How to choose a toy according to a child’s age
What to look for in the age marking on the packaging, why toys with small parts are prohibited for children under 3, and how to choose a gift when you do not know the child’s interests well.
The age indicated on the packaging provides two types of information at once. Some of it is a safety requirement, while some is a recommendation about the age at which the toy will appeal to a child most.
Warning “Not suitable for children under 3 years”
A toy sold in the European Union must bear the CE marking. If a toy contains small parts that could become lodged in a young child’s throat, the packaging must carry a warning that it is not suitable for children under 3 years. The warning is often shown as a circle containing a crossed-out child and the numbers 0–3. This warning should be taken literally, even if the child seems skilled for their age.
What is suitable at different ages
- 0–1 years: rattles, soft cuddly toys, large colourful objects that can be grasped and put in the mouth.
- 1–3 years: stacking and sorting toys, large building blocks, push-along and pull-along cars.
- 3–5 years: role play, simple puzzles, modelling and drawing, larger construction sets.
- 5–8 years: board games with rules, more complex constructions, ball games and scooters.
- 8–12 years: strategy games, science and robotics sets, remote-controlled cars.
When you do not know the child well
Ask the parents what the child currently most enjoys playing with, and choose something from the same area that offers a slightly new challenge. If you cannot ask, things that can be played with in several ways are a good choice: building blocks, creative activities and board games.
