Your children will eventually outgrow their toys. But what about the short span of time where they do use them? You want to give your kids the best toys possible, but what makes some toys better than others? Keep reading to find out so that you can discern the best choices to make.

Don’t be swayed by a toy’s popularity. Sure, there may be wisdom in crowds, but it’s more important to consider your child’s likes and dislikes, along with their age and learning needs. Just because a toy is popular doesn’t mean it’s a good fit in your home. Think things through first.

A good toy should be education and fun. For toddlers, look for toys that teach them the alphabet and numbers. You can find toys that will say each alphabet or number when the appropriate button is pressed. Toddlers are learning an having fun at the same time. Learning through play is the best education.

For kids who are a year old or less, be sure to pick the proper kind of toy. Look for toys that have a lot of different colors. Children at this age learn though sight, touch, taste, and hearing. Also, make sure these toys are non-toxic since children will end up putting them in their mouth.

Kids love toys that can shoot objects in the air, especially young boys. However, you should probably avoid purchasing toys like these. As fun as they may be for your child, they also pose a serious injury threat. Should the object fall back down, your child’s eye could become injured.

Be cautious when purchasing toys for your baby’s cribs. Though babies love staring at certain crib toys, many of them cause danger. For instance, anything with a long string could become wrapped around your baby’s neck and cause strangulation. Make sure any toy put in the crib is completely safe.

Before buying a child a toy, ask their parents what the child wants. If you are buying a toy for a friend’s kid, knowing this is a huge advantage. A gift that they already want is a gift that is sure to be enjoyed. Their parents will be able to point you in the right direction.

Do you have a little Picasso on your hands? One of the best toys to encourage your child’s inner artistic abilities is Play-Doh. There are many options when it comes to Play-Doh. One of the latest innovations is the Twist Ice Cream Parlor. With it, your child can make delicious looking creations just like Ben and Jerry’s.

Check the reviews for a toy. This is especially important if the toy costs quite a bit of money. From reviews you can find out how durable the toy is and how much enjoyability the average child seems to get out of it. You wouldn’t want to buy a toy most people report as falling apart within the first week of play.

No matter how much you might think a child is going to love a toy, pay attention to warnings and recommendations. Factors like age, skill level and interest are often pretty accurate on the packaging. Also keep an eye out for toys that are specifically flame retardant or resistant.

When using any type of vertical storage for your kids’ toys, place toys that are used the least on the top shelf and the most used ones on the lower ones. If you have children of different ages, put their toys on the bottom shelf where they are easier to access. Make sure the storage unit is secure by attaching it to the wall.

Children like to imitate what their mom and dad do. Give them some items that look the the real things they see you wear and use. For example, if you are in the kitchen quite often, you can buy them a set of toy pots and pans. You can purchase many practical toys for your child.

Be sure that toys that are new are safe for the kid you have. Avoid purchasing anything with a lot of small pieces. It is more cost-effective to buy toys that you child can use as they grow. Brands that are popular sometimes make toys that older kids can use too.

Look for toys made with non-toxic materials. While this is a good idea for toys at any age, it is essential for younger children, especially babies under the age of 1. Children this age love putting things in their mouth as part of their exploration of the world around them.

Even though toys are not a permanent fixture of your children’s lives, you still want to give them the best you can. Remember all that you have read within this article to know how to sort through your options and find great toys. Your children can play and grow safely with the right toys.