Guidelines For Choosing Toys For Toddlers
Parents love to pamper children with toys. Every new toy is accompanied by it’s just a toy! mentality. But you also need to realize that before you buy any toy for kids, you should check the safety aspects of it. It is also important to see the ‘recommended age’ sticker while choosing a toy.
Parents are always enthusiastic to buy toys and help their child learn something new. Every single toy in a toy-store would look colourful and attractive, but choosing the right one for your toddler is very important. Here are some easy guidelines to follow when you are picking up some toys for your tot.
Tips for Choosing Right Toys For Toddlers
- Carefully read what the pack says. The age-appropriate recommendations are given for two vital reasons. First, to help your child’s developmental needs and secondly, to keep him safe. If you are getting him small blocks for making a tower, make sure that the pieces are not too tiny. They should be big enough to not fit completely in his mouth. Additionally, ensure your child has developed the manual dexterity to play with it.
- Don’t follow the hype. Maybe you just heard about the newly launched toy, but it doesn’t have to be right for your child. He maybe too young for it. At this age, toddler’s decisions shape their brains. Listen to what he wants for himself and then take the final decision.
- Don’t avoid the joy which common household items have been providing for ages. Some things at home can act like safe toys such as plastic measuring cups, wooden spoons, paper bags and cardboard boxes. They offer a lot of fun, than those expensive toys at the market. And when you turn these into bath-time play toys or musical instruments, you will notice that your baby is equally happy with this utilization. Be extra sure that you are around when you give him something like paper bags or other items on which he could choke.
- Make sure you do not pick heavy toys for the little one. For example, do not get anything with a heavy lid. They may be able to open it but may not have the dexterity to stop it from falling shut on itself. Such toys can can become a source of injury and thus, should be avoided.
- Don’t buy excessive toys to entertain your child. Be careful on choosing what you buy. Update the toys when your child reaches varied milestones. This keeps him motivated and happy. Remember, that few special toys are much more precious than having a whole lot of junk.
- Indulge in something creative and use it as a toy. You can also indulge him in the process of making the craft item, or just let him watch if he is too young. This craft session can help you two bond well and he can use it to play with later on.
Creative Toys & Games to Give Your Kids
Toys are very important for your child’s development. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to have excess of it. Open-ended toys which encourage your child to use their creativity and problem-solving skills are the best toys to give your toddlers. Open-ended toys are inclusive of:
- Balls – They can be bounced, rolled, held, thrown or simply observed. They provide an excellent opportunity for development of fine motor skills.
- Musical Toys – Toddlers love music – and all things that make a noise! You can pick a musical toy to keep him engaged for a long time.
- Blocks – Blocks have manifold uses. On one hand, your child can build towers, while on the other, he can use its pieces to pretend like he is talking over the phone.
- Bits and Pieces of Craft – Colourful papers, crayons, stickers and washable markers can be given to your child, just to see what he can do out of a little imagination.
- Cardboard Boxes – These can be used for a variety of things. At one time it becomes a shop, then again an oven, then a car or a boat, or even a doll house.
So the next time you are out shopping toys for your little one, keep these things in mind, and choose the toys wisely.
