Whether you are gathering around a Christmas tree or a menorah, gift giving is likely one of your child’s favorite parts about the winter holidays. What is often overlooked is that gifts need to be chosen carefully and with special attention to many factors.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated that a quarter of a million toy-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms in a year. By reading this article and sharing it with loved ones, you just may prevent an accident from happening this winter.
While giving a gift can make your child feel extra special, you want to be considerate of his age and stage to be sure the toy will keep him interested and injury-free. “Kids develop at their own pace, so you may have a game that says it is appropriate for kids ages 5 and up, but if you have a more advanced 4-year-old, it might be okay,” says Megan Robinson, toy buyer at The Knowledge Tree. The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses selecting toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the child.
Read Labels
Toys should meet the U.S. Safety Standards. This means they should not contain lead and should be non-toxic. It is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s website to see that the toy is up-to-date with the standards and there are no unsafe chemicals. “Stuffed toys should always be washable, and fabric should be flame-resistant,” says Robinson. If your child is under 3, the government regulates that the toy should be no less than 1 ¼ inches in diameter and 2 ¼ inches long to prevent swallowing.
Check Out the Options
Pretend and play activities like doctor’s offices, kitchen or grocery store sets, and costumes are all popular. Dollhouses can be a lot of fun. You cannot go wrong with plush, books, games, or puzzles either. Science and robotics kits can be entertaining, as well. “Make sure you supervise and follow instructions when they do their little experiments,” Robinson says.
Many kids are looking forward to the new Harry Potter and Frozen 2 movies that are coming out. There are excellent Lego sets and Beanie Babies with those themes. “The astronaut and solar system theme has been big this year because we had the 50th anniversary of the moon landing over the summer,” says Robinson. Kids have a huge desire to learn if you tap into it. “Kits that combine science, technology, mathematics, and engineering have been huge for the last few years,” she says.
Get Crafty
The arts are a great way to build the imagination and foster creativity. Take the time to research the craft before you bring it in your home. “When kids are playing with finger paint or regular washable paint, you want to make sure it is non-toxic because you do not want anything on their skin that might make them sick,” says Robinson. “Crafts can be educational, fun, and help kids develop fine motor skills and problem-solving skills.” For little ones, follow the age recommendation on the packaging and continue to take your child’s skill set and development into consideration. Some things to avoid include small parts and sharp points. Protective clothing like aprons or safety glasses can help the activities stay kid-friendly.
The Picky Child
Whether your child is selective or has a disability, sensory toys can be enjoyed. “Squigz, which are little suction toys for kids who need something to play with repetitively, and glow pals, which are little light-up cubes kids can play with in the bathtub to make it more fun, are great,” says Robinson. Many baby toys make sounds, spin, or are soft to hold. Parents should be extra cautious when choosing battery-operated toys, as button batteries in particular can be detrimental if placed in the nose or ears or if swallowed.
Safety First
Have a designated area to keep toys and games. If you have more than one child, keep the older child’s toys away from the younger child. Teach your child from a young age to return toys to their designated spots when finished playing. Keeping a clear floor will prevent falls. Last but not least, it is encouraged to sign up for toy recalls and safety information at cpsc.gov, the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website. This will be an invaluable resource as you start to shop for holiday gifts and get into the spirit of the season.
Jamie Lober, author of Pink Power (getpinkpower.com), is dedicated to providing information on women’s and pediatric health topics.