To Buy or Not to buy!

Toys, Toys, Toys everywhere and not a single one is to be spared. Parents often face this dilemma, which one should I buy for my child? And we often end up buying the whole store thinking it’s all for the good of my child. But to our never-ending dismay, in a week here’s a broken engine and there’s the board book being chewed by the dog!! So, here’s a few tips that can be followed.

· Do not buy toys that are not made with child development in mind

· Do not buy toys’ that need too many batteries, too much noise and functions

· Flimsy and easily breakable toys are a no-no

· If possible, buy toys that can promote social skills and group play

· Avoid toys that are smaller than your fist, as they can be easily broken or ingested by a small child.

· Toys like guns, toys with too many sensors and lights etc. should be avoided

· Buy toys that can be passed on from child to child down the line.

· Toys with sharp edges to be avoided

· Toys made of nontoxic materials are advisable

· Avoid furry toys as they may cause breathing problems

· Avoid toys that need plug ins

As parents we tend to give our children the best of what we have missed or have not had. But let’s not take it overboard.

Every category of toys has their own inherent advantages and disadvantages. There is nothing that is completely good or bad. We are moving into a global world and children need to be exposed to everything. Including traditional toys should not lead to the exclusion of everything else. —Vinita Siddhartha