Purchasing Toys for Toddlers - Safety Guidelines

Not every child develops at the same pace. Most of the milestones for children mentioned on the Internet are merely guidelines. It is not necessary that your child would meet them at exactly that age. Children develop in different ways and paces. They would eventually develop all the basic skills.. In the event you buy (or receive) a toy that isnt age or skill appropriate for your toddler, it's up to you as a parent to note this and remove the toy in question from the child, until he or she reaches skill level needed to manipulate with toy safely.

Image credits: Childhood - poster by BluePlanet

Every toy producer is obligated by a law to label toys or write on a box (or package) every potential safety hazard. It's up to us, parents and buyers to read them and see if those warning refer to our child.

Any ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches (44.4mm) or less that is intended for use by children younger than 3 years of age is banned.

Any ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches (44.4mm) or less that is intended for use by children 3 years or older must be labeled:

/!\ WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD-This toy is a small ball.
Not for children under 3 yrs.

Any toy or game intended for children 3 years or older but less than 8 years that contains a small ball shall bear the following cautionary label:

/!\ WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD-Toy contains a small ball.
Not for children under 3 yrs.

Toys and games with small parts intended for use by children at least 3 years old but under 6 years must be labeled as follows:

/!\ WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts.
Not for children under 3 yrs.

Any latex balloon, or toy or game that contains a latex balloon, shall be labeled as follows:

/!\ WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD-Children under eight yrs. can
choke or suffocate on uninflated or broken balloons.
Adult supervision required.

Keep uninflated balloons from children.
Discard broken balloons at once.

Any marble intended for children 3 years or older shall be labeled:

/!\ WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD - This toy is a marble.
Not for children under 3 yrs.

Any toys and games intended for children at least 3 years old but less than 8 years which contain a marble shall be labeled:

/!\WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD - Toy contains a marble.
Not for children under 3 yrs.

Image credits Customizable Red & Black Warning Symbol Sticker by polychromaticdesign

We all know that, specially infants and toddlers, put everything into their mouth and sometimes even eyes. Also, toddlers are not firm on their feet and often fall. For these reasons, it's important that toy is sturdy and well built.

Also, it's important that toy doesn't have sharp or pointed edges, or too long cords or strings that will present strangulation hazard.

Another thing to look after: if toy has parts that can be detached, make sure they are large enough and child can't swallow them.

And, if you don't want to harass your neighbors and yourself, look for toys that are not too loud.

Another thing to make sure is that toy is not toxic. In most cases you will not be able to detect it visually, but you can check list of recalled toys on CPSC or Recalls.gov.

The Best Toys for Toddlers is an online review club open to moms and dads everywhere. Write a review of your toddler's favorite toys. It's free, and you could even earn a royalty for the great articles you create.

More about us: Our goal is to helping parents raise the quality of playtime with their toddlers. It's not just about the newest toy--it's about sneaking education into your kid's playtime. Parents know: Playing is serious business! We're always on the lookout for the best toys for our little tots.