Jan

Guide in Choosing the Right Toys

By Susan

Buying toys should be given much thought. This is because children’s maturity vary so they must be given toys right to their age.

Challenge kicks in when you have kids of several age-levels. Like a few months old and seven. You cannot buy toys that they will both enjoy playing together.

Majority of the toys comes with age-recommendation based on several factors such as age of the child, motor skills and level of maturity. It should also be taken with caution as kids mature at various levels, so consider your child’s capabilities before choosing toys for him or her.

Choose age-appropriate toys according to the following:

Birth – 1 year: Babies of this age are more fascinated by colors, shapes, textures and sounds so anything with sounds, with texture, or colorful are good for them. Toys such as Fisher Price Jumperoo, activity mats and gyms, baby swings and baby quilts are also good choices for they are complete. Also introduce reading to your child by giving him or her books with textures.

Ages 1 – 3: Children are mobile at this age so they need toys that are mobile as well. Great choices include walking toys that they can drive around like tiny baby carriages and supermarket grocery carts. Motor skills are being worked on at this age so let them write and color, pound, and run around. ‘Pretend’ toys are also very popular at this age.

Ages 3 – 5: This is the point where kids need kiddie vehicles as they are still processing their motor skills – and yes, freedom. Safety scissors, art crafts and puzzles are also good choices. Little girls would love to play dress-up and to be hooked in a fad can also be a common scene in this age bracket.

Ages 5 – 9: Kids are forever interested so at this age, they are bringing curiosity to a whole new level. Boys of this age will value robots so Transformers Optimus Prime will surely be a hit. It is also important that they get to search and be involved in sports.

Safety first should always be your mantra, so regardless of your child’s age, consider of their safety first before buying any toy. While toys can make them preoccupied, it is still best to know that they are safe with it.