An old friend is coming into town with her son who will be turning 2 years old, and I wanted to get a little gift for him. I saw this great underwater playset at Toys R Us with all kinds of sea creatures that I think is really cool, but age recommendation is for kids ages 3 and up. I really don't know much about little kids. Is it a bad idea to get a 2 year old a toy recommended for a 3 year old or am I worrying about nothing?
2007-03-01 08:33:20 · 23 answers · asked by Underground Man 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Not for under three is on so many toys, almost all toys it seems!
No worries, your friend will be able to make the call and put the toy away for a few months if she feels her son isn't ready. You could make a light hearted comment about it to her so she knows you thought about it.
Its like the warnigns on everything, you know, don't use your hairdryer while in the shower, that type of thing.
2007-03-01 12:27:35 · answer #1 · answered by Katherine 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are really sweet to want to buy a toy for your friends son. I would not buy a toy for a child that I did not know that well, without the parents permission.
Some children are able to safely play with toys that are meant for older children and some are not. There could be parts of this toy that would be dangerous for a two year old, could choke the child or hurt him in some other way.
I would look for a more age appropriate item, or even purchase a gift card from the toy store and then the Mom can pick out the item and it will still be from you.
I have taught in a preschool situation before, and know all too well how children can be easily hurt by something that the adults would not even consider.
Have a great visit with your friend and her son.
2007-03-01 08:48:25 · answer #2 · answered by Sue F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not worry about about it seeing it is only a 1 year difference, but I would not go more than that when picking out the toy. Kids at age 2 love playing in the bath tub and that sounds like a wonderful toy.
2007-03-01 08:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Those age things really mean nothing. My daughter is only one and plays with 3+ toys. She doesn't use them as "intended" but she likes them alot. For example, we have a mini soccer ball that she loves, but the recommendation is 3+. I have no clue why because there are no small parts and she kicks and throws it just like any other kid would do. I often wonder why they put certain ages on toys. If you think the 2 year old will like it, he probably will.
2007-03-01 08:38:31 · answer #4 · answered by happymommy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I think most of the age ratings on toys are absurd. I would probably buy the toy you mentioned for my OWN two year old. HOWEVER, you can't tell about other parents. Many stick strictly to the ages stated on toys, and would be horrified that you gave a "3 and up" toy to their child. So to be on the safe side, I would not get it.
2007-03-01 09:56:20 · answer #5 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have seen 4 year olds interested in 2 year old stuff and vice versa..the only reason they put 3 and older is if there are small parts the kid could put in his mouth and choke on. If you don't see anything that is loose or small it will be fine..
Personally I would go with anything Fischer Price.. especially the Farm House.. I still think its the coolest toy for any preschooler.
2007-03-01 08:39:02 · answer #6 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the childs maturity really. The age limit is set, so if you give it to a 2 year old and he chokes and something happens to him, they have backup if you sue the company. They can easily say, well the recommended age is 3. Why don't you find out what the child likes and get something based off of that.
2007-03-01 08:37:11 · answer #7 · answered by punkin_eater26 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age guidelines are for safety. If it says for ages over 3, it is likely to have small parts that a younger child may choke on.
Since you are not familiar with young children, I suggest you stick to the age recommendations on the toy packaging.
2007-03-01 08:43:18 · answer #8 · answered by not yet 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think its great that you want to make the little guy feel special!
the thing that concerns me is that it is an underwater playset. What exactly does that mean? is it for diving in the pool? Perhaps it is something he could use in the bathtub. As long as there are no small parts, I think you're in the clear.
2007-03-01 08:43:53 · answer #9 · answered by ~b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, they put the warning label on here for a reason. Pieces can come off and become choking hazards. My son loves that toy (he's almost 2), but I watch him closely when he is playing with it. I figure as long as the mother/father is there with the baby when they are playing with the toy, and there aren't any small parts, they should be fine.
2007-03-01 08:39:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