The Toy Manufacturers of America Guide to TOYS & PLAY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 2
Learning through Play 3
Parental Involvement in Play 4
Safety 4
Safety Checklist 8
About Toy Labels 10
Toy Selection 12
Conclusion 17
Toy Buying Guide 18
Toy Manufacturers of America and American
Toy Institute 22
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS A CHILD CAN DO IS PLAY
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INTRODUCTION
One of the most important things a child do is play. Play is the
essential joy of childhood and is also the way children learn about
themselves, their environment and the people around them. As they play,
children learn to solve problems, get along with other people and
control their bodies as they enrich their creativity and develop
leadership skills, When children play with a broad variety of toys, the
experiences help them to develop to their fullest potential.
Children bring boundless energy and imagination to their play with
toys and constantly developing new and creative ways to play. Because
there are so many different kinds of toys and novel way to play with
them, children learn that the world is a diverse place with unlimited
possibilities. Toys thus have an exciting role in helping children to
become mature, confident and imaginative adults.
This booklet has been designed to help you provide the best play
opportunities for your child, describes how the toy industry and
government work together to ensure toy safety and offers simple charts
to guide you as you do your toy shopping. Have fun!
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Play is essential to a child's development and is the way that
youngsters learn the skills they will need for a happy and capable
adulthood. According to child development specialist, Mary Sinker,
these are just some of the ways a child learns while playing.
Physical skills are developed through movement as a child learns to
reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb and balance. Dexterity develops as he or
she handles objects in play.
Language develops as a child plays and interacts with others.
Beginning with cooing games with a parent and evolving to sophisticated
levels such as telling stories and jokes, the ability to sue language
increases as the child plays.
Social skills grow as the child plays. Learning to cooperate,
negotiate, take turns and play by the rules are all important skills
learned in early games. It is through imaginative play that the child
begins to learn some of the roles and rules of society.
Understanding how the world works develops as a result of problem
solving with toys. What fits here? How big is that? Is this color the
same as that color? How can I balance these? A child moves on to
higher levels of thought as he or she plays in a stimulating
environment.
Emotional well being develops through positive play experiences.
When children feel successful and capable as they play, they acquire
important ingredients for emotional health. Sharing play experiences
also forges strong bonds between parent and child throughout childhood.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN PLAY
Parents are their child's first and best playmates. Not only do
parents have an important role in choosing good toys, but research shows
that the most creative children are those who have had adults involved
in their play. The riches play occurs when the adult takes an active
role and plays alongside the child, rather than just providing the toys
or supervising the activity.
Becoming part of a child's play may take practice; after all, we
have been taught to give up childish things and "grow up." Here are
some suggestions for joining your child's play:
* OBSERVE: Watch your child closely to determine his or her skill
levels and favorite activities.
* FOLLOW: join in and play at the child's level. You can add to the
complexity of the play, but let your child be in control and determine
the direction of the play.
* BE CREATIVE: Rediscover the child inside yourself and let go of the
adult notion that there is only one way to play with a toy. Use toys
as "springboards" and you'll be amazed at how many different ways you
can play.
* HAVE FUN: The wonderful thing about playing is that everyone is
successful at it. Don't use playtime to test or stretch your child's
skills. It's a time to feel good about yourself and each other--and
to just have fun together.
SAFETY
How the Federal Government and Industry Cooperate to Regulate Toy Safety
Toys have the distinction of being one of the most closely
monitored and regulated products on the market. This is understandable,
given that over 2.6 billion toys are purchased each year and parents are
naturally very
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concerned about the products they give their children.
The toy industry and the Federal government work closely together
to ensure that toys are among the safest products brought into the home.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), created in
1973 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has the authority to
develop and enforce safety regulations for toys and other children's
products. The Commission employs teams of field inspectors to monitor
the marketplace for both domestically- and foreign-produced toys that
could pose safety hazards.
The CPSC's regulations are incorporated by reference in the
industry's voluntary safety standard, ASTM F963, and are a chief example
of Toy Manufacturers of America's coordination and cooperation with the
CPSC. TMA also works regularly with the Commission to develop safety
testing procedures and to monitor any potential hazards associated with
toys already in the market.
