Posted by admin on October 29, 2009 | 2 Comments
No doubt about it, children love presents. The attorneys and staff of Stampone Law want to help you select children’s gifts that not only tantalize the imagination, but also provide safe, age-appropriate entertainment for the youngsters in your life.
When facing the dazzling array of possibilities at your local toy store, focus on the age and developmental stage of the child for whom you are shopping. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toys that are too advanced may pose safety hazards for younger children. With that in mind, look for manufacturers’ age recommendations on package labels when making your selections. It is also important to choose toys that are durable and well made. Toys should be able to stand up to not only their intended uses, but also to the inevitable abuses that children inflict while putting toys through their paces.
Toys for little tots:
Children aged zero to two months enjoy interesting sights and sounds, while those from two to six months show increasing interest in touching, holding and mouthing objects. Toys for children under age three should not contain any small pieces that could become lodged in the child’s throat — items such as small balls, marbles, balloons and those with long strings or cords present choking and strangulation hazards. Crib toys that tie to a crib’s bars can be especially dangerous. Appropriate toys for infants include soft blocks, simple rattles, squeeze toys and plush animals.
Top Choices for Toddlers:
Toddlers like to be on the go and enjoy active toys that allow them to test their physical skills. Children that are approaching the two-year mark also enjoy making simple block structures and grouping objects by color or shape. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends sturdy push toys with large wheels as well as ride-on toys for this age group. Ride-on toys should be stable, with four or more wheels. Large building blocks, stackable cups and plush toys without whiskers, buttons, bows or bells are also good choices.
Proper Purchases for Preschoolers:
Children ages three to five show increasing skill at picking up small objects, grasping crayons and pencils as an adult would hold them and stringing small beads. If, however, a child in this age group is still mouthing small objects, he or she should not be given toys with small parts. The Academy of Pediatrics recommends short books, non-toxic art supplies and puzzles with large pieces. Push toys that resemble adult tools such as lawn mowers and shopping carts would also be good choices.
Appropriate Toys for Ages Five to Nine:
Children in this age are able to engage in arts and crafts and use simple mechanical toys such as cars and trains. The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends craft materials, puppets, books and sports equipment for children at these ages. Children ages eight and up can also begin to use battery-operated toys. It is important to check battery-operated toys regularly for loose or exposed wires, and children should not be allowed to change batteries by themselves.
Popular Choices for Pre-Teens:
Children aged 10 to 14 years often have hobbies, show interest in science and enjoy strenuous physical activity. Appropriate gifts for this age group include microscopes, table and board games and sports equipment. Adults should remember that when younger children attempt to play with more advanced toys, injuries may result. Accordingly, adults should ensure that younger children cannot gain access to older children’s toys.
Whatever toys you choose, be sure to read any instructions carefully before allowing children to play with new toys, check toys often for broken or loose parts and remind children to put their toys away when playtime is over. For additional information about safe toys and safe toy storage, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270) or write to U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, 4330 East-West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814. The Safety Commission is also on-line at http://www.cpsc.gov.
