"When selecting safe toys: consider appropriateness for the child's age and development, safety and ease of operation."

Many parents have a difficult time selecting appropriate and safe toys for their children. It is difficult, especially when so many toys are available to choose from. A few things to consider in selecting safe and suitable toys are these:

Choose a toy appropriate for the child's age and development. (Many toys have age-group labels on the package.)

Remember that younger brothers and sisters may have access to toys bought for older children.

Check fabric labels for "nonflammable," "flame retardant" or "flame resistant" notices.

Check instructions. These should be easy to read and understand. Instruct the child in the proper use of any toy that might cause injury through misuse.

Avoid toys that produce excessive noise. (Even toy cap pistols fired too close to a child's ear can cause damage.)

Avoid shooting games, especially those involving darts and arrows, unless the games are played under parental supervision.

When choosing a toy for small children, make sure the toy:

• is too large to be swallowed,
• does not have detachable parts that can lodge in the windpipe, ears or nostrils,
• is not apt to break easily into small pieces or leave jagged edges,
• does not have sharp edges or pints,
• has not been put together with exposed straight pins, sharp wires, nails, etc.,
• is not made of glass or brittle plastic,
• is not poisonous or toxic,
• does not have parts that can pinch fingers or catch hair,
• does not have long cords, and
• for children of all ages, avoid thin plastic bag material.

Choose toys carefully. Any toy can be dangerous if misused. These is no substitute for parental judgment and supervision. Even after purchase, it remains the responsibility of the adult to examine the toy from time to time to assure that wear and tear has not uncovered a hazardous situation.

SUITABLE AND SAFE TOYS

Up to one year.

Playthings for the infant should attract attention. Choose things to look at, to feel, to chew, to hold and drop. Toys should be washable, nonbreakable and designed with no sharp edges that might cut or scratch. They should be large enough so that they cannot be swallowed, and there should be no small attachments that might become loose and be put into ears, nose or mouth.

1. Hang brightly-colored objects where they can be seen.
2. Squeak and water toys--rubber or washable cloth.
3. Rattles--sturdy and nonflammable; a poorly constructed rattle may come apart freeing the little stones for the baby to put in his or her mouth.
4. Teething beads.
5. Washable stuffed dolls or animals made of soft cloth or oilcloth and embroidered eyes. (Button eyes may be removed and replaced with embroidered ones.)
6. Colored balls, large and painted with nontoxic paint.
7. Cups or any smooth object to chew on--unbreakable.
8. Plastic measuring spoons.

One to two years of age.

This is the age when children love to investigate the world about them. Choose playthings that can be taken apart and put back together again. Objects that can be moved from one place to another to teach coordination. Toddlers, like infants, put everything in their mouths. Avoid small toys that may be swallowed.

Select sturdy toys, not too large or heavy for the child's ability.

1. Large blocks with rounded corners, smooth and free of rough spots and splinters.
2. Nests of objects that fit together.
3. Sand box(sharp corners of box cut off and rounded) with appropriate tools that are sturdy and rustproof. Keep the sand box covered when not in use and inspect frequently for sharp objects that might cut or scratch the child.
4. Push-and-pull toys with strings or rounded handles and no small parts to come loose.
5. Peg boards of bright colors with large pegs.
6. Small chairs and table suitable to the child's height.
7. Boxes--simple ones to open and close.
8. Water toys.
9. Cloth books with familiar objects.
10. Telephones.
11. Pots and pans.
12. Music boxes.

Two to three years of age.

This is the age of experimentation. Children like to build things with blocks and turn the pages of books in order to experiment with newly-found abilities. Choose playthings that help develop the senses and the muscles. At this age, children begin to enjoy playing with others. Toys that they can share with encourage social development. Beware of objects that may cut or scratch, pointed objects that may be dangerous to the eyes, and small things that may be swallowed.

1. Large nesting blocks.
2. Wooden animals--smooth, with no sharp or pointed edges. Examine for loose nails or tacks.
3. Kiddie cars or tricycles--sturdy and tip-proof.
4. Finger paints made of vegetable or fruit coloring so that the child will not be poisoned if he or she should ingest some.
5. Cars and wagons to push around-- choose sturdy, nontippable.ones.
6. Miniature wheel barrow--sturdily constructed and easy to wheel.
7. Modeling clay.
8. Rocking horse--low enough so that if child falls, injury will be avoided.
9. Crayons.
10. Books.

Three to four years of age.