The American voluntary manufacturers' standards are known as the
most comprehensive in the world and any safety requirements established
by the CPSC are included in ASTM F963. (Many companies will note their
compliance with the standard on toy packaging.) A toy may go through
over one hundred safety tests designated to duplicate the kind of use
and abuse it may get in the hands of a child.
One of the most important safety tests a manufacturer conducts is
for small parts. Since children under the age of three are very likely
to put objects in their mouths, it is especially critical that toys
intended for infants and toddlers be manufactured with oversized pieces
which meet U.S. safety specifications.
A recent CPSC study of hospital emergency room data suggests that
the most frequent causes of injury involving toys are falling on,
tripping over or being hit with toys. (In fact, toy-related and
toy-caused accidents, which sound so similar, are actually very
different. "Toy-related" accidents happen for any number of reasons but
are not due to product flaws--e.g., tripping in the dark over a toy that
was not put away after play. "Toy-caused" accidents, which occur due to
a fault in the toy's design, material content, construction or
performance, are infrequent.)
The work that the toy industry does to design and produce safe
toys, as well as to communicate the importance of proper adult
supervision, continues to pay off by making toys one of the safest
consumer products available.
Supervision is Essential
Careful manufacturing methods and toy selection are not enough,
however. Toys must be used, maintained and stored correctly to ensure
that the safety built in at the factory continues in the home. There is
no substitute, ever, for sensible adult supervision!
Parents and others responsible for a child's care must be safety
experts. Remember, too, that youngsters learn safe play habits and
responsibility from grownups. Read instructions carefully to make sure
that both you and child understand them. Special attention to
directions will result in safer play and longer toy life.
Always remove and immediately discard all packaging from a toy
before giving it to a baby or small child.
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A Few Words About Baby Safety
An infant's environment should be made as hazard-free as possible.
Crib gyms and mobiles must be removed once the infant reaches five
months of age or begins to push up on hands and knees. Remember that
crib toys such as stuffed animals, rattle and beads should never be hung
or attached to a crib, playpen or carriage with any sort of string or
ribbon. (No matter how harmless you may think this is, there is the
possibility of the cord getting attached to a button or strap of
clothing or wrapped around hands, feet or neck.)
For additional ideas on the selection and care of baby's crib,
stroller, car seat and other non-toy essentials, write to the Juvenile
Products Manufacturers Association for their free brochure, "Safe and
Sound for Baby." Send a self- addressed, stamped envelope (U.S. postage
only) to JPMA, Two Greentree Centre, Suite 225, P.O Box 955, Marlton, NJ
08053.
Toy Maintenance
The proper selection of toys and supervision of play are not the
only steps that parents can take to ensure safe and fun playtime. Since
toys are among the first things a child considers his or her own, adults
should encourage a youngster to assume responsibility by demonstrating
how to use and care for toys.
Spot check toys regularly for minor damage and urge children to let
you know when toys need repair. A child does not always see
significance in a small crack or tear if the toy is still in once piece.
Often a spot of glue, a tightened bolt, a few drops of oil or a bit of
tape will prevent further damage and a possible accident.
Do not allow toys to remain outdoors overnight. Rain, snow and dew
cause rust and damage that increase the risk of accidents. A toy
damaged beyond repair should be discarded or replaced promptly.
Teach children to store their toys properly in a place selected by
you. Explain that putting toys where they belong after play may not
only prevent them from being lost, stolen or damaged, but may also
prevent younger brothers and sisters from injuring themselves on toys
intended for older children. Your encouragement will help to foster a
sense of responsibility and teach that care must be given to valued
belongings.
A Note About Balloons
Because of the special attraction they hold for children, balloons
pose a risk that many parents overlook. Since an uninflated balloon or a
piece of a broken balloon could present a choking or suffocation hazard,
adults should inflate balloons and supervise their use with children
under the age of eight.
