timeless baby gifts. They belong to a core group of toys that,
no matter what day and age, capture the attention of our
children.
Baby toys should be evaluated on three different criteria:
safety, physical appeal, and developmental value. How a toy
rates in each of these categories can determine how essential it
can be to a baby's mental and physical growth.
First and foremost, a product should be checked for safety in
regards to small children. It should have no pieces that are too
small. A good test is to try and put the piece or toy into a
paper towel roll. If it fits, it is too small for our little
ones. Be especially mindful of toys with parts that might be
easily pulled off or broken off, such as baby doll button eyes,
wheels off of cars, or beads on a necklace. Most toys these days
come with an age recommendation, and it is essential to take
heed in what the recommended age is on a product when
considering infant toys. Also think about how easy the product
is to clean. Is it surface washable? Can it go in a dishwasher
or clothes washing machine? Will the color and product hold up
to bleach cleaning?
Secondly, is the toy something that is appealing to small
children? Is it not only bright and colorful, but does it make
good use of contrasting colors (black and white, red and green,
blue and orange)? If your baby likes music, does it have a
feature where it plays songs or makes sound? For the active
child, is it something they can hold, throw, push or move? Is it
okay to chew on (because it most likely will be!)? Is it soft or
cool to the touch?
Just as important is to evaluate the developmental value of a
baby toy. From birth to 12 months of age, children need gross
motor development, language acquisition, and sensory
stimulation. So, take a look at the product while thinking of
these areas. Is the product easy for the child to handle, such
as a large nubby ball or rattle with curved handle? Does the toy
encourage the child to move, reach, pull, grab or kick? Is it
something that a parent or caregiver can interact with as well,
such as a soft book or toy, using words to help build language
(such as naming objects in pictures)? Does it appeal to a
child's sense of hearing or vision, smell or touch?
Toys that encourage children, at any age, to begin to use their
imagination will last much longer than the others on the shelf.
Of course, the best toy your child can have is the one they
enjoy in the company of a caregiver, because interaction with a
loved one is the best toy of all.
About The Author: Judy Griscom frequently authors on the
subjects of children and education. She contributes to the
website WonderBrains, which sells quality
http://www.wonderbr
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
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