We mentioned earlier that kids learn 80% through their vision. It is not suprising for a toddler that nothing stimulates a child’s vision better than a toy. It’s Christmas and there are a lot of parents wondering what type of toys to buy for their young children. Here are some suggestions from www.allaboutvision.com.
Birth to 12 months. Brightly colored mobiles (make sure the colors and detail on the mobile pieces face down to the child, not up to the parent), rattles, balls, stuffed animals, activity gyms, blocks, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups).
1-year-olds. Finger paints, modeling clay, board books, balls, stuffed animals, blocks, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups), riding toys, puzzles, shape sorters, musical toys.
2-year-olds. Finger paints, modeling clay, chalkboard and chalk, felt board and felt pieces, board books as well as standard books, balls, stuffed animals, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups), riding toys, puzzles, shape sorters, musical toys, swings, dress-up clothes, child-sized household toys and items (broom, vacuum, rake, lawn mower), toy typewriter or cash register, child-sized kitchen area (refrigerator, stove, sink, cupboard, table and chairs), sandbox, kiddie pool, toddler tape player, stringing beads, sewing toys, magnetic letters, climbing toys (such as backyard gyms or playscapes).
3- to 6-year-olds. Large crayons, large markers, finger paints, modeling clay, chalkboard and chalk, felt board and felt pieces, doctor/nurse kit, books, balls, stuffed animals, tricycle or bicycle, puzzles, musical toys, swings, dress-up clothes, child-sized household toys and items (broom, vacuum, rake, lawn mower), toy typewriter or cash register, child-sized kitchen area (refrigerator, stove, sink, cupboard, table and chairs), sandbox, kiddie pool, child tape player, stringing beads, sewing toys, magnetic letters, climbing toys (such as backyard gyms or playscapes), toy computer or computer games, toy camera with film, basketball set, board games, roller skates.
7- to 10-year-olds. Crayons, markers, finger paints, modeling clay, books, balls, stuffed animals, bicycle, puzzles, musical toys or musical instruments, swings, dress-up clothes, sandbox, kiddie pool, tape player, toy computer or computer games, camera with film, board games, science items (such as microscope, telescope and chemistry sets), roller skates, skateboard, jump rope, sports equipment, electric train set
Some toys you would like to avoid would be toys that shoot objects in the air such as slingshots, dart guns or arrows.
According to the World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) has published the top 10 toys to avoid. The two that we recommend to avoid are “Gigan” Godzilla from Bandai and Jack Sparrow action figure from Jakks Pacific. “Gigan” has pointed fins, wings and knife like attachements that may poke a child’s eye with these sharp protrusions. The Jack Sparrow also has a 4.5 inche pointy sword of rigid plastic and may also be a concern for parents.
Dr. Sherman Tung OD, FAAO drtung@avenueeyecare.com
