Educational toys: a safe bet?
With so many toys on the market, from high-tech gadgets to classic wooden blocks, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Yet, there’s something special about these traditional toys that have been passed down through generations. But are they really beneficial for our little ones?
Why choose baby developmental toys?
Early learning toys are great for babies because they are simple and encourage unlimited play. That's probably why they have stood the test of time! However, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially when it comes to using vintage toys or toys made from certain materials.
Surprisingly, the impact of screens and traditional toys on baby development has been widely studied. Let's take a closer look!
What are toys? baby awakening ?
Toys Awakenings refer to those that have been around for decades, even centuries, and continue to seduce. Often made from natural materials such as wood, cotton or wool, they are designed to be simple and durable.
Here are some examples of toys awakening that our little ones love:
- Wooden blocks
- Shape classifiers
- Storage rings
- Stackable cups
- Pull toys
- Dolls and stuffed animals
- Simple puzzles
- Rattles
- Teething rings
- Balls
Of course, this list could go on and on and vary from culture to culture, but these are the classics that many of us experienced as children.
The benefits of educational toys for babies
But what makes these toys so special? After sending men to the moon and creating miniature computers, why do we continue to give wooden blocks to our babies? The answer lies in the many benefits they offer.
Invitation to creativity
Unlike high-tech toys with pre-programmed activities, toys play encourages imaginative and limitless play. For example, your little ones can use a set of wooden blocks to build towers, bridges or even an entire city! The only constraint is their overflowing imagination (and the number of stacking toys nearby).
The advantage of toys The best toys for babies and toddlers are their simplicity. One study found that the best toys for babies and toddlers were wooden blocks, traditional building toys, and wooden vehicles because they encourage open-ended play where there is no "right" way to play.
Development of fine motor skills
Toys are passive , meaning they don't move or make noise on their own. They encourage your little ones to play actively. No need to be distracted by a toy that does everything for them! This quality is ideal for developing fine motor skills.
These skills are essential for mastering actions like typing, writing, putting together small puzzles, or navigating a phone as we grow older. Our little ones come into this world with little control over their hands and fingers, but they are making great strides every week.
Fortunately, you can help their development by providing toys and activities to practice these skills. For example, stacking rings are great for improving hand-eye coordination, while shape sorters promote shape recognition and motor skills. Stacking cups are another toy that your child will love to handle at different stages of their development.
Encouragement of social interactions
What's better than playing with open-ended toys? Playing together with friends! Toys Educational toys lend themselves easily to group play, which helps babies develop their social skills.
Building a block tower with siblings, rolling balls with visiting friends, or sharing a pull toy with a buddy are great activities to practice sharing, cooperation, and communication.
Of course, these playtimes can sometimes lead to a few arguments. Staying calm and showing little ones how to handle these situations will help strengthen their compromise and problem-solving skills. If you find these little squabbles exhausting, know that you're not alone! Consider changing the setting, rotating the toys, or trying a different activity.
One piece of advice I’ve been given that has been invaluable is to set aside an hour each day for quiet time at home. Everyone goes to their room or bed to nap, read, listen to music, or play quietly. It’s a challenge at first, but it’s a blessing on tough days.
Safety and durability of educational toys
I'm not talking about cheap plastic toys here, but ones made from natural materials that are safe to touch, chew, and handle. Plastic toys tend to break easily and can pose cutting or choking hazards. On the other hand, quality activity toys are designed to withstand rough play and last for years. Activity toys are built to last.
Unfortunately, some toys on the market are not exactly safe. Take silicone chewable jewelry, for example. The idea was to give parents something they wouldn't worry about their baby chewing on. While this is a good intention, there are also risks, as if a baby manages to chew on the string, the beads could be swallowed.
At Ploomie, we design our silicone toys with high-quality materials and clever designs. Baby's safety is our number one priority, making our toys both safe and durable.
Designed with strong and durable materials, educational toys represent a wise investment for parents wishing to offer their little ones quality toys that can be passed on to future generations.
The disadvantages of educational toys
Of course, not everything is perfect! While educational toys have many benefits, they also have some drawbacks to consider, mainly in terms of functionality and price.
Your family culture, situation and lifestyle will greatly influence the extent to which these disadvantages may affect you.
Functionality and engagement
Our little ones are exposed to screens from the moment they are born. Between moms watching YouTube videos while breastfeeding and dads following the game on TV, it doesn't take long for our little cherubs to be fascinated by this flat magic!
Screens can quickly overwhelm a toddler's senses. The lights, flashing images, and sounds designed to captivate adults aren't necessarily appropriate for babies and toddlers. But once little ones are used to passive distractions, developmental toys that require a bit of initiative to play can seem less engaging.
However, one study showed that electric toys could harm language development in babies because they reduce the quantity and quality of interaction between adults and children during play.
While this study was limited, it opens the door to further research on the impact of electric toys on childhood and is worth considering for parents. Regardless, there are plenty of studies showing the effects of screens and the benefits of sensory toys to help you choose how to manage family playtime.
Price
Activity toys, while durable, can also be more expensive than modern toys. Therefore, purchasing activity toys may not be an option for families on a tight budget.
However, parents who take the time can often find second-hand traditional toys at more affordable prices, whether from friends with older children, at flea markets, yard sales, or on sites like eBay.
With a little patience and creativity, you can find developmental toys that look almost new. Just inspect them carefully for any teeth marks or cracks, and wash them thoroughly before giving them to your little one.
Are Used Toys Safe?
When it comes to second-hand toys, the question arises: are old baby toys safe? The answer is nuanced. Some old toys may be safe, while others may not. It’s important to keep in mind that safety standards have evolved over the years. As such, some old toys may contain elements that no longer meet modern safety standards.
To help you make the right choice, here are some tips:
- Check for small parts that could be swallowed by your child.
- Look for tooth marks or cracks in wooden or plastic toys.
- Avoid toys containing lead-based paints or varnishes.
- Choose wooden toys that come from sustainable sources and are made from non-toxic materials.
Conclusion: educational toys for babies, yes or no?
Baby developmental toys have many benefits, such as developing imagination, social and motor skills. Although they are not without their drawbacks, it is clear that they continue to have a special place in the hearts of our little ones.
If you are considering buying developmental toys for your child, keep in mind the importance of a balanced play experience. Providing your baby with a range of toys, from classic to modern, will help encourage creativity and learning.
And above all, don't forget to enjoy it! Time spent playing with your children, whether with educational toys or more "modern" ones, is precious and helps create unforgettable memories.
