• Knowledgebase: Parenting Questions

    Questions about the managment of common parenting problems such as discipline.

    17. What are good Chistmas presents or Gifts for kids? - Top

    Christmas toys should bring smiles, not tears. So this month's column will be devoted to toy suggestions for children and toy safety issues.

    The fires rule in to match your child's toys to their developmental age, both mental and physical. Toys that are appropriate for one age group, like preteens, would be inappropriate for a six year old. Read manufacturers labels for suggestions an which toys are suited to which age group. Another issue to consider is when there are children of difference age" in the household. When a toy is appropriate for an older child, it may be unsafe for a younger child. In these cases, inaccessibility to the younger child should be established for everyone in the family.

    No matter how many labels you read, reading alone will not stop accidents from happening. Christmas toys like all other playthings may come apart. Sometimes just stuffing comes out and other times sharp edges may be revealed. Common toy related injuries are as follows:

    1) Aspiration or ingestion: Pieces from a shattered toy, or removable parts should not be small enough to be swallowed or aspirated into the lungs. Items to remember are small buttons or disc batteries.

    2) Burns and electrical shock: Battery operated toys are generally safer than electrical ones because of less electrical injuries or burns from heating elements. Potentially flammable materials should be avoided. .

    3) Catch injuries: The entrapment of fingers, clothing or hair can be caused by exposed springs, gears or hinged parts.

    4) Explosions and poisonings: Chemistry sets and rocket kits generally require the maturity of a child above the age of 12 years.

    5) Lacerations: Exposed sharp edges or rigid toy parts capable of shattering can result in cuts.

    6) Eye injuries: Check toys for sharp exposed points. Projectile toys (dart guns, BB guns, sling shots, and bow & arrows) are a potential for eye injuries.

    7) Head injuries: New bikes or skate boards should come with protective gear, ESPECIALLY helmets.

    In order for children to gain enjoyment from their toy-, theme toys should be appropriate for a child's mental and physical abilities and give the child an opportunity to advance him or her skills. The following are age appropriate suggestions:

    THE INFANT TO ONE YEAR OF AGE:

    In the fires months infants wiggle and squirm but are completely helpless. As they learn to reach, roll over, and sit, the crib or playpen offers a safe haven. In the second half of the year, the infants become mobile and at rick for mechanical suffocation and inhalation or ingestion of foreign objects.

    Mechanical suffocation in among the leading causes of death in this age group. These infants need 100 percent protection. The toys advised for thin age group should produce sensory
    stimulation - visual, hearing and touch. Some suggestions are:
    1) Blocks of wood or plastic
    2) Cradle gyms
    3) Music boxes or animals
    4) Pots and pans
    5) Rattles
    6) Soft, washable animals, dolls, balls.
    7) Suspended bright, moving objects (out of reach)
    8) Bury boards
    9) Floating bath toys
    10) Squeeze toys

    THE ONE TO TWO-YEAR OLD TODDLER:
    These children are curious investigators who can take everything apart. They have no sense of danger. Their play needs supervision and the toys must be safe and able to withstand
    their need for investigation. Some suggestions are:
    1) Books - cloth or plastic (large illustrations)
    2) Sturdy dolls
    3) Kiddy care
    4) Musical toys
    5) Nesting blocks
    6) Push and pull toys
    7) Stocking toys
    8) Toy telephone

    THE TWO TO FIVE YEAR OLD PRESCHOOLER:
    These hurrying children are lighting fast and spend much time running. After three years of age they become teachable and begin to develop skills, throw objects, ride a tricycle, climb and
    explore. Supervised play in a hazard-free area remains necessary. Theme preschoolers should be given toys that imitate the activity of parents and older children and are experimental
    in nature. Some suggestions are:
    1) Books (short stories, action stories)
    2) Blackboard and chalk
    3) Building blocks
    4) Crayons, nontoxic finger paints, clay.
    5) Hammer and bench
    6) Housekeeping toys
    7) Large stringing beads
    8) Outdoor toys, sandbox elide, swing
    9) Playhouses
    10) Transportation toys (tricycle, wagon)
    11) Record or cassette player

    THE FIVE TO NINE YEAR OLD CHILD:
    Adventurous and daring characterizes thin age group, who will try anything. Safety has become predominately their own responsibility. In the early grades, these children become
    creative and develop skills. Some suggestions are:
    1) Blunt scissors, sewing mete
    2) Card games
    3) Doctor and nurse kits
    4) Hand puppets
    5) Tea party utensils
    6) Balls
    7) Bicycles
    8) Crafts
    9) Electric trains
    10) Paper dolls
    11) Jump rope
    12) Puppets and marionettes
    13) Roller skates
    14) Sports equipment
    15) Table games
    16) Work benches with tools and materials

    THE 10 TO 14 YEAR OLD PRE-TEENAGER:
    Strenuous physical activity characterize" this age group. Hobbies and scientific activity can be initiated. Suggestions:
    1) Computer
    2) Hobby collections
    3) Microscopes
    4) Table and board games
    5) Sewing, knitting, needlework.

    Video games are a popular item and can be considered for school age children. They can be educational and improve eye-hand coordination. Their usage should be controlled because when overused, they can affect physical fitness, socialization and school performance adversely.
    - Updated: March 23, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP