Toys For Kids : A Guide To Buying Age-Appropriate Toys
Kids learn in different ways during different times of their
development. What was exciting and interesting to a child at age
two may become boring when they turn four. Trying to find play
items that intrigue and stimulate a child can be difficult.
There are thousands of choices on the toy aisles, each one
claiming to be the best.
And parents aren't the only ones making the decisions. As kids
age, they want a part in the selection process. TV
advertisements and peer pressure push children into demanding
"must-have" toys, even if they're not age appropriate. And as
most parents quickly discern, the most popular toys are usually
the most expensive and the hardest to find.
Most toys come with an age recommendation. This recommendation
is based on a number of factors, including the age of the child,
the expected motor skills, and the level of maturity. However,
age labeling should be taken with a grain of salt. Kids mature
at different rates, so it's important to think about your
child's capabilities when selecting a toy.
Here are some guidelines and suggestions for choosing
age-appropriate toys:
Birth to 1 Year: Children of this age do not really play, but
they are intrigued by shapes, colors, and anything that makes a
sound. Soft stuffed animals, squeaky bath toys, and large,
colorful balls will intrigue these new little people. Lay your
child on a quilt and place an "activity gym" over him. These
gyms have dangling toys that will catch his eye, and he will try
to grab or kick them, teaching him to use his developing
muscles. Children of this age love to be held, so settle down
with some cloth or vinyl books and introduce her to the world of
reading.
Ages 1 - 3: As every parent knows, children go mobile at this
age, and their toys need to be mobile as well. Also remember,
that toddlers play next to other children, rather than with
other children, so keep that in mind when selecting
age-appropriate toys. Some great choices for this age group
include walking toys that kids can push, like baby carriages or
small grocery carts. Children in this age group are starting to
work on their motor skills, so plenty of paper and thick crayons
are essential. Pounding toys are very popular (unfortunately!),
and trucks and dolls are often the toy of choice. It is at this
age that little people want to mimic big people, so pretend
kitchens and toy telephones can make them feel just like mom and
dad.
Ages 3 - 5: It's time to hit the road, so a tricycle is a great
gift for this age group. Motor skills continue to be on the
upswing, so buy puzzles with large pieces, and introduce them to
safety scissors and simple crafts. Little girls will like to
dress up and have tea, while little boys will spend hours moving
cars around a track. This is the age where fads take hold, so be
prepared to start a collection of whatever is hot.
Age 5 - 9: Peer pressure hits this age group with a force, and
parents will find that only particular toys are acceptable. It's
important to keep them learning, so make certain they have
computer games and sports equipment. More complicated crafts can
be introduced, and that full-fledged bicycle will require a
sturdy helmet. There are age-appropriate science kits available,
and kids will love to strap on outdoor gear and go exploring.
No matter the age, remember that safety is the key. Is the child
mature enough to handle and understand the toy? While a child
may want what's pitched in the latest TV ad campaign, buying
age-appropriate toys is the best way to insure that your child
will have a fun, interesting, and safe childhood.