Every parent wants to give their child the best, and when it comes to toys, it’s important to ensure that the items you select for your little one are both safe and age-appropriate. So here’s a quick guide to selecting the perfect toys for your baby:
● Age-appropriateness
Babies and children have different physical and cognitive abilities and needs at different age groups, therefore, it’s important to choose toys that are age-appropriate, in order to ensure that your child is having fun whilst keeping safe. To give you a broader understanding of the different types of toys that suit the various age categories and developmental stages of newborns, infants and toddlers, read our Gift Guide.
● Chewing resistance
Children have a natural tendency of putting anything and everything in their mouths. So it’s best to ensure that whatever toy you give them is made out of safe, non-toxic materials, whilst also ensuring that bits and pieces of the toy will not be chewed and ingested by the child overtime. Always refer to the labels and instructions on toys and stay informed about the kind of materials used and incorporated (e.g. non-toxic label, BPA-free label, etc.)
● Not too loud
Overly loud toys can be dangerous and hazardous as they may frighten the baby, or worse – damage their fragile ear drums. Avoid loud, high-pitched sounds such as sirens and whistles, especially during the first 6 months.
● No small and loose parts
It’s best to avoid toys with small and loose parts, especially when it comes to children under the age of 3 years. Small toys and loose parts could result in a choking hazard. Some toys come with removable parts, in which case you have to make sure the individual parts aren’t too small. Always check with the store if the toy is safe for children under the age of 3 when making a purchase. Another option is to remove these smaller parts and hand your child the bigger chunks to play with.
● Make sure it’s washable
Germs spread to everything, including toys. Since your child will likely put things in his/her mouth, it is best to wash toys regularly to prevent them from getting sick. If the toy isn’t washable, it should at least be easy to clean with a wet cloth and kept under direct sunlight to dry. So always opt for toys that are easy to clean and/or wash.
● No sharp elements
Always check to ensure that there are no sharp or harmful elements such as wires, spokes or sharp edges and corners in the toys you select for your child. Even if there are wires that have been covered or reinforced with fabrics, it still may not be safe as the fabric over it may wear off over a period of time, exposing the metal or wire beneath. So it’s best to avoid toys that incorporate such elements altogether.
● Strength and durability
It’s perfectly normal for a happy and healthy child to want to bang and bash his/her toys around, drag them across the floor, smash them together or even slam it on the ground. It’s how they discover new things and find joy and entertainment in their surroundings. So make sure that the toys you invest in are strong and durable, allowing room for your little one to play as rough as his/her heart desires.
