Staff at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center recently advised parents about things to consider when purchasing gifts for children. Choking hazards were at the top of the list – with physicians noting that children under 5 and especially those under 3 are at risk. If an object can fit inside a toilet paper tube, there is a risk that it could obstruct a child’s airway. Riding toys, such as scooters, are associated with a high injury rate, according to hospital staff.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission listed several toy categories that are appropriate based on a child’s developmental stage. They noted that 0 to 1 year-olds explore with their their senses (hands, eyes, and mouth), 1 to 3 year-olds engage in walking, climbing, and rough-and-tumble activities, and 3 to 5 year-olds enjoy imaginative play using toys with real-world counterparts.
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Just heard from the folks at JustAskBaby that they have an e-book on the subject of appropriate toys for young children. You can find it at http://www.justaskbaby.com/ebooks.