Monday, June 30, 2008

Toddler Development Toys

by Brian J. Gordon
Parents love to see their baby toddling around the house. But it is important to bolster this crucial stage in your baby’s life with proper support systems. First, you need to understand his behavior and preferences before offering him toys. During this stage your child is engrossed with himself. So you need to take care of his overall development without disturbing his privacy. There are various toddler development toys available in the market, but again you need to choose the ones that suit your baby best.
Popular Toddler Development Toys: As this is the time when your child grows and develops quickly, his requirement is complex. Traditional sit-in or push-along toys may or may not serve the purpose. You can choose toys like rocking horses to make the baby more confident about balance and movement. Apart from these, conventional toys like trikes etc. help the baby to get familiar with motion and gain balance. And once he is confident about balancing, you can try some intricate new toddler toys that can be turned from the wheeled to the rocking state.
Another popular toddler development toy is the ride-on toy. These toys are a part of everybody’s childhood and have many advantages over newer electronic toys. As parents, you can push or pull your baby on the toy, until and unless he is in full control of the toy and properly balanced. This allows you to get involved in your child’s growing stage and also gives your child that special pleasure of parental attention. Also, these toys enhance the coordination between limbs and make your baby’s legs stronger. However, before buying such toys make sure that they look attractive enough to interest your baby and make him happy. You can choose to buy such toys with various sounds so that it adds to the thrill for your baby.
There are some toddlers who love to rest in a sitting position after walking a bit. If your baby is one of these, you can choose to buy some blocks which will keep him busy with coordination. Block toys are available in the market in various colors, shapes, and patterns. They are made of wood or plastic. You could also go for wooden blocks as they are more durable.
Things to remember: When choosing toys for your toddler, you need to remember some things. Every child is different and has an individual mental and social development cycle. While some toddlers love to look at various colors in books others may love to play in sand and water. So, while choosing a toy keep your baby’s likes and dislikes in mind and try to gift him toys that he will really enjoy rather than picking the most popular toy on the market.

About the Author:
eBeanstalk carries an extensive selection of Toddler Development Toys & gifts online. Each toy on eBeanstalk is carefully selected, tested and approved and comes with the eBeanstalk Seal of Approval.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Choose Good Toys for Your Kids Sake

by Tom Fred
The first time you look through the toy department you may be struck by how much more expensive toys are today than you remembered. Toys don't have to be expensive, though. And with toys, expense has nothing to do with quality. We've all heard the story about the parents who bought their child an expensive toy, and all the child wanted to do was play with the box. A good toy for one child isn't necessarily a good toy for another child. When you purchase a toy, you need to consider your child's age, gender and personal preference. Here are some examples.
As you are getting ready to buy a toy for your little one, keep it in mind that the toys you pick need to be age appropriate for your child. Children go through various stages of development at different ages. Toys need to stimulate the child’s mind during play.
Choose interactive and fun toys for infants and toddlers.
Infant Toys and Toddler Toys should stimulate and entertain children from the ages 12 - 24 months or 1 - 2 years. Educational infant toys from famous manufacturers such as Leap Frog, Fisher Price and other infant toy makers are very popular. Infants and Toddlers love toys which make noise, which are colorful and interesting.
Children's Toys And Preschool Toys From The Ages 3 to 4 Years
Preschoolers love toys that stimulate the imagination, offer a challenge and are basically fun to play with! This year, innovative use of technology has ensured hours of fun for this age group. The top toys of 2007 for preschoolers include a wide range of choices like R/C vehicles, toy pianos, games, bikes and much more.
Kids Toys And Kids Games For Kids Aged 5 to 7 years
Kids between the ages of 5 to 7 years have to be kept busy with suitable kid's toys and kid's games. Girls usually love doing some sort of art or craft activity, and boys tend to prefer playing electronic and video games
About the Author:
Choosing kids toy can be tricky, and you don’t want to see useless toys to pile up in corner. So be wise and considerate, your children are going to love them and keep them.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Top Ten Toys for Toddlers

by Alex Lum
Right before our eyes it seems that babies turn into toddlers with a whole new demand when it comes to toys. Now you’ll be looking to buy push-pull toys, toys that sing, and toys with buttons to push, as well as numbers and alphabet toys, all of which intrigue and educate the toddler. Here are the top ten toys for toddlers.
1. Frank Baum’s Mega Blocks Wonderful Wizard of OzMega bloks is always fun but with this theme, Wizard of Oz play set it’s even more fun. This 15-piece toy set is made up of building blocks, which are easy to grab. The sounds add an extra element of interest to the set. Toddlers are going to love Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. Oh and let’s not forget the Wicked Witch.
2. Fisher Price Laugh and Learn Musical ChairsThis is not only a friendly chair it’s also very colorful. It offers a realm of choices for your toddler to learn while they play. The chair is interactive and it teaches toddlers all kinds of skills such as counting. It’s the perfect choice for toddlers that are 1 ½ to 2 years of age.
3. Leap Frog Learning DrumThis is the best cause and effect toy currently on the market. Your toddler will bang the drum and the drum will respond by playing music, counting numbers, or even reciting the alphabet. You choose just by changing the settings so when your toddler gets bored with one set of events you can change it.
4. Fisher Price Corn PopperThis classic toy has been around forever. Toddlers push the toy along and the little balls in the canister roll around going popping. It’s an excellent toy for developing walking skills, and it’s entertaining at the same time.
5. Spin Master Aquadoodle Go ‘N’ DoodleThe perfect traveling companion because it’s convenient and handy. It offers your toddler plenty of possibilities.
6. Leap Frog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Letter SetThis an excellent interactive set with magnets that are in the shape of the alphabet all of which can be placed on your fridge. It helps to teach your tot phonics and they can sing the alphabet song too. It will keep your toddler entertained for hours.
7. Neurosmith Music BlocksThe musical block with this unit is going to keep your toddler amused for hours. You insert the unit, which then allows the music to play.
8. Discovery Toys 123 BoxThis is actually a book series that begins to introduce numbers, counting, and even simple equations that your toddler will quickly learn with recognition.
9. Braincandy My Five SensesThis DVD features all kinds of fun puppets with names like Harry Hand or Ivy Eyes. It’s a very educational video that’s refreshing and fun.
10. AutomobloxThis is a set of unique wooden cars with interchangeable body parts and wheels offering all kinds of possibilities for the toddler. It’s a lot of fun.These top ten toys for toddlers are just the beginning of what’s out there for your growing child that’s no longer content with baby toys.
About the Author:
For more information on the top ten toys, please visit us at Top Toys Guide

Friday, June 27, 2008

Toys Market Environment In China


by David ZHENG

The number of young kids under the age of 14 and infant, toddler and preschool in China is over 300,000,000, accounting for 25% of the whole population. Among them 80,000,000 live in the city, which form a large numbers of toy consumption. Especially in recent years, parents identify with the concept that toys can enlighten children on their intelligence, moreover, majority of modern families in China only have one child, parents are willing to spend on their child. Although according to the official statistic, the toy sales in mainland of China are no more than 2,000,000,000 dollars in 2006, it is estimated by people in this industry that the actual market demands should be 9,000,000,000 dollars. People in this industry believe that the forecast demands of Chinese toy market will increase at a rate of 40% per year in the following years, and the consumption of Chinese toy market will hopefully exceed 13,000,000,000 dollars.

