| There are times when you find it difficult to find toys | | | | unbreakable, free of small pieces and sharp edges, |
| for your infants. You have no idea which toys are | | | | and non-toxic. Be vigilant and inspect toys for |
| the perfect ones for them. There is actually one fact | | | | possible dangers. However, toys are often packaged |
| about this matter. Your baby is learning at a great | | | | in such a way that it is hard to identify potential |
| speed, taking in everything that is around, and picking | | | | safety hazards. In such cases, it is imperative that |
| up habits, information and words. | | | | you categorize the toy under a broader category |
| You must be involved in your baby's learning process | | | | (plastic, electric, non-toxic, etc) and thus avoid |
| and provide more opportunities for them. Therefore, | | | | inappropriate purchases:o Electric toys should be |
| you need to understand how and to what extent | | | | avoided entirely.o Plastic wrappings should be easily |
| infants perceive the objects that surround them:o | | | | and entirely removable.o Toys with choke-hazard |
| Sighto Visual rangeo Toucho Soundo Motion | | | | warnings should be avoided for infants.o Toys that |
| It always helps to keep in mind that you do not need | | | | do not contain age recommendations are |
| fancy and expensive toys to stimulate your infant. | | | | inappropriate.o Balls or marbles smaller than 1.75 |
| You might bring home a very trendy toy for your | | | | inches are choke hazards.o Strings, cords and |
| baby only to find that baby finds the packaging far | | | | necklaces can strangle little children. Make sure that |
| more interesting. Your young child just needs | | | | such toys are less than 12" in length.o Projectile toys |
| stimulation and a way to express their creativity, and | | | | can be missiles of self-injury.o If there is something |
| this can be done with homemade toys as well. | | | | you are not sure of, such as the toy's durability, |
| The following are some tips for using common | | | | material or use, be on the safe side and avoid buying |
| objects lying around the house to excite and engage | | | | it. |
| your baby:o Magazines: Under supervision, let your | | | | Here are some examples of safe and appropriate |
| baby flip through a magazine and enjoy the colors.o | | | | toys:o Squeak toys: These toys are big enough to |
| Sock puppets: On a sock, embroider eyes and a | | | | rule out choke-accidents. Squeak toys with molded-in |
| nose and tell your baby stories about the puppet. | | | | noisemakers occupy all your child's senses.o Rattles: |
| (Avoid using buttons for eyes or nose, as they are | | | | Make sure that these have large ends. Also, |
| choking hazards.)o Laundry baskets: Babies love | | | | remember that infants have a preference for |
| sitting in laundry baskets. If the basket is tall enough | | | | high-pitched sounds, as infants like noise making |
| and your baby can sit up on his own, let them have | | | | toys.o Stuffed dolls and animals: Washable dolls with |
| a good time inside while you gently rock them.o | | | | embroidery and bright colors are safe and fun and |
| Containers: Used (clean) containers, non-toxic and | | | | develop your infant's imagination.o Mobiles: Crib |
| colorful cups make great toys for babies to keep | | | | mobiles and other 'hanging' toys with sound and |
| things in or simply as teethers!o Cardboard boxes: | | | | movement are great toys for your newborn. Make |
| These are favorites of growing babies. Boxes are | | | | sure that the string of the toy is less than 12" in |
| simple and safe and provide great opportunity for | | | | length.o Cups: Unbreakable colorful cups and other |
| creativity. Your baby can make the box into a | | | | smooth objects are safe and fun for little kids.o Balls: |
| playhouse and color it with non-toxic crayons to | | | | Rubber balls with textured surfaces excite and |
| make it beautiful and personal. | | | | involve infants greatly.o Music: Music making toys.o |
| Always make sure that the toy is safe and clean, | | | | Books: Simple picture book and books with rhymes |
| free of loose parts and sharp edges. Supervise and | | | | noise making toys. |
| participate in your baby's play and watch your little | | | | It is important to always keep in mind that the toys |
| one grow! | | | | are unbreakable and non-toxic. Also, remember that |
| Classify and Identify | | | | choosing safe toys for infants is crucial, but it is not a |
| Always keep in mind that the toys should be | | | | substitute for adult supervision and involvement. |