How to Choose Age-Appropriate Toys

Whether you're looking for an infant-appropriate present for your little one's 1st birthday, need a toy to tame your overly energetic toddler, are searching for an imaginative plaything to occupy your always-pretending preschooler or are buying something with a more mature side for your grade schooler, choosing toys that fit your child's age is essential for fun-filled, safe play. Before you hit the toy store, or browse online, you'll need to understand how your child's age and developmental level affect your choice of proper play items.

Instructions

    • 1

      Evaluate your child's developmental level and abilities in reference to his age. Keep in mind that not every child meets the same milestone marks at the same exact times. Consider what your child can do -- as well as what he can't yet -- when choosing toys for his age. For example, if your 4-year-old easily tires when putting together a puzzle that has more than 10 pieces, don't get him the 30-piece version just because it says it's made for kids his age and up.

    • 2

      Pick toys for your young infant that feature bright colors, vivid patterns or noises. Include rattles, soft stuffed animals or textured toys that stimulate your infant's senses.

    • 3

      Explore cause and effect with your older infant or young toddler through toys that make different noises when touched or items -- such as soft blocks -- that he can knock over.

    • 4

      Choose toys that encourage large motor development, without asking your child to use skills that she doesn't have yet. Give your older infant push and pull toys, your toddler a soft beach ball, your preschooler a tricycle and your grade schooler a bike.

    • 5

      Keep safety in mind when selecting toys for your child's specific age. Look for the manufacturer's suggested age range on the box or packaging before you buy the toy. Avoid toys that pose chocking hazards or have small removable parts when it comes to selecting items for an infant, toddler or young preschooler. The pediatric pros at the KidsHealth website recommend that all infant toys should measure more than one-and-a-half inches wide and two-and-a-fourth inches long.

    • 6

      Make pretend play a priority for preschoolers and early grade schoolers. Choose open-ended items such as dress-up clothes that your child can transform with her imagination.

    • 7

      Talk to other parents about their toy choices. Ask a friend, neighbor or family member who has experience raising a child what toys to look for when it comes to specific age groups.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Parental Influence on Their Child's Education
      As a parent, you may be surprised at how much you influence your childs education and academic success. In addition to direct interaction, research suggests that other, less voluntary variables may also contribute to your childs academic experience (
    • What are logical parents?
      The term logical parents is not a standard term in any specific field, like psychology, family law, or sociology. Its possible its used in a unique context or a misunderstanding. However, I can offer some interpretations based on the wording:Possibl
    • How Do Bad Influences Affect Kids' Schoolwork?
      School children are influenced by their families, friends and even their neighborhood. A bad influence on a child is one that prevents him from being safe, from forming positive social relationships and from developing his potential. Bad influences c