The most common image tomorrow in homes with children is that of the little ones opening one package after another, tearing the wrapping paper at full speed to quickly discover what it contains and move on to the next, amid cries of surprise and happiness. And that is the key: that they be happy.
For this reason, we must ensure that the day is perfect, that nothing clouds the magic of the Magi . Because many times we do not think that in the meantime there are batteries that the little ones can put in their mouths, or toys that are not suitable for them that can ‘steal’ from the older ones. What if they have destroyed the box of that toy that does not work?
We tell you what things you have to take into account when opening their packages, so that your children enjoy safely and we do not spoil a day of family fun.
1. Watch out for the boxes!
You have to admit it. We strive to find the perfect gift, and our children insist on playing with the packaging. We have to give up and let them play, and if it is with their imagination, then perfect.
Of course, before letting them destroy them (when opening the gift) or cut them to give them the desired shape, it is better to make sure that what it includes works correctly and we are going to keep it. Because most stores do not allow returns without packaging in the correct condition.
Once the performance has been removed, it is better to remove them from the middle and take them to the recycling container, because the truth is that they take up a lot of space.
2. The bags are not for play.
When they are little they love to check if their head goes into the different bags and if they are transparent and see through them … even better! So it is better to be aware of removing them from their reach as soon as possible and if they ask us, explain to them that we have saved them to put inside the toys that the Kings have brought, before assembling them or finding their final place in their room.
Choking hazards are no joke, so err on the side of being overly cautious.
3. That we do not run out of battery
As much as we try to make sure everything is perfect, it is not strange that after fighting with the scissors to release the doll from ‘its ties’ in the box, we hit the ‘on’ and do nothing. The Three Wise Men have forgotten about batteries! How can it be possible?
It is best to check as we buy the gifts if they include batteries, and if not, which ones you need to buy them. What have you not remembered to do? No problem! You are in time to locate the toys that still need them and get them before the stores close (tonight, very late).
And if you already have everything perfectly packaged and organized, nothing happens. Make sure you have a pack of AA and AAA alkaline batteries, the most common. There are never enough with small children at home, so if it is not the day of Kings, they will serve you later.
A tip: rechargeable batteries provide significant savings in a short time.
4. Batteries are not sucked
We are busy putting those round batteries in those toys that need them to start working and there are quite a few! And without realizing it, in an oversight, the baby ‘pulls’ one of them and puts it in his mouth to see what it tastes like. It is his nature to discover the world and to taste through taste.
So, better keep them safe and never leave them within reach, because we know that they are toxic but they do not yet.
5. Button batteries? Well protected
Whenever possible, it is best to avoid toys that contain button batteries and, if this is not possible, make sure that the lid that conceals these types of batteries cannot be opened without tools that only the adult can handle.
Unfortunately, they can be swallowed or put through their nose or ear too easily while we are entertained unpacking a gift from the older brother.
6. The sea of papers, slides
Let them enjoy tearing the papers with which we have wrapped their gifts with such care just a few hours before. But as they are throwing them on the ground (because they are going to do it) it is convenient to keep them in a bag and then throw them away.
It may happen that with nerves that little guy who still walks with an unsure step, steps on the papers and ‘slips away’. Better to avoid crying and unnecessary accidents that can spoil their day.
7. Small parts, only if they are older than three years
If we take into account the approval label, the manufacturer’s instructions and the child’s age, it is easy to avoid those toys that are not recommended for minors because they contain small parts.
But it may happen that you are looking for a toy for an older child who lives with a baby or child under three years of age. In this case, you have to be very aware that the little one does not ‘steal’ them from his brother and can swallow them and suffer an accident.
8. Construction pieces and puzzles, safely away
It is difficult to retain a child so that he does not overturn all the pieces of his new Lego or the puzzle of his favorite hero on the table or the floor on the same morning of Reyes. After, of course, there is no time to fully assemble it. We have to make sure that they put all the pieces back in their corresponding bags, because if it can’t happen they will be very disappointed when they are assembling them and they are missing some.
This advice also applies to the myriad of accessories for dolls, which are often lost in the mountains of papers and boxes, and can even end up in the trash. Can you imagine your son’s face of sorrow if Captain America is missing his shield? When the excitement of the first hours passes, it is a good idea to check together that all the toys and games are complete.
9. Have all the purchase tickets located
It seems obvious, but how many times have we had to eat a gift because we lost the proof of purchase? What if after assembling the kitchenette we verify that the light in the fires does not work? What if the puppy barks and scares you? What if the Three Wise Men have also left the same game for him at the uncles’ house?
For this reason, when in doubt, it is good to leave all the tickets together in the same drawer, as the Kings are bought (large and small) so that we do not have to eat gifts. A tip: do not leave them in the bag in which they come, because with the excitement of the magical night, placing gifts, we can lose ‘just’ the one we need.
Photos | iStock
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