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Why Toys are Labeled
Labels on toy packages make choosing safe, appropriate toys much easier. However, no package label can tell you exactly which toys are right for your child and not all toys are appropriate for every youngster. On the other hand, child development experts agree that children develop in a sequence of stages and toymakers use this information to indicate which types of toys are safe and appropriate for children of various ages. Product labels help consumers distinguish among the vast number of toys on the market to make the most appropriate purchases.
Remember, each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. The best thing adults can do when purchasing toys is to know the maturity, skill level and interests of the child, read the age labels carefully and use them as guides and, above all, use common sense. Nobody knows your child better than you do.
How Toys are Age Labeled.
Toymakers follow the age grading guidelines of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which consist of four main criteria:
- the ability of a child to physically manipulate and play with features of a toy
- the ability of a child to understand how to use a toy
- the child's play needs and interests at different developmental levels
- the safety aspects of the toy itself
A child's abilities, interests and play needs will, of course, vary at each level of development.
New toys are frequently tested by children in play settings to determine durability, age-appropriateness and play patterns. At least one large toy manufacturer maintains an in-house, year-round nursery school for this purpose, while others establish relationships with universities and other educational facilities. Manufacturers also may involve parents, teachers and others who care for children for their first-hand knowledge and valuable insights. In addition, a toymaker may have a child development specialist, psychologist or physician on staff or working as a consultant.
Safety Labeling
As of January 1, 1995, new toys and games for children ages three through six are required to carry warnings about choking hazards. The warnings tell the consumer if the toy contains small parts, a small ball, marbles, or balloons; that these items are choking hazards, and that the toy is not intended for children under three. No matter what the age of the child, toys with these labels should be avoided if the child is still mouthing objects.
Some manufacturers may add other safety warnings and cautions to the package and/or instructions advising parents that special care should be taken. Sometimes manufacturers wish to emphasize that children may need help understanding the instructions or that adult supervision may be required during playtime. Toys that would have cautionary labels in addition to the age label may include:
- electrically operated toys that also may have heating elements
- science toy sets that may contain toxic chemicals
- craft or science kits may have functional sharp instruments such as scissors or breakable glass
- swim aids that are not life-saving devices
- balloons
- kites
- crib gyms and mobiles, which should be removed when the baby begins to push up on hands and knees to prevent possible entanglement
- any toy intended for assembly by an adult which may have potentially hazardous sharp points and edges in its pre-assembled state
How to Get the Most From Labels
Now that you are familiar with the research involved in designing a toy and assigning it an age label, you can make your next toy purchase with confidence. Keeping in mind your child's skills and interests and using age labels as a guide, you will be able to select a fun and appropriate toy.
If you are tempted to buy your child a toy labeled for an older child, please reconsider. Remember that the age label has been thoughtfully assigned based upon many factors, including safety. If you give a child a toy that is too simple or too advanced, he or she may be frustrated and/or exposed to a safety hazard.
Remember: the purpose of toys is to have fun.
Table of Contents
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Next - Toy Selection
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