Billions of dollars are spent on children’s toys that are broken or discarded after a few weeks,
and parents face tough choices between pleasing their children and getting the most for their
money. Here are some practical guidelines for toy purchases.
• Choose toys that allow children to make and build things, play make believe.
• Select toys that can be used in many different ways like blocks and dolls that last a lot longer than a wind-up or
battery toy that isn’t versatile.
• Choose simply designed toys that prompt children to ask, “What can I do with this toy?” rather than “What can
the toy do?”
• Help children resist television character toys that have limited potential for play.
Set limits on toy requests and let them see the toys as they actually are in stores.
• Buy some toys that you and your child can play with together. Playing together is fun and helps parents understand
how children see the world.
• Toys, games and books that promote stereotypes teach children misinformation and limit their potential. Young children of both sexes
like to play with all kinds of toys and should have that opportunity.
• Consider the child’s age, interests and abilities when purchasing toys. Use toy manufacturers’ guidelines to decide the
toy’s suitability.
• Buy only sturdy, durable and safe toys. Look for quality design and construction in all toys for all ages.
Stick with reputable manufacturers. Choose toys that can easily be cleaned and sterilized.
• Pay attention to labels. Fabric and cloth materials should be labeled “flameresistant” or “flame-retardant.” Stuffed
animals and toys should be labeled “washable/hygienic materials.” Painted toys and art materials should be labeled
“non-toxic.”
• Avoid toys with sharp edges, cords and strings that can strangle young children, small parts that can easily be swallowed
or become lodged in a young child’s throat, items like dart guns with propelled parts that can injure eyes, loud toys that can injure hearing,
electric toys that can cause an electric shock or burn, and hand-me-down toys that don’t meet current safety standards.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.