How to choose toys for children

Whenever we think of buying a new toy for our young one, we fall into a dilemma, thinking what is best for him or her. Budget is another aspect we consider. These days there are thousands of verities of toys in the market and are equally expensive. We can consider a few things before shopping for toys.
Price: Toys always need not be expensive. Kids like toys that excite them and keep them busy. The most expensive toys sometimes can be boring for the kids. If a child is given a simple handmade paper ball, he or she will be more than happy to play with it. Also, toys have a short life for a child. If the toys are expensive, then the money will be wasted.
Safety: Safety is the first and the most important factor one need to consider while buying toys. The toy should be safe enough for the child to play freely. For example: Avoid stuffed toys that have buttons or marbles in place of eyes and nose. There is a risk of kids removing or pulling them off and putting them into the mouth. Make sure the stuffed toys are washable and the fabric used is of good quality.
When buying battery operated toys, see that the battery case is tightly closed or secured with a screw so that the child does not get in contact with the batteries.
Make sure the paint on the painted toys, the crayons and the play dough are non-toxic.
Avoid toys with sharp ends, rough edges and loose strings or threads. When buying toy guns, bow and arrow or darts, make sure the tips are not pointed.
Electric toys that come along with electrical plug-in devices should not be handled by the kids alone. Parent’s or elder’s supervision is a must for such toys.
Metallic toys or games which are mainly kept outdoors, should be properly painted with rust free paints.
As the baby’s ears are delicate and still developing, be careful while choosing musical and noisy toys. Sometimes rattles and squeaky toys make loud sounds that can damage the baby’s ear drum. Try to keep the baby away from the electronic toys that have loud music or sounds.
Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are too small in size as there is a risk of the kids putting them in the mouth. These things can prove to be chocking and hazardous.
Right toys for right age: All the standard toys have the age group mentioned for that particular toy. These age groups are decided keeping in mind the aspects like safety, physical development and mental development of the child. Hence it will be wise enough the buy age appropriate toys for the kids. For example: A toddler cannot find interest in fixing a puzzle or a doll house or a play gun. Similarly a pre-schooler will find it boring to play with squeaky toys and rattles or even brain games and video games for that matter.
Along with the safety measures, it is equally important to keep the toys clean and hygienic. Most of the toys are washable. Hence keep washing the toys with a mild detergent, rinse well and dry well before handling them back to the kids to play with it. Soft toys can be washed in the washing machine.
Along with all these things to keep in mind, it is always important for the parents, elders or teachers to keep a watchful eye on the kids when they are on the move.
And for all the kids around…….Happy childhood and happy playing.