Tips to Make My Baby’s Toy-Time Safer!

Play Time- A Baby’s Most Favourite Time

Play is an important part of a baby’s life that helps in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Toys are essential learning tools that aid in this development, apart from being fun to play with. But they are also associated with many injuries to babies, if not selected appropriately.

Although many toy manufacturers follow safety standards and guidelines, some don’t. So, it is necessary for all parents to know how to choose the right toys for their babies so that toy time for babies is enjoyable and safe.

Age-Appropriate Behaviour

• 0 – 6 months: Babies enjoy looking at objects, listening to sounds, imitating them, exploring with their hands, feet and mouth
• 6 – 9 months: Babies try to pull, squeeze, shake and taste toys. They try to grasp toys and transfer from one hand to the other
• 9 – 12 months: Babies explore toys longer and like to throw them. They enjoy moving toys, fitting one object into another and push-pull type toys. They like to stack blocks, and open and close things.

Points To Remember While Choosing Toys My Baby

Parents should keep in mind the safety of their babies while purchasing toys for them and follow certain guidelines such as:

Choosing An Age-Appropriate Toy For My Baby

• The label should be checked for the relevant description of the toy such as how to use it and for what age it is appropriate. It is important to select only those toys that suit a baby’s age, interests and skills.
• The size of the toy should be considered before buying. The toy should be larger than the baby’s mouth to prevent it from getting stuck in the ears, nose and throat. Toys with small parts should never be given due to the risk of choking on them.
• Toys that are too loud or make shrill sounds should not be given as they have an impact on the hearing of the baby.

Choosing A Safe And Non-Injurious Toy For My Baby

• Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air or have arrows as they may cause an injury to the eyes.
• Avoid sharp toys or those with sharp points and edges. Plastic toys that may break easily are not advisable.
• When buying stuffed toys, it should be made sure that all parts (such as eyes and nose of a stuffed animal) are intact and do not come out easily. This prevents the baby from choking. Stuffed toys that are washable can be bought as the non-washable ones may put the baby at a risk for allergies, infections, etc.
• Electric toys should be avoided due to risks associated with them such as leakage of batteries, short circuits, and swallowing of batteries by the baby, causing chemical burns.
• Toys having cords or strings longer than 7 inches are dangerous as they may encircle the baby’s neck.
• Toys with magnets should not be given to babies.
• Before purchasing any toy, parents must check for toxic substances such as phthalates in PVC toys, boron or borax in slime toys, etc.
• Parents need to be careful when buying crib toys. Any toy that is hung on the crib should be out of the baby’s reach to prevent the risk of SIDS and strangulation.
• Toys that are safe for teething or mouthing should only be chosen.

How To Keep Toys Safe At Home?

Ensuring safe play and storage of toys is just as important as choosing safe toys while purchasing.

• Check toys regularly for any damage: Wooden toys need to be checked for any splinters or sharp edges. Stuffed toys should be checked for any broken or exposed removable parts.
• Broken or irreparable toys need to be discarded.
• Outdoor toys that are not used should be stored safely so that they are not exposed to rain.
• All toys should be kept clean. Parents can read instructions from the manufacturer. Some plastic toys can be cleaned using antibacterial soap or even in the dishwasher.
• When not in use, all toys need to be stored safely. They should be kept off the floor when the baby is not playing and can be stored in a toy chest or basket or box preferably without a lid. If the box contains a lid, it is advisable to use one where the lid can be removed entirely.

Relax And Enjoy Your Time With Your Baby

Babies enjoy playing with toys. The right toys help infants develop their imagination, coordination and other essential skills needed for their well-being, whereas, the wrong ones will do more harm than good. Therefore, it is important that parents not only consider the interests and demands of their babies but also the safety of the toys.  They can ensure this by keeping in mind certain guidelines while purchasing toys and strictly following them. They must not encourage the use of any toy that is unsafe for their child, even if it is a gift to them. They can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website for information regarding toy recalls and report any toy that is unsafe. By doing their part, every parent can try and give safe play time to their babies. After all, playing is fun only when it is safe!

Conclusion

Ensuring the safety of your baby's toys is crucial for their well-being and development. By selecting age-appropriate toys, avoiding hazardous materials, and maintaining a safe play environment, parents can significantly reduce the risks associated with playtime.

It's important to stay informed about safety standards and recalls to make informed decisions about toy purchases. Ultimately, with the right precautions and awareness, parents can create a nurturing environment where their babies can play, learn, and grow safely.