Title: 
How to Select the Right Educational Toys

Word Count:
426

Summary:
Finding the perfect educational toy for your child can be a rewarding experience for both you and your baby, if you follow these simple guidelines...


Keywords:
educational toy, toys, baby toy, gift ideas, childrens toy


Article Body:
<h2>Is it Safe?</h2><p>Without a doubt the most important factor when choosing any educational toy for your baby is safety. The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published a number of articles regarding safety standards & safety information, as well as keeping a ban list and recalled items list. This is recommended as your first point of call when researching any products for your baby.</p><p>Beware of second-hand and hand-me-down toys as they may be broken, missing pieces, or missing important safety information. Be sure to give them a thorough inspection before allowing your child to play with them.</p><p><b>Remember:</b> <i>You</i> are the last line of defense when it comes to your child's safety, always ensure they are supervised especially when playing near water, even very shallow amounts.</p><h2>Choosing Age-Appropriate Toys</h2><p>The best guide for buying toys for children is to see what they enjoy playing with, and be sure to keep an eye on the manufacturers recommended age.</p><h3>0 – 6 Months</h3><p>Simple toys to help your baby practice his grasp and learn that his hands are useful tools, high contrast colours (black, white, red) to help him focus and keep his attention:</p><ul><li>Small rattles with handles.</li><li>Rubber rings.</li><li>Soft balls or dolls.</li><li>Bath toys.</li><li>I-Qube.</li></ul><h3>6 – 12 Months</h3><p>Toys that encourage her to push, pull, press and move working parts, noise making toys, hard and soft toys of different textures:</p><ul><li>Activity gyms.</li><li>Music boxes.</li><li>Stacking Cups.</li><li>Activity toys.</li><li>Balls.</li><li>Toy cars.</li></ul><h3>12-18 Months</h3><p>Toys that can be pushed, pulled, ridden, stacked, filled and dumped.</p><ul><li>Shopping carts.</li><li>Riding toys.</li><li>Bucket & spade.</li><li>Basket of objects to be carried and dumped.</li><li>Drums.</li><li>Butchers paper & large crayons.</li></ul><h3>18 - 24 Months</h3><p>Inside and outside toys with plenty of room to crawl, walk, run, and jump:</p><ul><li>Large blocks and blankets to build forts.</li><li>Picture books.</li><li>Dolls.</li><li>Board Books.</li><li>Butchers paper & large crayons.</li></ul><h3>24 - 36 Months</h3><p>Outside toys allowing plenty of room to safely run, jump, and climb:</p><ul><li>Jungle Gyms</li><li>Dress-up clothes.</li><li>Boxes.</li><li>Books.</li><li>Paddle pools.</li><li>Butchers paper & large crayons.</li></ul>