subject: A parent's shopping guide: how to buy the right toy [print this page] A parent's shopping guide: how to buy the right toy
Never before has there been such a rich and wonderful variety of toys and games for babies and children. You could get lost in a toy store and distracted from your task at hand if you weren't sure what you were looking for. Buying gifts or refreshing the toy box in your own home can be a difficult job unless you are aware of the elements that go into choosing the right toy.
Babies
Gender there isn't much difference in toys for baby boys and girls because at this age they are too young to register these differences. So don't fuss too much at this stage about getting blues or pinks or dolls or trucks.
Safety this should be your first concern. For very young babies, soft items are important because they often don't have very good control over their hands and so they may hurt themselves with a hard toy. For older babies, hard toys are ok, as long as there are no sharp or pointy edges. For babies of all ages it is critical that the toy does not contain any small removable parts or anything that they can bite or swallow. Anything with a painted surface is not a good idea, because it will end up in baby's mouth and may chip away and/or be toxic.
Age Appropriate because babies can't do much, they are better off with soft or spongy toys like plush toys, rattles, balls and things made of fabric. They like simple items that might make a sound or many sounds like a play mat or a squeaky hammer or ball with a bell inside. There are lovely fabric books around with crackly fabric and mirrors and moving parts. Babies will engage better with black and white at first, and then bright colours with big patterns and images.
Washable it is a good idea to get toys that are washable either by a cloth or by washing machine. Babies dribble over toys and get food on everything. Parents like to be able to keep the toy well maintained and hygienic.
Toddlers
Gender at this age, some children prefer gender specific toys. Little girls sometimes like to carry dolls or push strollers like mummy and boys like to push trucks and ride little vehicles.
Safety children will get more physical with their toys as they mature. They will continue to put things in their mouth so it is still very important to make sure toys don't contain small parts. Sharp edges and pointy ends are still good to avoid.
Age Appropriate as children grow they will be using more of their skills. Toys that encourage interaction such as things to push or pull, build or sort will always keep a toddler busy. Puzzles, sorters and blocks are essential for little ones to learn fine motor skills and about things in their world. Books are also important to encourage listening and develop a love of reading.
Children
As a child gets older, their interests will become more obvious and toy buying becomes a little easier.
It is a good idea to encourage their interests and introduce them to new ones. Books are great as they learn to read and more difficult puzzles and games will be appreciated.
Gender roles become more defined with age and colours will become important.
If you can't find what you are looking for in the local toyshop or supermarket, then become acquainted with online toyshops. Online you can order brands from overseas and specific items from a collection. You can make use of the online advice section and make the whole experience a lot easier by being able to shop by age, gender, brand or theme.
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