A mother of a 3-year-old asks a clinic nurse about appropriate and safe toys for the child. The nurse should tell the mother that the most appropriate toy for a 3-year-old is which?

Option Analysis

A. A wagon ✅ (Correct Answer)

🔹 Rationale:

• A wagon is a great toy for a 3-year-old as it supports gross motor development, balance, and coordination.
• It encourages active play as the child can pull or push it while transporting toys, which fosters independence and creativity.
• Wagons are generally safe as long as they are used under supervision and on a stable surface.

B. A golf set ❌ (Incorrect)

🔹 Rationale:

• A golf set, especially one with hard clubs and balls, may be too advanced for a 3-year-old and can pose an injury risk.
• Some golf sets come with small balls, which could be a choking hazard for young children.
• While modified plastic golf sets designed for toddlers exist, they are still less appropriate compared to a wagon.

C. A farm set ❌ (Incorrect)

🔹 Rationale:

• A farm set often includes small animal figurines, which can pose a choking risk if the pieces are too small.
• While it can promote imaginative play and cognitive development, it is not the safest choice unless specifically designed for toddlers (large, non-detachable parts).

D. A jack set with marbles ❌ (Incorrect)

🔹 Rationale:

• Marbles are a significant choking hazard for young children.
• Jacks and marbles are small objects that can be easily swallowed or inhaled, posing a risk of airway obstruction.
• These types of toys are recommended for older children (typically 6+ years old) who have better fine motor control and understand the risk of putting objects in their mouths.

Final Answer: ✅ A. A wagon is the safest and most developmentally appropriate toy for a 3-year-old.