Guidelines for Choosing Toys

1. Guidelines for Choosing Toys • Safety • Bright colors • The development stage of a child • Allows child to learn or enhance skills • Allows child to use their imagination What guideline for choosing toys do you think is most important? Why?

2. Is The Toy Safe? • Is the toy or any removable part large enough so it cannot be swallowed or lodged in the ears or nose? • Are small parts securely attached? • Is it free of sharp edges and points? (Avoid toys made from glass or brittle plastic) • Is non-toxic paint used on painted toys?

3. Age-Appropriate Toys (Babies/Toddlers) • Can be chewed on. • Moving parts can be pushed, pulled, or turned that are securely attached. • Can be used for banging on things. • Stimulates their senses – sight, hearing, touch, and smell. • Helps to develop their large muscles and provide opportunities to run, jump, climb, crawl, or push and pull. • Large enough for inexperienced hands and fingers to use.

4. Age-Appropriate Toys (Babies/Toddlers) • Examples: sturdy, colorful rattles, mobiles, soft washable toys, rubber balls, blocks, pots and pans, small balls, plastic measuring cups, push and pull toys, tyke bikes, large screws and nuts, books with rhymes and pictures to identify, stacking toys, and very simple puzzles with large pieces.

5. Age-Appropriate Toys (Preschoolers) • Children use their imagination. • Satisfies their urge to be active. • Provides opportunity to imitate adult roles. (Playing house, doctor, etc.) • Social interaction. • Easy handling.

6. Age-Appropriate Toys (Preschoolers) • Examples: large crayons, paint brushes, puzzles with large pieces, building blocks, playdough and clay, a telephone, tricycles, sturdy wagons, wooden animals, dolls, store and housekeeping toys, and trains..

7. Age-Appropriate Toys (Middle Childhood) • Teaches new skills. • Can be shared and enjoyed with peers. • Developing interest in a future hobby or career. • Provides a realistic challenge. • Practice in reasoning and imagination.

8. Age-Appropriate Toys (Preschoolers) Examples: carpenter benches with light-weight tools, model construction sets, dolls and accessories, marbles, kites, hobby materials: stamp or coin collections, sports equipment, games, picture puzzles, cameras, and bicycles.

9. Age-Appropriate Toys (Later Childhood) • Challenging. • Helps to strengthen relationships with peers and adults. • Provides opportunity to pursue special interests and hobbies.