| Many adults still have fond childhood memories of a | | | | neurological development. Babies learn through their |
| beloved bear or other companion. So when it comes | | | | senses, so varying textures are very interesting. |
| time to getting a stuffed toy for a new baby we want | | | | Stuffed toys often fulfill an educational component, but |
| to get the right one. Choosing baby toys requires care. | | | | parents should be selective. Other important early skills |
| This article provides 5 tips for buying the right stuffed | | | | include grasping, holding, and passing a toy from one |
| toys for babies. | | | | hand to another. For younger babies, choose baby |
| 1. Safety first. Choose nontoxic finishes. Fur or hair | | | | toys that are small enough to be held and manipulated. |
| should be short and firmly attached. Look out for any | | | | While older children may appreciate giant stuffed toys, |
| dangly beads or threads, since these can pose a | | | | they are likely to be ignored by babies. |
| choking hazard. There should not be any removable | | | | 4. Consider the benefits of getting a toy that makes |
| parts on stuffed toys for a baby. If a baby toy comes | | | | sounds. Some stuffed toys include a sound |
| with optional clothing, lay this aside until the child is older. | | | | component - a squeaker, chime, rattling part, or crinkly |
| Make sure any tags are removed. However, if there is | | | | area - to engage baby's attention. Sounds stimulate |
| a well-sewn permanent label on the toy, many babies | | | | conversational skills, where babies coo at the toy and |
| love to touch and hold this part. | | | | the toy "responds" with its own sound. Ensure that the |
| 2. Toys should be age appropriate. Babies put | | | | volume is soft. Traditional noises may be better than |
| everything in their mouths, so all baby toys should be | | | | electronic ones at this age. Optional music can also be |
| designed specifically for babies. Some stuffed animals | | | | appealing. With some imagination and the help of an |
| have multiple uses, such as attached teethers. For kids | | | | adult, plush toys can also be interactive, especially the |
| one year old or older, stuffed toys are available which | | | | ones that make sounds. Making them talk, move, and |
| combine activities like bowling or storytelling. Stuffed | | | | play peek-a-boo further enhances their interactive |
| toys also comfort to kids of all ages. Holding a stuffed | | | | potential. Babies learn that cats meow and dogs woof. |
| toy can help older babies and toddlers get through | | | | Simple games are delightful and can be repeated |
| difficult days. | | | | many times. |
| 3. Consider whether a toy is mainly decorative or to | | | | 5. Select baby toys that will have some staying power, |
| be used for stimulating early learning. This may not | | | | to allow children to form lasting attachments. Many |
| always be obvious. While most baby toys, like rattles, | | | | stuffed animals come in a range of colors. Black and |
| will be outgrown, stuffed toys can have staying power. | | | | white combinations are meant to stimulate very young |
| With their soft fur or hair, shiny eyes, and sometimes | | | | babies, while bright primary colors are meant for slightly |
| tails or whiskers, they offer plenty of tactile stimulation. | | | | older babies. Bright colors appeal to developing visual |
| For instance, a teddy bear's curly fur and velvet paws | | | | systems. |
| can offer tactile stimulation that helps baby's | | | | |