Concerns with Gendered Baby Toys
You have been invited to a baby shower and are looking for a gift at the last minute. You end up going to a toy store, only to find out they are short on baby items. It appears that most of the boy toys for an infant are gone. Instead, you are faced with a rack of pink items, specifically for a baby girl. What do you do?
If this shower is for a baby girl, you’re in luck – and probably have more than a few items from which to choose. For a boy on the other hand, what in the world do you do?
Rachel Kramer Bussel brings the issue of gendered baby toys up in an article for the Huffington Post. Faced with a dilemma that her favorite baby toy was only found in pink, she sent the pink toy to the parents of a baby boy. Even after the pink baby toy was sent, however, she questions her decision based upon the implications of the color pink. Simply put, pink is for girls only, while blue can be acceptable for both genders, assuming you aren’t giving a baby girl a set of blue army men.
Bussel’s dilemma, however, doesn’t involve the child. Being a toy for an infant, her pink item may be played with for a few months and then forgotten. The parents, on the other hand, may be taken aback – or may think the gift is strange. Worse, they could think Bussel has some kind of feminist agenda to undermine the masculinity of their child.
Concerning gendered toys, there is no concrete answer, aside from knowing the parents. Do you think they could handle a pink baby toy given to their child? If this is the case, go ahead and sent the pink baby toy. If not, find another baby gift as soon as possible.
The comments to Bussel’s piece do not have a resolution, either. Some say it’s fine, others say no, and a few additional voices claim that non-gendered baby toys are the best route.
In this case, finding the lone unisex item at the toy store is your best bet to make everyone happy.
Perfect Holiday Baby Gifts
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
It’s the holiday season, and you, like many others, have exchanged gifts with the same people over a number of years. But one of your friends recently had a baby, and although you attended her baby shower, you know she could use a few additional items for her child. If you’re thinking about getting her a baby gift, what should you do? Instead of settling on a green and red onesie, think about other practical options:
• Baby Toys. Children, no matter the age, love toys. If her baby is more than six months old, the child might already be developing gross motor skills – rolling, crawling, and using hands. Even though those black, red, and white mobiles are still kept by the crib, many more options are available. Many baby toys are designed for the child just learning to touch and hold things. In addition to several patterns on the surface, these toys are designed to make noises when touched and have varying textures.
• Baby Clothes. Although new parents are advised to have as many onesies and t-shirts as possible on hand, a few special occasion outfits are also nice. If you plan to buy baby clothes for a new parent, know the baby’s age or size first.
• A Diaper Cake. The quintessential item for any baby shower, a diaper cake is also appropriate for the holidays. Designers and retailers like Rattlecake even make specific holiday cakes. While some are decked out in red and green for the holidays, others come with a plush toy. Diaper cakes, as a practical item, have 80 to 150 diapers arranged in tiers, tied together with ribbon. Many cakes, adding to the decorative quality, come designed with various baby products, such as blankets, bath items, and small toys, on the outside. As parents always need more diapers for the first few years, a diaper cake is an appreciated baby gift for the holidays.
Secondhand or “Pre-Loved” Baby Markets Provide Cheaper Baby Products
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Safety, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
Everyone wants to save money these days, including new parents. We’ve mentioned about purchasing secondhand baby items before on here, in particularly from consignment and thrift stores. But while baby products at these places are secondary, markets geared specifically toward parents have popped up. The Tiny Tots Baby Market in South-West Sydney, Australia has parents selling their “pre-loved” baby clothing and toys; parents needing slightly worn items for their babies and young children attend when the market opens every three months. Considering that most babies and children go through clothing and toys at this rate, parents can stop by Tiny Tots and stock up on basics their children will need.
As the link above mentions, secondhand or pre-owned markets have several benefits. First, cash-strapped parents can get the items they’ll need and stock up on clothing their children will quickly outgrow. Second, parents are selling to other parents, and the market offers a greater selection of baby products. Third, recycling clothing is green.
But parents should also be careful when taking the secondhand route. For example, while slightly worn clothing saves money for the parents, other slightly worn products may no longer be usable – or could have been recalled. Certain items, such as strollers, car seats, and furniture may no longer be in usable condition, and parents should examine each larger piece. Toys, similarly, could have been recalled at one point or another and parts, even from non-recalled items, may break off easier.
When attending a secondhand market or accepting hand-me-down items, examine them first before purchasing. Although clothing is generally safe, toys and furniture should be scrutinized. Beyond knowing if a product was recalled at one point, check toys for parts that could break off easily or are a clear choking hazard. For furniture and strollers, make sure that the child can be strapped in firmly and won’t get loose easily.
