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Choosing The Best Toys For Our Little Ones
© Copyright BabyClassroomGone are the days when choosing a young child's holiday gift meant deciding whether to purchase a teddy bear or a teething ring. These days, there are thousands of products marketed especially for babies and toddlers, but how's a well-meaning gift giver to know which ones are the best?
We asked two experts that very question and came up with some simple guidelines for gift giving success without the stress.
Our Experts:
Claire S. Green, President, Parents' Choice Foundation: Ms. Green inherited the leadership role at Parents' Choice Foundation from her mother who founded the organization in 1978. "It's really part of my blood," says Green, who is passionate about helping parents "break through the hype and marketing" to select the best toys, books, games and electronic media for their children.
Dr. Toy: Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., aka "Dr. Toy," brings extensive experience in child development and education to her current role as toy evaluation specialist. Because "parents and teachers are often not able to find the products that can help children in traditional toy stores," she says, Dr. Toy provides resources on her website and in her book, Smart Play/Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High P.Q, to help parents and educators locate the best toys for every child.
Questions to Consider When Shopping for Holiday Gifts for Babies and Toddlers:
Is It Safe?
Parents have sharp eyes for potential hazards, but other gift givers might not be aware of some dangers. Make sure the manufacturer's recommended age matches that of your recipient, and watch out for small parts that can pose choking hazards, sharp edges, or pieces that might break off with extended use.Is it age appropriate?
The manufacturer's suggested age range is a place to start, says Green, "but you need to know what your child is capable of and what is appropriate to present to a child at what age." Find out what the child's interests and abilities are and buy accordingly. Toys that offer practice in hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor development, and communication skills are particularly well suited for young children, adds Auerbach.Will it overwhelm the child?
Infants and toddlers need to focus on one thing at a time, says Green. Avoid toys that "have bells and whistles and bleep and do all sorts of things," she advises, and look instead for toys that illustrate a specific cause and effect or focus on one skill at a time. "You can't expect an infant to pat with a hand or a foot and have everything happen at once," she explains. "There is nothing to be learned from that."Does it offer open-ended play?
Toys for young children should provide opportunities for many types of play. Building blocks, washable crayons and markers, dolls and stuffed animals, and role playing props can be used again and again, and they allow the child to direct his or her own play. Not only are they more appropriate developmentally, they're more fun. "Any toy that dictates how the child should play is a toy with a very short shelf life," says Green.Can you share the fun?
Especially with DVDs and electronic media -- but also with toys, games and books -- it's important for parents and caregivers to interact with children during play. "The best thing to do is not to put your infant in front of a DVD that claims to teach your child about the world around her," says Green, "but for you as a parent to be involved and participate in that teaching." Look for products that include activities or ideas for follow-up play, and those you'll enjoy sharing with your child again and again.Does it work?
What does the toy claim to do, and how does it claim to do it? "If it's an electronic toy that claims to teach the alphabet," says Green, "see how clear the sound chip is." If you can't understand what the toy is saying, your child won't be able to learn from it. While you can't try toys when shopping online, you can read reviews from other parents and experts on sites like the Parents' Choice Foundation, Dr. Toy, Toy Soup and others.Will it last?
"Children play hard and subject their toys to a lot of abuse and wear," says Auerbach, so durability is key. "Can it be cleaned and reused?" she adds. "If it is not washable, can it be cleaned in some practical way?"Does it reflect my family's values?
"Will (the toy) nurture childhood?" asks Auerbach. "Does it help the child express emotions, experience concern for others, practice positive social interaction? Does it promote wholesome childhood values? Or are there any violent, sexist, or other negative aspects to the product?""All toys are educational," adds Green. "It all depends on what you want your kids to learn."
Is the price right?
Finally, Auerbach asks, "Does the price match the value received?"
We hope these expert tips will help simplify your holiday gift giving decisions. At Baby Classroom, we're proud to offer a huge selection of toys, blocks, books, DVDs, and more to stimulate and entertain the little ones on your list without breaking your holiday bank!
For more information and product reviews, visit the Parents' Choice Foundation, Dr. Toy, and Toy Soup. Happy Holidays!
Home > Resources > Articles > Choosing The Best Toys For Our Little Ones
