Toy-Related Injuries: Appropriate Toys for Different Ages

In the U.S., over 1 million toy-related injuries were treated between 2015 and 2018. Toys with small parts, sharp edges, and long cords can create major hazards for your little one if you aren’t careful about choosing the right ones. It is important to choose the toys that are right for your child’s age. 

Play is an important part of your child’s life, but health and safety are a top priority when picking out the right toys. 

There are appropriate toys for different age groups that ensure your child is safe during playtime. Keep reading to learn about toy-related injuries and what toys are best for each age. 

Common Toy-Related Injuries 

When it comes to toy safety for children, there are some common injuries that you can avoid. Here are some features to look out for when you are picking out a toy for your child:

• Small parts that can get lodged in your child’s throat 
• Long strings that can wrap around a child’s neck 
• Sharp points that can puncture the skin
• Toys with electric parts that can cause electrocution 
• Shooting or flying objects that can dislodge at close range 

These are just some of the common ways that children can get injured playing with toys. Be sure to avoid giving or gifting these before your child is old enough to play with them. 

Appropriate Toys for Different Age Groups 

If you’re looking for safe toys for kids, it’s important to know what is appropriate for their age. Here are some toys for children that are appropriate for their age. 

Toys for Infants Under Six Months   

For young infants, the toys you choose are important for their development.  

They like toys that they can squeeze, reach for, look at, and make noise with. At around four months, your baby can use their hands and eyes together to reach for a toy and can shake toys to make noise. 

Teething toys, rattles, unbreakable mirrors, handling mobiles, and soft dolls are all great options for your infant. 

Toys for Babies at Six Months to One Year 

When your baby starts moving, you can incorporate toys that use their muscles. 

Wooden toys with wheels, water toys, baby dolls, peppers, plastic bowls, and soft blocks are all great ways to get your baby moving and interacting with their toys.

Toys for One-Year-Olds

Toys for young children start to vary over one year of age. 

They can start to use crayons, washable markers, and paints. You can incorporate pretend adult items such as toy phones, baby carriages, plush animals, toy cars, and accessories for dress-up. Large puzzles and toys with interactive parts like dials and knobs are also good toys at this age. 

Toys for Two-Year-Olds 

At two years old, your child has developed motor skills and they can move around, jump, climb, and play with more intricate toys. 

You can opt for puzzles, kitchen play sets, sand toys, fingerpaints, construction toys, play foods, sidewalk chalk, and picture books. At this age, although your child has a sense of danger, they tend to do some rough play to get their energy out. 

Toys for Three to Six-Year-Olds 

These are preschool and kindergarten-age children. You can give them toys that promote problem-solving skills like puzzles, colored blocks of all sizes, preschooler scissors, playdough, and children’s instruments. 

At this age, children are also ready to learn to ride a tricycle and use sports equipment like bats balls for catching and throwing. 

Keeping Your Child Safe During Playtime

Your child’s safety is the most important part of play, and it is crucial when it comes to picking toys. Be sure that you know what are the common toy-related injuries and what are the age-appropriate toys for different age groups. 

Be sure to contact the emergency room in Bulverde, TX if your child is in danger from a toy-related injury. Their dedicated and compassionate staff will give your child the best patient-centered care.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Months” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 11 Aug 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-4mo.html 

Children’s Safety Network. “Toy Injuries in U.S. Children: Know the Facts” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Dec 2019, https://www.childrenssafetynetwork.org/infographics/toy-injuries-us-children-know-facts