In recent years, it appears some characteristics for toy sales in mainland of China:

1. Model Toys Electric model toys attract both children and adults, such as tank cars, cars installed with alarm whistle and so on. Though these toys are not cheap in price, especially the electric toys, commonly between 8-10 dollars, some even as high as 80-100 dollars, but they have a strong footing in the market.

2. RC Toys Appeared with high technology, for instance, electronic toys that can sound or shine, rc toys and interactive toys that can speak or perform a series of actions are salable goods. Presently, various rc toys on sale in the market reach about 1 hundred kinds, mainly are variety of rc toys (remote control toys) and hobby items, such as rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote control car etc., each rc car(remote control car) costs about 20-65 dollars,rc gas boat(remote control gas boat) is about 20-50 dollars,and the price of rc helicopter differs between 450 - 2,000 dollars.

3. Plastic Toys Plastic has taken the place of metal, wood and have become the main material for toys making, because it costs low, easily deals with, safer and light.

4. Adult Toys Besides the children toys, adult toys in mainland of China are also have large market. According to the latest investigation of China Social Investigation Office, 33% of adults think they are fond of toys and would like to buy them. It is investigated that except for traditional Chinese Chess, I-go and kite, adults prefer rc toys (remote control toys) and hobby items, such as rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote control car etc. The last research of China Toys Association shows the acceptable toy price for most consumers in the large and medium sized cities is no more than 15 dollars. However, in some large cities and some medium sized cities, some ingenious and top graded toys reaching up 150 dollars and even 1200 dollars still have their market. It takes an average of about 5% of the whole year consumption for Chinese citizens to buy toys, and with the toy development of top grade, brightness and series, in particular, rc toys (remote control toys) and hobby items, such as rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote control car etc., the toy consumption will be in the status of advancing.

About the Author
David ZHENG is the CEO of China Topwin Industry Co., Ltd rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote control car, Topwin hobby a specialty trader of a variety of toys and hobby items, such as rc car, rc helicopter, nitro rc car, rc gas boat, remote control helicopter, remote control car etc. http://www.chinatopwin.com

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Life Skills From A Child Piano? Why Not?


by Rony Pollock
If you have continuously exposed your child to the music of Bach, Chopin, Mozart, and Beethoven, you may have a promising music prodigy in the family. Boost your child's love for music, a child piano may carve a path to the royal concert halls.

Let your kid tinker with the child piano

If your child shows an interest for music, help him develop his potential. The child piano is the popular choice for parents with young Mozarts in the family. With this, children as young as three years old can recognize the tones of the piano.

Children have an aptitude for music. This has been proven by musical geniuses. As early as three years old, Mozart was already tinkering with the piano. Bach was an accomplished piano player at 9. Chopin authored piano compositions at age 7. Beethoven is also credited for his piano pieces at age 10. All these great music masters shared two things - a musical background and a passion for music at an early age. By that time, these brilliant composers were playing the keys of the spinet or the harpsichord. In those days, the harpsichord was set on a table and the player had to stand to play it. The invention of the upright piano in 1780 made the harpsichord a thing of the past.

The child piano

A child piano starts with an 18 key tabletop - perfect for any toddler. The piano has chime-like notes. Toddlers will have fun tinkling the piano, while at the same time developing their hand-eye coordination.
As the child grows older, start eyeing those 37 keyboards from Schoenhutฎ Piano Company. This model is ideal for three to nine-year-old kids. A 37-keyboard piano is nearly half the dimension of the adult piano and is no longer a toy. This hand crafted child piano has excellent chime notes. What better way to set your child to musical stardom? The baby grand bench has fine wood polish and a matching stool. You can choose a black, brown, or white child piano for your precocious youngster.
A grand child piano with an opening top or a concert grand piano is the best buy for a child seriously pursuing music lessons. This 37-key 3-octave piano comes in solid maple and birch. Perhaps you'd want a white concert piano?

Piano lessons

Studies have shown that youngsters exposed to piano lessons promote their creative abilities, teach them to focus, and to persevere. For those daunting piano recitals, children also learn how to cope with stress and play for a crowd.

It is not surprising to discover that your child will be a better reader when he continues with his piano practice. Each new music sheet will be a welcome challenge. The highlight of the whole exercise is teaching the child self-discipline. This is the key to his success in his adult life. So get your aspiring musical genius a child piano and take him to his piano lessons without fail. Talk to his piano teacher and ask how you can teach your child at home. Later, you can enjoy and show off his music during those grand family reunions.

About the Author
Think you might be raising a prodigy? Visit ronjuneshop.com and find out with a child piano. Also check out the site for pedal cars and toy chest designs.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Newborn Baby Gifts

by J.F. Lucero

Selecting out a baby gift for a new baby and the mom-to-be can be so much fun. If you are a parent yourself, it would be an easy task for you since you would know what a newborn would need. But if you dont have a child, choosing a gift can also be a very overwhelming experience
.
When choosing a baby gift, you should at least do a little research what an expectant mother will need daily to care for her newborn. Normally, expectant parents would prefer something useful for the baby especially on the first to six months. During this period, both the parents and baby will need a lot of stuff especially when the child is parents` firstborn.

Some of the items you can include in your list for baby at this early stage are draperies, baby pillows, baby comforters, baby formula, feeding bottles, personal hygiene products and toys that can help stimulate babys senses. If you are giving gift to a baby that is already a few months old, there are many toddler gifts that you can give that the child will be needing like baby walker, storybooks, shoes, clothes, educational toys, puzzles, story books and some pieces of furniture.

Picking the best baby gift can be very hard because there are so many options available. But given enough time, you can make the right decision by doing a little research like asking suggestions from some friends and family members.

Another way you can make this task easy for you is by searching some product reviews for the latest baby gifts over the internet. This can be very helpful if you are busy and short in time to visit your favorite stores. Ordering online will give you the option to choose from a wide variety of baby gifts in the comfort of your home and can help you make a wise decision.

About the Author
Giving unique and personalized baby gifts is something you should consider when you want to show how important the recipient is to you. Find more unique baby gift ideas by visiting best-shoppe.com now.

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Soft Organic Toys--Know What Goes into Your Child's Mouth

by Alma Newton

In these days of frightening toy recalls, parents worry a great deal about their children's toys. This is especially true for parents of infants and toddlers who just have to put everything in their mouths. The children can't help it, but what is a parent to do to ensure that what their children are mouthing and chewing on is really safe?

Soft organic toys are one answer to take away the worry and stress about your child's toys. Organic toys can be made from either ultra-soft cotton or wool. The manufacturers use only vegetable dyes to give them color. They also don't have anything on or in them that could be a potential choking hazard.

This makes soft organic toys great for little ones who have to taste the world as they go. Soft organic toys are also a good choice for infants and toddlers who are teething. Simply wet them with water and stick them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, give them to your child to chew on.

These types of organic toys are a wonderful alternative to the regular teething products you find on the market which contain water that you have no idea where it comes from or how safe it is. Some of them use a gel that is even more "iffy" when it comes to being certain that it's safe. In fact, there was a recent recall on teething rings such as these.

