a contaminated toy which has not been decently cleaned. Toys which are made out of fabric, must be both washable, and flame resistant.
Always be sure to check out the length of any strings or pull cords on all toys. If they are long enough to be wrapped around a child’s neck, then you will want to avoid this toy. Balloons and small balls should never be given to kids who are under three years old. Once they are given to four and five year olds, they should still be closely monitored. A child of any age who puts balloons in or near the mouth should not be allowed to have them, as this may present a serious choking hazard.