Toy stores and superstores have aisle upon aisle of children's toys, and advertisers and toy manufacturing companies are always trying to woo kids and parents with the next hit toy. Keeping safety, longevity and purpose in mind can help you select toys your children will enjoy playing with for as long as possible. Researching toys and learning about what they are made from, where they are manufactured and what ages they are intended for is a good place to start when shopping for your children.
Step 1
Purchase toys that help your child learn and develop skills during playtime. Babies and toddlers can hone their motor skills and color recognition with brightly colored blocks or cups. School-aged children can learn math, reading, spelling and other skills with electronic books and computer toys.
Step 2
Opt for classic toys appropriate for your child's developmental level and age to help ensure she gets the most playtime and enjoyment out of her toys. Stuffed animals, LEGOs, video game systems, dolls, walkie talkies, toy telephones, Play-Doh and modeling clay are some of the best classic toys, according to "Good Housekeeping."
Step 3
Check the labels on the packaging and the toy itself, recommends KidsHealth. Look for labels like "flame resistant" or "flame retardant" on fabric toys. Shop for nontoxic art supplies. Plush toys should be washable.
Step 4
Evaluate toys for babies and toddlers for sharp edges and choking hazards. Make sure the toys do not have small parts that could break off and avoid toys with long cords or strings that could strangle your child.
Step 5
Protect your child's hearing by making sure toys are not too loud. Some toys have noises so loud that they could damage your child's hearing if he holds it up to his ear, explains KidsHealth.
Step 6
Purchase safety equipment for your kids to use with active toys, such as bicycles, skateboards and inline skates. Your child should use helmets, wrist guards, knee pads and other safety gear with a label from the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure it meets safety standards.
Step 7
Buy toy guns and arrows that are brightly colored so that they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. Do not give BB guns or pellet guns to children under the age of 16, recommends KidsHealth.
Step 8
Look for a "UL" label on electronic toys to ensure they comply with safety standards by Underwriters Laboratories and will not pose an electrical safety hazard.
Tips and Warnings
- Thoroughly check toys purchased at garage sales and hand-me-down toys for safety, recommends KidsHealth. Older toys may not meet current safety standards, or they may be worn out and more likely to break and create a hazard.
