Buying for Your Child’s Eyes

Let the Christmas shopping begin!! Black Friday is upon us and everyone has their lists started! When you start to buy your presents for kids this season, think about what toys will further develop skills and their eyes.

Every activity your child participates in from birth to age six develops their vision further in some way.  Below is a list of activities to do with children depending on their age.  You can buy gifts based on the activities and the skills they need to develop. The American Optometric Association helped compile a great list.

• Birth – 5 months: Make sure activities stimulate the sense of sight: peek-a-boo and patty-cake are great. Mobiles are great to engage the vision, also.
• 6 months – 8 months: Playing hide-and-seek is a great way to develop your child’s sight. Additionally, stuffed animals are good for your child to distinguish between shapes, sizes, and colors.
• 9 months – 12 months: Rolling a ball in a very small area will help your child realize that she can move her eyes individually, without moving her entire head.
• 1 year old: Throwing balls back and forth can work on how your child follows objects and general eye movement. Additionally, bright colors and blocks will develop color recognition and shape recognition further.
• 2 years old: At this age, your child can start to play catch and participate in various other activities that will improve hand-eye coordination. Additionally, your child will enjoy matching games and other identification activities.

Obviously this is an incomplete look. Whatever you buy, make sure it is age-appropriate. Happy Shopping!! And good luck to everyone that is braving the crowds on Black Friday!