SAFETY CHECKLIST
Remember that safety is the most important consideration when
selecting toys! Keep this checklist of safety suggestions handy when
shopping and share it with your child's caregivers.
* Use recommended age labeling as a guide and look for warnings and
other safety messages on toy packaging. This will be covered in more
detail in the next section.
* Consider your home environment and the ages of other, particularly
younger, children in the family. A toy intended for an older child
may be unsuitable and possibly dangerous in the hands of a younger
child.
* Be especially careful when selecting toys for children under the age
of three. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or
inhaled, including small balls and uninflated balloons, and those with
sharp points or rough edges.
* Make sure that soft rattles, squeakers and teething toys, even in
their most compressed state, are too large to fit completely in an
infant's mouth.
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* No matter how old a child is, if he or she is still mouthing objects,
be sure toys or pieces of toys are too large to swallow or become
lodged in the mouth or throat.
* Check for sturdy, well-sewn seams on stuffed animals and cloth dolls.
Be certain that eyes, noses, buttons, ribbons and other decorations
are securely fastened and cannot be pulled or bitten off.
* Choose electric toys with heating elements only for children over the
age of eight and instruct them to play with those toys only when there
is adult supervision.
* Be certain that arrows and darts used by children have blunt tips such
as rubber or flexible plastic suction cups, cork or other protective
points. Check to see that tips are attached securely to shafts.
* Look for the words "machine/surface washable" on stuffed and cloth
toys and "UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Approved" on electrical toys.
* Purchase a toy storage chest that has a removable lid or a
spring-loaded support, allowing the lid to remain securely open. Check
for smooth, finished edges, proper air holes and hinge line clearances
to prevent pinched fingers.
ABOUT TOY LABELS
Labels on toy packages make choosing safe, appropriate toys much
easier. However, no package label can tell you exactly which toys are
right for your child and not all toys are appropriate for every
youngster. On the other hand, child development experts agree that
children develop in a sequence of stages and toymakers use this
information to indicate which types of toys are safe and appropriate for
children of various ages. Product labels held consumers distinguish
among the vast number of toys on the market to make the most appropriate
purchases.
Remember, each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace.
The best thing adults can do when purchasing toys is to know the
maturity, skill level and interests of the child, read the age labels
carefully and use them as guides and, above all, use common sense.
Nobody knows your child better than you do.
How Toys Are Age Labeled
Toymakers follow the age grading guidelines of the Consumer Product
Safety Commission, which consist of four main criteria:
* the ability of a child to physically manipulate and play with the
features of a toy * the ability of a child to understand how to use a
toy * the child's play needs and interest at different developmental
levels * the safety aspects of the toy itself
A child's abilities, interests and play needs will, of course, vary
at each level of development. New toys are frequently tested by children
in play
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settings to determine durability, age-appropriatemenss and play
patterns. At least one large toy manufacturer maintains and in-house,
year-round nursery school for this purpose, while others establish
relationships with universities and other educational facilities.
Manufacturers also may involve parents, teachers and others who care for
children for their first-had knowledge and valuable insights. In
addition, a toymaker may have a child development specialist,
psychologist or physician on staff or working as a consultant.
Safety Labeling
As of January 1, 1995, new toys and games for children ages three
through six will be required to carry warnings about choking hazards.
The warnings will tell the consumer if the toy contains small parts, a
small ball, marbles, or balloons; that these items are choking hazards,
and that the toy is not intended for children under the age of three.
No matter what the age of the child, toys with these labels should be
avoided if the child is still mouthing objects.
Some manufacturers may add other safety warnings and cautions to
the package and/or instructions advising parents that special care
should be taken. Sometimes manufacturers wish to emphasize that
children may need help understanding the instructions or that adult
supervision may be required during playtime. Toys that would have
cautionary labels in addition to the age label include:
* electrically operated toys that also may have heating elements
* science toy sets that may contain toxic chemicals *craft or science
kits that may have function sharp instruments such as scissors or
breakable glass *swim aids that are not life-saving devices *balloons
* kites *crib gyms and mobiles, which should be removed when the baby
begins to push up on hands and knees to prevent possible entanglement
* any toy intended for assembly by an adult which may have potentially
hazardous sharp points and edges in its pre- assembled state
How to Get the Most From Labels
Now that you are familiar with the research involved in designing a
toy and assigning it an age label, you can make your next toy purchase
with confidence. Keeping in mind your child's skills and interests and
using age labels as a guide, you will be able to select a fun and
appropriate toy.
