Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Baby Toy Tips Are Given

Babies like to explore. They develop self-confidence when they make things happen. At first it might be a new kind of sound. As they grow older they investigate what to do with almost anything. Keep them safe as they explore their world.

Babies don't need elaborate toys, but they do need a variety. Their toys should match the developmental level and age of the child. Toys should give the baby different kinds of stimulation.

In selecting toys for infants Irene Lee, family and child development specialist, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, says parents should:

Look for age recommendations and safety information, such as "non-toxic" and "flame retardant-flame resistant" on labels.

Select well constructed toys. Select those that are unbreakable and have no small parts that a baby may swallow.

Examine toys carefully. A child can be injured by toys with sharp edges, brittle plastic or glass that can break.

Select toys that can be washed. Babies like soft cuddly toys. Make sure toy parts, such as eyes, are securely fastened.

Avoid toys that produce loud noises as they can damage hearing. Eyes can be injured by toys that shoot objects.

A teething infant has strong urges to chew anything. Simple teething toys, such as damp terry wash cloths or an inexpensive set of cushiony teething beads, can help.

Make sure the cords on toys are less than 12 inches long. A cord that is too long can strangle a child.

Remove all plastic wrappings from the toys immediately as they can cause suffocation.

Babies need different kinds of stimulation, but don't over stimulate the child with too much talk or too many experiences at one time. Babies are the best guide. Introduce new toys and experiences gradually and watch the child for signals. Babies tune out too much stimulation. A relaxed atmosphere is best.

Play can be hazardous to children. Some practices common in American culture which are considered playful and fun also can whiplash the head causing permanent brain damage. These include:

repeated, vigorous tossing of a small child into the air;

jogging while carrying an infant on the back or shoulders;

riding a horse' (the child faces the adult while sitting on the swinging foot or bouncing on the knee);

crack the whip' while swinging the child around by the ankles; and

spinning a child around.

Young infants have very weak neck muscles and only gradually develop the strength to control their heavy heads. If they are shaken, their heads wobble rapidly back and forth, which may cause brain damage and bleeding in and on the surface of the brain. Severe damage of this type is most common in very young infants, but it can happen to even three- and four-year-olds.

For more information on child development contact the Clark County Extension office at (870) 246-2281.