Toy Safety:

"Toy-caused" accidents, which occur due to a fault in the toy's design, material content, construction or performance, are infrequent. Make sure that soft rattles, squeakers and teething toys, even in their most compressed state, are too large to fit completely in an infant's mouth.

Many countries have passed safety standards limiting the types of toys that can be sold. Toys with small pieces, such as these Lego, elements are required by law to have warnings about choking hazards in some countries. "Toy-related" accidents happen for any number of reasons but are not due to product    ., tripping in the dark over a toy that was not put away after play.

Not all toys are appropriate for all ages of children. Crib gyms and mobiles must be removed once the infant reaches five months of age or begins to push up on hands and knees.

Playing with toys and behaviour:

Construction sets such as Lego bricks and Lincoln Logs are designed for slightly older children and have been quite popular in the last century. Not only do parents have an important role in choosing good toys, but research shows that the most creative children are those who have had adults involved in their play. Children should not be forced or pushed to play games that may be too difficult for them.

Sharing play experiences also forges strong bonds between parent and child throughout childhood. Use toys as "springboards" and you'll be amazed at how many different ways you can play. Aggressive games such as rough and tumble and pretend fighting with toy guns are all part and parcel of learning to understand and imitate the adult world.

Toy facts and History:

Through play with toys infants begin to recognize shapes and colors. In recent years many toys have become more complicated with flashing lights and sounds in an effort to appeal to children raised around television and the internet. Dolls are usually miniatures, but baby dolls may be of true size and weight.

In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, children played with dolls made of wax or terra cotta, sticks, bows and arrows, and yo-yos. Play-Doh, Silly Putty and other hands-on materials allow the child to make toys of their own.

You can learn more about     from the Baby Shower Site.