Peter V Smith asked:




Aside from the recent return of fluorescent clothing from the wilderness, there aren’t too many consumer products to speak of that have re-emerged as international trends. Whilst fluorescent clothing might not be at the top of consumer’s minds in a couple of years time, there’s one particular consumer product that’s back and here to stay.

Wooden toys were hugely popular in the 1980s. When entering a living room it was very common to find wooden blocks stacked up in a building-like arrangement or simply scattered around the room. They had a natural, raw sound when banged together, they smelt organic and looked and felt like they would last forever.

Whilst a few old wooden baby toys and kids’ toys are still knocking about today, most of them have been superseded by cheap, foreign-made plastic versions. Admittedly, Lego has been a real hit, but many plastic toys have failed to convince parents of their features and benefits. In fact, some parents have recognised plastic toys as being unhealthy for their kids due to some of them containing harsh chemicals and toxins.

There has been a shift in the consumer market over the past 10 years to products that are healthier on the body and the environment. This includes food, clothing, packaging and most notably - toys. Companies all over the world have recognised the growing demand for wooden toys and consequently there is now a lot of online competition for them.

Today there are now thousands of chemical and toxin-free wooden baby toys and kids toys, made from plantation timber and with no sharp edges. From balance bikes and wagons to trains and tool sets, there is practically every kind of toy on the market.

Education is playing a bigger part in the toys that are made today. There are various types of wooden toys that focus on elements like shape recognition, creative patterning, colour sorting, hand-to-eye coordination and concentration. Consumers have always shown greater demand for consumer products that are quality designed. You only need to look at some of the wooden toys today to realise just how far kid’s toys have come.

Overall, the future is a lot brighter for children. The variety of wooden baby toys and kid’s toys is helping to quickly phase out some of the toys that are made from materials that are not as beneficial to the health of our children and the environment.

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William Mader asked:




Think twice before letting your baby play with that new toy you just bought. Is it safe? What is it made out of? Many well-intentioned parents do not consider the dangers present in the baby toys they purchase. This article explains the dangers that may be present in these toys and why organic baby toys are the safe choice for your baby.

It is not the aim of this article to discuss some of the more obvious dangers that may be found in infant toys. These include sharp edges, small pieces (such as buttons) that can be bitten off and swallowed, and parts that can pinch a baby’s skin. These are valid concerns. However this article concentrates on the less obvious and usually more over looked dangers involving chemicals present in non-natural toys. There are many toxic chemicals that are legally used in the production of toys. For example polyvinyl chloride, and phthalates that can be found in almost all plastic toys. Residual pesticides can be found in toys made of cotton. There are no studies linking the presence of these chemicals in baby toys to cancer or any other ailment. However many parents are playing it safe and opting for organic baby toys. These parents are not willing to wait for what future research may discover about the dangers that these chemicals present. Organic toys are made without the use of chemicals. The manufacturers of these all natural toys use all natural ingredients to produce toys you can feel safe giving to your baby.

Examples of organic baby toys (natural baby toys) include:

- Plush toys, such as a blanky, made from 100% organic cotton. Cotton grown without the use of pesticides and other chemicals used on crops.

- Wooden toys, such as rattles, not painted at all or painted with natural dyes.

- Rubber toys, such as a teething ring, made from rubber grown organically that does not contain any chemicals.

A baby’s body is still developing and is much more susceptible to dangerous chemicals than are adults. The fact that they will be cuddling with their toys and putting them in their mouths compounds the concerns over dangerous chemicals being present. Organic infant toys are becoming increasingly popular as information about the dangers of non natural baby toys becomes available. There are many on-line stores that offer true organic toys.

Cara Membuat Blog

Tina Rychlik asked:




With so many toy scares these days, with toys being recalled by their manufacturers as being unsafe for children, it can be difficult as a parent to know just how to choose safe baby toys for our children. Especially with Christmas coming so near.

