Toys SELECTION SAFETY OF TOYS TOYS n The

. . . Toys. . . SELECTION & SAFETY OF TOYS

TOYS n The word “Toy” comes from an old English term that means TOOL n With these tools, children are allowed to use their senses, fine and gross motor skills, and their imaginations. n Toys are valuable TEACHING tools.

Toys should be: n AGE- APPROPRIATE – Check the suggested age on the packaging n SAFE – This applies to new and used toys n TEACH a Skill or Concept n FUN - FUN!!!

Safety Concerns n Toys should be BIG How Big? Try fitting it through a toilet paper roll. If a toy or part of a toy can fit inside this cylinder, then it’s not safe. n IS THE TOY TOO HEAVY ? Could your baby be harmed if it fell on him? n LOOK FOR TOYS THAT ARE WELL PUT TOGETHER Look for toys that won’t break easily and that can be cleaned easily.

n NON TOXIC MATERIALS For toddlers and babies avoid painted toys. Why? n IS THE TOY IN GOOD CONDITION? Examine all new or used toys for buttons, batteries, ribbons, eyes, beads, or plastic appendages that could easily be chewed or snapped off. Broken toys should be thrown away. Also there should be no sharp edges or points. n IS THERE A STRING OR CORD ON THE TOY LONGER THAN 12 INCHES? A cord can too easily be wrapped around a young child’s neck, causing strangulation

Toys for Newborns In the first months, before she learns to grasp objects or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. n Her vision will be fuzzy at first and she’ll fix on things that are about 8 to 14 inches from her eyes. n She’s drawn to the human face—and can recognized yours at about 1 month—but she will also enjoy large picture of faces. n

n High contrast patterns and bright colors captivate her because they’re the easiest for her to see. n Objects that move slowly are far more interesting to her than those that are fixed and silent- Like a mobile over the crib. n TAPE PLAYER OR MUSIC BOX: Music is one of the best ways to entertain and soothe your infant

n UNBREAKABLE MIRROR: Although they won’t realize it’s themselves they’re seeing at this state, babies find their own reflection fascinating. n SENSORY TOYS: A soft toy that makes noises

3 -6 Month Olds: n A baby discovers how much fun his own hands can be now that they’re no longer clenched in a fist. n Can use their hands to grasp a toy that has been placed in his hands. n He is now able to pass a toy back and forth between his hands, usually popping it into his mouth.

n ACTIVITY CENTER: A rack that comes with dangling toys. Your baby can bat at the toys, pull them and rattle them. n LIGHTWEIGHT RATTLES: Babies love making nose. n SOFT STUFFED ANIMALS: This is the age at which many children begin forming an attachment to a plush animal. You do want dolls and animals with stitched-on-features. Soft toys with plastic eyes and mouth are potential choking hazards. Also off-limits are features such as bells, buttons, ribbons, and yarn that your baby can yank off and stuff into his mouth.

n SQUEAKY RUBBER TOYS: Anything a baby can grip and squeak is usually popular with this age group. n BOARD BOOKS: Board books can withstand mouthing, and drooling. n COLORFUL TEETHING RINGS: There’s nothing like gnawing on a soft plastic ring when your gums are sore. Some of these contain fluid that freezes softly when you store them in the freezer to provide cold relief who your baby needs it.

6 months to one year: n Older infants can sit up and start to explore their worlds, which gives their toys a new perspective. n They can manipulate toys with their hands.

n They have a fascination with their own bodies, and now begin to discover their feet – this can entertain them as well as any toy. n Also children at this age like to make things happen, they like to push a button and hear a song or see lights go on.

6 months to one year: Toy Suggestions: rattles, soft books and board books, large popping beads, ‘push me – pull me toys’, musical and chime toys, stuffed animals, shape sorters and stacking blocks, pop up toys, toys that squeak when squeezed.

1 -3 Year Olds: n Toddlers are active and interested in exploring the world around them. n Toys that offer physical play and coordination help encourage their gross motor skills. n Small motor skills are stimulated by puzzles, books and stacking toys.

1 -3 Year Olds: Toy Suggestions: ‘Push me – Pull me’ toys, ride-on toys, blocks and stacking toys, trucks, trains, play household items, kitchens, sandbox toys, soft dolls, pop-up books, bath toys, shape sorters, music toys, soft balls, big shape puzzles, dress up items

3 -6 Year Olds: n Preschoolers begin to engage in more social play and start to master the skills of makebelieve. n Often children will create conversations between toys or set up towns for their animals. n Creative and craft oriented materials enhance small motor skills n Toys that offer more physical skills are popular.

3 -6 Year Olds: Toy Suggestions: play household items, dress up clothes, simple crafts, simple sports equipment, books, music, computer games, building blocks, trikes, backyard playgrounds, puppets, puzzles, action figures, smaller dolls and dollhouses, smaller blocks, art supplies, sports equipment, board games, card games,