...Growing children seem to have an almost endless capacity for active play, and, of course, this physical activity is important in the development of co-ordination and the growth of large muscles. Choose active play toys with the child's age, size and abilities in mind, and look for products that are rustproof, smoothly finished, sturdy, and well-balanced. Not only will such toys promote physical growth, but they'll also encourage social interaction and imaginative play.
Which ACTIVE PLAY TOY for Which Child
Active Play Toys for Infants to 6 Months:
Clutch balls.
Texture balls.
Soft squeeze balls.
Infant swings (with adult supervision).
Active Play Toys for 7 to 12 Month:
Push and Pull Toys without rods like simple cars, animals on wheels or rollers.
Infant swings (with adult supervision. Soft low climbing plataform for crawlers).
Transparent balls.
Flutter balls.
Action balls.
Active Play Toys for Young Toddlers - 1 Year Old:
Push and pull toys with large handles on ends.
Toys to push on floor - simple sturdy with large wheels.
Special noise and action effects.
For steady walkers pull toys on strings.
Ride-ons propelled by pushing with feet-no pedals.
Stable ride-ons-4 or more wheels flat on floor when seated.
Ride-ons with storage buns.
Ride-ons that make noise, look like animals.
Low, soft climbing plataforms.
Tunnels for crawling. Swings (pushed by adult).
Soft light weight balls, especially with interesting visual effects, noises, unpredictable movement.
Flutter balls.
Large balls.
From about 1 1/2:
- Simple doll carriage.
- Wagons - low open big enough for child to get in.
- Small rocking horses-confined rocking arc, stout handles rather than reins knee height on child.
- Push/Pull toys filled with multiple objects.
- Simple low climbing structures.
- Low slides with handrails.
- Outdoor play equipment with stationary rather that moving parts.
Active Play Toys for Older Toddlers - 2 Years Old:
Push toys with strings.
Doll carriages. Small wagons.
Small, light wheelbarrow.
Interest in push toys that look like adult equipment-lawnmower, vacuum, shopping cart. Interest in realistic-looking ride-ons- tractors, motorcycles, etc.
Ride-ons with storage trays or bins.
Ride-ons propelled by bouncing up and down.
Tunnels.
Climbing structures and slides.
Stationary rather than moving outdoor equipment.
Swings with curved, soft seats and restraining straps.
Sleds sized to child (shorter length than child's height).
Spinning seat.
Pool toys with adult supervision.
Balls of all sizes, but especially large balls.
Active Play Toys for 3, 4 and 5 Years Old:
Small wagons
Small wheelbarrow.
Interest in push toys that look like adult equipment-lawnmower, vacuum, shopping cart.
Interest in realistic-looking ride-ons- tractors, motorcycles, etc.
Doll carriages and strollers.
Tricycle sized to child. 3 and 4 wheels pedal toys.
Vehicle with steering mechanisms.
Prefer realistic, detailed vehicles.
Full-size rocking horse.
Stationary outdoor climbing equipment.
Slides (with side rails) and ladders.
Swings with curved, soft seats.
Balance board.
Ball of all sizes.
Double-blade ice skates.
Sleds size-graded (no handbrakes or steering mechanisms)
From Age 4
- Low-slung tricycles.
- Battery-operated ride-ons.
- Equipment with movable parts.
- Swing with flat seats with belts.
- Rope ladders and ropes.
- Lightweight soft ball and bat.
- Junior-sized soccer ball - football.
- Speed-graded roller skates (plastic wheels, no ball bearings for reduced speed).
- Kites.
- Wading pool.
From Age 5
- Full-size wagons, scooters.
- Small bicycle with training wheels and foot brakes, sized to child and bicycle helmet.
- Jump ropes Skis (sized to child).
- Flying disks.
- Flat nosed magnetic or velcro darts. Inner tubes, kick boards, mattresses for beginning swimmers (Adult supervision needed)
Guidelines for choosing ACTIVE PLAY TOYS
Selecting good toys for children isn’t as easy as it might seem. Here are some tips to help you shop:
Think safety: Keep this rule in mind when choosing toys for your toddler: Anything that is able to be dropped through a toilet tissue roll is too small to be given to a child under 3 years of age. Remove strings or ribbons from toys before giving them to young children, and never let them play or handle uninflated or broken latex balloons. Watch out for sharp or pointed edges and small, removable parts that can be swallowed. Beware of toxic substances and surfaces. Look for toys that can be machine washed or placed in the dishwasher. Avoid toys that are too heavy for your child’s strength and poorly made objects that break. When playing dress-up, make sure your kids’ costumes are nonflammable. Don’t buy electrical toys for kids this age.
Rely on your knowledge of your child’s interests and abilities: Don’t select toys just because you think they’re cute. Also, avoid the temptation to buy toys that are too “old” for your child simply because you can’t wait to give them.
Use age recommendations on the box as a guide, but use your own judgment: Generally, age recommendations are accurate, but just because the box says a toy is appropriate for ages 3–6 doesn’t mean it will be right for your 4-year-old. It may require a skill your child hasn’t developed yet, which will be frustrating. Or it may require skills your child has already mastered — and the toy will be boring. Remember that the age recommendation also reflects safety considerations such as the size of the pieces.
Use toys to help your child grow physically and socially: Toys help kids build physical and social skills, so choose toys that inspire physical activity and stimulate your child’s senses and intellect. Don’t limit your child to toys that reinforce gender stereotypes – boys can like dolls and girls can like trucks. Do limit toys with violent messages, such as toy guns.
Be a smart shopper: Toys that are “in” will quickly be “out” — and you’ll have wasted your money. Look for well-made toys that can be used in a variety of play situations; your child will get more use out of them.
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