What most parents do not realise, is that even though the times have changed and the toys now do more than we ever thought they might when we were children, the truly safe toys have remained the same.

The first thing that parents need to keep in mind when choosing a baby toy for their child for Christmas is to stick with the old tried and true toys made from all natural materials such as wood, cotton, and linen.

Not only will you not need to worry about whether these toys contain harmful levels of lead or chemicals, but you can rest assured that the materials used in these toys are completely harmless and hypoallergenic for your child.

Toys that won’t harm your child:

Wooden toys are by far the most popular safe baby toys amongst older babies and toddlers. There are several different types of wooden toys that you can choose from: from wooden trains and push toys, to tops and the famous pull-behinds that we all remember from our youth.

Soft toys made from cotton and linen (the safest baby toy will be the organic cotton soft toy), are the most popular amongst infants and younger children - especially girls. These soft toys can be found as soft, plush loveys that children will enjoy carrying around with them; as well as puppets and soft chew toys.

Choosing safe baby toys for your child for Christmas does not have to be a difficult process. Many of the old wooden favourites are still quite popular and can be found on sites that cater to parents hoping to maintain a natural atmosphere for their children. You can also find dolls and chew toys that are made from 100% cotton and other hypoallergenic materials.

As long as you do your research before making a purchase, you should not have any difficulty choosing safe toys for your child for Christmas.

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Mathew Striger asked:




The great parenting debate

It’s a dilemma that you’ll face quite a few times throughout your parenting life - do you go for something that you know the kids will love and go crazy over (usually either junk food or based on a TV character), or do you buy something that’s healthy - for either their body or mind? Fortunately, it’s a topic that you won’t have to tackle for some months after you become a parent, as there is little difference in toys for babies. Today we explore how you can create a healthy mix of ‘fun’ baby toys and educational baby toys from ages 0-3.

Before their first birthday

Before your child turns one, there is actually no debate to have. Every single toy you can offer your baby is educational… no matter how fun it looks. There’s no way to ’spoil’ your under-1 year old with toys. It doesn’t matter how much advertising a toy contains, and how pointless it seems to an adult, all baby toys can be learned from equally and drooled on equally at this age. Even some of those that are ordinarily vilified…

Is television good for my baby?

Yes, even television has plenty to teach young kids - the stimulation of bright colours and music, the challenge of pattern recognition, as well as the abundant human faces (which babies are pre-programmed to pay attention to) mean that television can be a great learning experience for babies. Of course, your child can have too much of a good thing - the key is balance.

Into toddlerhood

As your child moves into toddlerhood, you’ll start to have to focus on creating a mix of ‘fun’ time and educational time. Some children naturally pay little attention to advertising and television, and would far prefer to be playing with age-appropriate puzzles or challenge-based toys, getting muddy in the garden, or being read to. And of course, it’s wise to let your children lead if they naturally lean towards activities that will stimulate their learning. In other situations though, you’ll need to provide alternating ‘fun’ and educational experiences in terms of toys, television and activities.

The case for ‘fun’ baby toys

Here are some pertinent points when you’re thinking about baby toys for over-1s that are purely for fun:

• All toys, even fun-based toys, provide some level of education at this age

• Toys that your child finds fun will likely get played with more often, making them both better value for money and more likely to help him learn

• Children usually stop finding toys fun when they stop teaching them something…

However, you do need to make sure (especially with older toddlers) that they don’t fall into a mental rut where they habitually play with baby toys that they find ‘easy’. If you notice this, you’ll need to take the lead and start showing them how to use baby toys for older ages, helping them build confidence.

The case for educational baby toys

Educational baby toys are usually thought of as those that help build those skills that will be used in formal education. For example, shape naming and recognition toys, colour matching toys, and any baby toy that has a ‘purpose’ and presents a significant challenge can be thought of as educational. Here’s why it can be great to use these baby toys to push your toddler past the boundaries of fun:

• Educational toys can instil a sense of pride in achievement which is very useful later in life

• Building the skills of traditional education means that your child will feel more comfortable and confident in a kindergarten or school environment, and therefore do better

• Educational toys usually need parental involvement… it’s a great excuse to spend time with them!

