Toyland

It's that time of the year when parents are bombarded with flyers and commercials for the latest, greatest, must-have toys. Two things we recommend parents keep in mind when toy-shopping, all year-round:
- The most engaging and rewarding toys have more than one purpose.
- Just because a toy is for sale in the US doesn't mean it is safe for children.

Often simpler, open-ended toys become children's favorites, with good reason: they require imagination. Cardboard box, anyone?! We recommend these classics, which will last many seasons as your child grows and figures out new ways to use them:

1. Lego bricks. Duplos for babies and toddlers, Legos for preschoolers who no longer put things in their mouths and who have the fine-motor control to snap the bricks together. Many children use Duplos well into elementary school. Look for basic pieces: bricks of all shapes and sizes, wheels, windows & doors, and planks to build on. All the other accessories are gravy. Try www.shop.lego.com
2. Wooden blocks. Choose a size that is appropriate for your child's age (in general, the smaller the block, the older the child, except for infants who need medium sized-blocks that are neither too heavy nor choking hazards). Unpainted blocks are less likely to contain led paint. Children use these to build, sort, seriate, and for imaginative play. We love Haba blocks.
3. Dress-up clothing and props. Secondhand clothing, washed and repaired, is usually sturdier and more interesting than pre-packaged costumes. Children use dress up play to practice social skills, fine and large motor skills, imaginative play, and spatial awareness.
4. Cars, trucks, and trains. Do not shortchange your daughters -- all kids like things that move. Be careful about loose parts and choking hazards with younger children.
5. Books. Take time to select books with beautiful art and fun language. It's a gift that keeps on giving! Your local independent bookseller will have great specific suggestions for the children in your life.
6. Balls. Choose a ball that is an appropriate size and material for your child. Even tennis balls are a great toy for kids of all ages.

As for safety: the Ann Arbor Ecology Center recently released its second annual guide to toxic chemicals in toys. You can see their recommendations at www.HealthyToys.org
Check for toy and equipment recall information at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commision's website.

New Booster Seat Law

Have you heard about Michigan's new car safety law, effective July 1, 2008?

Children must be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4’9” tall.

Children must be in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first. For example:

• If your child is 8 years or older, but under 4'9" tall, the law does not apply.


• If your child is under 8 years old, but over 4'9" tall, the law does not apply.

Remember: Although it is not required by law, in both of these cases your child may be safer in a booster seat.

A bulletin from Michigan Safe Kids has more details about appropriate types of boosters for various vehicle set-ups.

For information on safely seating children of any age in your vehicle, please click here.

--Admin