Select toys carefully

When selecting toys for your child this holiday season, keep his or her abilities and safety in mind. Following are tips on the best types of toys to choose as your child grows.

Infants to 1-year-olds
Color, sound, movement and texture help little ones develop. Look for cradle gyms, music boxes, mobiles, rattles, squeeze toys and soft washable animals and dolls.

1 to 3-year-olds
Remember, children in this age group are curious. They have no sense of danger and can take things apart. Consider cloth or plastic books with colorful illustrations, stacking toys, pull toys, kiddie cars, toy telephones and musical toys.

3 to 5-year-olds
Preschoolers love to imitate adults and older children. Play tools and benches, housekeeping toys, building blocks, books, blackboards and chalk, crayons, finger paints and clay are good choices for this group.

5 to 9-year-olds
Imaginations play a key role during this stage of development, giving children a new sense of creativity. Favored toys include bicycles, tea party sets, table games, doctor and nurse kits, electric or windup trains, workbenches with tools and materials, dolls and crafts.

9 to 14-year-olds
Preteens and young teenagers can advance their knowledge or develop hobbies with computers, microscopes, board games, electric trains, model kits, sporting goods, coin or other collections and sewing, knitting or needlework kits.

Tips on toys for all girls and boys

In addition, keep in mind the only good toy is a safe toy. When choosing and using toys, remember:

• In homes where there are children of varying ages, do not allow younger children  play with their older siblings' toys.
• Put toys away when not in use.
• Read instructions before using toys.
• Toys should be sturdy, particularly toys that will receive hard use. Make certain toys intended for infants and younger children do not have small parts that can be swallowed or parts that can be broken off and swallowed.
• Avoid toys with long strings and cords that can strangle a child. As a rule, strings and cords must not be longer than 12 inches. Avoid ribbon and small decorations when wrapping gifts for small children.
• Keep toys clean.
• If a toy breaks, repair it immediately or dispose of it.
• Check toy packaging material for staples or twist ties that can harm children if swallowed. Also, throw away plastic bags immediately to prevent possible injury.
• Wait to buy electric toys with heating elements until your children are over 8 years of age. Even then, provide constant supervision.
• Check often to make sure toy arrows or darts have securely fastened soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective caps.
• Never leave toys out overnight, as poor weather can damage them.
• Never buy a bicycle for someone without purchasing a helmet as well. (Unless you know the person already has one).
• It is okay not to use a toy given as a present if you do not think it is safe.