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Beverly Frank asked:




Baby toys come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, but the best baby toy gift ideas are as follows:

When choosing a baby toy gift, look for something with the following attributes:

1. Bold colors: Brightly colored toys will keep a baby’s attention longer, and will help them to distinguish between parts, and what goes with what. For example, a toy that requires a baby to match shapes with the space they go in, reinforces the idea with color coordinating openings and shapes. Great examples of toys that make great baby gifts, and are brightly colored are almost anything by Lamaze, and the Touch n’ Sing blocks by Neurosmith, which come in a variety of subject matters.

2. Something that makes a sound: Just make sure it is not sharp noises. Babies love toys that make sounds, and music can also be very educational, especially when introduced at a young age. Consider toys such as the Baby’s 1st Birthday Music Set - by Edushape. Also touch n sing blocks are great, or the Mozart block. Finding toys that make music, or produce sounds that are pleasant for baby will result in more play and development.

3. Something simple: Baby toys are supposed to increase in complexity as a baby learns new skills. So, as you choose a baby toy, look for something that fits their skill level, or exceeds it by just a little bit. You want to help them develop their basic motor skills, and attune their fine motor skills. So, toys that can be pushed, pulled, tugged, etc. are all great, but keep them simple. Sometimes the best toy for a baby is a set of brightly colored blocks that the can stack, push over, throw, etc. Other great baby toy gift ideas for improving locomotive skills include plastic animals, dolls, rattles, and any toy that can help improve attention span, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity.

4. Illustrates cause and effect: Babies love toys that they can control, and their learning and development will progress if you give them a toy that responds with a sound or movement when the baby touches or grabs it. It teaches them cause and effect, and gives them a sense of themselves, and their power.

5. A toy that is educational: Educational toys for babies should stimulate the five senses, or at least the three most important, sight, sound, and touch. Look for toys like wrist rattles, squeak toys, pop-up toys, pull toys, musical toys, activity centers, cloth books, mirrors, and mobiles. These help with all of the above mentioned criteria, and can help you get your baby on the right track with development and learning.

A few great toys for babies include:
- Foam blocks
- Pull toys
- Tap a tune piano
- Bath toys
- Rattles
- Crib mobiles
- Etc.

Base your gift choice off the stage of development and inclinations of the child.

Candle Making

Maria T. Miller asked:




Now that natural baby toys are in high demand, there is a surprisingly good — and fun — variety from which to select gifts for friends or your own children. Whether the intention is to support local artisans, encourage the use of beautiful and natural products, or simply to avoid potentially toxic materials, you’re in good company — many conscientious parents are now choosing natural baby playthings for their infants. Wooden teething toys made in Germany, wool and organic cotton dolls handmade in America, and solid wood blocks from Asia are just a few of the many natural baby toys made from child-friendly materials available today.

When shopping for eco- and kid-friendly baby toys, there a few criteria to keep in mind. While few toys will disappoint, some are better made than others or will be more suitable depending on the child’s age and other factors. For example, wooden clutching and teething toys should be introduced around three months and babies will typically outgrow these before they turn a year old. Buying several natural baby toys, such as a wooden rattle, organic cotton animal, and hemp cloth book, ensures the child will have variety and not tire quickly of his toys. Wooden blocks can be played with from infancy through preschool — and even beyond, when older children use them to make forts for toys soldiers or houses for small dolls.

When shopping, consider the materials used to make the natural baby toys you find. Organic wool and natural hardwoods, as well as organic cotton and rubber wood, are some of the top-quality elements in natural toys. Painted pine is less appealing and usually made more cheaply than hardwood stained with natural ingredients, but is still a step above plastic items.

