Tuesday, November 17, 2015

How the Baby Product Industry Affects Your Child’s Development : Smart Toys (Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L)

Smart toys incorporate computer technology that allows the toy to respond to a baby’s actions in certain ways. These toys can light up, recite the ABCs, vibrate, and sing. When a little one is given a smart toy, his innate creativity and problem-solving skills aren’t required because all he has to do is push a button and wait to see what happens.

When you give a baby a high-tech toy, he is typically delighted and tries it out several times. However, once he figures out what it does, the toy usually falls by the wayside. At the end of the day, he’ll probably end up playing with the box the fancy toy came in more than the toy itself. A more desirable toy would promote interaction, encourage pretend play, and foster creativity. 
Traditional toys like building blocks and puzzles are better for your baby’s brain development. Indeed, the fewer moving parts a toy has, the more creativity is required. The perfect toy engages a child’s imagination while stimulating and supporting physical, mental, and social development.

Tips : 
Don’t reach for the most costly and high-tech toy in the toy store. A toy should be developmentally appropriate and encourage problem solving and imaginary play. For example, a simple set of building blocks provides endless entertainment and is wonderful for baby’s visual and motor skill development


Source : Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L. Retro Baby. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2014

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