Baby Toys

From LoveToKnow Baby

How many baby toys does your child really need? Will he get tired of the ones he has? What should you do with those toys he's outgrown? Is it safe to buy used toys? How can you get the best bargains? You'll probably ask yourself at least some of these questions and more as your baby grows and matures. Keep reading for some great answers to some toy dilemmas!

How Many Baby Toys Should My Child Have?

Have you ever heard someone tell you that their baby has so many toys, but she never plays with any of them? This could actually be true simply because she just doesn't know where to begin. She may be so overwhelmed at the roomful of toys that it is easier for her to just ignore every one of them.

How can you avoid this problem? Well, this doesn't mean that you have to tell Grandma to stop buying presents. There really isn't a magic number for the amount of toys your child should have. You can keep the options from being so overwhelming, however. When your child has received an abundance of new toys, you should put some of them away, leaving her only a few to play with at a time. As time goes on and you notice that she may be tiring of those toys a little, put some of them away and pull out some of her new ones. If you continue to alternate her toy selections, it will seem to her as if she has a continuing supply of new toys. Her old ones will seem new to her when she hasn't played with them for a while.

Will My Baby Get Tired of Her Toys?

She will if she plays with them every day. You can still switch them out, however, with other toys. She may tire of them simply because she's outgrown them. They may not be as stimulating to her as they once were. When that happens, it may be time to search for toys that are more appropriate for her age level.

What Should I Do With My Baby's Old Toys?

Babies will outgrow their toys quickly. Before you know it, your child's room may resemble a used toy store!

Store Those Toys

If you plan on having more children, or you already have a younger baby, then you'll probably want to save those outgrown baby toys. It will work better if you have some type of storage system. If you have room in an attic, basement, or workshop, you might want to consider buying clear, plastic storage bins and labeling them with the type of toys and the appropriate age for those toys.

Hold a Garage or Yard Sale

If you want to get rid of them, however, you have several options. You can always hold a garage or yard sale. Be sure you find all of the extra parts that go with each particular toy and tape them together or place them in a box or ziplock baggie. If the toys are very dirty, you'll probably want to give them a good scrub.

Donate Them

You can always donate used baby toys to places such as the Salvation Army or a women and children's shelter. Be sure any toys you donate are in good condition.

Consignment Sales

Consignment sales are a great way to get rid of that extra baby stuff. Be sure you label the toy appropriately, and include all of the extra parts.

Online Auction

You might want to consider selling those used toys in an online auction. Be sure you factor in shipping charges before you price the item, however. You don't want to lose money on the deal.

Discard Damaged Toys

You should definitely throw away any baby toys that are damaged. Damaged toys could lead to injuries, and you don't want to take the chance of some other child being hurt.

Is It Safe to Buy Used Toys for My Child?

Just as many of your child's used toys are still in great shape, you may find that others have good used toys for sale, too. You can search for used toys at yard sales, consignment shops, and online auctions. You can often find great deals at a fraction of the cost of a new item!

Where Can the Best Bargains Be Found?

If you don't mind purchasing used baby toys, look for great deals at consignment sales, yard sales, consignment shops, and sometimes online auctions. If you're searching for new toys, watch for buy one/get one free sales at local toy stores and online stores. Be sure you get on your favorite stores' e-mail lists, so that you are notified about their newest sales and specials. Look for online consumer or buyer boards where other consumers just like you post their newest finds for everything from toys to clothes, books, etc.