Choosing Appropriate Toys and Books for your Child
As the holiday shopping season gets underway, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices available for children’s gifts. We’re here to help with some tips on choosing holiday gifts that are appropriate for your child.
When it comes to toys, think
safety first!
Beware of choking hazards and sharp edges or points. If a toy is small enough to fit inside of a toilet paper roll, then it is small enough for a child to choke on. Toys requiring batteries should have a battery case that is secured with screws.
Keep it simple.
Simple toys, like play-dough or blocks, give kids the opportunity to be creative. These kinds of toys allow the child to direct their own playtime and provide the best brain-building opportunities! Despite the marketing efforts of “educational” toy companies, the educational claims are typically not supported by research - but they are expensive.
Limit access to electronic toys and screens.
Research has shown that overexposure to screen time and even electronic toys with flashing lights and constant movement can negatively impact attention span.
Board books are great for infants and toddlers, as everything for those age groups often doubles as a teething toy. Board books also make it easier for little hands to help you turn the pages.
Some other questions to consider when choosing books for young children:
- Does this book encourage interaction?
- Is the book free of bias?
- Is this a book your child will want to read again (and again)?
- Will you enjoy reading this book?(Again and again?)
For some specific ideas of best toys for different age groups, check out this article from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.