The fact that the cotton and wool the soft organic toys are made from is grown under strict conditions and processed using no dangerous chemicals at all makes organic toys even more appealing to parents who are looking for safe toy alternatives. And this can probably be said of most every parent these days as the toy recalls just keep coming and get more serious each day.

You can find soft organic toys at some retailers. The selection, though, is extremely limited. There's a much wider selection to be found online. You just want to be sure that you're buying from a reputable site that is truly selling completely organic soft toys.

So when it comes to toy safety for the infant and toddler set, you can rest assured that you're buying the best alternative when you purchase soft organic toys. Your child will love them--and you'll feel comfortable knowing that what your child is chewing on is totally safe. And you need that security today more than ever.

About the Author

Alma Newton, mother of four and grandmother of three, takes great pleasure in offering you the very best organic cotton baby boy and baby girl clothes, bedding, and diapers. Please visit her website to find Soft Organic Toys. There will be just what you need for your special little person to keep them safe, comfortable and happy.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

The role of toys in your child's development


by Nicole Munoz

The main purpose of toys is to bring joy to children. It adds more fun to their games. But one can never underestimate the power of toys. Toys are very helpful in preparing your child to learn bigger things. Although it may only seem that they are just playing and having fun, there are a lot of things that they can learn. There are educational toys that give your child the fun of playing and learning at the same time.

Toys have been your child's constant companion since he was still a baby. Small colorful toys helped him discovered the different colors and shapes. It also introduced him to the different sounds in his surroundings and allowed him to distinguish the different textures. Through toys, your child discovered the fun of using his senses.

At preschool, your child is more active. Although he has outgrown those colorful toddler toys, his interest to discover and create new things is continuing to take its toll. He starts to learn new things like associating his toys with the things in his surroundings. He learns to do role playing and takes his imagination to a new level. He also learns to appreciate and create new things out of the different colors and shapes. Their toys can aid you as well in teaching him how to write, count and draw. You can also teach him responsibility by assigning him a task to organize his toys after playing. You can teach him to socialize as well by asking him to share his toys with other children.

When your child is older, there are a lot of board games that you can introduce to him that will enhance his analytical skills. Game boards such as chess and domino help develop the strategic skills of your child. If you want to widen his vocabulary you can teach him how to play scrabble and word factory. This will also introduce your child to the different rules and regulations and the limitations it brings. He will also learn the value of sportsmanship and humility through this.

Children's interests vary as they grow. If your child does not show interest to any board game, then don't force him. You can ask him about the sports he is interested in and support it. He will surely learn a lot from it. He will be able to socialize by playing with a team and value the significance of teamwork. He will also learn about discipline and hard work in order to attain their team goal.

You may have not noticed it, but toys play a very important role in the development of your child's well being. His desire for toys change over the years because his needs varies from one stage to another but this does not mean that what he has discovered and learned with the previous toys he had will be forgotten. He may not be able to remember how he played when he was still a baby or how much he liked to put things together, but it will show in the person he has grown into.

About the Author
The main purpose of toys is to bring joy to children. It adds more fun to their games. But one can never underestimate the power of toys. Toys are very helpful in preparing your child to learn bigger things. Although it may only seem that they are just playing and having fun, there are a lot of things that they can learn. There are educational toys that give your child the fun of playing and learning at the same time.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Technological Toys And Children

by Amy Nutt
Many people will be able to remember when toys consisted of blocks, train sets, Lego, Barbie dolls and games like snakes and ladders. Today however, the word "toy" has been redefined. Today's toys are completely different than they used to be ten or twenty years ago. There are still some of the same toys hanging around, but kids these days are usually looking for more of the newer toys that have been developed in the last couple of years.

Toy makers and manufacturers have changed their way of thinking when it comes to what kinds of toys to design. Kids these days have much higher expectations of what they want out of their toys, and with the newer, technological toys on the market today, and newer, better things coming out all the time, parents have a lot more work to do!

Technological toys entered the market place a few years ago, and the word "toy" has never been the same since. Technological toys range from computer games, and X-box to educational toys like leap frog and battery operated Lego robot toys. There are a ton of different technological toys out there, and parent have the hard task of trying to figure out which ones are harmful to their child's psyche and which ones will actually be healthy for their child to play with.

There aren't too many computer and Nintendo / Xbox games out there that are beneficial to your child. However, because some parents have voiced their concerns over some of these mind numbing games in the last couple of years, the toy developers have now come out with a few educational games that your child will enjoy playing. Some of these games have the education part more cleverly disguised, and your child will not even know that he or she is learning new skills while playing them!

Educational toys for younger children have become more technological as well. Gone are the days of educational toys like the abacus and alphabetical blocks; nowadays, parents of younger kids - even toddlers, are able to buy computer games and video games that their children can play with and enjoy while learning new concepts and skills. There are even exercising plug and play games for toddlers. Parents can plug a toy trike into their television and the toddler can pedal and race on the TV all the while learning about things like shapes, colors, numbers and the alphabet. There are certainly a lot more options out there these days for parents than there were five or ten years ago.

Another educational technological toy that has set the standard for other companies is Leapfrog. This toy maker has been around for years, and they are constantly coming up with new and better ideas for educational toys. They seem to know what kids like, and how they best learn. One of the best things about this toy company is that they make educational toys for a dew different age groups. Parents will like this, because it makes it a lot cheaper when families have more than one child.

About the Author
Mastermind has a collection of children educational software that we have tested and proven to entertain and stimulate the child's mind. We offer educational toys for babies and toddlers.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Help your toddler discover new things


by Nicole Munoz

It's true when they say that time flies fast. You'll wake up one day to realize that the baby you've carried around has entered into the toddler age. He has become interested to so many things and seems to be amazed by just about anything. You might notice that he doesn't want to cooperate with you anymore. He'd move around if you try to comb his hair, he'd resist when you attempt to change his clothes and he'd squeal unstoppably while you give him a bath. They always seem to want to do something else.

During this stage, your child is starting to discover new things. Everything that is new to him brings fascination. He starts to explore what he can do by trying to move from one place to another. He'll put anything in his mouth. He wants to know how everything smells, feels and tastes. He wants to get to know everything in his surroundings.

This stage is also very crucial to his development. Since he is starting to unravel the world around him, it would greatly help him if he is provided with toys that will help him discover more things about what he can do and what his environment is about. It is advised that you give him educational toys for toddler to optimize his development.

When your baby is starting to move around and starts to crawl, expect that he will attempt to stand and walk soon. One of the best toys that you can get him at this point is a walker. A toy walker will help him move around independently. This will also aid him in learning how to balance and coordinate his body movements with his thoughts. Your child will definitely discover a lot of things while moving from one area of the room to another.

It is also at this point that your child studies how things are interrelated. They will be interested in playing with puzzle brick toys. This will teach them about patience as they figure out how to connect each brick and come up with an image. Boxes with openings traced in the different forms of shapes will also be a good toy for them. It will teach them simple analysis of how to get the different shapes into the box.

There are also toys that will help your child with his imagination. You can probably get him a doll, or little human figures. You can teach him to do role playing which will help him develop his organizational skills. Observe how your toddler assigns characters to his toys and how he provides order to the small world he created. He will continue to play until everything is according to what he has in mind.

