Considering Educational Baby Toys
We’ve discussed several times on here the importance of educational baby toys, particularly with what counts as an educational toy and what should be avoided. With Baby Einstein in question and baby computers still new, what types of toys should you consider for your child?
For those of you who are new parents (or about to become parents), you might be wondering what is considered an “educational baby toy,” also known as a learning toy. Generally, an educational toy is an object or game that teaches a child a new skill. But, before you start breaking out the multiplication flashcards for the eight-month-old, think about the skill associated with the toy first. You might not even think of such toys as being educational.
A recent press release talks about what educational baby toys do. These developmental or stimulation toys may be as simple as mirror or a set of blocks, but they all do one thing: stimulate your child’s senses. The time between birth and age three is significant for brain development. Children want to explore the world around them and, in the process, acquire new skills – whether they realize it or not. This may range from developing better hearing and touch senses in infancy to confidence, creativity, emotions, coordination, social skills, and language in the toddler and preschool years.
If you’re unsure which toys count as being “educational” and which aren’t, many baby stores have a separate section devoted to educational baby toys. Of course, the skill being targeted differs. For example, baby toys designed to improve an infant’s sight will be designed in black, white, and red, while a toy to help a toddler with coordination may be a set of blocks in a variety of shapes.
While a blog post is too small of space to fully discuss which learning toys are appropriate for each age group, consider the skills a child should be learning at the time, and base your choice for learning toys on this skill set.
Suggestions for Packing a Diaper Bag
You might not be out with your baby long, but, even if you’re going to the store, you never know what will happen. The baby may soil him or herself. He or she may spit up. He or she could get a bee sting. No matter what happens, you should be prepared by having a fully packed diaper bag.
Most parents have a basic idea for what should go in a diaper bag. Obviously, diapers should be the first to go in, but how many and which creams? Should you bring a changing pad? Diapers aren’t the only materials you need when taking your baby out, and Parentdish gives some suggestions for packing a diaper bag without having too much or too little:
• Always bring about half a day’s supply of diapers. More should be brought along for longer trips.
• A changing pad.
• A travel-size case of wipes. If you don’t have individual travel cases, pack a bag of wipes and put them in the bag.
• Travel-size containers of balms, powders, and creams.
• A change of baby clothes.
• A bottle and snacks. These should be packed well to prevent them from being soiled and exposed to bacteria.
• Two to three small toys, such as rattles and teething rings.
• Basic first aid items, such as baby aspirin or another child-appropriate pain reliever and bandages.
• Consider packing a bib, tissues, and a pacifier for longer trips.
• Never put purse items, such as electronics, cash, and a cell phone, in a diaper bag. Also, never store large toys in a diaper bag.
Diaper bags can look like purses on the outside, but they have the space to pack all of these items. However, make sure that you can carry the bag and that it will fit on a stroller once you have it fully packed.
Choosing Baby Clothing: Consider Celebrity Style or Not
It seems that only a few years ago that celebrity kids were known for oddball names like Apple, Rumer, and Moon Unit. These days, the curiosity extends beyond this innocuous aspect. Unique and unusual names, these days, it seems are to be expected and, instead, gossip columnists to parents critique the young children’s style – and the parenting behind it.
A few months ago, Suri Cruise (and mother Katie Holmes) was criticized for wearing high heels. More recently, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt – supposedly the product of perfect genes – has been criticized for her tomboyish style. The criticisms have even extended to mother, actress Angelina Jolie, for supposedly enforcing a masculine style – a byproduct of Jolie’s proclaimed bisexuality from 10 years ago – on the child.
No matter which gossip you believe – or even follow – should the style of celebrities’ children have any bearing on your own?
The answer is yes and no. For the latter, parents – no matter how much they read US Weekly — need to realize that celebrities will automatically have a large amount of money to spend on a child. This may include a $600,000 wardrobe, with high-heels, and even a child’s personal stylist. Is this reasonable for the average person? Not in the least.
But, one aspect that has surfaced from celebrity children gossip fodder is the development of personal style. Angelina may describe Shiloh as a tomboy and Zahara as girly, but each one is still young and finding their identity some way through clothing.
While a large and expensive wardrobe is simply unfeasible, clothing for a baby or toddler doesn’t need to stick to onesies and t-shirts. Instead, you can throw in a few pieces of unique baby clothes that may show off a child’s style. If the child is old enough, he or she can pick out a few of these pieces.
More Crib Recalls by CPSC
As the ban on drop-side cribs nears, the CPSC issued a warning regarding several brands of such baby furniture that poses various safety hazards. According to a recent article, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recalled another two million drop-side cribs from several brands. Although no infant deaths were reported, the cribs still pose several significant safety hazards, including suffocation, entrapment, and falls – all factors that have led to previous infant deaths. Children have been injured from cribs by these various brands, however. Nine million drop-side cribs have been recalled over the past five years, with the last occurring toward the end of 2009.
All current recalled cribs have been manufactured between 2000 and the present. The seven manufacturers cited are Delta Enterprises Corp., Evenflo, Jardine Enterprises, LaJobi, Million Dollar Baby, Simmons Juvenile Products Inc., and Child Craft Industries. The latter of these seven recently changed its name to Foundation Worldwide, Inc., so look for either name.
The CPSC recommends to parents, according to the above, to stop using such cribs immediately. Free repair kits will be issued to those who bought drop-side cribs by these manufacturers, however. Kits will immobilize the drop side or will address other safety issues.
If you’re using a drop-side crib in the present, it’s recommended that you stop using the piece of furniture. Aside from the several recalls over the past five years, this design of crib is about to become illegal and obsolete within the next six months. If you own a drop-side crib, you should look for a safer model instead. Several types of cribs are sold on the market, including high-end brands for long-term use by designer furniture brands and others that are more economical.
Additionally, if you purchased a drop-side crib second hand or received one as a hand-me-down, check the brand and model to see if it is one being recalled in the present.