Shopping for toys by age can be extremely helpful especially for those that don’t have children of their own. There are many things to consider when shopping for toys by age. You will want to think about their developmental stage and what skills they are developing at their age. For younger babies and children the simpler the toy is the better. It’s always a good idea to stick with the classics like nesting and stacking toys. As your child grows their toys will become less classic and generic and get more specific to their personality and interests. To make safe choices please read the guidelines below.
When shopping for children under the age of 3 the most important safety issue is a choking hazard. You will want to make sure you avoid all toys with the warning label "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD — small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs". Make sure you select toys that are well made and durable for this age so that pieces don’t break off and create a hazard for your baby. Since children of this age often tend to put everything in their mouth make sure you are picking safe and even eco friendly products.
Shop for 3 Years and Under
Avoid any toys that have sharp edges or points. It is best to avoid any toys which can be bent or broken to ensure that your child doesn’t injure themselves. Make sure that all arts and crafts products are non-toxic.
Shop for 3-5 Years
Make sure to check the recommended age range on toys for your child especially games where they may not be able to fully comprehend all that is involved at a younger age.
When buying sporting equipment, bicycles, etc. it is important to ensure that you have all of the appropriate safety equipment and gear that is necessary. For example make sure you have a durable and quality bike helmet when you purchase a bike.
Please remember that safety comes first. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires toy manufacturers to meet strict standards for safety. Check for their recommendations and labels on toys.
Shop for 6 Years and Above
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