T is for Toys: What to Know Before Buying Them

8 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying Toys

Each year many children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. Even innocent-looking toys such as marbles and balloons can present a hazard to small children. The National Safe Kids Campaign recommends avoiding the following when choosing toys:

·      Toys with small removable parts. Small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to children under age 3. Use a small-parts tester (which can be purchased at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered a choking hazard.

·      Toys with sharp points or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.

·      Toys that produce loud noises. Toy guns, high-volume music players and other loud toys can permanently impair a child’s hearing. Many toys have decibel levels high enough to cause hearing loss.

·      Toy darts and other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.

·      Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches. Long strings and cord could wrap around a child’s neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.

·      Electrical toys. Electrical toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element, including batteries and electrical plugs, for children under age 8.

·      Toys painted with lead paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious damage to a child’s brain, kidneys and nervous system. If the toy is a family heirloom, be sure the paint is safe. In addition, toys manufactured in other countries may also contain lead paint. Lead testing kits are available at hardware and baby supply stores.

·      Toy cap guns. Aside from potentially encouraging violent play, paper roll, strip or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause serious burns.

Source with More Information:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html
https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/toy-safety?


Enjoy your holidays with the kids, but be safe.
Happy Parenting,
Tania :)

Photo courtesy of Tania Cowling, all rights reserved

Ben 10 Has a Toy Line From Playmates Toys

So, what are your kids doing this summer? Do they watch the Cartoon Network? Have they found interest in Ben 10?

"The new Cartoon Network series is centered on fun loving, 10-year-old, Ben Tennyson, his cousin Gwen and Grandpa Max as they travel throughout the country during summer vacation. Once Ben finds the Omnitrix, a mysterious watch that transforms him into 10 different heroic aliens, a world of extraterrestrial superpowers opens up to him."

“Fans of Cartoon Network’s new Ben 10 series will now be able to bring home the action-packed adventures seen in the show,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “The expansive toy line that we developed includes unique transformations, special features and technology to provide kids with an imaginative play experience where their favorite characters are brought to life.”

The toy line from Playmates Toys features the following:

• The Basic Action Figure assortment features a variety of 5-inch, highly detailed and articulated figures based on the show, including Ben Tennyson, the 10 different heroic aliens that he transforms into and key villains from Season 1. Other figure assortments include Deluxe Power Up figures, with lights and sounds, and Giant 10-inch figures. See photo above.

• The Rustbucket Vehicle & Playset, the main vehicle seen in the show, transforms into a 3-level playset that stands over 2 feet tall and is packed with action features including an alien transformation chamber, plasma blaster, alien lab and more. 

• Rounding out the collection is role play, including both a Basic and Deluxe Omnitrix, allowing kids to transform into any one of Ben’s 10 aliens, and Transform-N-Battle gauntlets and masks.

As a former teacher, parent, grandparent and writer, I truly love interactive play and make-believe. These toys bring the series to life, as your youngster can pretend to be any of the characters in the story. And as the experts say, "Imagination is essential in the learning process and can advance cognitive development. ... Through imaginary games and storytelling children are more likely to adapt learning habits, develop their communication skills and improve their vocabulary."

Drop by any Toys R Us store (or online) to find these fun toys. 

Sources for review:

The Wait Is Over – It’s Hero Time! Press Release, El Segundo, CA, June 6, 2017

Toys R Us

Photo by Tania Cowling

I want to thank Playmates Toys for the opportunity to try their product. I was not paid or coached to write this blog post. The information about the product was provided and these are my own opinions.

Hot Toys for Kids for the 2016 Holiday Season

Are you looking for some entertaining toys for your child? Here are a few from VTech to check out for the 2016 holiday season.

For toys to be awesome hits for kids and parents alike, they must be fun to play with right out of the box, but also having staying power to last as well. It's also important for toys to educate, entertain, and hold a child's attention for a good length of time. Most of this year's toys will also appeal to adults, so join in on the fun and enrich your child's playtime. Here are a few to consider.

Go! Go! Smart Wheels Blast–Off Space Station – Little astronauts will love helping the rocket lift off from the launch pad for an outer space adventure. They can maneuver down the space ramp, spin the galaxy or even pretend to tumble through a black hole. Zooming past five SmartPoint locations will enable the kids to hear fun phrases, music, and more, including learning about the letter “R” and hearing sing-a-long songs. This playset helps to strengthen a child’s motor skills and teach cause-and-effect. This toy is geared for ages 1-5 and sells at retail for $34.99.

Bizzy the Mix & Move Bot – Children can get creative as they build their own robot with this toy. It has 10 different accessories that enable the kiddos to make and role-play with a different robot every time they play. Along with the various robot experiences Bizzy has 10 melodies and sound effects to share. This toy is age-appropriate for kids from 2-5 and retails for $24.99.

Care for Me Learning Carrier – This interactive pet carrier lets young children take their plush pet anywhere. As you put the furry puppy inside the carrier, the child will hear playful phrases when opening and closing the door. Then, press the light-up buttons to learn about colors, shapes, pet care, and more. This set also includes four pet care accessories so toddlers can groom, feed, and play with the cuddly puppy. This toy is perfect for children ages 9-36 months and retails for $24.99.

Go! Go! Smart Friends Secret Blossom Cottage – Who’s ready for a tea party inside this cute cottage? As your child explores the cottage, Sunny the Garden Fairy reveals her personality with motion and lights. The cottage also features a twirling fountain, spinning gears, and has a carrying handle for fun on the go. For ages 1-5 retailing at $24.99.

Remember all the Go! Go! sets have extra characters that you can interchange with all the other playsets by VTech. You can purchase these characters separately too.

You can find a large variety of VTech toys online here.

Purchase toys on Amazon or at your local toy stores.

What a fun year for the toy industry and for the entertainment of your children. Take time to enjoy your children's company and play with them. You'll be directing their development and absorb the thrill and amusement in their playtime activities.

Happy Parenting and Enjoy Your Holidays,

Tania  :)

Note: These toys were provided by the manufacturer for review, however I was not paid for this blog post. These are my own opinions.

Photos by Tania Cowling, all rights reserved