
Toys are an enjoyable part of one's child's life. Toys are fun and essential for a child's development. But toy-related injuries are reported every year and treated in the emergency department of hospitals. Children below three years old have more risk of choking as they tend to put all objects in their mouth. You should keep in mind a few safety concerns while buying toys for babies.
Pick age-appropriate toys
When you choose a toy for your baby, make sure you read the instructions and age-related recommendation. Most toys show age recommendation stickers. Toys with projections are not recommended for children below four years of age. If your child is below three years, wait a little longer to give her/him toys or games. You need to be realistic about your child's abilities and understanding level while choosing an age-appropriate toy.
Bigger toys for small kids
If your child is below three years of age and you want to pick a toy from the toy shop for her, buy a toy bigger in size of her mouth so to prevent your child from choking. For determining whether a toy could cause a choking risk, try to fit it through a toilet paper roll. If a toy or part of a toy can fit inside the cylinder, it's not safe for your child.
Choose well-made toys
Many used toys passed down from older relatives or siblings. These old toys can be dangerous to your child. Check all toys, whether new or used for buttons, batteries, yarn, ribbons, eyes, beads, and plastic parts that could easily be chewed or snapped off. Make sure there are no sharp edges present that can cause injury to your child. Make sure the toy you choose is not made up of chemicals that are harmful to your child.

Avoid balloons
Balloons are colorful and joyful to play with. But it causes choking when uninflated pieces of balloons are ingested. Avoid giving balloons to your child.
Don't pick heavy toys
Huge toys can cause injury to your child if it falls. Avoid choosing massive toys for your child.
Make sure your child is physically ready for the toy
Many parents of older kids buy a bike one sizes older than the child so to avoid a new bike next year. This can cause harm to your child if he is physically not ready for the toy you buy.
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Toys that encourage and stimulate the various senses are best suited for toddlers. Toys with different textures, that are mentally challenging, colourful, and that include lights or music, will engage the toddler and encourage independent thinking in how to use the toy in different ways. Invest in toys that will challenge and engage your toddler.
"Some of the criteria to consider before investing in toys for your child are – *Is it age-appropriate? *Is it safe for their use without supervision? *Will it contribute to their development? *Value for money *Durability *What are the possible negative impacts of the toy?"
"Some important characteristics a toy must have are – *It must be fun and engage the child at least for a short period *It should stimulate creativity and help in developing some skills *It should be safe for the child to use without adult supervision *Must be age-appropriate. "
Some interesting toys to invest in if you are looking to support brain development in toddlers include simple to mildly complex jigsaw puzzles, matching games, memory games, sequencing games, and counting games. Sensory toys with multiple textures, model clay, or even kinetic sand are a good investment for sensorial development, which, in turn, stimulates brain development.