Physical items used in play.

An estimated 2.6 billion toys are sold in the United States each year. Toys can support cognitive growth, development of fine motor and gross motor skills, improve problem-solving and attention. The child may find extended periods of play with a toy, whether it was purchased in a store or found in the home (recycled plastic containers and empty spools of thread, for example). Most children will be happy to play with a few favorite toys—the size of the toy inventory is not critical to successful play. Parents and others who choose toys for children should take into account the following characteristics of the child for whom the toy is intended: age and developmental stage; his or her interests; ease of use of the toy (is adult supervision required); presence of younger siblings for whom the toy could pose a hazard; and whether the...