Wise Toy Choices 























What toys are appropriate for my child?   (return to Toys) 
 
Your baby will thrive in an environment that offers continual safety, gentle stimulation, and selective entertainment.  Toys can be expensive and there are thousands out there to choose from today!  Remember, toys are your child’s tools for learning, so make wise toy choices for your child.
 
As a parent, you are your baby’s first real “toy,” so talk to your baby, laugh with your baby, sing to your baby, play games with your baby, and have lots of fun together as often as you can.  When baby is ready, begin to add in safe toys.  Some suggestions are small musical crib toys, soft plush dolls or animals (preferably hypoallergenic), and a teether with a ring.  The items you add to your baby’s play area should amuse, delight, and gently stimulate your baby while also continuing to ensure baby's environment remains safe.
 
Another good idea is to keep an ongoing gift list for family and friends to ensure that items added to baby’s environment are what you want and are age appropriate.  Some items on that list may include brightly colored mobiles with soft shapes and soothing music; a rattle to get baby’s attention; a bath toy to make bath time fun; a soft, cuddly, plush animal to offer comfort and security; and music (music box, tape, or CD) to relax and induce sleep.  As baby gets older, add in a mirror, cloth blocks, a crib or floor gym, balls, and eventually push/pull toys and shape-sorting boxes. 
 
When your child is busy at play, what is he or she doing?  If you think about the types of activities your child enjoys, you can choose good toys that will appeal to him or her.  Select a toy that fits your child right now, and one that matches your child’s interests and abilities.  Offer variety and a good balance with activity, creativity, and learning.  You want your child's playtime as healthy as possible.
 
Play is essential for children to grow and learn.   Look for toys that will help your children learn to:
  • figure out how something works
  • use their imagination
  • build strong muscles they can control
  • pick up new words or ideas
  • solve problems
  • cooperate with others
  • and, have fun!
Toys affect what children learn and how they feel about themselves and others.  When children play with baby dolls, they are practicing what it is like to be a parent.  Select different types of toys to help your child become a well-rounded individual.  As your child grows, let your child decide which toy to use and how to play with it. 
 
Hands-on toys build hand-eye coordination, encourage ideas about how things work, and teach problem solving.  Blocks, sorting toys, and even kitchen toys are great examples of hands-on toys.
 
Books and recordings can be a great source of joy for children.  Choose books to build on your child’s interests.  Infants enjoy bright pictures and soon are able to turn pages of board books.  Good choices will help your child appreciate words, literature, and music.  Children who are read to in their early years usually become better readers.  Today, it is also important to expose your child to computer software, but be selective at this early age and limit their exposure.  When you are watching TV or a movie, discuss the show or movie during commercial breaks.  This can be a great teaching time, as well as a time to just enjoy doing something together!  Learn to appreciate your child's perspective!
 
Art materials foster creativity and build skills that lead to reading, writing, and seeing beauty in life.  Children learn the most and gain confidence when their art is all their own – so avoid coloring books and models to copy.  Ask your child to tell you about their art, and avoid asking, “What is it?”  Remember – children enjoy the doing and are not concerned about the end result.
 
Construction items such as blocks are excellent ways to help children learn about science and number ideas.  They will also help contribute to muscle strength and coordination. 
 
Experimental materials such as clay, water, sand, and musical instruments are great learning aids because children have so much control over them.  Through these activities, children begin to learn about math and science.  Let your child create music with real instruments.  Babies love to shake bells mounted on an elastic band around their ankles or feet (be sure they are secure!), and young children can handle harmonicas, maracas, triangles, small recorders, and drums.
 
Pretend play objects such as dolls, stuffed animals, action figures, puppets, and dress-up clothes give children a chance to use their imagination.  This type of play helps children to understand their world and how we work together. 
 
Soft and cuddly companions will foster a sense of security for your child, whether it is a special blanket, plush animal, or baby doll.
Toys arranged on low, open shelves are easier for children to find, reach, and return.  Children need time, space, and some child or adult companionship to enjoy their toys.  Infants especially need a responsive adult to introduce them to their world.  You set the stage for how and what your child will learn with the toys and materials you select.  Choose them wisely and carefully.
 
And, when playtime is over, remember to disinfect your child’s toys regularly.  Here’s a simple recipe to disinfect washable colorfast toys:
1.  Wash toys in soapy water.  Rinse thoroughly.
2.  Clean toys in a solution of 1 gallon water with 3/4 cup household bleach (wear gloves).  Let toys soak in this solution for 5 minutes.
3.  Rinse completely and dry.
 
The right toy at the right time will help your child grow up healthy and happy.