What do you think about when purchasing toys for your baby? After taking the Tum e Time class and reading my soon-to-be-released, Homemade Play book, I hope families find these types of ideas helpful.
1. Is the toy open ended? Research shows children are more creative when they play with toys that spark their imagination, meaning the object can be played with in a variety of ways.
2. What is the toy made of? Too many of the products are laced with toxins. Check out the website: Healthytoys.org and see if the one you want for your little one is as green as can be. This is especially important if they are in the mouthing stage.
3. Is there a common household object that is just as interesting to play with?
4. Does the toy stimulate the senses? Is there texture, color, patterns, weight, smell…?
5. Is the toy meant to be actively played with or passively played with (looking at lights blinking and listening to sounds)?