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Avoid leaving toys outside or in the sun for prolonged periods of time.  Fluctuations in temperature and sun damage can change and fade the materials.

          Wooden toys are made of a natural product and need special care:

• Never immerse a wooden toy in water.  Avoid excessive moisture. Wooden baby teethers are the exception.
• If possible, use only a dry cloth to clean.  If a moist cloth is required, use as little moisture as possible and dry thoroughly.
• If wooden toys need disinfecting, use a bleach-water solution.  Use a solution of 3/4 cup bleach in one gallon of water.  A ratio of ten parts water to one part bleach can be used to make less cleaning solution.  After cleaning, let stand for five minutes, rinse and wipe dry thoroughly.
• Never use furniture polish to clean wooden toys.

• Read the label instructions on the toy before proceeding.  If it says it's surface washable only, that's exactly what it means.  Don't immerse it in water.
• Use a sponge or cloth and clean with a mild soap solution such as Woolite.  Luke-warm or cold water are best when used on colored fabrics.
• If the label instructions specify machine washing, follow the washing and drying instructions the company provides.  Using mild soaps and cold water will produce better results.
• It is best to wash fabric items in a lingerie bag or pillowcase using the delicate cycle.
• Putting the plush animal or soft-bodied doll in the freezer for approximately two hours can control dust mites.

          Puppets:

• The fluffy puppets should be shaken out and brushed after they are shipped to you.  Velour puppets do not need to be brushed.
• Use a wire or course-bristled brush and brush with the grain of the fur--not against it.  Stay away from the eyes and ears.  Brush periodically when it needs a touch up.
• Do not immerse the puppets in water.  Surface wash using a sponge or cloth and mild soap such as Woolite and luke-warm or cold water.  Wet and lather the fur being careful not to get the body of the puppet wet.  Rinse the fur, but do wring or twist the puppet's body.  Dry by gently squeezing the puppet between towels and allowing to air dry.  It can also be hung on a line to drip dry.
• Putting the puppet in the freezer for approximately two hours can control dust mites.
  

 
          Costumes and other fabric toys:

• Read the label instructions before proceeding.  Surface wash if necessary using a cloth and mild soap, then air-dry.  For machine washing, here's what works best:
• Cold-water washing is best for toy fabrics.
• Use a lingerie bag or pillowcase to enclose the toys and wash on the delicate cycle.
• Avoid machine drying.  Allow to air dry using hangers or laying flat on a towel or drying rack.  Only use an iron if indicated on the instructions.

• Use a sponge or cloth and warm, soapy water to wipe the surfaces.
• If the toy needs to be disinfected, use a solution of 3/4 cup bleach in one gallon of water.  A ratio of ten parts water to one part bleach can be used to make less cleaning solution.  Wipe the surfaces, allowing the solution to stay on the toy for five minutes, rinse and wipe dry.  Try to test on a hidden area first to make sure the plastic is colorfast.  This is usually not a problem.
• Avoid immersing toys in water and washing in the dishwasher.  Water may get in the nooks and crannies and produce mold.  The extreme heat of a dishwasher may cause melting, cracking and color fading.  Cleaning toys with a bleach solution will sufficiently disinfect.

Here are some things to think about when selecting a great toy for your child.  It's a big toy world out there, and some of it isn't pretty.  Setting a few standards can make all the difference--to you and your child.  Parents want what's best for their child, but they also have to watch where and how their hard-earned money is spent.  A few significant questions will help in the decision process.



• Does the toy encourage open-ended play and invite exploration?  A toy shouldn't offer answers for the child or allow the child to "watch" what it does.
• Does the toy challenge the child to do, think and feel?  Does the toy engage the child's imagination and creativity?
• Does the toy have staying power?  Can a child play with the toy in several different ways?  Variety prevents boredom.
• Will the toy build a child's attention span or fragment it?
• Will the toy expand the developmental stage the child is experiencing or help develop skills that need more practice?
• Does the toy offer a good balance to other activities?  In an increasing technological world, this is becoming more of a concern.  Children should also have the benefit of non-electrical toys for healthy development.
• Is the toy safe?  Will it pass the "drop test"?  Look for small parts that may separate from the toy.  If there are small parts involved, is the age grading three years or higher?  It should be.  Are there any sharp edges or long cords?
• Is the toy age-appropriate?  Does the child have the necessary abilities to enjoy the toy?  Age grades are put on labels for a reason.  Not only could there be a safety hazard involved, but "older" toys may prove frustrating for younger children and they'll lose interest.  Mature themes also contribute to kids missing out on important developmental stages in childhood.
• Is the toy well made and affordable?  Take a look at the type of materials used and workmanship involved.  It's usually not hard to tell which toys have been carefully designed and crafted.  Generally, you'll get what you pay for.
• Does the child have any special interests that the toy will help develop?
• How much fun do you think this toy will be?

• Phthalates are colorless, odorless chemical compounds used in a wide variety of items that we use every day.  Their chief use is to make vinyl soft and flexible without sacrificing durability.
• There has been concern that the presence of phthalates in toys could pose a health problem for young children who put the toys in their mouths.  To date, the European Union and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have not found a demonstrated health risk to children from playing with toys containing phthalates.
• However, the European Union has banned the use of phthalates in toys and the United States has followed suit.  President Bush signed the Consumer Product Safety Modernization Act in August of 2008, which bans the use phthalates in toys for children less than 12 years of age.  Review will continue in this area.
• We specifically mention products to be phthalate free if they contain any plastic so that you will know the toy is safe for your child.  This information comes directly from the manufacturer.

Child development experts agree that children develop in a sequence of stages. This information helps toy manufacturers decide which age label to put on a toy for safety and appropriate play.  However, each child develops at his or her individual pace, and parents should be the final judge as to the maturity, skill level and interests of their child.  Not all toys are appropriate for every child in a particular age range.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers four criteria that toy manufacturers follow when determining the appropriate age label:



• 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 the toy
• The child's play needs and interests at different developmental levels
• The safety aspects of the toy itself
• In addition, toy makers research the play value of the toy they are developing.  Some of their resources include:
• Children test toys in play settings to determine play patterns, durability and age appropriateness.  
• Some manufacturers have in-house, year-round nursery schools to observe children at play with new toys.
• Manufacturers may establish relationships with universities and other educational facilities.
• Manufacturers may involve parents, teachers and caretakers for their first-hand knowledge and insight.
• Toy makers may consult with child development specialists, psychiatrists or physicians.