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Play is a way to learn and explore. In play, children explore their environment, practice social skills, and engage their mind and imagination. Finding toys that have lasting value and that are age appropriate to the child’s development is no small task. To help make your toy search and selection easier, Childsplayspot is providing toy resources to assist you in feeling comfortable with your toy decisions. The ultimate goal is to provide children with a toy that is safe, reliable, educational, and most of all fun! |
Toy Safety
The primary focus of Childsplayspot is to provide toys that are safe, educational, and fun. Toys that are environmentally friendly, made domestically and in Europe, and durable are also important considerations in our buying strategy. Ultimately, the parent knows best about what is appropriate for their child. Here are several consumer suggestions to help you with your purchase.
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Age Labeling. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established criteria regarding the labeling and testing of toys. Consumers should carefully read toy labels for the recommended minimum age, choking hazard warnings, an explanation of the parts and pieces included, the necessity for batteries, any cords or plugs that may be unsafe, as well as the manufacturer of the item. Look for brands that you trust.
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Personal Inspection. Make sure that the toy is durable and manufactured with the highest quality. The pieces should fit together with no sharp edges or loose sections. Look for small parts, examine battery compartments, check fabric seams, and assess the “fuzziness” of plush objects. This inspection will provide a safer play experience for your children.
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Siblings. Keep in mind the younger children in the home as they will have access to the toys, too. This can be especially important with children under the age of three. The toys for older children may have small parts which could cause choking hazards in younger household members.
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Ask questions. Our sales associates understand the importance of toy safety and will gladly answer your questions or refer you to the appropriate resource.
- Additional Resources: Consumer Product Safety Commission
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 Developmental Stages
Toys are designed for children at various stages of development—birth and up. At Childsplayspot we specialize in toys for children ages birth to 12 (with some games for older children to adult). A child is free to explore and to learn with toys as they are geared to their age, interest and stage of development. Most importantly…toys are safe and are made for this explorative play. Each age level involves not only physical and cognitive development, but also emotional and social development. Play items should be “designed, manufactured, packaged and sold with the well being of the whole child in mind.” 
(CPSC Age Appropriate Toys, 2002)
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Toy Awards
As you consider toys for your children or as a gift, you may notice various stickers on the package regarding toy industry awards. Many of the toys that are available at Childsplayspot are award winners. For your information, a general description of the awards is provided along with a link to their site.
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Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards—an independent consumer review group founded in 1989 which reviews toys for their educational and play value, safety, age appropriateness, and other factors. Their highest award is the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum.
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iParenting Media Award—provides a credible and objective method of determining the best products and recognizes those products with their iParenting Media Award.
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Parents’ Choice Awards—Designed to help parents and caregivers of all achievements and backgrounds make informed decisions about which new products are right for their children, the Parents' Choice Awards is the nation's oldest nonprofit program created to recognize quality children's media.
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The National Parenting Center—The National Parenting Center was founded in July of 1989 with the intention of providing the most comprehensive and responsible parenting advice to parents everywhere. The advice provided is furnished by some of the world's most respected authorities in the field of child rearing and development. The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval was created in 1990.
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