Little kids tend to find many everyday objects fascinating. Unfortunately, not all of them can serve as makeshift toys, especially those that can pose a danger to their health and safety. Experts say that some of the most serious accidents that children encounter at home happen in the kitchen.
It doesn’t come as a surprise since there are plenty of sharp, breakable, and burning-hot items where family meals are prepared.
Keys are some of those that babies find interesting because of the sound they create and how they reflect light. However, it is a bad idea to allow kids to play with keys. Other than potentially losing them, kids may also end up injured.
The good news is that there are toy keys that are more appropriate for little ones than actual keys. Most toy stores, both online and offline, shelf them since they are hot and timeless playthings for kids.
However, there are some important things to consider when shopping for keys for little boys and girls. It is a must to get your hands on keys that can give kids some fun and excitement while keeping them out of harm’s way.
Age-Appropriate
Before placing the product in your shopping cart, check that the set of keys is specifically made for your child’s age. It is to make sure that it does not contain any parts that can cause choking, especially among very young kids who like to put everything in their mouths.
If your little one is less than a year old, check that the product is ideal for kids below 12 months.
Non-Toxic
As mentioned above, just about anything that kids can get their tiny hands on usually end up in their mouths. Thus, it is important to check that the set of keys you are about to purchase is out of 100% non-toxic materials. Otherwise, your baby might ingest chemicals that can put his or her health in danger.
To ensure that the product is completely safe, spend time checking out recalled baby toys in your region beforehand.
Colorful
Keys designed for children may not be able to unlock any door or start any car engine. However, they can fend off boredom among little ones. To ensure that your child is going to have a fantastic experience each time, consider going for keys that come in bright colors.
A toddler will appreciate it more if they feature an assortment of shapes and textures, too, that his or her little fingers may play with.
Sound-Producing
Many toy keys are battery-operated because they give off all kinds of electronic sounds. If you wish to get such a set for your child, check that it is capable of producing an impressive number of sound types. More importantly, see to it that it is designed to prevent kids from getting their hands on the batteries inside.
Multipurpose
Is your baby teething? Then you will be happy to learn that some keys for kids double as teethers. There are gel-filled types that you can place in the refrigerator beforehand to help soothe your little one’s sore gums very well.
Take your time when shopping for keys for your little one, as it is the key to finding a set that s/he will surely love without causing any problems.