At the latter part of his toddler years, you can introduce outdoor toys and activities to him. These will expose him to the world beyond the comfort of his home. He will be able to develop his well being by mingling with other children of his age. He will also learn to socialize and learn to share his toys with others.

About the Author
It's true when they say that time flies fast. You'll wake up one day to realize that the baby you've carried around has entered into the toddler age. He has become interested to so many things and seems to be amazed by just about anything. You might notice that he doesn't want to cooperate with you anymore. He'd move around if you try to comb his hair, he'd resist when you attempt to change his clothes and he'd squeal unstoppably while you give h

Monday, June 16, 2008

Top Three Tips To Improve Your Kid's Physical Skills


by Nicole Munoz

You've showered your kid with a variety of mind enriching toys which taught him about ABC and counting. You've engaged him in as many mentally stimulating activities as possible to improve his cognitive skills, logical thinking and basic problem solving abilities. You've done everything to make sure that your kid's intellectual capabilities are properly nourished and fostered.

But of equal importance is your kid's physical dexterity which is an essential aspect of his overall development that you should never neglect. The aspects of your kid's manual agility that call for enhancement include gross and fine motor skills, muscle strengthening and coordination, and hand to eye coordination.

There are certain guidelines you can follow to ensure that your kid is also being nourished physically.

First tip to do just that is to engage your kid in physically challenging exercises. If you have a toddler, allow for frequent tummy time during the day. It is healthier for him to crawl, roll over, cruise or walk than be tucked in your arms the whole time. Encourage crawling, cruising or walking by giving your kid attractive toys to reach for.

On the other hand, if you have an older kid, you can play tag with him and chase him in the backyard or play the fun and classic hide-and seek. This is a good exercise for both of you as well as a fun parent-child bonding activity. You may also let your little one jump on his child-safe trampoline or ride his ride on toy car. These fun activities are sure to strengthen his muscles and movement coordination.

Second tip is to provide your kid with toys that will enhance both his gross and fine motor skills. Ride on toys and bikes are excellent in developing your kid's gross motor skills while building toys like wooden blocks and wooden train sets are the sure way to improve your kid's finer motor skills. For instance, your kid will enjoy constructing miniature buildings, bridges and trains with the Maxim Wooden 145 Piece Train Set that are at the same time instrumental in boosting fine motor skills.

Third tip is to nourish your kid with proper nutritional diet that he will need to flourish physically. Energy giving nutrients like carbohydrates found in bread and rice will give him sufficient vigour for active play while calcium found in milk and vitamin D that can be acquired by being out in the sun will strengthen his bones. It is important that you consult with his pediatrician about the right nutritional diet to ensure that he gets all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals that he needs. Don't allow him to indulge in junk food, which are nothing but empty calories that can ruin your kid's appetite.

While it is very important to ensure that your kid grows up mentally stimulated, it is also necessary to improve his physical skills which are indeed an essential part of his growing up. Who knows? With your proper care, he might grow up as the next Michael Jordan or David Beckham.

About the Author
For more tips and information about Wooden Train Sets, check out http://www.thekidstoystore.com.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

How To Buy Safe Toys For Children

by Jeff Carlisle

Buying toys for your children can be difficult because all too often toys contain small pieces, breakable parts, or have sharp edges. But there are ways to cut down on the number of unsafe toys that you bring into your home. Educating yourself about toy safety will help you make better decisions about which toys you should let your children play with. You should pay particular attention to baby toys as your baby can become seriously injured when playing with unsafe toys. As your child grows, they will be able to play with more toys and avoid injury.

There are many different types of toys on the market today. Just because developmental toys are meant to educate and help your child learn does not mean they are safe. You should always inspect a toy after bringing it home or when you are thinking about purchasing it at the store. Pieces that can be swallowed, packaging that can cause suffocation, and wires that stick out are not toys that you want your child to play with. Find soft toys for babies, and toys that have large pieces for toddles. Toddler toys should be put away after use especially if there are other children that could hurt themselves. Buying a toy chest will help keep clutter to a minimum.

If you are unsure about the age limit of a particular toy, you should call the toy manufacturers to see what they have to say about it. Many toys have age restrictions on the boxes, but some do not. Use your best judgment when choosing these types of toys. The same goes for bath toys and infant toys. Once you have found a toy company that manufactures safe toys for children, you should continue to purchase toys from the company until your child grows out of them. Ride on toys should always be used under supervision so that your child does not suffer any injuries.

Other toys that involve movement include inflatable bouncer, jumpers, and other preschool toys. These toys should only be used by one child at a time and should not be used unless a parent is present. Children can fall off these toys and injure themselves. As with most toys, you should limit the amount of time that a child can use the toy. This will also reduce injury. Keeping your child safe is your first priority as a parent. If a toy seems unsafe, then it probably is.

Children's playhouses and toddler beds should be constructed with care using the correct tools. If a playhouse is not constructed correctly, then it could collapse and cause injury. The same goes for toddler beds. You should read all of the instructions before building these items.

About the Author
Jeff Carlisle is a freelance editor for Little Tikes Coupons. Read more and find great deals and discounts on Little Tikes Coupons products at http://www.CouponCart.com/LittleTikes/index.aspx.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Safety Of Baby Toys

by Gary Clay
It has taken a great many years to figure out just what makes a good toy for a baby. So many of the toys on the market these days are for children aged three and up and are full of itty bitty parts that could spell disaster if swallowed by a young child. Over time baby toys have gone through quite a metamorphosis. Babies used to be given the same toys that were given to older kids, but as time has gone on experts have agreed that there are certain things that make one baby toy better than another.
There are three main factors that come into play when deciding on toys for babies.
Can any part of the toy be inadvertently swallowed if the child is left alone for more than four seconds
Can it withstand a great deal of abuse?
Could the baby hurt herself or others if she decides to fling the toy away or loses her grip and hits herself with it?
If the answers are no, yes and no, then you have the makings of what could possibly be a great toy for your baby.
Baby toys need to be soft and squishy enough that when your child gets excited and accidentally flings their toy at your head it will simply bounce away. They also need to be durable enough that your child can both bang it on things and chew on it without completely destroying it beyond recognition. Also, baby toys are ideally just a single piece that is too large to be swallowed. After all, you don't want your wee one swallowing something that does not belong in any of the food groups.
Big squishy blocks are great baby toys. Soft toys are great baby toys. These are toys that can withstand a great deal of abuse but also be completely entertaining for someone who has not yet reached the age of two.
About the Author
Gary writes about quality baby toys for his website and blog and sells a wide range of toys for babies and toddlers at his website www.monkeyshine.co.uk

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Overwhelmed By Your Toddlers Toys?

by Jon Kelly

Your baby rolls over and reaches for a toy - suddenly you realize that your baby will start to play with some of the presents which he or she was given at birth. It is all very exciting, you get a toy box for the corner of the room and at the end of play you put it all away. So easy!

Suddenly your toddler has more toys than a toy shop, they all seem to have a thousand pieces and the thought of putting them away has become a horrifying nightmare. Every book and every professional nanny will tell you that the way forward is to get your child to do 'tidy up time'. Tidy up time is great - when it works you feel that you both deserve a reward and suddenly you can see how parenting should work - unfortunately you have a couple of bad days where things end up in the wrong boxes, then all of a sudden you realize that nothing has a proper home anymore, it all just gets put away so it is out of sight! On close inspection you realize that there are cars in every box and drawer, the train track which you used to so lovingly put away is missing a handful of pieces ....

