Grandparents, we hate to tell you this, but toys don’t meet the same quality standards they used to. In most cases, we can all agree that things were much sturdier and long-lasting when we were growing up, but toys are not the exception. To help you continue spoiling your grandkids while keeping them safe, we put together a list of tips for choosing safe children’s toys. Read on to learn more.
Avoid toxic materials
Unfortunately, some companies are willing to manufacture their toys with questionable materials just to save a few dollars. Some of the materials you should avoid are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), phthalates, BPA (bisphenol A), and lead. Instead, look for plant-based, recycled, or biodegradable materials such as natural wood, soft cotton or plush, and water-based paints.
Buy large toys
Depending on the age of your grandkids, you might be able to ignore this tip, but when in doubt, it’s always better to choose big toys with big pieces. Kids are more likely to lose small pieces than big ones—and, of course, smaller pieces are a choking hazard. Additionally, smaller toys are usually more fragile, and if they break, there will be even more little pieces all over the place.
Always read the labels
Before buying your grandkid a toy, you should always read the packaging. Some toys will highlight promising features like “large pieces” and “lead-free paint,” but other ingredients could be harmful, like PVC. Of course, the packaging and product labels will include other information, such as the recommended age. The bottom line is that you want to make sure the toy is suitable and safe or your grandkid.
Clearly, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing safe children’s toys. Worst case scenario, you could buy them bubble wrap— but then again, there are warning labels about that, too. Maybe stick with a reliable brand that makes toys that encourage imagination––that’s always a safe bet.