Even infants like to imitate others, but around three, children try to imitate older brothers and sisters or grownups. Children of this age group live in a "let's pretend" world and learn by doing. Toys that encourage the make-believe spirit are good. Help the child to learn to use play equipment safely. Select sturdy playthings that will stand up under vigorous child's play.

1. Small brooms and carpet sweepers.
2. Toy telephone
3. Crayons and large paper. Crayons should be nonpoisonous and large.
4. Dolls--with simple wraparound clothes to be put on and taken off.
5. Doll buggies and beds.
6. Toy dishes--unbreakable and large enough so that they cannot be put into the mouth.
7. Simple wooden puzzles--with parts large enough so that they cannot be swallowed.
8. Miniature tools to use in the garden, strong and well made. (Teach the child to use these safely and to put them away carefully. Many parents prefer wooden rakes and hoes with rounded edges.)
9. Suitcases to pack and unpack. Be sure that there are no sharp edges to cut or locks that might pinch the fingers.
10. Wading pool; water should be very shallow and play should be supervised. A small child can drown in only a little water.
11. Painting sets--nonpoisonous paint. An easel that is adjustable to height will serve for many years.

Four to six years of age.

This is the dramatic and creative age. Little people love to play at dramatics as well as continuing to play at being grownups. Since children are busy at this age learning to read and write, provide play equipment that will stimulate these interests. Also provide adequate space for children to play both inside and out and be certain that the low shelves or chests are available for storing playthings so that they cannot be stumbled over by members of the family.

1. Simple construction toys.
2. Dolls and doll accessories.
3. Dollhouse and furniture.
4. Chalkboard and chalk.
5. Paints and paint books--nonpoisonous paint. Short, blunt-handled brush.
6. Wash tub and board.
7. Table and chairs (appropriate to child's size) that have a metal frame and plywood back, seats that are sturdy, lightweight and easy for the child to move about.
8. Jump ropes. Teach children to jump rope on soft ground rather than on hard surfaces.
9. Small iron and ironing board. The iron should not be too hot and the child should wear a mitten to protect the hand.
10. Crayons, colored pencils and paper.
11. Large cardboard boxes.
12. Books.
13. Modeling clay.
14. Scissors for cutting out pictures. A well-made durable steel scissors with blunt ends is a good long-time investment.
15. Outdoor swings and playground equipment. Swings and stationary play equipment may be firmly set 3 feet deep in concrete. Wooden equipment should be made of strong wood that does not splinter. Smooth rough edges. Frequently inspect all playground equipment and keep in good condition. Worn ropes on swings are especially hazardous. Waterproof rope is more durable.
16. Costumes and play clothes for dramatic play. Children love to dress up. Be certain that play clothes are made of nonflammable fabrics.

Six to eight years of age.

At this age, children are particularly interested in developing manipulative ability. Select play equipment that will help to develop children's skills and self-confidence. Do not give playthings that may cause an accident because they are too complicated for a youngster's ability.

1. Simple games and puzzles.
2. Sewing materials.
3. Carpenter bench and well-constructed tools. Hammer should be lightweight, with a large head securely fastened. Nails should be large and sharp tools should only be used under adult supervision.
4. Construction sets.
5. Sled.
6. Roller skates. These should be well constructed and with ball bearing action. There should be a rubber shock absorber under the front wheel shaft, for ease in turning. Soft ankle pads protect the ankles. Teach the child to put away skates so that they will not rust or be left as a tripping hazard.
7. Equipment for playing store, house, etc.
8. Playground equipment.
9. Kites. String should be made of non-conductible material. Wire string may cause shock if kite drops across a power line. Cotton string is safest but any string will conduct electricity if wet. Teach child to fly kite away from electric wires.

Eight years or older.

From eight and into adolescence, the interests of children vary according to individual preferences. Select materials that stimulate various interests and encourage development of speed and accuracy. A background of safe play habits will serve a child well in his or her ever-increasing world of new experiences and will enable youngsters to protect themselves from accidents.

1. Construction or model building sets.
2. Carpenter bench and tools. Add new tools, such as saws and drills, as the youngster learns to use them safely.
3. Bicycles. Correct size for child and mechanically safe.
4. Hobby material. Arts an crafts, photography, coin and stamp collections, puppet shows, etc.
5. Games.
6. Electric train. Should be approved by Underwriters' Laboratories and frequently inspected for defects.
7. Sports and gym equipment.
8. Outdoor playground equipment.
9. Musical instruments.
10. Books.
11. Equipment and materials to encourage individual skills, interests or vocational abilities.

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