Choosing Age Appropriate Toys

Parents are sometimes left dazed, confused even by the variety of toys on sale for preschoolers. However, to make the best decision when purchasing toys for children, it is important to make sure you buy gifts that are appropriate based on the age group and interests.

To determine if a toy is safe and right for a preschooler (or any other child) ask yourself a few questions:

Is this toy safe for a 2 to 3 year old? Pay attention to the toy manufacturer’s recommendation as to the age group the toy is made for.

Is this smaller than my preschooler’s fist? If the answer is yes, then it is not safe to be played with.

Does this toy have small, moveable parts or loose parts? If yes, preschoolers should not play it.

Is the toy heavy? Heavy toys can fall and break or hurt little feet and toes. It is always best to purchase toys that are just right for preschool children, that is, they can easily lift and carry it.

Does the toy need electrical power to operate? Toys that need electricity to operate should normally be reserved for older children.

Are there sharp edges on the toy? Sharp edges are a safety hazard and should not be given to preschool aged children, especially without parental supervision.

The material used to make toys for children is also important when thinking about safety. Toys made from lead or painted with lead-based paint are particularly harmful to children. As such read the documents that come with the toys to determine what type of material is used to make the toy. In addition, if you are evaluating toys for children look for reviews on the internet or in magazines; there is nothing like another parent’s opinion to guide your toy buying decision.

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