3 months ago
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Every parent wants to make Christmas morning special. So we walk the aisle of the toy department looking high and low for just the right toy. But Dr. Carrie Brown of Arkansas Children's Hospital says there are some things to think about while shopping.
She says, "You have to keep in mind the age of your child and the toy that you're buying and is that toy age appropriate for your child?"
Most toys have a label identifying the age the toy is intended for and even though you think the child you're buying it for is mature enough to handle it, there is a reason for the age specifications.
"There may be small parts; there may be detachable parts that come off that are going to end up being swallowed or going up a nose or into ears or creating an unsafe situation for him," she explains.
If you have kids of different ages and you plan to buy the older child a toy that includes small parts, plan ahead and come up with an area that the older child can play with that toy but the younger child doesn't have access. Brown suggests maybe a baby gate across the older child's door or another area that can be blocked off. If many small parts are included like a Lite Brite, she suggests a hard wood or linoleum floor might be best so a quick sweep of a broom can ensure every piece has been picked up when playtime is over.
Each holiday season the consumer watch groups come out with their list of dangerous toys, so it might be wise to visit a website or two, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commision, before you head out.
Of course video games are on every older kids list and Doctor Brown also has some advice about those. She says E rated games are for younger children.
She says, "Certainly, anything that's got an M rating on it is not appropriate for any child or young adult for that matter if you consider a 14-15-16 year old age range not really things kids should be playing with."
Brown also suggests including some educational toys under the tree. Something as simple as marbles can help with dexterity, counting and colors.
Children look forward to playing with new toys all year long and it's up to us to make sure this Christmas we give them something that's fun and safe too.