Now you have several options, you could diligently go through them all, sort them out and then try to get tidy up time to become more efficient. In the mean time it will be down to you to try to keep all the relevant toy pieces together.

You could be firm and go through the toys, work out which ones are now too young for your toddler and pass them onto a child of a more suitable age.

There is a third way, this is one of the hidden secrets of parenting, it allows you to succeed at tidy up time; to keep the toys in order, and to be able to see the floor if you have unexpected guests, also you can keep the toys so they can be used by a younger sibling.

It's easy, you find a space where you child cannot go without you; a room where they cannot open the door or a cupboard they cannot open. Inside here you carefully arrange the toys in boxes. You need to leave something accessible, a general toy box full of the bits and pieces of toys which don't have a home anywhere else, and another toy which you will need to choose quiet carefully. The second toy needs to be something that several children can play with in case you have children to visit and you have not planned anything. It also needs to be a toy which your child will not get bored of too quickly, perhaps a box of Lego, or stickle bricks, something with lots of different applications. Now comes the important part - if your child wants to play with any of the toys in the cupboard then you just have to make sure that the toys from the general box and the other toy have been put away before the special toy comes out of the cupboard. The good bit about this is that you should never have more than two toys boxes worth to clear away, even if tidy up time at the end of the day completely fails.

Don't get stressed about the chaos of a toddler, just get a bit tough and you will all find life a lot easier, and you will suddenly discover how much more space you have created for your child to play in.

About the Author
Jon Kelly is a published author who writes articles, that includes advice on children and toddlers. We hope to cut to the important parts, answer the questions and supply the information you can rely on.To find out more, please visit: http://www.childrenandtoddlers.com/

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Top Tips for Puppy Proofing Your Home

by Brent Goodman

Pet-Proof Now...Avoid Problems later
Puppies have a tremendous amount of energy and natural curiosity, and they love to explore the world around them. This is part of what makes them so much fun, but it can also lead them into harmful situations. Before you bring your new puppy home, make sure you survey your home for potential dangers. In many ways, making your home safe for a puppy is similar to making your home safe for a toddler. The following tips are designed to help you keep your puppy safe. Many of the following warnings apply for adult dogs as well:

Indoor Hazards

* Know which plants are toxic and place them out of reach, or replace them with nontoxic plants. Toxic plants commonly found indoors include dieffenbachia, azalea, Calla lily, and philodendron.
* Keep all medications, including any dog supplements, in a safe area the puppy cannot access. Do not leave vitamins or other pills out on the kitchen counter or table. A determined chewer can make short work of a plastic container. Puppies are surprisingly quick at pulling things off of end tables or other low surfaces.

* Put bathroom trash cans up high where your dog cannot get into them. Sanitary supplies and used razors are only two of the hazards here.

* Full sinks, bathtubs, or toilets with open lids can be a drowning hazard. Avoid automatic toilet bowl cleaners if you cannot keep your puppy from drinking out of the toilet.

* Keep cleaning supplies in high cupboards or use childproof latches to secure lower cupboards. Remove the puppy from the area when you are using liquid or spray cleaners. They can get into the eyes of a curious puppy, and the vapors can be harmful to lungs and eyes.

* Be careful of your puppy around furniture. A rocking chair can harm a puppy's tail or leg, and a curious puppy may crawl under an open recliner or sofa bed.

* Electrical cords are a big danger to puppies, who often chew on them while playing. This can cause burns in the mouth, electrical shock, or death by electrocution. Tie up loose electrical cords and keep them out of sight. Run cords through purchased spiral cable wrap, cord concealers, or even PVC pipe to keep them safe from your puppy.

* Any type of fire can be dangerous. Screen off fireplaces and wood stoves. Never leave your puppy unattended in a room with an open flame or space heater.

* Cords for drapery and blinds can cause strangulation. Either tie up the excess cords, or cut the loop in the cord.

* Swallowed clothing may cause a dangerous intestinal blockage. Keep socks, nylons, underwear, and other clothing put away. Keep laundry baskets off the floor.

* Keep small objects (coins, jewelry, needles and thread, straight pins, yarn, dental floss, rubber bands, paper clips, toys, etc.) out of your puppy's reach. Jewelry and coins are easily swallowed and can contain metals that are toxic. Keep costly items and those of sentimental value put away until your puppy is older and less likely to chew. Provide an assortment of chew toys that are appropriate for your puppy's chewing instinct.

* Keep fishing line, hooks, and lures stored out of reach.

* Be careful about closing doors as you walk through - your puppy may be right behind you and get caught.

* Keep doors and windows closed. Keep screens on windows and sliding glass doors securely fastened and in good repair, to keep your puppy from falling through or escaping.

* Close off stairwells with a pet gate.

* Many dogs will eat cat feces from the litter box if given the chance. In addition to being a disgusting (at least to us!) habit, this can be a dangerous health hazard. Cat litter can cause an intestinal obstruction, and in addition, any intestinal worms the cat has may be passed on to the dog. One solution may be to put the litter box behind a pet gate, either in a separate room or in a closet with the gate across the doorway. The gate can be raised up from the floor to allow the cat to go under it, unless the dog is able to go under it also. If the cat cannot jump over the gate easily, a stepstool beside the gate can help.

* Many human foods can cause problems for pets. Chocolate, onions, alcohol, and foods high in fat, sugar, or salt can be very harmful. Chocolate, coffee, and tea all contain dangerous components called "xanthines," which cause nervous system or urinary system damage and heart muscle stimulation. Problems from ingestion of chocolate range from diarrhea to seizures and death. All chocolate, fudge, and other candy should be placed out of your dog's reach. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys.

* Tobacco products, including nicotine gum and patches, contain substances that can be toxic or fatal to dogs.

* Chicken bones, plastic food wrap, coffee grounds, meat trimmings, the string from a roast - all pose a potential hazard. Scraps from ham or other foods high in fat can cause vomiting and diarrhea, or pancreatitis. To be safe, put food away immediately, dog-proof your garbage, and do not feed table scraps to your dog. Uncooked meat, fish, and poultry can contain disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, and parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii. These uncooked foods should not be given to your dog. For your own health, as well as your pet's, wash utensils that have been in contact with raw meat, and cook meat thoroughly.

Outdoor Hazards

* Do not leave your puppy outside unsupervised. To prevent your puppy from wandering, you will need to either build an outdoor kennel or provide secure fencing that your puppy cannot jump over or dig under.

* Provide your puppy a separate area of your yard to use as his bathroom area. Use fencing, or other means, to keep him out of areas where children may play, especially sand boxes.

* Some outdoor plants and trees can be toxic to dogs. Common ones include potato (all green parts), morning glory, foxglove, lily of the valley, and oak (buds and acorns). Many bulb plants, such as daffodils, are also poisonous. Cocoa bean mulch can be toxic to dogs. Some dogs chew and swallow landscaping stone, which can cause dangerous intestinal blockage.

* Make sure all gasoline, oil, paint, lawn fertilizers, insecticides, and auto supplies are placed into secure containers, out of reach. Be especially careful with antifreeze and rat poison, both of which taste good to dogs and both of which can be deadly if ingested.

