5 ON YOUR SIDE: Toy guide

5 ON YOUR SIDE: Toy guide5 ON YOUR SIDE: Toy guide

Toy season is upon us, and the gift-giving excitement can sometimes overshadow the importance of quality and safety, especially when it comes to toys for children.

Consumer Reports’ toy guide helps you find safe, fun toys for your little ones at every stage of their development.

If you’re thinking about how to stretch your dollars this holiday season, you’re not alone. Tariffs have been raising prices for baby gear and other everyday essentials. So, when it comes to gifts for babies and kids, Consumer Reports says to think quality, not quantity!

CR looked for toys designed for open-ended, repeat play, developmentally targeted, and safe, for specific ages. For babies, consider a play gym or activity mat. New mom Nicole Guerrero’s son loves the one from Baby Einstein. It’s colorful and durable.

It’s important to always read labels to ensure a toy is appropriate for a child’s age and development level. Infants and toddlers explore the world by putting seemingly everything in their mouths. Avoid toys with small parts, strings, or long cords that can pose a choking or strangulation risk.

Once your baby turns one, stacking and nesting toys are a fun way to build coordination and learn how shapes fit together. By two, your toddler might love toys that encourage problem-solving and gross motor play. Puzzles, pretend play and music sets help them develop these skills and have some fun in the process.

Three-year-olds have minds of their own, so helper toys, like a play kitchen, are great to channel their independence. Consider outdoor toys for your 4-year-old. A toss-and-catch game set keeps them active and gets them ready for bedtime later. It’s also a good age for toys that promote STEM.

Books are an option at every age, because a love of reading is the perfect gift for every child! All toys for children 12 and younger must be third-party tested and certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC. And remember to look at the packaging for the intended age range for each item.
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