Safe and age appropriate toys for children

Toys are an interaction tool that can help your little one grow and develop. However, parents need to pay attention to the types of toys that are appropriate for the child's age. Why is that?

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The reason for children's toys must be appropriate for their age

Parents must be wiser before buying their little one new toys. This is because young children have different understandings and abilities at each age stage.

Quoted from Kids Health, toys that are not appropriate for the child's age can harm the little one. There have been several cases of babies choking on toys trying to get them into their mouths.

Babies who are still 6 months old are certainly not supposed to play with plastic blocks belonging to children aged 3-5 years.

Let alone holding them, the baby doesn't even understand what to do with the blocks.

Likewise, if your baby is 5 years old and is given baby toys.

He also knows what the purpose is and what he can do with the toy, but he doesn't get any new knowledge or knowledge.

Instead, you can provide a more complex type of toy to hone growth and development.

Types of toys that are age-appropriate

Children can enjoy their toys if parents provide them at the appropriate development stage.

Here are some choices for parents when they want to provide toys for their little one at home:

Toys for children aged 0-12 months

At this age, babies have started to be able to focus and react to the things around them.

Starting from light, sound, shape, and color that looks striking. They have also begun to grasp, reach, or bite objects.

Some educational toys that are suitable for children aged 1 and under are:

• Teether
• Silicone rattles
• Book made of cloth
• Assembled donut ring toys
• Animal-shaped hand puppet

Soft textured toys that read and are light colored are suitable for babies under 1 year of age.

Also, make sure the toy is large and strong enough so that it won't break, leak, or get swallowed.

Educational toys for children aged 1-2 years

At the age of toddlers, children's motor skills have begun to stabilize. Then you can give him a toy block that can be assembled and assembled.

Several types of educational toys for children aged 1-2 years, namely:

• Large diameter, colorful ball
• Story book with thick material
• Coloring book
• A toy that can put out a song
• Musical instruments (drums or plastic keyboards)

When choosing a ball, you should choose one made from soft plastic or rubber. This is to prevent the child from getting hurt while throwing.

Colorful ball games can also be an option because toddlers at this age are already fluent in walking, running and jumping. hopping.

Singing, drawing and running games can stimulate children's brain activity, sense of hearing, vocabulary, gross and fine motor skills of children.

Educational toys for children 2-3 years

At the age of 2-3 years, children's abilities are increasing. He is able to speak with more vocabulary and clear pronunciation.

Children are also increasingly curious about new things they see. You can provide several types of games to support your little one's growth and development.

Several types of educational toys for children aged 2-3 years:

• Simple stacking blocks
• Big puzzle
• Houses
• Toy night or play dough
• Letter toys
• Music play (xylophone)
• Animal shape rubber toy

At the age of 2-3 years, children are fond of role playing. So, household toys are very suitable to be given to children at this age.

While playing music that is hit like a xylophone, makes children learn to recognize high and low notes.

Not only that, animal toys can help develop your little one's imagination.

Children can also learn how to love, care for and treat animals well.

Toys for children 4 years and over (preschool age)

Toys that your little one needs at this age are those that can develop empathy, cooperation, and the desire to socialize with other people.

Because at preschool, children will meet many new people and must start learning to adapt to a new environment.

The following toys are suitable for your 4 year old baby:

• Mini soccer ball
• Basketball
• Cooking games
• Puzzle
• Complex unloading blocks
• Traditional toys (marbles, bekel balls, and congklak)
• Doll

At pre-school age or 4 years, children are learning to interact and communicate with their friends.

The toys above can train children's social and emotional abilities, so they can adapt well.

For example, a doll is not a special toy for girls.

Playing with dolls can help hone a child's creativity, imagination and empathy, regardless of their gender.

Giving children dolls can also be a great way to help them learn new words.

Toys that should not be given to children

Toys and children are two things that cannot be separated. However, not all toys are good for them.

Because, not all toys are made to increase the creativity of your little one.

There are also some toys that are just “just funny” and are popular but are completely useless for children.

Weapon toys

Most parents probably thoughtlessly bought toy guns for their sons. The reason, "To grow up to be a manly and macho man!"

However, toys with weapons such as pistols, rifles, punching bags, or boxing puppets should be avoided.

Based on research from Early Education and Development, gun games or other tools related to violence are not good for children's social development.

Games like this will trigger aggressive behavior in your baby.

He can also grow up understanding that "violence is normal and acceptable" if not supervised by his parents during play.

Gadget

Not a few parents specifically buy their children electronic devices so they don't get fussy.

However, letting children play gadgets from an early age can interfere with their growth and development process.

The most important risk is delay in speaking because the child's interaction is only one way, from the screen of the device only.

Playing gadgets for young children has also been linked to problems with difficulty focusing, learning disabilities and difficulty sleeping.

Babies and young children learn better with material they can touch, touch, and hold, rather than just seeing.

Exploring concepts in three dimensions will be better for children's cognitive development than just understanding through two-dimensional images.

If you are really forced to give gadgets to children, make sure that they are broadcast specifically for children and have a limited time.

You should also watch and ask questions about your little one's watching, so that two-way communication can occur.

Things that need to be considered by parents when the child is playing

Seeing your little one playing alone is the perfect time for parents to take a break. However, don't be complacent. You have to keep an eye on your little one even though you are playing.

The following are things that parents need to pay attention to when the child is playing:

Keep supervising the child while playing

Whatever type of toy your little one is playing, it's best for parents to keep an eye on it during play.

Guide your little one to use toys properly and pay close attention to their safety while playing.

The reason is, children easily get bored so they can just leave their toys and run somewhere.

That's when parents play an important role in accompanying their little one while playing so that they are well monitored.

You also need to set limits on children's play time and teach them to tidy up their toys as before.

Occasionally invite to play outside

Playing outside while stomping on the ground with bare feet or even playing in the rain is not always bad for children.

Occasionally, allow children to play outside with their peers without having to bring toys.

Introduce children to games old school such as hide and seek, jump rope, hobo sodor, and snakes and ladders.

You may also provide toys such as roller skates, bicycles, or scooters that children can use around the house complex.

Playing outside the home can train children to be more confident and develop their physical and motor skills.

In addition, playing with other children will also expand their circle of friends and practice their social skills.