* Pools, ponds, and hot tubs should be covered or fenced off. Drainpipes can also pose problems.

* Fire rings, barbecues, and other heat or fire sources pose the potential of causing burns.

* Keep all food and other garbage in securely closed containers. Used coffee grounds can contain harmful amounts of caffeine, and decomposing food may contain toxic molds. Keep compost in a secure bin.

* Walk around your property and look for other areas or items that could be a hazard to your puppy, such as broken glass, exposed nails, or other sharp objects. Plan how you will restrict your puppy's access to these areas.

Bringing home a new puppy is a time of fun and excitement. Following these tips and investing in a few key pet supplies will help you keep your new friend safe, so that the two of you can enjoy each other's company for years to come.

About the Author
Brent Goodman holds degrees in English from Ripon College, a Masters of Fine Arts from Purdue University, and has extensive experience in research communications and educational publishing across various fields of study. He is currently the Senior Copywriter at Drs. Foster & Smith Pet Supplies, the nation's leading online and catalog pet supplier.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Children's Learning Toys

by Brian J. Gordon

Every child is unique and so is their learning behavior. In order to enable faster and more effective learning, companies have come up with various interactive learning toys for kids. These toys make the learning experience enjoyable for your kids and keep them busy as well. Learning toys are available in various shapes and sizes to fit the different learning objectives of your child. Also, the bright colors of the toys attract children to them and hold their interest more and more. Apart from effective learning, these toys help in the overall individual growth of children.

Learning toys for the newborn: Specially designed learning toys are very useful for newborn infants. They help to stimulate their basic senses of touch, hearing etc. Such toys help first-time parents to entertain their kids in a positive manner and watch them develop quickly. A good example of a learning toy for a newborn infant would be soft, colorful balls that enhance coordination between hand and eye.

Learning toys for toddlers: This is the time when your kid grows intellectually. And all you need to do to support this phase is provide innovative learning toys. To help build creativity in your bundle of joy, you can get bring attractive blocks or give him clay, crayons and paper with which to show off his artistic talent. You might even try chalk and chalkboards.

Learning toys for the special child: There are overly sensitive children who suffer from conditions like Attention Deficit Disorder. Learning toys to soothe such children are also available in the market. Puppets or action figures with costumes help such children engage in pretend play. They change characters and don't feel a lack of attention. Play acting makes them imaginative and puppet shows help them have fun while changing voices as they play different characters. To make your child happier you can record the pretend play performance and watch the replay at your leisure along with him.

Apart from these, educational books, CDs, and other toys that teach numbers, the alphabet, and names of animals and fruits are also available.

However, while choosing learning toys for children, parents need to exercise caution. The following things should be kept in mind when purchasing toys:

* The toy should be in keeping with the age of your child and the age group for which it is designed.
* The toy should provide healthy activity to your child without frustrating or annoying him.
* It is important to ensure that the toy is safe, non-toxic and hygienic for the baby, and that your toddler's health is not at risk when he is having fun with his toys.
* The toys should be attractive enough to interest your baby even when he is cranky or upset.
No matter which toy you choose, remember, learning toys are meant to entertain and educate your baby and not to disturb him/her in any way.

About the Author
eBeanstalk carries an extensive selection of children's learning toys & gifts for keeping up with your kids development.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Toddler Development Toys

by Brian J. Gordon

Parents love to see their baby toddling around the house. But it is important to bolster this crucial stage in your babys life with proper support systems. First, you need to understand his behavior and preferences before offering him toys. During this stage your child is engrossed with himself. So you need to take care of his overall development without disturbing his privacy. There are various toddler development toys available in the market, but again you need to choose the ones that suit your baby best.
Popular Toddler Development Toys: As this is the time when your child grows and develops quickly, his requirement is complex. Traditional sit-in or push-along toys may or may not serve the purpose. You can choose toys like rocking horses to make the baby more confident about balance and movement. Apart from these, conventional toys like trikes etc. help the baby to get familiar with motion and gain balance. And once he is confident about balancing, you can try some intricate new toddler toys that can be turned from the wheeled to the rocking state.
Another popular toddler development toy is the ride-on toy. These toys are a part of everybody’s childhood and have many advantages over newer electronic toys. As parents, you can push or pull your baby on the toy, until and unless he is in full control of the toy and properly balanced. This allows you to get involved in your child’s growing stage and also gives your child that special pleasure of parental attention. Also, these toys enhance the coordination between limbs and make your baby’s legs stronger. However, before buying such toys make sure that they look attractive enough to interest your baby and make him happy. You can choose to buy such toys with various sounds so that it adds to the thrill for your baby.
There are some toddlers who love to rest in a sitting position after walking a bit. If your baby is one of these, you can choose to buy some blocks which will keep him busy with coordination. Block toys are available in the market in various colors, shapes, and patterns. They are made of wood or plastic. You could also go for wooden blocks as they are more durable.
Things to remember: When choosing toys for your toddler, you need to remember some things. Every child is different and has an individual mental and social development cycle. While some toddlers love to look at various colors in books others may love to play in sand and water. So, while choosing a toy keep your baby’s likes and dislikes in mind and try to gift him toys that he will really enjoy rather than picking the most popular toy on the market.
About the Author
eBeanstalk carries an extensive selection of Toddler Development Toys & gifts online. Each toy on eBeanstalk is carefully selected, tested and approved and comes with the eBeanstalk Seal of Approval.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Tips For Traveling With A Toddler


by April Aguren

Traveling is an exciting time for the entire family, and if you are taking a toddler along on the trip, you'll need to plan ahead with activities, snacks, and all the right tools to stay organized.

Traveling with kids is much more fun when everyone is well-prepared for the adventure; this means packing the right items, making sure there are enough activities to keep the kids busy, and keeping everyone's safety in mind. Whether you're planning a short weekend getaway or a few weeks on a family vacation, here are some simple tips for traveling with a toddler:

1. Car seats, baby carriers, strollers, and booster seats. Making sure you have a safe car seat, a stroller and booster seats available, will make it much easier to travel to different venues with your toddler. Car seats can ensure a safe drive, while your own collapsible stroller will make it simple to tour and visit different areas without having to rent equipment. Leave room in your car to pack the stroller easily, and take along a booster seat if you have some extra space. You may also want to bring a sling or baby carrier to reduce the amount of gear to pack if your child is not too heavy for you to carry. Most slings can support a child up to 35 lbs. Check with your sling's/carrier's manufacturer for details.

2. Comfortable clothing. The right outfit for the day of traveling is important, since you want your toddler to be comfortable and enjoy the experience. Light-colored clothing works best, especially if you're traveling to a warmer climate. You'll want to pack at least two outfits for the days you'll be traveling on the road or in an airplane, as your toddler may spill food and drinks on their clothes and that will require an outfit change.

3. Diaper bags and accessories. You'll need a place to store those extra diaper bags, toys, videos, snacks, and clothing, so that everything is within easy reach. If you are traveling by car or van, pick up an organizer bag that you can just hang over the car seat, or a tote-style box/organizer that you can slip into the trunk of the car.

