Have you seen the look of wonder and fascination on a baby's face when she is offered a toy to inspect? Toys are not only sources of great fun for your child. They are also great tools for helping your baby learn about the world around her and about herself. Before buying toys for your baby, it is essential to consider safety tips and guidelines. If you know what to avoid and what to look for, you can feel secure in handing a new toy to your child.
When it comes to choosing crib toys, large is a good feature. Crib toys that are rounded and smooth are recommended, while toys with sharp points and edges should always be avoided. Look out for choking hazards, as babies want to put everything in their mouths. Make sure all toys are larger than your child's mouth. Some stores have testing tubes for checking the size of a toy. If the toy can fit into the tube, it can enter a baby's airway. Does the toy have any parts that could easily break off? Babies are surprisingly good at taking things apart, and they tend to twist and pull on things, so look for sturdy construction. Test a toy's flexibility by gently bending it. If the plastic is stiff and brittle, it may break easily, exposing a sharp edge.
When buying plush items like animals or dolls, avoid toys stuffed with small pellets. If the doll has shoes, clothing, or buttons, make sure that they are securely attached. Check those seams. They should be very secure. To avoid strangulation, remove any loose bows or ribbons. Squeeze toys should not have squeakers or whistles that can be pulled out.
Always read a toy's label before buying it. A warning label will give you important information about the toy's contents, construction and the suggested age range. Do not give an infant a toy that is intended for an older child.
Never use cords to attach toys like rings, dolls, or rattles to your child's crib. The cord could become wrapped around the baby's neck or limbs, causing strangulation.
Mobile crib toys are only recommended for children between the ages of zero to five months old. The mobile should not hang low enough for a child to reach it. Any strings or wires hanging into the crib should be kept short, with no dangling cords longer than 7 inches (178 millimeters) in length. Avoid crib toys with points on them that could hook baby's clothing. If you are installing a crib gym, ensure that it is very well-secured. This can prevent a baby from pulling a loose gym down into the crib with him. A gym should be removed once your child is around five months, or once your child begins to pull himself up. When he becomes this active, he could climb out of the crib by stepping onto his toys.
A safe toy can become dangerous through normal wear and tear. Keep your baby's toys in good condition. A plastic crib toy can be sterilized by boiling it in water for ten minutes. If you have a dishwasher, look for toys that can be cleaned by putting them into the top rack. Avoid toys that are not easy to sterilize. An example of this is a toy with a surface that can hold an excessive amount of bacteria. If you purchase a stuffed toy, make sure that it is machine-washable.
Examine your baby's toys regularly for signs of wear and tear. Look for damaged or broken parts. Check for loose eyes or small parts on dolls and for rips or exposed wires in stuffed animals. If something looks as though it could break, burst, or tear, repair it before giving it back to your child, or throw it away. If you are not sure about the integrity of a toy, it's best to keep it away from your child. When in doubt, throw it out! New toys are best, as they are more durable than old, used toys. If you would like to give your baby a secondhand toy, inspect it carefully. Old plastics may have a tendency to crack, so look for signs of wear. Test the toy out to make sure that it is sturdy and not easily damaged.
Let everyone that will interact with your baby know what is allowed in the crib and what is not. This is particularly important with older children. They may not understand that a toy they find enjoyable could harm the baby.
Making the effort to keep your baby safe while she plays can prevent injury. Remember that supervision will further decrease the chances of a child being harmed by a crib toy.
