TIPS FOR BUYING TOYS

Have been doing some research online and putting together advice that I have read from various sites on tips when selecting toys from your children or as gifts. At different stages of their lives, toys serve different functions to help in the development of various aspects of our children, e.g. motor skills, social skills, creativity etc.

I'll share some of these tips in installments and if you have any other advice to add on, do leave a comment and I'll add it on.

For babies from birth to 6 months
Newborn babies for the next few months will not be able to grasp toys with their hands. What you can look out for would be toys that will help to stimulate them through sight and sound. Toys that make noise like rattles or squeekey toys, as well as toys with contrast, black and white toys and even brightly coloured toys will surely get babies' attention. It has also been suggested that you can even start using hand puppets when playing with your babies.

Once babies are able to grasp, you can start looking for toys that has different texture and most importantly safe for putting in their mouths. No toys which have attachments or embellishments. Everything has to be securely sewn on. And if you're getting stuffed animal toys, do make sure that the furry fabrics will not come off if pulled.

Another important tip in ensuring that toys remain safe for the babies, remember that you should never ever hang toys from the crib, stroller, playpen or around babies' necks.

Look out for the next tip for 6 months to 1 year olds!

Picture shows a Tiffany baby rattle with mother-of-pearl handle, manufactured around 1890, features 18-karat “chased” gold, a technique that involves pushing and pulling the metal with chisels and hammers to create a high-relief decoration.