Safety is the biggest issue when it comes to kids’ toy selection. You should look at a toy as a potential health hazard. Stuffed toys are soft and cute, and most would think that they are the safest toys out there. This is actually a misconception. Stuffed toys, usually animals or dolls, that are intended for children over three years old might have eyes or other accessories that are potential choking hazards for younger kids. Choking hazards include any sewn-on, soft, or small parts that can be bitten off. To be on the safe side, remember this rule of thumb – if the toy is small enough to fit a toilet paper tube, then it is unsafe for children under three years old to play with.

Toys are not only for entertainment but also for your child’s mind stimulation. Where the child’s mind is stimulated, then there is an opportunity to develop social, emotional, and intellectual skills, among others. Children from age one to three like to have a mobile and tactile playtime. At this stage of development, playtime can indeed be messy because kids are interested in rearranging their environment. They like to empty or transfer objects from one place to another as a way of learning how things work.

Construction toys like blocks and stackers are perfect for kids in this age range. So are fit-together toys like shape sorters or simple 3D puzzles featuring familiar shapes like fruits, vegetables, and other objects associated with eating time. For children between three and six years old, pretend play is the name of the game. At this stage of development, children become masters of make believe so give them toys that stimulate their imagination. Little girls will enjoy dollhouses and toy kitchens while young boys will love to have their own set of wheels just like their dads. When shopping for your kids’ toys, help them choose the right ones by buying only what’s good for them.