4. Puzzles and games. Puzzles and games will keep your toddler and kids busy during those very long travel times, so make sure you're taking along a tote bag of their favorite toys, coloring books, and games. Games don't have to contain lots of pieces when you're on the road - think about simple activities such as coloring books with crayons, picture books, and activity books that will keep them occupied. You also may want to create a surprise bag of little games/treats for each hour/certain number of miles passed. This keeps them entertained and wondering what will come next.

5. DVDs and media activities. A portable DVD player, an iPod, or just a simple CD player are other activities that can keep your toddler and kids occupied on a long trip. Rent some of their favorite movies for the DVD player, or just pick up some fun books on tape for them to listen to. These activities can keep kids busy for a few hours, and are especially valuable for those extra-long trips.

6. Snacks and food. Taking along enough snacks is essential when traveling with kids, especially since you don't want to waste lots of money on food and snacks along the way. Packing your own snacks and food will also ensure that your kids can eat healthy when traveling, so think of simple and tasty snacks the whole family can enjoy. Fruit wedges, granola bars, peanut butter sandwiches, and even homemade trail mix are great foods for traveling, and can make long hours of traveling much more fun.

7. Immunizations and medical records. If you're traveling out of the country, you'll need to have your kids immunized against various diseases and conditions, but you'll also want to have everyone get a health checkup before leaving and upon your return. Make an appointment with the doctor or physician at least two to three weeks before your travel dates, so that everyone can enjoy the trip in the best of health.

8. Passports, visas, and identity cards. Make sure you have all of the paperwork and materials you will need for your travel plans well ahead of time, and pack all of these in a separate case for easy access. All of your personal records need to be in an easily accessible place in case of emergency, so be sure to make a place for these and keep them on close-at-hand during your trip.

Whether you're traveling on a long road trip or taking an airplane ride with your kids, making sure they are comfortable, safe, and enjoying the experience should be a top priority. Stay organized and plan ahead, using all of these simple strategies, so that you can deliver a fun vacation the whole family will enjoy!

About the Author
April Aguren is the owner of ChildToGo.com, a kids' travel accessory website. She has traveled extensively as a marketing event manager for work and with her family for fun. She is also the author of the ebook, "Wedding Bells: an eguide to planning your wedding." For more information on travel accessory gear for your baby, toddler or preschooler, see her site at www.childtogo.com.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Choosing quality toddler toys

by Gary Clay

When your child is a toddler his/her brain is running on high-octane energy and your child is learning new things at almost an alarming rate. This is also the age in which children typically learn to walk and suddenly develop the urge to be independent. The child you used to pull onto your lap for story time now jumps down and says: 'I can read that myself!'

There are many quality toddler toys that encourage learning and development. The trick is to choose the ones that aren't just bells and whistles and actually provide the toddler with a reason to use his/her brain.

You will want to look for toys that will help your child learn hand-eye co-ordination that is probably not very good just yet. Toys that involve any kind of stacking, building or taking things apart are always well received. Blocks are especially popular as they have so many uses. With blocks your toddler can learn to count, can learn the shapes, the colours and both how to build something and take it apart again.

Other popular toys are toys that encourage movement. Toys that your kids can climb on are always well received. Toddlers love to climb and explore, so those kid tunnels and simple jungle gyms are always fun.

Toddler toys should also encourage social interaction. Toddlerhood is a great time to teach your child about sharing and playing with others and simple games are a great way to do this. Toys that are also good for social development are stuffed animals or dolls that the toddler then gets to take care of, which helps to teach the child that it is always good to care for others.

Toddler toys are almost all designed with learning in mind and toddlers love to learn. This is an age in which they want to explore new things and learn about the world they live in and toys that teach them new skills are always wildly popular.

About the Author
Gary is a father of two and experienced buyer of toddler toys he is the owner of Monkeyshine a UK retailer of unique toddler toys and more.

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Toddler Toys For Active Tots

by Gary Clay

Toddlers love to run and play and wear out their parents. There is no end to a toddler's energy and their toys should both reflect and encourage this constant stream of motion. While plush toys are good for resting times and can provide a great deal of comfort, the toys that are most popular with toddlers are toys that do something or encourage the toddler to move around.

Toddlers are also learning sponges. They absorb everything, including many things you wish they would forget until later ages. It is this love of learning that you will also want to take care to encourage. Toddler toys have come a long way in the last few decades and there is no better way to teach your child than to show them how much fun learning can be.

Toys for toddlers should be learning-centric. A toy that can teach your colour shapes while showing them how to build or do something is ideal. This is why blocks are such a perfect toy for little ones. A toddler can play with blocks and at the same time the child is learning his colours, his shapes and how to construct sturdy structures. You can also use blocks to teach a child how to count. Simple games of 'how many red squares do we have?' will teach your child valuable skills.

Simple puzzles will encourage your child to engage his or her memory as the more times the puzzle gets put together, the faster your child will be at this task. Learning how to match shapes to each other is also good.

Any toy that makes music is also fun. Your toddler can learn about music and have tons of fun banging away and making all of those new sounds that they haven't heard before.

Toddlers have fun when they learn. They haven't yet been taught that learning is boring so take advantage of this time and make sure that their toys help them learn and grow!

About the Author
Gary writes about toddler toys for his website which sells a wide range of quality toys for toddlers and babies. www.monkeyshine.co.uk

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Soft Organic Toys--Know What Goes into Your Child's Mouth

by Alma Newton


In these days of frightening toy recalls, parents worry a great deal about their children's toys. This is especially true for parents of infants and toddlers who just have to put everything in their mouths. The children can't help it, but what is a parent to do to ensure that what their children are mouthing and chewing on is really safe?
Soft organic toys are one answer to take away the worry and stress about your child's toys. Organic toys can be made from either ultra-soft cotton or wool. The manufacturers use only vegetable dyes to give them color. They also don't have anything on or in them that could be a potential choking hazard.
This makes soft organic toys great for little ones who have to taste the world as they go. Soft organic toys are also a good choice for infants and toddlers who are teething. Simply wet them with water and stick them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, give them to your child to chew on.
These types of organic toys are a wonderful alternative to the regular teething products you find on the market which contain water that you have no idea where it comes from or how safe it is. Some of them use a gel that is even more "iffy" when it comes to being certain that it's safe. In fact, there was a recent recall on teething rings such as these.
The fact that the cotton and wool the soft organic toys are made from is grown under strict conditions and processed using no dangerous chemicals at all makes organic toys even more appealing to parents who are looking for safe toy alternatives. And this can probably be said of most every parent these days as the toy recalls just keep coming and get more serious each day.
You can find soft organic toys at some retailers. The selection, though, is extremely limited. There's a much wider selection to be found online. You just want to be sure that you're buying from a reputable site that is truly selling completely organic soft toys.
So when it comes to toy safety for the infant and toddler set, you can rest assured that you're buying the best alternative when you purchase soft organic toys. Your child will love them--and you'll feel comfortable knowing that what your child is chewing on is totally safe. And you need that security today more than ever.
About the Author
Alma Newton, mother of four and grandmother of three, takes great pleasure in offering you the very best organic cotton baby boy and baby girl clothes, bedding, and diapers. Please visit her website to find Soft Organic Toys. There will be just what you need for your special little person to keep them safe, comfortable and happy.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Traditional Toys Turn Off Trashy TV