Large Fisher-Price Baby Toys Recall
As you might have heard over the past few weeks, prominent toy manufacturer Fisher-Price has recalled millions of baby and toddler toys. Although, according to an article from The Week, no deaths have occurred, the millions of toys do pose serious risks to children and babies, including sharp and protruding edges and parts that fall off and become choking hazards.
As the article above details, 11 million Fisher-Price toys geared toward babies and young children were voluntarily recalled by the brand and its parent company, Mattel. More specifically, as the article mentions, the recall consisted of 7 million tricycles, 1 million high chairs, 2.9 million baby toys, and 120,000 toy cars, spanning over nearly 50 products.
Deaths and injuries are two serious concerns when products are recalled, and, as the Week story mentions, only injuries were reported in this instance. Protruding parts, in particular, seemed to be a significant risk, as they often caused discomfort and bleeding. The injuries were serious enough that medical attention was needed.
Like with most recalls, Fisher-Price recommends that parents stop using these toys immediately. Although refunds aren’t being offered by the manufacturer (this may be a different case with the retailer, however), Fisher-Price has stated that they offer repair kits and replacements but not refunds.
Although the scope of this recall is one of the largest seen this past year, the multiple drop side crib recalls nearly approach that level. In any case, parents are advised to find out all products being recalled – the list of all products is here — and examine all of their baby’s and children’s toys and other products. For the time being, purchasing other products or obtaining a repair kit is recommended for your baby’s or child’s safety.
Planning a Baby Shower: Diaper Cakes, Gift-Less Parties
Have you ever been in charge of planning a baby shower? Have you ever been a guest at one? As you might be aware, a baby shower is typically an event in which new parents receive several items for their new baby. But what if a parent already has more than enough? This can be the case when parents are expecting their second child and everything from the first is still in good condition.
According to an article in Parent Dish, diaper cakes are the latest trend for baby showers. Stylish, decorative, and practical, they’re everything you would want out of a baby shower gifts. A typical diaper cake has between 50 to 150 diapers – a starting supply for new parents – and various other baby items, such as blankets and clothing, attached to the tiers.
If the baby shower for the new parents is more about the gathering than the gifts, consider some of these suggestions by the Green Bay Press Gazette. Some of their suggestions for a baby shower focus on the event of having a new baby, as opposed to simply getting baby gifts. Holding a luncheon is one of their recommendations, while more baby-specific parties range from an advice to a book shower.
Other baby shower ideas focus on the fact that not everyone can afford a baby shower gift. Instead, as an option, a hand-me-down party is an opportunity for new parents to receive several slightly worn items. Hand-me-down or secondhand baby products, however, should be treated with caution, as they might have been recalled or are too worn to be practical.
For other options for a baby shower, the Press Gazette article mentions holding a “birth day” party, which is essentially a birth announcement and shower hybrid. Gifts can be given – such parties should be gifts-optional – and friends and family can see the new baby.
Baby Aspen Introduces New Baby Products
Filed under: Baby Bath Time, Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Showers, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
Many moderate to upscale baby boutiques carry Baby Aspen products. The brand is best known for its collections of Welcome to the World wagon gift sets, but the brand recently put out more baby gifts. Their press release gives more details about the new products, many of which appear to be animal-themed.
Several retailers carry baby gifts by Baby Aspen. Various products by this brand are found at Baby and Me Boutique, Dada Baby Boutique, and Designer Baby.
Baby Aspen is often a brand many go to for finding a baby shower gift – or any type of baby gift, for that matter. The brand has perfected the fun-but-practical baby gift: each present is made from soft cloth and contains a combination of toys and clothing. Animal themes are often common, allowing several Baby Aspen gift sets to be perfect unisex baby gifts. Gifts by the brand range from blankets and soft toys to bath clothes.
Finding the right baby gift can be difficult, especially with so many products from which to choose. In general, the present should be both fun and practical. After all, the parent should be able to get more than one use out of the gift. In general, toys and everyday clothing are common baby gifts. Stuffed animals, such as the plush toys carried by Baby Aspen, are often welcome, and ones with “educational” or “stimulation” colors – red, black, and white – serve a dual purpose.
If you can’t settle on just one item, a gift basket is a way to put all of your ideas together. Many baby gift baskets, such as the sets by Baby Aspen, combine a blanket, clothing, and toys – all items a child will use during its first year. Baby retailers may carry pre-made or their own put together baby gift baskets and sets.
