Beware vintage toys
By Whitney
by Whitney
Going to Grandma Marilyn’s is super fun and we don’t have to bring our own toys. My mother-in-law was diligent about packing away toddler toys when her own children outgrew them. (I guess she fantasized about being a grandmother back then?) Now, when I go to her house, my children love to see the special toys she has, many of which were originally owned by my husband thirty or more years ago. Ryan and I love to see the old toys, too, because their 70s aesthetic is pretty cool.
Safety, however, is a serious issue when we bring these toys out. I am not a nervous Nellie when it comes to my kids’ physical safety, but when I first saw the size of those little figurines – you know the ones that can fit in a plastic toy bus or an airplane – I was shocked. They were meant for toddlers to play with, but they are total choking hazards! And, even an adult can relate to how delicious these little guys must look to our kids with their candy-colored outfits. (These playset characters have been redesigned since my generation and are no longer so tempting for tiny mouths.)
My pediatrician always says that if it can fit through the center of the toilet paper roll, it can get lodged in your child’s throat. This is a pretty easy rule of thumb, and you can even put bigger kids in charge of conducting this “safety test.” I taught my four year old to look out for things that his baby sister can’t put in her mouth and then place them on a shelf that is too high for her to reach. During her nap, he can get these things down and play with them.
Toys that have stood the test of time? Blocks, pull toys, stacking cups, and books.
Note to self: Don’t bother saving toys for future grandchildren. Safety standards will have been updated over time and the garage is too crowded anyway.
Photo by H is for Home. Some rights reserved. Usage does not constitute photographer’s endorsement.
One Response to “Beware vintage toys”
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My mom kept a lot of the toys I grew up playing with, too. It’s so sweetly nostalgic to sit with my kids and play with them now. Two points I’d like to add to your post:
1) Lead paint can be an issue with older toys. You can learn about lead in toys and other contaminant concerns at http://www.healthychild.org/resources/article/environmental_safety_of_toys/
2) Invest in high quality wooden toys that have a natural finish (or no finish) and they can totally be handed down for generations!
Thanks Whitney!