by Gary Clay

We, as a nation, and indeed a world, have become hooked on the TV screen. We complain if the remote control is not immediately to hand and we actually have to move to change a channel! But what is this doing to the younger generation? Well, diseases usually associated to the older generation is just one such problem that is becoming apparent. Lack of exercise, both physical and mental, is producing a generation of sluggish, bored and unimaginative people who look to the screen to fill up their days. Perhaps as a backlash to this problem the growing trend is to buy the more traditional toy of days gone by. Parents, grandparents and the like are harking back to the 'good old days' when toys were individually made and not mass produced as toys of today are.Wooden toys seem to be a favourite and they come in all forms. One click on an internet search engine will show you literally thousands of toys in all shapes and sizes and in all price brackets. Imaginations have run riot and there are wooden toys as diverse as penny whistles to ride along toys, fire trucks to rocking horses, push along trolleys to adjustable trikes, they are all here. Perhaps the one thing these wooden toys have in common is the workmanship. Most are finished off to exceptional standards and they will last for many years, no batteries running out at inopportune times here!When a child is given a traditional toy, opposed to a computer game, he/she has to get involved with it. Role playing is one of the best ways a child can use the imagination to bring the toy to life. Imagine a child with a puppet making up storylines and putting on a show for the parents or siblings. The imagination usually runs riot and much fun is had by all who participate! Wooden toys in particular are becoming more and more popular. The tactile feel of something that was living is far superior to the plastic world of today's toys. Indeed, some pieces come unfinished and unvarnished in case you want to paint to your own design, another project you and your child can undertake together.Indeed, perhaps the worst effect of today's electronic wonderland is the lack of communication between parent and child, brother and sister, and family and friends. How many times have you greeted your own or your friends child to be greeted with a grunt? Many times I'm sure. They are normally so engrossed in the TV or computer screen they can hardly be bothered to tear their eyes away! Who once said the screen was the 'chewing gum for the eyes'? So the next time you have to buy a present, be it for a toddler or older child, consider the traditional toy. Moreover think about getting a wooden toy that will outlive all of today's modern gadgets and bring back the art of conversation. The best gift you can give is the gift of caring and by buying one of these you are showing that you care.

About the Author
Gary is a respected authority on traditional toys and writes for his toy blog and e-commerce toy store on a variety of topics including the benefits of wooden toys for the development of children.

Monday, June 2, 2008

Educate and Entertain Toddlers with Fun Developmental Games and Educational Toys

by Marina Neiman

Educational toys and developmental games are excellent for strengthening the parent/child relationships. These games and toys are great source of fun and are wonderful way to enhance your toddler's learning. In addition, manipulative games enhance dexterity and eye-hand coordination and provide numerous learning opportunities. In this brief article, we'll discuss the benefits of toddler games, some popular developmental games, and how you can make the most of your toddler's playing time.

First of all, you should keep in mind that education games and toys include board games, puzzles, dominoes and memory games. Here are some popular choices: Board Games: With board games, toddlers are able to learn their colors, shapes, and sounds, and move pieces which also enhance their dexterity skills. Puzzles: With puzzles, toddlers are able to solve problems. Some great examples are wooden and jigsaw puzzles. You can even purchase floor jigsaw puzzles and involve the entire family. Creative Mind Games: With creative mind games, toddlers are encouraged to learn shapes, colors, and sounds with the use of songs and other activities.

Second, when choosing developmental games for your toddler, use variety and choose age appropriate toys and games. For instance, a 6 month won't like the same toy as a 12 and 24 month old. You see, 6 month old baby are just discovering the world and tend to put things in their mouths whereas 12-24 month-olds enjoy prodding and discovering. To choose the best age appropriate toy that suits child unique needs, try out various types and see which one interests the most. You'll soon discover that your child is not only enjoying himself but learning and developing skills as well.

Third, take your time and don't schedule too many activities at once. Toddlers are notorious for not being able to focus for long periods of time and tend to getting bored easily. Therefore, it is important that you keep playing sessions short and do not force toys upon him. Instead, use a variety of different developmental games and toddler educational toys, and switch gears, or move to something else, when he seems bored. This will encourage him to have fun, enjoy the moment and not get bored.

Fourth, have a wonderful time and enjoy the moment. Although it is tempting to do so, you don't have to have structured play time all time and you don't have to see the educational value in everything you do. After all, toddlers learn so much by just doing and being with you. So, have fun and don't rush the educational process. It will happen!

In conclusion, playing developmental games with your toddler is a great way to relax and spend quality time with children as they improve their skills and improve their dexterity skills. So regardless of whether you play puzzle game, memory, dominoes, or snap cards games, you'll have a fun and so will your toddler!

About the Author
Marina Neiman, author and mother of two, writes for 1888Toys.com - Educational Toys Store, featuring classic learning toys, developmental games and selection of educational toys for toddlers.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

How To Select Safe Toys

by Ron King

As the holidays approach, many of us are planning gifts for our loved ones. If you have a toddler on your gift list, you need to make sure the toys you buy are safe and appropriate for the child's age.

Check Age And Skill Level

Check the packaging to make sure the toy you are buying is appropriate for your child's age and ability. A game that is meant for a 5-year-old can be mystifying for a 3-year-old. Also, look at the instructions. If you can't comprehend them, then a child probably won't be able to figure out how the toy works either.

Check Safety

Safety is another aspect you should always check. Small parts can be dangerous. Parts small enough to fit easily into a toddler's mouth can be a choking hazard. This may seem to be an unlikely problem when you're looking at that ideal toy, but remember, small children and infants automatically put items in their mouths.

Check Construction

Stuffed animals are ideal for small children, but make sure they are safe for your tot by looking at the way the toy is constructed. Are the eyes, nose, and other small features fastened on tightly? If not tightly secured, these items can come off when a child inevitably puts it in their mouth.

Check For Sharp Edges

Toys with a sharp edge can be a potential safety hazard for a toddler. A child walking or running with such a toy can fall and be injured by it. Again, tots like to put things in their mouths, so a sharp-edged toy could cut their lips, gums or tongues.

Any Electric Or Heating Involved?

Only children over 8 years old should receive electric toys with heating elements. Don't be tempted to buy these for a younger child just because they're a bargain and would be fun to play with. When children are playing unsupervised, a toy with an electrical heating element can be hazardous.

Has The Toy Been Recalled?

Before setting out on going shopping, find out what toys have been recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can tell you if a toy has been recalled that could pose a serious safety threat to your tot. You can call toll-free (800) 638-2772. You might be surprised to find out that some of the leading toy makers have recalled toys. A good idea would be while you're at it to check older toys your child already has to be sure they're not on the recall list. The CPSC website will tell you what to do if a toy you have is on the recall list.

Remove Dangerous Packaging Immediately

Watch for those twist-ties that keep toys secure in their packages. They keep the toy looking good on the shelf, but they become a hazard when the toy is removed from the package. Even if your toddler's toys don't have these, check older sibling's toys for them. They need to be properly removed to avoid any danger to a younger child. On Christmas morning, you can eliminate a suffocation hazard to your tot by immediately throwing away all plastic wrappings from the toys.

Do Your Research

Toys and games that capture the imagination are hard to resist when you have a special toddler in mind. You can help keep the holidays happy and safe for your child by doing your research before you buy.

About the Author
For more information, see Safe Toys. See more info at Safety Toys. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Writers WebSite.