Children learn through play, so toys are beneficial for development. However, it's important that children play with the right toys at the right age. Do you know which toys are best suited for your child's developmental stage? Here are a few tips & tricks.
Buying Toys? Always Pay Attention to the Packaging
Are you buying toys for a child? Always pay attention to the packaging of the toy. It tells you exactly what you need to know and whether the toy is suitable for the child's age. Toys for toddlers, for example, are made of very different materials than toys designed for preschoolers. Fortunately, toys in Europe must always meet strict standards.
Tips for Buying Safe Toys
But what should you pay attention to when buying toys? Or what is a suitable gift to give to young children? Here are a few tips:
- Young children like to put everything in their mouths. That's how they learn and explore. Therefore, it's crucial that the toy is easy to wash and doesn't have small parts that can come loose.
- Toys with strings, threads, or anything children can get caught in are a no-go, especially for those under three years old.
- Be cautious with toys that make loud noises. This can damage children's hearing without you realizing it.
- Invest in good quality toys. Wooden toys are a good example of this. Plus, wooden toys are also a sustainable choice.
- If the toy has magnets or small batteries, make sure they are securely attached and cannot come loose easily. Ingesting these can be dangerous for children.
- Be mindful of chemical substances in toys, ensure that the materials used are non-toxic.
Playing at Different Ages
Children also enjoy playing together. Do you have an older child who likes to play with their younger sibling? Let them play with the younger one's toys. Also, when older children visit, it's wise to keep their toys separate. You can even have the older children play at a table so the little one can't put anything in their mouth.
Cleaning Up Toys
Are you done playing? Then tidy up the toys right away! Not only does this prevent mess in the house, but it also teaches your children good manners. Another benefit of cleaning up toys immediately is preventing accidents: no one will trip over scattered toys, and unsafe toys will stay out of reach of the little ones.