Choosing age-appropriate toys is one of the most important factors when buying for a child. Buying an age appropriate toy for a child can insure that the child will not be injured by the toy and that the toy will not be too complicated for the child. If we check through our stored possessions I am sure most of us would find a favorite toy tucked safely away. Just the memory of that toy can take us back to our childhood. Toys not only evoke joy within a child but also double as learning tools.

Kids Toy Boxes

Children develop differently at different stages of their lives. The age appropriateness of the toys for each age group takes the physical and learning abilities of that group into consideration. Toy manufacturers make recommendations about the appropriate age for each toy that is produced. Not following these recommendations can lead to injury or the loss of interest of the child in the toy because it is not appropriate or too complex for the child.

Kids Toy Boxes

Infants and toddlers learn through their senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and feel. Any toy that is brightly colored, that can be twisted, thrown or hugged can bring hours of joy. The years from Newborn to 4 are the most diverse. Up to three years of age it is a good idea to think BIG. To prevent small children from choking on a toy, never buy a toy for a child under 3 that has parts smaller than the child's mouth.

Newborns to Age 1 enjoy colorful objects, moving toys or mobiles, toys that rattle or squeak and are unbreakable. Washable dolls and stuffed toys with embroidered eyes, stacking rings and soft music are great choices.

Infants 1 to 2 enjoy toys they can push or pull, books with cloth and hardboard pages, toys they can take apart and put together with large pieces, blocks and tub toys.

Toddlers to Age 3 do well with large crayons, sturdy riding toys, simple musical instruments, sandbox toys and pushable cars or wagons.

Preschoolers, Age 3 to 4, are hands on. They learn by doing. Their imaginations are forming and they spend a great deal of time pretending. They imitate the world around them by playing dress-up and acting out what they see around them. They love to draw, build and play as if in real-life situations. Dolls, puppets, trucks and cars as well as play kitchens, and Lego's are ideal for these interests. Washable markers, large crayons, play dough, blunt scissors and books spur their creativity. They are also highly energetic and active and enjoy tricycles, wagons and playing games with balls.

Children 4 to 6 begin to understand and appreciate rules and instruction and as a result begin to enjoy team sports, board games and other activities that involve problem-solving skills.

Children 6 to 8 enjoy more elaborate toys such as construction sets, roller skates, simple cameras, sketch pads, kits, battery powered electric toys, jigsaw puzzles, board games, simple tool sets and dolls. As children age over 8 years their toys become more complex. They enjoy hobby materials, arts and crafts materials, camping equipment, sporting equipment, electric trains and bicycles to name a few.

Buying a toy that is specifically made for the age of your child will surely result in a happy child. Use the recommendations of the toy manufacturer, guidelines published by the Consumer Products & Safety Commission and other child advocate groups as well as your own best judgment with respect to the child's temperament, habits and behavior to aid you in making proper buying decisions.

Choosing Age-Appropriate Toys

Kids Toy Boxes