Age appropriate toys?

[ruth4321]

Hi my DS will be 18 months at Christmas and we have ordered him a play kitchen with the age of 3+ on it. Just wondering who actually took notice of the age guide or did you just use your common sense and supervision? We are at several toddler and baby groups a week where he plays with all toys and has not come to serious harm yet!

Interesting question. DH and I just used "common sense and supervision". My mum on the other hand checked the age recommendations on everything and bought according to that. After a while, I began to notice that DD was playing much more with the stuff mum had bought rather than the stuff we bought! Obviously she grew into the other stuff but it was an interesting lesson.

FWIW she loved to potter around with a play kitchen from the age of 18 months, but it was only when she reached 2-3 years that she would literally spend hours with it. I guess I'm saying it's not just a safety thing so don't be disappointed if it's cluttering up your play area for years to come!

Thanks thats interesting. He plays well with it at the toddlers so I hope he will like it! That is what I'm worried about where am I going to keep it!

I think you just have to use your judgement if its something with small parts that they could eat/break or if its just too complicated for them. I can't see a play kitchen being unsuitable for an 18 month old.

When the second child comes along they play with everything anyway. Can't stop them really.