& 
Guests
Lorraine
EricaWelcome Dr. Jessica Chang from Avenue Eyecare as this week’s guest blogger
Kids learn 80% through their vision. And it’s not suprising that nothing stimulates a toddler’s vision better than a toy.
Parents often wonder what type of toys are best to buy for their babies and young children. Here are some suggestions from www.allaboutvision.com
Birth to 12 months
Brightly colored mobiles (make sure the colors and detail on the mobile pieces face down to the child, not up to the parent), rattles, balls, stuffed animals, activity gyms, blocks, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups).
1-year-olds
Finger paints, modeling clay, board books, balls, stuffed animals, blocks, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups), riding toys, puzzles, shape sorters, musical toys.
2-year-olds
Finger paints, modeling clay, chalkboard and chalk, felt board and felt pieces, board books as well as standard books, balls, stuffed animals, stacking/nesting toys, pouring toys (such as measuring cups), riding toys, puzzles, shape sorters, musical toys, swings, dress-up clothes, child-sized household toys and items (broom, vacuum, rake, lawn mower), toy typewriter or cash register, child-sized kitchen area (refrigerator, stove, sink, cupboard, table and chairs), sandbox, kiddie pool, toddler tape player, stringing beads, sewing toys, magnetic letters, climbing toys (such as backyard gyms or playscapes).
3- to 6-year-olds
Large crayons, large markers, finger paints, modeling clay, chalkboard and chalk, felt board and felt pieces, doctor/nurse kit, books, balls, stuffed animals, tricycle or bicycle, puzzles, musical toys, swings, dress-up clothes, child-sized household toys and items (broom, vacuum, rake, lawn mower), toy typewriter or cash register, child-sized kitchen area (refrigerator, stove, sink, cupboard, table and chairs), sandbox, kiddie pool, child tape player, stringing beads, sewing toys, magnetic letters, climbing toys (such as backyard gyms or playscapes), toy computer or computer games, toy camera with film, basketball set, board games, roller skates.
Toys to Avoid
Toys to avoid at any age would be those that shoot objects in the air such as slingshots, dart guns or arrows. World Against Toys Causing Harm (W.A.T.C.H.) has published its ‘2011 10 worst toys‘ list. The two that we recommend to avoid are “Gigan” Godzilla from Bandai and Jack Sparrow action figure from Jakks Pacific. “Gigan” has pointed fins, wings and knife like attachements that may poke a child’s eye with these sharp protrusions. The Jack Sparrow also has a 4.5 inche pointy sword of rigid plastic and may also be a concern for parents.
Dr. Jessica Chang
Dr. Jessica Chang was born and raised in Vancouver, B.C. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology, at the University of British Columbia. She then continued her studies at Pacific University to complete her Doctorate of Optometry degree. Her areas of special interest include pediatrics, contact lens fittings, and ocular disease. Jessica also has a passion for international eyecare and has volunteered in Ghana and Guatemala. See her at her day job at Avenue Eyecare, W41st in Vancouver
Filed under: Parenting Tagged: | 2011 10 worst toys, Avenue Eyecare Vancouver, Child's vision, Eye safety for kids, Parenting, stimulating toys for babies