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If you are tempted to buy your child a toy labeled for an older
child, please reconsider. Remember that the age label has been
thoughtfully assigned based upon many factors, including safety. If you
give a child a toy that is too simple or too advanced, he or she may be
frustrated and/or exposed to a safety hazard.
Remember: the purpose of toys is to have fun.
TOY SELECTION
The following are some suggestions for suitable toys for children
of various ages. They are offered as a guide to help in your selection,
but remember that all children are different. Study your child and get
to know his or her interests, abilities and limitations. Not all
children enjoy the same kinds of play: one child will be interested in
building with blocks or doing puzzles; another may prefer riding bikes
or playing ball; your child may enjoy pretending with a dollhouse or
playing board games. Try to match the toy to your child and keep in
mind that his or her interest in a toy will often carry through more
than one age group.
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Babies: Birth to One Year
Experts agree that even babies need an assortment of toys. Since
infants respond to smell, taste, sound, touch and sight, properly
selected toys provide a small baby with opportunities to learn about
size, shape, sound, texture and how things work.
Choose toys that:
* have pieces that are too large to swallow
* are lightweight for handling and grasping
* have no sharp edges or points
* are brightly colored
* are non-toxic
Brightly colored, lightweight toys of various textures stimulate a
baby's senses. For young infants, toys to look at and listen to are
best. Rattles, squeaky toys and crib gyms are ideal for grasping when
the baby is ready to hold objects.
Soft dolls or stuffed animals made of non-toxic materials are fun
to touch and hug but are not designed for sucking and chewing. Make
sure the seams cannot be easily torn or bitten open and that eyes and
noses are securely fastened.
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A baby who is sitting up is ready for blocks with pictures or
bright colors. Nesting cups or boxes and stacking rings are also
favorites. Babies at this age enjoy their first sturdy picture books
showing familiar objects. Balls and push-pull toys are good choices
when a baby can crawl and walk.
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Toddlers: One to Three Years
A busy toddler needs toys for active physical play-- especially
things to ride and climb on, such as a low tricycle or a wagon to ride
in and pull. Outdoor toys such as large balls, inflatable toys, a
wading pool and an sandbox with digging tools are all good choices.
Toddlers begin to enjoy make-believe play just before their second
birthdays. To imitate the adult world around them, they use play food,
appliances and utensils, child- sized play furniture, simple dress-up
clothes and dolls. Children in this age group are particularly
interested in sorting and fitting toys, all kinds of blocks and simple
puzzles. Toddlers also enjoy musical instruments such as tambourines,
toy pianos, horns and drums, as well as listening to tapes.
Pre-Schoolers: Three to Five Years
Pre-schoolers are masters of make-believe. They like to act out
grown-up roles and create imaginary situations. Costumes and equipment
that help them in their pretend worlds are important at this stage. Some
of the many possibilities include pretend money, play food, a toy cash
register or telephone, a make-believe village, fort, circus, farm, gas
station or restaurant, a puppet theater and play with dolls and doll
furniture.
In a child's private world, a favorite toy is both a companion and
protector. Dolls and teddy bears, for example, have helped countless
children to cope with difficult moments. Children will sometimes
express their feelings to toy "confidants" and share emotions with them
that they might otherwise keep to themselves.
Transportation is fascinating to young children. Trucks, cars,
planes, trains, boats and tractors are all fun at this age and beyond.
Larger outdoor toys, including gym equipment, wheeled vehicles and a
first two-wheeled bicycle with helmet and training wheels, are
appropriate now.
