Is there a child who will grow up without a stuffed animal? Hardly can you find such a child in this era. Even if you do not have any fondness for toys, as a parent, you will be forced to buy at least one stuffed animal for your child. There are those who stock a variety, though. When you are ready to source out one for your child, consider these five tips.
1. Consider Your Child’s Age
When it comes to stuffed animal toys, the market offers a surplus. What this means is that there are toys designed for every age group. It is common sense that you cannot buy the same type, and size of stuffed animals for your five months daughter and your 6-year old boy. Their toys have to vary in type and size thanks to their age.
Besides, the child’s favorite color(s) change as they advance in age. With this in mind, it is recommended that you buy bright-colored toys for children between the ages of 0 to 2 years. On the other hand, children beyond 3 years tend to like toys that represent their favorite animals or cartoon characters. In other words, they are less likely interested with the color, but character representation.
Additionally, as you know, young children (0 to 6 years) are prone to dirt. If you are buying a stuffed animal for your child who is in this age bracket, think of how you’re going to wash them. It is advisable that you try to look for those stuffed animals that you can wash with ease, leaving the color intact.
Size is also another thing to consider. Your toddler will not be able to handle a large toy. On the other hand, if the stuffed animal is too small, your child will force it through the mouth causing your family unnecessary anguish.
2. Buy A Variety
You promised to buy your child a new toy the next time you go out shopping, right? Do not embarrass them when you come back in the evening smiling, with the same type of toy you bought them a couple of months ago. Knowing the number and type of stuffed animals your child owns, will help you not to make the mistake of buying them the same type the second time.
Go shopping with your child the next time you want to buy a toy for him/her. Do not underestimate them. They make good choices.
3. Consider The Durability Of The Toy
No matter your financial status, you wouldn’t like to purchase stuffed animals for your child daily. No doubt, you would prefer stuffed animals that last for a couple of months, even years. However, some toys last pretty much longer, up to five or more years. Such toys will be a nuisance to you.
When buying stuffed animals, look for age-appropriate toys that last as long as they are needed. This way, you will create space for other toys.
4. Put Your House’s Space In Mind
Consider where you are going to keep your child’s stuffed animal. You cannot buy a 5 ft X 3ft stuffed animal for your child; while the total space for her room is double that of a single stuffed animal.
When going for your child’s toy, remember where they are going to keep it when they are done playing with it. Large-sized toys accommodate a large area as compared with small toys. Apart from storing their toys, children need ample playing space. Their rooms need to have all these.
5. Look For ‘Skill-Enhancing’ Stuffed Animals
Not all stuffed animals will help your child learn anything. Some toys do not show or teach your child anything, while others instill a skill. For instance, buying stuffed animals clothed in pants and jackets with fasteners will teach your child many amazing skills.
After spending some time with their toy(s), your child will learn how to close up zips, handle buttons, deal with snaps, and many other fasteners. Your child cannot find these important skills in any elementary school.
Buying stuffed animals that are able to recite numerals and alphabets will aid in your child knowing these pertinent things before they attain the age of attending school.
Also, think of stuffed animals that are designed in a way that displays different colors, patterns, and even imitate different animal sounds. Your child will benefit a lot.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, you may not be the toy type of a person, but now that you’re a parent, it’s time to focus on your lovely child. Buying them the right type and size of a stuffed animal will not only make them happy but also help them in learning important life skills.
