Choosing Age-Appropriate Toys for Your Childcare Program
Toys are an important part of a childcare environment. They help children develop motor skills, language, problem-solving abilities, creativity, social skills, and independence. But a toy that is perfect for a four-year-old may be unsafe for a one-year-old.
For childcare providers caring for several different ages, choosing toys isn't only about keeping children entertained. Providers should consider a child's age, developmental abilities, how the toy will actually be used, and whether it introduces a safety hazard.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends following the age guidance and safety information on toy packaging and choosing toys appropriate for a child's interests and abilities. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
Infants: Birth to 18 Months
Babies learn through their senses. They look, listen, touch, shake, grab and—very importantly—put things in their mouths. Good choices may include:
Soft washable toys
Large rattles
Textured toys
Large stacking or nesting toys
Baby-safe mirrors
Simple toys that encourage reaching and grasping
At this age, providers should be especially cautious about small or detachable pieces, strings and cords, button batteries, magnets, and damaged toys. Remember that infants don't necessarily use a toy the way the manufacturer intended. If something can be grabbed, pulled, chewed or placed in the mouth, assume a baby may try it.
Never have these in the crib as they are hazardous and can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - the leading cause of death with infants.
The American Academy of Pediatrics provides additional guidance on choosing safe toys for young children.
Toddlers: 18–36 Months
Toddlers are becoming mobile, curious and increasingly independent. Toys that allow them to manipulate objects and imitate everyday activities can support this stage of development. It is best to start teaching them how to play with their toys appropriately and ensure there is adequate adult supervision when they are playing with them. Consider:
Large building blocks
Shape sorters
Simple puzzles with large pieces
Push-and-pull toys
Balls appropriate for young children
Pretend-play items
Large toy vehicles
Art materials designed for the child's age
Books
Simple musical instruments
Small Parts Are a Major Concern
Airway obstructions are one of the leading causes of death with children. Children under three should not have access to toys containing small parts that present choking, aspiration or ingestion hazards. Federal rules specifically address small parts in products intended for this age group. (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)
This becomes especially important in mixed-age childcare programs. A building set that is perfectly appropriate for a five-year-old may contain pieces that are dangerous for a toddler. Providers need a system for keeping toys intended for older children completely inaccessible to younger children.
The CPSC's Small Parts and Choking Hazard guidance is a useful resource for providers.
Preschoolers: About 3–5 Years
Preschool children often have stronger motor skills, longer attention spans and increasingly imaginative play. Good choices can include:
Building sets appropriate for their age
Dress-up clothes
Pretend kitchens, food and household items
Dolls, animals and figures
Age-appropriate puzzles
Art supplies
Play dough
Books and storytelling materials
Balls and outdoor play equipment
Simple matching, sorting and board games
Pretend play can be particularly valuable during these years. Children use play to imitate experiences, practice language, work through emotions and learn how to interact with other children.
There is an inherent risk of spreading germs with children sharing toys, especially those like clothes, play equipment, and other commonly shared items in the facility. Remember to have policies and procedures designed to protect you and the children from spreading germs. Handwashing, appropriate disinfecting and the right exclusion guidelines can help you achieve this.
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that simple, traditional toys that encourage interaction and imaginative play can be more beneficial than toys marketed as highly "educational" simply because they contain electronics or screens. (https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/7727/Best-toys-for-children-s-development-Hint-They-are)
School-Age Children
Older children can safely use more complicated toys and activities, but age appropriateness still matters. Consider:
More challenging puzzles
Board and card games
Construction and building sets
Arts and crafts
Sports equipment
Science activities designed for the appropriate age
Books
Strategy and problem-solving games
Continue checking manufacturer age recommendations. A child being older does not automatically make every toy appropriate and generally can cause more sever injuries. They require enough adult supervision and the correct rules being enforced to keep the children safe.
Unintentional injuries are the other leading cause of death with children. The leading cause of injuries is a fall - providers should also do everything possible to anticipate what injuries could occur and make it as safe as possible for the children to have those accidents.
Age Isn't the Only Consideration
The number printed on a toy package is an important starting point, but providers should also consider the individual child's abilities. A child may be chronologically old enough for a toy but not yet have the motor, behavioral, or developmental skills necessary to use it safely.
This is particularly important when caring for children with developmental differences or special needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends considering developmental age rather than relying exclusively on chronological age when selecting toys for children with special needs.
Be Extremely Careful With Button Batteries and Magnets
Button and lithium coin batteries can cause severe internal injury if swallowed. High-powered magnets can also cause devastating injuries if more than one is swallowed and they attract to one another through intestinal tissue.
Providers should carefully inspect toys containing batteries to make sure the battery compartment is secure and remain alert for loose magnets or batteries. The AAP specifically cautions caregivers about these hazards. (https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/22054/Studies-Button-battery-related-ED-visits-increase)
Inspect Toys Regularly
A toy that was safe when purchased may not remain safe forever. Childcare toys receive a tremendous amount of use.
You should constantly be checking the toys for some of the following hazards:
Cracks or broken plastic
Sharp edges
Splinters
Loose screws
Exposed batteries
Loose magnets
Torn stuffed animals
Detached eyes, wheels or other small pieces
Frayed strings or cords
Missing components
Peeling or deteriorating surfaces
Lead or other toxic sources
If you're unsure whether a damaged toy can still be used safely, removing it from the play environment is the safer choice.
Check for Recalls
Childcare programs may keep toys for years, which makes checking recalls particularly important. The CPSC recalls products for hazards including choking, lead exposure, fire hazards and other safety problems. Recalled toys should be removed from children's access.
Bookmark the official CPSC Recall Database and periodically search toys and children's products used in your program. You can also visit the CPSC's Toy Safety Center for current safety information.
Think About Your Youngest Child
One of the easiest mistakes in a mixed-age childcare setting is thinking about who a toy is intended for instead of who can access it. If toddlers and preschoolers share a room, a small puzzle piece belonging to a preschool activity can become a toddler's choking hazard within seconds. Storage matters and done correctly can also prevent the spread of germs. Older children's toys containing small parts should be used and stored where younger children cannot access them, and providers should check the floor and play areas after activities to make sure pieces haven't been left behind.
Simple Toys Can Be Excellent Toys
A childcare program doesn't need shelves full of expensive electronic toys. Blocks, books, balls, puzzles, art materials, dolls, pretend food and other simple toys can encourage children to create their own play rather than having the toy dictate the activity. The AAP emphasizes that toys should support interaction, imagination and development—and that digital toys should not replace real, face-to-face play.
So, Before Adding Any Toy, Ask Yourself:
Is this toy safe and developmentally appropriate for every child who will be able to reach it? If the answer is no, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't use the toy. It may mean the toy needs to be reserved for a particular age group, used only with appropriate supervision, or stored somewhere younger children cannot access it.
Choosing age-appropriate toys is about more than creating a fun playroom. Thoughtful toy selection helps create an environment where children can explore, learn and play without being exposed to unnecessary hazards.
For an especially useful reference, providers can also review the CPSC's Which Toy for Which Child: Ages Birth Through Five guide.
This article is intended for general educational purposes. Always follow manufacturer safety instructions and age recommendations and consult current CPSC and applicable California childcare licensing guidance for your program.
