A rule of thumb: Less is more.

The less a toy does, the more opportunity a child has to create and learn from it.  Simple toys are easier for children to use, require less supervision and last longer.

1. Safety first
   Toys should match a child's developmental level and age and should not contain unsafe, toxic or flammable materials, sharp corners or small, detachable parts.  They should also be clean.
   Be sure to keep potential choking hazards—any toy or object small enough to fit through an opening the size of a toilet paper tube—out of children's reach.
2. Durability
   To survive a child's repeated handling, a toy must be made of sturdy, reliable materials.
3. Easy to use
   A child must be able to work a toy by himself in order for him to enjoy it.  Generally, simple toys are easiest to operate.
4. Entertainment value
   Ideally, a child should find a toy fun to play with now and as she grows. Look for toys that a child can experiment with in many ways.
5. Educational value
   Play teaches a child to think, create and imagine. Choose toys that allow for pretending, role-playing, problem-solving and practicing skills.
6. Social value
   Children learn important social skills, like cooperation, negotiation and compromise, by playing with other children. Choose toys that children can use with others.

This tipsheet is part of the Success By 6™ Parent Toolkit (pictured left).

Also included in the toolkit are tipsheets on meal ideas for young children, everyday activities for dads, childcare checklist and more.

Order your free toolkit now.

Source: Born Learning™, a public engagement and material distribution campaign that provides important information about what young children need every day to ensure quality early learning. Designed to support you in your critical role as a child's first teacher, Born Learning materials are made available through the efforts of United Way, United Way Success By 6™ and Civitas.

See more tipsheets.