Searches for Baby Gyms and Playmats are Up
A press release by shopping search engine Twenga states that searches for baby gyms are up. Such products, also known activity playmats, have increased 116 to 300 percent. The press release indicates that the coordination features for these products have resulted in increased searches, but increasing a child’s coordination abilities isn’t the only aspect that activity mats and baby gyms hold. While toys geared toward increasing brainpower alone are down (could this be the result of various studies disproving the effects of Baby Einstein on vocabulary building?), those that stimulate the child mentally and physically are up.
Activity sets or baby gyms may be as small as an activity seat for a child. These products under the link, carried by retailer Baby and Me Boutique, include a seat and various toys for the child to grab. Most of these are multicolored to stimulate the child’s visual senses, while others vary in texture and sound to stimulate his or her touch and hearing senses.
On a larger scale are activity playmats, such as these carried by retailer Hunky Dory Online. These traditional activity playmats allow the baby to be placed on his or her back or stomach, if he or she is able to roll. In either position, the child is stimulated by the bright and contrasting colors of the mat and toys and experiences several textures and sounds. The mat, for example, may crinkle when the child moves and it may change textures over various points. The detachable toys, additionally, also have varied sounds and textures.
Having hearing, touch, and sight senses stimulated is the purpose of various educational baby toys. Rather than just seeing colors or touching toys, however, the baby can do all of these in one place with an activity mat. Additionally, the mat can be used up to the toddler years, when the child starts to develop better coordination skills.
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.
How to Incorporate Reading with Your Baby
One activity parents are told to get involved with early on is reading. From helping a child learn new words to simple interaction, reading can be done even before a child is one years old. But, one issue facing many parents is, “How do I keep my child interested?” In this recent advice column, the writer compiles several perspectives from parents and experts in regards to reading with your child. In essence, as long as you have the age-appropriate reading material (don’t attempt reading The Odyssey to your infant, for example, and expect full attention), the benefits from reading are possible.
Ideally, when you’re reading with children under three years of age, the books should have large and colorful pictures and even interactive features, like hand puppets and pop-up drawings. In fact, some baby books are even designed with the red, black, and white color scheme designed for babies. The bright pictures and few pages covered in words allows children to be more interested in the story – no matter if you’re reading directly from the page or making one up. In fact, some books designed for babies and young children simply have this purpose: for you to interact with your child in creating a story only from pictures.
Aside from using interactive or colorful books, another option to get a child interested in reading – hearing the story and not simply ripping pages from a book – is making books seem like toys. A baby or child often has some toys in a crib, in the nursery, and for the bath, so why not do the same with books? Plastic books for bath time are carried by various baby product retailers, while soft cloth crib books can be placed along the outline of a child’s bed. In either instance, you can still interact with your child through the task of reading and creating a story.
Donations for Children and Babies
Around the holidays, many organizations and shelters take donations for homeless or poor families. In many cases, a combination of clothes, food, and toys are given to the family for them to celebrate the holidays. But, while families overall are receiving items through such organizations, a dearth of items for babies is often present. From website Bloom-Normal News, a reporter wrote a brief story about such donations for homeless families and suggested about donating items specifically for babies.
If you’re considering such donations during the holiday or any time during the year, which items are appropriate? Typically, mothers or caretakers of infants and children under two need the basics. Baby toys might seem like a luxury and, generally, are given around Christmas, but certain developmental toys can be appropriate. Here are some suggestions:
• Baby clothing. In some cases, shelters will specify the ages and sizes of children living at the shelter but, if not, look for packs of basic baby clothing, such as onesies, t-shirts, and pants to give. Onesies come in sizes for zero to six months and six to twelve months and are sold in sets. Pink and blue baby clothes are available but, if you don’t know the sexes of any babies at the shelter, many unisex baby clothes in yellow or green are available. Additionally, colder weather means a child will need to be bundled up outdoors, and, in this case, baby coats, hats, shoes, and gloves will be helpful to any families with babies at a shelter.
• Baby food. Shelters and soup kitchens don’t always have options for babies, with the exception of apple sauce and broth. A donation of jars or cans of baby food, as well as formula, can help families with babies using the facilities.
• Baby books or toys. Children need to develop and toys have often been useful in this case. Like with clothing, sticking to the basics is best in this case. While knowing the age of babies or young children staying at the shelter is helpful in choosing books and toys, donating a variety of items geared toward children under two years of age can be beneficial for parents with children in that age group.