Top Tips for Choosing Remote Controlled Toys for Young Children
Remote control toys make excellent toys for young children. They’re both fun and educational, providing hours of fun for kids and their parents. Even toddlers can have fun with remote control toys, especially if they have easy-to-use controllers.
Toddlers can be attracted by the lights and sounds the toy might have, and they love having control over something they can move. If you want to get your child a remote control toy, you need to think about it carefully. Choosing one for a younger child is different to selecting a toy for an older child or teenager. There are several factors you should think about.
Consider Safety
The safety of the toy is no doubt at the forefront of your mind. You’re aware that it will need batteries and have electrical components. There’s also the worry that parts of the toy could come away from the main body. Firstly, you can consider the battery compartment of the toy. It needs to be screwed in so that your child can’t accidentally pop it off and get to the batteries. You’ll need batteries for both toy and controller. So make sure you check the compartment on both components. You should also look at the design of the toy and controller to ensure there are no choking hazards or sharp pieces.
Look at Usability and Age Appropriateness
You need to take your child’s age into account when you’re choosing their remote control toy. One of the reasons for this is that they need to be able to use the controller easily. Remote control toys can be excellent for helping to improve motor control. However, the controller needs to be the right size and have buttons that are easy to use. Too many buttons could get confusing for a toddler, so don’t choose anything too complicated. One button to go and one to turn is all they need to get started.
Engagement
If you want to help your child to engage with the toy, you should consider a couple of factors. Firstly, think about what the toy looks like. Younger children won’t mind if it looks like a real car, bike or helicopter. In fact, they might find a favourite character more engaging. But older kids might prefer something more realistic. Another factor in engagement is the function of the toy. Lights and sounds from the toy can help children to link what they are doing to what the toy is doing. For your own sake, and your child’s ears, you might want a toy with a volume button or sound-off switch.
The Technical Stuff
You shouldn’t have to worry too much about the the technicalities of the toy. However, you need to consider the frequency if you buy more than one toy. For two toys to operate at once, they need to be on separate radio frequencies. So if you’re getting a toy for each of your children, it’s best to take this into account.
Kids of all ages enjoy having fun with remote control toys. Just make sure that the one you pick is age-appropriate.
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