Picking out toys for you toddlers is part of the joy of being a parent. It’s like reliving your own childhood all over again! Better yet, by choosing toys wisely, you can help your little one develop the skills they’ll need later in life as they play.
Here are things to consider when shopping for toys for your child.
Safety First
You’ve probably seen news of toys being recalled for safety issues such as lead paint, sharp edges and choking hazards. In the U.S. the Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that all toys made in the USA after 1995 or imported for sale meet certain safety standards.
Beyond that, parents should be sure that the toys they give their children are appropriate for their age. Here are a few things to look out for when choosing toys for toddlers:
- Toys that are less than 1.75 inches in diameter can present a choking hazard. Avoid giving these toys to children under three. Make sure that older siblings keep their small toys out of reach of your toddler.
- Toys with long strings and cords are a strangulation hazard. Make sure any strings or cords are less than 8 inches long.
- Toys made out of brittle plastic can break, leaving sharp edges. Look for toys made out of well-sanded wood or thicker plastic.
- Look for toys that can be easily cleaned and sanitized. Cloth toys and stuffed animals should be washable.
Make it a habit to regularly go through your toddler’s toys to look for ones that are broken or worn out. It’s also important to get your toddler into the habit of cleaning up after themselves as toys and books left on the floor are tripping hazards.
Feed Their Imaginations
Your toddler’s creativity, vocabulary and social skills will blossom if you give them plenty of opportunity to exercise their imagination. Look for toys that encourage toddlers to create their own storylines and interact with their parents, siblings and friends. While one or two toys based on a favorite cartoon character will do no harm, it’s best to give your child “generic” toys so that they can fill in the details themselves without being tied to storylines from television or the movies.
Some of the best toys to ignite a young imagination include:
Blocks – Toddlers will not only use their imaginations to create structures, they’ll also weave stories that take place in the cities, roads, spaceships and other scenes that they build with their blocks. Blocks can be a satisfying solitary activity and an exercise in working with a group.
Dolls/Stuffed animals/Other figures – Playing house, veterinarian, zookeeper, teacher…these are just a few of the richly imaginative games that children will play with their dolls. Provide a variety and don’t limit yourself by your child’s gender.
Puppets – Who can resist a good puppet show? At first, your toddler might prefer watching you put on a play, but it’s only a matter of time before they push you into the role of appreciative audience.
Arts and crafts supplies – Don’t let the potential for mess scare you away from doing art projects with your children. Most art supplies sold for children are washable and children will quickly learn to respect your rules for playing with them if you are consistent.
Develop Their Skills
Children instinctively gravitate towards the kinds of play that help develop their fine and gross motor skills. Some of the best toys are free at the local public playground: children need time every day to run, jump, climb and swing. Being outside in nature will also help a child’s development as they learn about the world around them and interact with a wide variety of people.
At home, parents can continue to encourage their child’s social and cognitive skills by providing them with playthings that reinforce these skills. Some good bets include:
Puzzles – Sturdy wooden puzzles work best for toddlers as they’ll stand up to heavy use. Puzzles help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, frustration tolerance and how to work as a team to solve problems. Children will also learn the importance of putting their toys away since puzzles are not very much fun when they are missing pieces.
Board Games – Simple board games will teach your toddler how to take turns, cause and effect and how to be a good sport. Many toddlers will also delight in being included as a parent’s partner in board games meant for an older set; this can be a good way to help increase their attention span and cooperation skills. Games that focus on questions and answers, like the Box Girls sets, can help toddlers improve their conversation skills even if they are only listening to the rest of the family play.
Skills boards/Dolls – Toddlers enjoy boards or dolls that are filled with snaps, buckles, zippers, laces and buttons. You can also find versions that are made with latches, locks and hooks. These help children develop the fine motor skills that they’ll need to become self sufficient in dressing themselves and strengthen the muscles that they’ll need for handwriting.
Play food – Play food is not only great for a game of restaurant or house, it is also good for improving fine motor skills and balance. Play foods that are designed to be cut with a play knife and put back together via velcro help children learn hand eye coordination and practice moving their wrists in a fine, controlled way. Carrying pretend food on plates and trays help children learn how to balance objects and set them down safely without spilling.
The Most Important Thing to Remember
The very best thing that you can do for your child is to take time every day to play with him or her. Even ten or fifteen minutes of your undivided attention makes such a difference in your child’s life. It can be hard to drag ourselves away from the demands of modern life, but you’ll be amazed at how refreshed and revitalized you’ll feel after playing house or Simon says or doing puzzles for a little while. Make time for play for both yourself and your child’s wellbeing!
Authors Jacob and Carol Maslow are the proud parents of five preteen children who have learned from experience that real toys don’t require batteries. Carol works as a therapist, specializing in integrating developmentally delayed preschoolers with their classmates. Jacob works at online retailer Today’s Concept, where parents can find the classic Melissa and Doug Toys.