Children’s toys: what parents should bear in mind when buying them

Toys accompany children for many years

The choice of toys for children has never been as wide as it is today. Whether wooden toys, soft toys, educational toys or digital products – parents are faced with the question of which toys will truly benefit their child.

It’s not just about keeping children occupied. Good toys promote development, stimulate the imagination and create shared moments. Above all, they should be safe, of high quality and remain interesting for as long as possible.

In this article, you’ll find out what to look out for when buying toys for children and what characteristics define a truly good toy.

The right toy for every age

Children develop incredibly quickly in their early years. That is why toys for children should always be appropriate for their current stage of development.

You should therefore always check the manufacturer’s age recommendation. This provides guidance on the skills the toy requires and whether it can be used safely.

A baby enjoys gentle sounds and familiar voices. Toddlers explore their world using all their senses, whilst pre-schoolers take increasing pleasure in stories, role-play and creative play.

Toys that adapt to these different stages of development are particularly useful. This means that a familiar toy often remains interesting for many years to come.

Safety comes first

Safety should always be the top priority, especially when it comes to babies and young children.

When buying toys, look out for:

• materials tested for harmful substances
• high-quality workmanship
• no small parts that could be swallowed
• child-friendly shapes and surfaces
• age-appropriate labelling

In the first few months of life in particular, it is also important to note that, according to recommendations for safe baby sleep, soft toys, blankets or pillows should not be placed directly in the cot.

That is why all Lenabies from Lenabo feature a handy loop for hanging them on the cot. This ensures that familiar sounds and a sense of security remain close by, without the soft toy lying directly in the cot. If you have any questions about safe sleep for babies, midwives or paediatricians will be happy to help.

Fewer stimuli, more imagination

Many products are marketed on the basis of having as many lights, buttons and sounds as possible. Yet children often need exactly the opposite.

Children’s toys should leave room for their own ideas. Making up stories, playing make-believe or listening together fosters creativity and imagination in a far more lasting way than mere entertainment.

Particularly in an increasingly digital world, screen-free play is regaining importance.

Quality pays off in the long run

Children’s bedrooms often fill up faster than parents would like. Many toys are used intensively for just a few days before disappearing into a box.

High-quality children’s toys, on the other hand, often stay with families for several years. They are robustly made, versatile and, ideally, grow with the child’s interests.

It is therefore often worth investing in a few durable products rather than lots of short-lived toys.

Toys that grow with children

A child’s needs change with every stage of development. Whilst babies primarily seek a sense of security, older children become increasingly interested in stories, audio plays or early learning content.

This is exactly where Lenabo comes in. The Lenabies are smart soft toys that can accompany children from infancy right through to pre-school age. At first, soothing sounds or white noise provide moments of relaxation. Later on, children discover stories, audio plays and age-appropriate audio content – all without a screen.

This means that not only does the soft toy remain, but so does the emotional bond with a familiar companion.

Screen-free activities are regaining importance

Screens are now part of everyday life. This makes conscious moments away from screens all the more important.

Screen-free play promotes, amongst other things:

• Concentration
• Creativity
• Language
• Imagination
• Social interaction

In particular, playing together, reading aloud or listening to stories creates precious family moments that have a lasting impact on children.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for many families

When buying toys for children, sustainability is also playing an ever-greater role these days.

Durable products need to be replaced less often and thus conserve resources. At the same time, children learn to cherish their favourite toys for longer, rather than quickly discarding them.

Conclusion

Good toys for children do not need to have as many functions as possible. Safety, quality, durability and the ability to support children’s development in a meaningful way are far more important.

Toys that grow with children and continually offer new experiences often remain part of everyday family life for many years. This is precisely why more and more parents are consciously choosing high-quality toys such as Lenabies from Lenabo, which combine a sense of security, imagination and screen-free audio experiences.