Many adults still have fond childhood memories of a loved bear or other companion. So when it’s time to buy a stuffed toy for a new baby, we want to get the right one. Choosing baby toys requires care. This article provides 5 tips for buying the right stuffed toys for babies.
1. Safety first. Choose non-toxic finishes. The coat or hair must be short and firmly attached. Be on the lookout for dangling beads or strings, as they can present a choking hazard. There should be no removable parts in stuffed toys for a baby. If a baby toy comes with optional clothing, put it aside until the child is older. Be sure to remove all tags. However, if there is a permanent tag well sewn into the toy, many babies love to touch and hold this part.
2. Toys must be age appropriate. Babies put everything in their mouths, so all baby toys should be designed specifically for babies. Some stuffed animals have multiple uses, such as attached teeth. For children one year and older, plush toys are available that combine activities such as bowling or storytelling. Stuffed toys also provide comfort for children of all ages. Holding a stuffed toy can help older babies and toddlers get through tough days.
3. Consider whether a toy is primarily for decoration or to be used to encourage early learning. This may not always be obvious. While most baby toys, like rattles, will outgrow, plush toys can have staying power. With their soft fur or hair, bright eyes, and sometimes tails or whiskers, they offer plenty of tactile stimulation. For example, the curly fur and velvety paws of a teddy bear can offer tactile stimulation that helps a baby’s neurological development. Babies learn through their senses, so the different textures are very interesting. Stuffed toys often have an educational component, but parents should be selective. Other important early skills include grasping, holding, and transferring a toy from one hand to the other. For younger babies, choose baby toys that are small enough to hold and manipulate. While older children may appreciate giant stuffed toys, babies are likely to ignore them.
4. Consider the benefits of buying a toy that makes sounds. Some stuffed toys include a sound component (a squeaker, chime, rattling part, or crinkle area) to engage your baby’s attention. The sounds stimulate conversation skills, where babies coo to the toy and the toy “responds” with its own sound. Make sure the volume is soft. Traditional noises may be better than electronic ones at this age. Optional music can also be attractive. With a little imagination and help from an adult, stuffed toys can also be interactive, especially those that make sounds. Getting them to talk, move and play hide and seek further enhances their interactive potential. Babies learn that cats meow and dogs bark. Simple games are delicious and can be repeated many times.
5. Select baby toys that have some staying power to allow children to form lasting bonds. Many stuffed animals come in a variety of colors. Black and white combinations are meant to stimulate very young babies, while bright primary colors are meant for slightly older babies. Bright colors appeal to developing visual systems.
