December 2024
Toy Shopping Tips for Parents: Safety, Development, and Inclusivity with Dr. Paula Lopez
The holiday season is here, and with it comes the search for the perfect toys to light up a child’s face. While toy shopping can be exciting, it’s important to consider safety, developmental value, and inclusivity when choosing gifts. Here are some expert reminders and tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to guide your toy shopping this year:
Be Mindful of "Educational" Labels
Not all toys labeled as "educational" live up to the claim. Many tablets, computer games, and apps marketed this way focus solely on memory skills, like learning ABCs or shapes. While these are valuable, they represent only one small part of school readiness. The skills children truly need for long-term success include impulse control, emotional regulation, and creative thinking. These are best developed through unstructured, social play with family and friends.
Additionally, research suggests that tablet-based toys can delay social development in young children. These toys often lack the real-life facial expressions, gestures, and vocalizations essential for building interpersonal skills.
Challenge Gender and Racial Stereotypes
Toys play a powerful role in shaping how children see the world and themselves. Avoid toys that reinforce outdated stereotypes about what boys and girls "should" do. For example:
- Offer books or puzzles that depict men and women in diverse roles, like stay-at-home dads, working moms, male nurses, or female police officers.
- Provide a variety of toys—including dolls, toy vehicles, action figures, and blocks—to encourage all styles of play.
Every child deserves the opportunity to explore different roles and develop their interests free from limiting stereotypes. For more guidance, check out resources on gender identity development in children.
Limit Screen Time and Digital Toys
While electronic toys can be exciting, it’s important to set limits. Here are some key points to remember:
- Avoid screen-based toys for children under 2 years old, and limit total screen time to less than one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years.
- For older children, ensure video or computer games are developmentally appropriate. Ideally, play these games together with a caregiver to foster connection.
- Check labels to ensure electronic toys are UL Approved, signaling adherence to safety standards.
For more information, refer to the AAP’s guidelines on healthy digital media use for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Toy Safety Considerations
While most toys on the market comply with safety standards, some risks remain. Here’s how to ensure the toys you choose are safe:
- Avoid Small Parts: For children under age 3, choose toys that are at least 1¼ inches in diameter and 2¼ inches long to prevent choking hazards.
- Be Wary of Magnets: Toys containing magnets can be dangerous if swallowed, potentially causing intestinal blockages or perforations.
- Steer Clear of Hazardous Materials: Watch out for toy jewelry that may contain lead or cadmium, substances harmful if ingested.
- Check Recalls: If buying secondhand toys, verify they haven’t been recalled by visiting SaferProducts.gov or Recalls.gov.
- Choose Age-Appropriate Items: For example, chemistry or hobby kits are best suited for children age 12 and older.
General Safety Tips
- Store toys in designated locations, like shelves or toy chests, to keep them organized and accessible.
- Keep older children’s toys out of reach of younger siblings to avoid accidental misuse.
- Discard toys that are broken or in poor condition to prevent injuries.