When we were strolling at the mall, we passed by a toy shop, and my kid was eager to come inside. We were running everywhere in the store. We checked out the dolls and stuffed toys and even tried the balance bike.
My daughter was so amazed at the number of toys she saw like the peek a roo, and we stayed at the store for almost two hours. I was enjoying watching her, but then, I was worried that the toys she chose might not be ideal for her.
How do we choose the right outdoor toys for our kids? In this post, I have listed several important considerations when it comes to children’s toys.
Safety is Important
We do not want our kids to end up getting a cut or a bump in the head. We want them to enjoy their toys without the added injuries. That is why it is ideal to check if the toys you buy are safe for a child to play.
For instance, make sure that the toys are not toxic so as not to cause allergies. The materials must be free from lead, and they are not made of sharp objects.
Choose Toys That Are Appropriate For Their Age
Some toys are best for toddlers but may not be appropriate for babies. For example, you can give your 2-year-old son wooden toys but not to a 7-month-old. Otherwise, your baby will only bang it on his head and hurt himself.
Also, small toys may cause choking for smaller children but can be played by older kids. A good example is small Lego blocks that older kids can play and enhance their minds. Babies will only put the blocks in their mouths.
If your child is a bit older and they need more stimulation, then you may want to go for toys that are bright and adds to their imagination. For instance, the original Flat 2 Fast card racers are a great toy for kids who love to zoom around and pretend they are racing. They can also be taken anywhere and everywhere, giving them hours of fun. Think about what your child has shown interest in, and take a look at what is available either online or in toy stores so you can help their minds develop as well as give them that enjoyment.
Never Forget Mental Development
Toys are not only played for fun. These things can be used to help develop the minds of your children. Choose toys that will help enhance the creativity of your kids such as non-toxic paints, clays, and musical instruments.
You can also choose toys that will develop their mental skills especially in solving problems. These toys include puzzles, blocks, and board games.
Toys Must Be Attractive
Unfortunately, some toys are not appealing to kids. Even if you show the toys to them, they will not accept it or play with it.
If you are looking for a toy, think of what attracts your child. Does he love airplanes or cars? Consider the color of the toy and the designs that go with it. Will these make your child excited? If you’ve identified a brand you like the look of, but can’t see something you think your child will like, keep checking back; this toy store adds new toy brands and product lines each season, so it shouldn’t be too long before the perfect toy for your little one pops up. Finding attractive toys are also important. Otherwise, you end up wasting your money on buying something your child will not use.
Select Toys That Will Last For A Long Time
Choose toys that are made of durable materials. Some toys may look perfect at the store. But, by the time your child plays with it at home, it broke. Aside from making your child unhappy, it will make you spend more money to buy a replacement toy.
A lot of children also benefit from durable toys. It stays with them for years thus creating a sentimental value. It can be passed on to the next generation or even to their friends or younger siblings.
Pick a Practical Toy
The toys you select do not have to be very expensive. In fact, your child does not know the difference between a 20 dollar toy car and a 5 dollar toy car. He will not scrutinise the toys based on the price tag.
You can also choose toys that require less maintenance. It does not have to be battery operated, so you do not have to buy batteries all the time. You may also select toys that do not have accessories you need to buy separately.
Toys That Fit Your Family Values Are The Right Ones
What values do you want to teach your child when he grows up? You can start showing him these values through the toys he plays.
If you are going green and are helping the environment, choose wooden and non-plastic toys. If you do not believe in violence at home, avoid toys that instigate violence.
Be consistent in your choices. Once you started with a specific value, you must implement it with all of the toys so your child will not get confused. It is also ideal to explain it to your children so that they will understand your choices. While your baby may not realize it at first, you need to teach your older kids the reasons why you choose the kind of toys you buy for them.
Give Your Child The Best
There are so many toys that your child can have. The options are endless. However, choosing the right kind of toys will help your child in his development while at the same time maximizing his enjoyment. He will love his toys, and his mind will be challenged.
Whenever we at the toy store, I see to it that the toys we choose to buy are appropriate toys for my child. I looked at the age bracket, the game mechanism and what the toys are made of. It assures me that the things I give my kid are the best.