Visualization and memory skills can be sharpened by play that
requires use of imagination or mental computation, with the introduction
of board games, electronic toys and word and matching games geared
specifically for this group. Construction sets, books and tapes,
coloring sets, pains, crayons, puzzles, stuffed toys and dolls continue
to be favorites.
School Age: Six to Nine Years
Board games, table-top sports games and classics like marbles and
model or craft kits help develop skills for social and solitary play. In
experimenting with different kinds of grownup worlds, fashion and career
dolls and all kinds of action figures appeal to girls and boys. Printing
sets, science and craft kits, electric trains, racing cars, construction
sets and hobby equipment are important to children for examining and
experimenting with the world around them.
For active physical play, a larger bicycle, ice and roller skates,
a pogo stick, scooter sled and other sports equipment, along with
protective gear, are appropriate. Even though group play is enjoyed,
children at this stage also play well by themselves. Paints, crayons
and clay are still good selections, as are costumes, doll houses, play
villages, miniature figures and vehicles, all of which help children to
develop their imaginations and creativity.
Many games and electronic toys geared to children in this age group
are labeled "educational" because they have been designed to help
children learn specific skills and concepts, such as games which require
forming words, matching letters of the alphabet with various objects or
learning about money through handling play coins and currency.
Video games appeal to children, teenages and adults. Many games
offer increasingly challenging levels of play, as well as opportunities
to develop coordination skills and a sense of the meaning of strategies
in relationships, usually through competition against an opponent.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE, EVER, FOR SENSIBLE ADULT SUPERVISION
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Nine to Twelve Years
Children begin to develop specific skills and life-long interests
at this age. Give considerable attention to hobbies and crafts, model
kits, magic sets, advanced construction sets, chemistry and science kits
and puzzles. Peer acceptance is very important at this age. Active
physical play now finds its expression with team play in a variety of
sports. Social and intellectual skills are refined through board, card
and electronic games, particularly those requiring strategy decisions.
Video and electronic games, table tennis and billiards (pool) are
very popular at this stage. Dramatic play holds great appeal.
Youngsters in this age group like to plan complete productions including
props, costumes, printed programs, puppets and marionettes. Painting,
sculpting, ceramics and other forms of artistic expression continue to
be of interest, as do books, tapes and musical instruments.
Teenagers
After age twelve, children's interests in toys begin to merge with
those of adults. This is apparent in the growing market for
sophisticated electronic games and computer-based systems, which are
often considered "family entertainment" rather than toys. They also
will be interested in board and adventure games. Collectors of dolls,
model cars, trains, miniatures and stuffed animals often begin their
hobbies in the teenage years.
CONCLUSION
You've now completed the first step in mastering the basics of toy
selection and play. Take the information and suggestions in this
booklet and put them to good use.
Choose toys with care. Get involved and encourage your youngster
to be creative through play. Children tend to remember lessons they
learn while having fun, so set good examples for proper use and
maintenance of toys. Remember, youngsters who are creative at play tend
to be more creative, well adjusted and secure as adults. Good luck!
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TOY BUYING GUIDE
Birth to 1
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Interests and Abilities
A baby learns about his or her environment by using all five
senses--sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. A child this age is
also learning the concept of cause and effect and loves repetition.
Toy Suggestions
* mobiles and safety mirrors
* musical and chime toys
* rattles and squeak toys
* crib gyms and busy boxes
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* nesting and stacking toys
* simple pop-up toys
* tub toys
* push-pull toys
* picture books
1 to 3
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Interests and Abilities
A toddler moves busily within his or her environment-- walking,
climbing, pushing and riding. Imaginative play begins during this
period, as does a strong interest in manipulating and problem solving
with objects.
Toy Suggestions
* push-pull and ride-on toys
* small tricycle and wagon
* balls over 1.75" in diameter
* wading pool and sandbox--and toys to use in them
* play appliances, food and utensils
* dolls, stuffed animals and doll furniture
* simple puzzles, shape sorters, pegboards and rings on pegs
* blocks
* crayons, markers and modeling dough
* rhythm instruments
* tape player
* picture books
3 to 5
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Interests and Abilities
A preschooler loves to be around other children and enjoys sharing
many kinds of activities, particularly imaginative play and simple
games.
