Apart from the fun element associated with toys, they are developmental learning tools for kids. Any child with a new toy is usually over the moon, probably because of the prospects of what it can do. However, as a parent, you may want to consider some guidelines when buying toys for your children. Age-appropriate playthings have become quite a necessity, especially when parents want to keep an eye on what they expose their kids to. Moreover, considering that an American parent spends an average of $300 on toys, it makes sense to want your money’s worth.
- Decide for yourself if the toy is a developmental learning tool
For marketing reasons, you may have noticed countless toys claiming to help boost your child’s cognition and motor skills. It would help if you made that conclusion yourself instead of relying solely on what the brand says. Keep in mind that their primary objective is to make as many sales as possible. Undoubtedly, there is a boom in the US educational toy industry. The Market Research website has indicated that it could hit US$ 6649.29 million by 2027. Whether these educational claims are accurate or not, please help your kids by reading online product reviews and asking parents you know who already purchased them.
- Check for recalls
Indeed, when toys are recalled, it is for a good reason. These recalls indicate the detection of potential hazards and, by extension, to avoid widespread legal suits from the public. As a parent, it is helpful when you keep an eye out for these checks. All it takes is to do a quick internet search of the toy you wish to buy for your young ones. As long as you have the brand name and perhaps, item serial number, these checks are quick and convenient. Better yet, you can also use the CPSC website because all recalls are published there.
Exercising diligence to purchase the best safe toys is akin to screening new TV shows before allowing your kids to watch them. Fortunately, specific brands and toys like collectible Barbie dolls have played it well and are loved by kids of all ages. According to the Los Angeles Times, even though Barbie dolls used to target 12-year-olds, today, the age range moved down to three to five-year-olds.
- Be cautious of toys with tiny magnets for younger kids
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), parents would be helping their kids if they exercised caution with tiny magnets fixed to toys. The commission further recommends that parents of kids under 14 years may want to reconsider purchasing toys with these home hazards for safety reasons. The reason for this caution is to prevent the dangers that come with the accidental swallowing of these tiny magnets.
Unfortunately, medical research has proven that two small magnets can still be attracted to each other in the digestive system. Subsequently, it could lead to intestinal twisting that could require emergency surgery. This sounds pretty scary and is every parent’s worst nightmare. Therefore, it will be in everybody’s interest to avoid it from occurring if you get something safer.
Indeed, there is more to purchasing toys for your children than simply taking them off store shelves or ordering online. You can try several other ways to find the best age-appropriate toys for your kids.
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