SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia

recommends using the following

guidelines for age-appropriate

toys:

Infants under age 1 - In

the first few months of their lives, children are immobile. Eventually,

they learn to reach, roll over and sit up. In the second six months,

children become more mobile and are at an increased risk for choking.

The most suitable toys for the first year include activity quilts, stuffed

animals without button noses and eyes, bath toys, soft dolls, baby swings,

cloth books and squeaky toys.

Children ages 1 to 3 -

At this age, children are curious and have little sense of danger. They

like to climb, jump, throw and play rough-and-tumble games. The best

toys for this age group are books, blocks, fit-together toys, balls,

push-and-pull toys, pounding toys and shape toys.

Children ages 3 to 5 -

As any parent of a preschooler can tell you, these children "think

with their feet" and spend much of their time running. They like

tests of physical strength and begin to develop skills such as the ability

to ride a tricycle, finger control, as well as the ability to build

with large blocks and construction materials. Toys that are most suitable

for this age group include approved nontoxic art supplies, books, videos,

musical instruments and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee, slide or

swing.

Children ages 5 to 9 -

It is in the early part of this age group that children become creative

and more physically active. They can write, engage in arts and crafts,

and are able to use simple mechanical toys such as cars and trains.

Recommended toys include craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, books,

electric trains (after age 8) and sports equipment. Remember, children

ages 8 and up can begin to use electrical and battery-operated toys.

Check tape recorders and battery-operated toys regularly for loose or

exposed wires. Don't allow children to change batteries.

Children ages 9 to 14 -

At this age, children enjoy team sports and games that require increased

dexterity such as pick-up sticks, marbles and jacks. Strenuous physical

activity is also popular for this age group. Children begin to develop

hobbies and a strong interest in scientific activities. For these children,

appropriate gifts include computers, microscopes, table and board games,

and outdoor and team sports equipment. Ensure that older children's

toys are kept out of reach of younger children for whom they may present

a danger.

Bicycles, in-line skates, scooters,

skateboards and sleds are popular gifts for the holidays. However, without

the proper protective gear or skills, injury and death can occur.

In 1997, 225 children were

killed in bicycle-related incidents. In 1998, injuries resulting from

bicycles, skateboards, and in-line and roller skates accounted for nearly

half a million emergency room visits from children ages 14 and under.

SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia

recommends the following tips when buying bicycles, scooters, skates,

skateboards or sleds this holiday season:

Include a helmet as part

of the gift. A helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. Bicycle helmets

have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent

and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Make sure the

helmet meets or exceeds the new federal safety standard developed by

the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the safety standards

of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation

or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Buy retroreflective clothing,

stickers or bike reflectors for an older child who will be riding or

skating at dawn or dusk. Reflectors on the pedals and wheels also increase

a child's visibility.

Give a horn or bell as

a stocking stuffer. A horn or bell is essential for bicyclists to warn

motorists and pedestrians of their presence.

In addition to a helmet,

include elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads when giving in-line skates,

scooters, rollerskates or skateboards as gifts.

Give in-line skating lessons

from a professional instructor or a community recreation center. A class

will provide instruction on how to skate properly and on proper skating

etiquette.

Buy a sled that is constructed

sturdily and safely. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.

For a free brochure on toy safety,

write to: Toy Brochure, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue

NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20004.