During this holiday season, as parents, friends and family look to buy toys for the kids on their lists or donate them to those less fortunate, I have some suggestions on what to avoid buying and what to consider. instead. Of course, not all gifts have to be purchased. Daily play opportunities bring joy and help children and teens improve their skills. Response games are great for babies and toddlers as they help strengthen the bond between them and their caregivers while promoting healthy development.
Here are 10 helpful tips to consider when selecting safe toys and using them safely. Be sure to select toys that are appropriate for your child’s age.
Be sure to read the safety labels! Be very careful with anything that has small parts or small pieces attached if you have a child under 3 years old. Balloons are also not suitable for this age group.
It’s not always a good idea to opt for “old” toys. Although many old and used toys are probably safe to use, it is important to note that they may no longer have their safety labels. You may not know if they have been recalled or if they are broken in a way that could make them less safe. Be especially careful when handling items made before 2008, as that was the year toy safety laws were implemented.
Toys in motion. Make sure your child knows how to use toys like scooters, skateboards, and bicycles safely and actually uses them safely. Be sure to also include proper protective gear, such as helmets, to accompany these gifts.
Toys that make noise. Yes, it is true that loud noises have the potential to damage our hearing. It is important to consider the amount of noise we encounter throughout our lives, especially with the widespread use of earbuds. Starting early with extra noise is something you should definitely avoid. You always have the option of muting the sound, but it might be a smarter option to simply refrain from purchasing the toy.
Silt. It appears that certain brands may contain high levels of toxic boron. You can try making your own slime using simple recipes that don’t require borax. There are many options available online. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can simply choose to avoid using slime altogether. Fidget spinners and other toys designed specifically for adults. Be careful if it says “designed for adults.” This implies that the manufacturer is not required to comply with the toy safety standards established by the United States for children.
“Hatching” toys. When the eggs hatch, they produce small fragments that can potentially pose a choking hazard.
Smart gadgets and toys. There is a chance that they will collect information that you would prefer not to reveal, and there is also the risk of potential hacking incidents. Mozilla offers a fantastic resource that can help you determine which devices are more secure compared to others. Don’t forget to keep privacy in mind when gifting these items to children.
Make up. Certain brands may contain harmful chemicals. In my opinion, I think it’s not really necessary for young children to wear makeup.
What are some of your favorite back-to-basics toys to choose from? The best toys for children are those that are simple and promote pretend play, creativity, fine motor skills, language development, and movement. Imagine things like dolls, puppets, costumes, train sets, blocks and other construction sets, balls, jump ropes, bicycles, Paw Patrol toys, books, and of course, all kinds of art supplies. The toys that provide the longest lasting fun are those that require imagination and interaction, encourage children to be active, and support their development.
Paw Patrol Advent Calendar with 24 surprise toys
I have three specific types of toys that I would like to recommend: I look for toys that do not have a screen. Many children spend too much time in front of screens.
Let’s consider skipping electronics this year. Games that promote physical activity. Nowadays, it seems that we all lead a very sedentary life.
Getting out and exercising is really wonderful, which is why gifts like bikes and balls can be absolutely fantastic. If it’s really cold outside or you don’t have much outdoor space that’s easy to get to, try looking for activities you can do indoors. I really enjoy playing with balls that have handles and allow you to sit and bounce. They are a lot of fun! Balance boards, ride-on toys, trampolines, and even indoor tightrope are also great options for having a good time. You can use a yoga mat for various types of exercise. If you have the opportunity, it’s a great idea to create a designated exercise area in addition to your home office setup. toy sets that can be used for group play. You should try to find games that the whole family can enjoy together. There are many options available, so you are sure to find something that everyone will love. You might also consider purchasing a train set or building kit that you both can enjoy together. Now, more than ever, we realize how much we depend on each other. It’s important to find joy and have fun, especially during the holiday season. Combining both is truly a wonderful gift.
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