Toy Suggestions
* dress-ups and accessories
* props for housekeeping, store and medical play
* puppets
* farm, village, house and other play sets
* small vehicles
* construction toys
* simple board games
* puzzles
* bead threading and lacing sets
* wheeled toys
* backyard gym sets
* art supplies: crayons, markers, modeling dough, paper
* tape player and tapes
* storybooks
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6 to 9
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Interests and Abilities
A school-age child seeks out new information, experiences and
challenges in play. Extremely social with a clear sense of fairness, a
child in this age group is influenced by peers and has a strong gender
identity.
Toy Suggestions
* board games
* sports equipment
* model and craft kits
* science kits
* jigsaw puzzles
* construction toys
* fashion and career dolls
* doll house
* action and hero figures
* puppets, marionettes and theaters
* video games
* bicycle and helmet
* stilts, pogo stick
* magic set
* roller and ice skates plus protective gear
* tape player/radio
* books
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9 to 12
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Interests and Abilities
A pre-teenager is independent, yet thrives on play with other
children. A child this age knows how to cooperate and negotiate using
advanced social skills. Mastery of academic skills enables him or her
to pursue both intellectual and creative pastimes.
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Toy Suggestions
* card and board games
* sports equipment
* table tennis and billiards
* jigsaw puzzles
* model kits
* science kits
* microscope, telescope and magnifying glass
* craft and handwork kits
* art supplies
* advanced construction sets
* puppets, marionettes and theaters
* video games
* bicycle and helmet
* stilts, pogo stick
* magic set
* roller and ice skates plus protective gear
* tape player/radio
* books
This toy buying guide was created by child development specialist Mary
Sinker
TOY MANUFACTURERS OF AMERICA AND AMERICAN TOY INSTITUTE
Thank you for requesting the second edition of THE TMA GUIDE TO TOYS &
PLAY. The seeds for this booklet were sown in late 1979 with the
publication of a series of pamphlets covering toy selection and play,
followed by THE ABCs OF TOYS & PLAY in 1983, LEARNING ABOUT LABELS in
1985 and the first version of THE TMA GUIDE TO TOYS & PLAY in 1990.
Although the principles of choosing safe toys and the importance of
playing with and supervising children are unchanged, our new guide
reflects the most up-to-date information available on toy safety and
child development.
Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc. (TMA), founded in 1916 and based
in New York City, is the trade association for U.S. producers and
importers of toys and holiday decorations. The American Toy Institute,
Inc. (ATI) is TMA's educational and charitable affiliate.
Major activities include managing the annual American International
Toy Fair, working with government agencies on a large variety of
industry issues, engaging in an ongoing safety assurance program,
sponsoring and maintaining the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, providing
counsel to members, compiling industry statistics, conducting a full
communications and public information program, producing a series of
educational seminars, supporting the Fashion Institute of Technology's
Toy Design Program and operating a credit information exchange.
The Association is recognized by government, the trade, media and
consumers as the authoritative voice of the U.S. toy industry.
If you have a problem with a toy, we encourage you to contact the
manufacturer or return it to the store where it was purchased.
If you are interested in order bulk copies of this booklet,
please write to us:
American Toy Institute, Inc.
200 Fifth Avenue,
Suite 740 New York, NY 10010
Toy Manufacturers of America (The American Toy Institute) and the
American Foundation for the Blind have published a GUIDE TO TOYS FOR
CHILDREN WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED> The Guide, which
features 70 commercially available toys in ten categories, has a
detailed introduction and special information for parents and
caregivers.
Copies are free by writing to:
American Toy Institute, Inc.
200 Fifth Avenue, Suite 740
New York NY 10010
TMA thanks the staff of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for
its review and comments on this publication.
Revised November 1994
Design Rogers Seidman, NYC Printed on recycled paper
The American Toy Institute, Inc.
200 Fifth Avenue, Suite 740
New York NY 10010
affiliated with Toy Manufacturers of America, Inc.
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