TOYS

_What points should guide one in selecting toys and playthings for an
infant?_

The instinct in a baby to put everything into the mouth is so strong
that nothing should be given that cannot be safely treated in this
way. Hence one should choose things which are smooth, those which can
be easily washed, and those which cannot be swallowed.

One should avoid (1) toys with sharp points or corners; (2) those with
loose parts that might be detached or broken off and swallowed; (3)
small objects which might be swallowed or pushed into the nose or ear,
such as coins, marbles, and safety-pins, also beads and buttons unless
strung upon a stout cord; (4) painted toys; (5) those covered with
hair or wool. Infants have often been severely injured by swallowing
what they have pulled off from their small toy animals.

_What points are to be considered in selecting the toys and playthings
of a child over two years old?_

It should be remembered that toys are not merely a source of
amusement, but that they have an educational value as well. Those are
therefore to be preferred the use of which develops the child's
imagination, and with which he can be taught to amuse himself. For
boys nothing can surpass blocks, toy soldiers, balls, engines, and
cars; and for girls, dolls and housekeeping sets. The complicated
mechanical toys now so much in vogue give only a momentary pleasure,
and as soon as the wonder at their operation has worn off, they have