Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Toys need not be expensive or complex. Simple toys can just as easily entertain a child and help her develop new skills and learn more about her world.

SAFETY: Remember that your infant will poke, pull, twist, bang and suck on every toy you give her. Will the toy survive the test? What happens if it comes apart--will there be pieces your baby could swallow or choke on?

CHECKLIST OF TOY HAZARDS:

• Sharp edges, points, splinters.
• Unfinished metal edges.
• Toys that contain lead or have lead-based paint.
• Toys with strings longer than 12 inches.
• Toys stuffed with pellets or small beads or beans.
• Plastic that will break into sharp pieces.
• Toys with small parts which a child can choke on.
• Springs and/or hinges that are not covered and could pinch fingers.
• Toys that are too heavy for the child.

AGE-APPROPRIATE TOYS

Toys given to an infant should be appropriate to her age. They should neither frustrate the child because they are difficult nor bore her by being too simple. Often the same toy can be used at different age levels and in different ways to stimulate a variety of senses. Simple toys are the best--they allow for creativity and develop imagination.

HOMEMADE TOYS

Children don't distinguish between expensive commercial toys and simple items you make at home. Some examples of homemade toys include:

1. Mobiles
   • Paper plates with simple faces or curved designs made with felt markers and construction paper
   • Spoons, bells or keys
   • Bright shapes cut from paper
   • Three-dimensional objects (make boxes out of paper or cardboard)
   • Ribbons
   • Pictures of animals, butterflies, etc.
   • Crocheted blocks in black and white patterns

2. A small sponge mop (used for dishwashing and found at the grocery store) with two bells firmly tied on makes a great giant rattle which the baby can shake to make noise but which won't hurt if the baby hits her head.

3. Crocheted balls or blocks in black and white or red and yellow (the colors babies especially notice). Babies enjoy both watching and handling them.

4. Bells firmly tied to the baby's shoelaces.

5. Puppets made from old socks--sew on felt eyes, nose, mouth, and use yarn for hair.

6. Pieces of fabric with different textures--corduroy, velveteen, satin, wool, etc.--for babies to feel.

7. Empty thread spools strung together on string are great noisemakers.