Have you ever walked into a toy store, looked at the wall-to-wall shelves, brimming with toys and wondered, “Where do I start???” This was my experience six years ago when I went to purchase a first birthday gift for my nephew. Sure, I didn’t have any children of my own at the time, but I was a third grade teacher so I should have been able to sort through some of the bright colored boxes, building sets, etc. to find that perfect gift, but I couldn’t.

Perhaps that’s why, a year later when I had my own child, I decided to become an Educational Consultant with a toy company. Well no, that wasn’t the reason, but I have to say, my days of being overwhelmed in the toy store are certainly over. Working a home business with an educational toy company has taught me a ton about what to look for in a good toy. My intention is to pass on some of this wisdom to you, so your children can make the most of this amazing time in their lives. So they may play, learn, and enjoy time with YOU!

Babies:
Certainly your baby’s favorite toy is you. They love to look at your face and will imitate your expressions or the sounds you make. Playing and socializing with your baby helps your little one feel loved, safe, and happy.

Toys to enhance their learning at this early stage are toys that stimulate the five senses. When picking a baby toy ask these questions:

• Is it visually attractive (lots of bright colors)?
• Are there several different textures and sounds to explore and experience?
• Does it smell? The scent that some baby toys will have is vanilla because it is closest to the scent of a mother’s milk.
• Can babies safely put the toy in their mouths to teethe/taste?

This last question is an important question these days as news looms from the media about toxins in plastics. It is not as easy as staying away from merchandise made in particular countries. Your best bet is to know and have confidence in the company selling the product. I cannot comment on other toy companies, as I am no expert. I can tell you how our company handles this issue (and has handled it since it began 30 years ago). Our company hires an independent laboratory to test the toys coming into our line. They specifically look for lead and other hazardous materials like phthalates. Babies will mouth their toys (it’s what they do). As a Mom of three children, one of them being only ten months old, I feel so much better knowing what my baby has in her mouth is SAFE.

Next week: Selecting toys for preschoolers.

Carmen Markowski
Discovery Toys Group Manager