Compare the design and appeal of several natural baby toys in the same category before purchasing. For example, there is a range of attractiveness and unique design when it comes to simple grasping toys for infants. Some are simply prettier and more pleasing to the eye than others, and feel better made than their cheaper counterparts.

Check the country of manufacture. While some mass produced wooden toys are made in factories in China, Selecta and Haba items are made in Germany and Animals and Arks still makes its natural baby toys in the United States. Supporting toy makers local to you or at least within your country is eco-friendly, as the toys have less distance to travel and are supporting local endeavors.

There are many beautiful and innovative naturally-made toys on the market today. With a little exploring, you can find some lovely gifts and heirloom-quality items you would be happy to keep in your own home. And in the end, that’s the test all natural baby toys should have to pass.

Cara Membuat Blog

Sandra Sue Wilcox asked:




Baby plush toys are suited for children of all ages. They have certainly grown in demand and I also have to say this is with good reason too. If you are buying a toy for a child or baby you have to make sure that the gift of choice is not going to cause the child or mom for that matter any harm or major concerns. Plush toys are pretty much guaranteed to satisfy the best of both worlds.

They come in a sensational range of stimulating colors, themes, shapes and sizes. No matter the age of the child you are buying the gift for you will be assured to acquire the most pleasing present of all.

Throughout our childhoods most of us can recall or remember one of our favorite baby toys or most treasured toys. And in the majority of cases it would be a soft or plush baby toy. Since we were children the manufacturers have taken the simple plush baby toy and turned them into something quite unique.

Today you are able to purchase such toys that act as night lights. Some glow in the dark and others play soft soothing music or a combination of both. Other baby toys in this category also come with sensors, an educational focus as well as providing the child with companionship for life. Plush toys can be based on a child’s favorite movie character or theme and topics. And depending where you buy your baby toys you can even go one step further and have them personalized. It may cost a little extra but it is absolutely worth it.

Cleaning plush toys is very easy. You can gently wipe them down with a damp cloth. They can be vacuumed for dust. Soft plastic combs or brushes can be used to clean the toys as well. You just need to bear in mind that they do need gentle cleaning attempts. If you are buying the toy for a baby you will probably have far less cleaning requirements than that of a toddler. Toddlers tend to bond with these toys and take them everywhere. At night whilst your child is sleeping just give the toy a quick wipe down.

Harsh cleaning chemicals are not advised including hair brushes that have been used on pets or humans. The hair of your pet or yourself can easily get stuck to the toy therefore creating an additional problem. In the first instance just give them a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth. This is the easiest and most effective way of doing this.

Early childhood development is so important. Fortunately there is a lot of good education to help parents provide the best chances and opportunities for their children. The right type of plush toy can assist your child’s learning capabilities more so than other toys. I have to admit that the range of these particular toys is vast. There are literally thousands of which you can choose. Making the best choice however can be extremely time consuming and such a tedious task at that.

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Elina VanNatta asked:




They put them in their mouth, they drag them, they throw them, they get food all over them - such is the relationship between babies and their toys. All the places the toys end up at, it’s no wonder they are some of the dirtiest things our babies touch. So how do you keep them clean? Here are a few simple ways to clean baby toys and keep the baby safe.

1. Cleaning plastic baby toys.

There are several ways to clean plastic baby toys. You can simply wash your non-electronic plastic toys as you would dishes: soak them for a few minutes in antibacterial dish soap, rinse thoroughly and dry. It’s quick and easy, and you can even ask your kids to do it. Another way to clean plastic baby toys is by using one of the many special toy cleaners that are on the market today, such as Babyganics. It is best to use natural cleaners since they are gentler and better for the environment as well. You can also use a regular household cleaner such as 409 or Clorox, but you will need to wipe toys with a clean wet washrag afterwards and dry them, so it takes longer.

2. Cleaning wooden baby toys

Most wooden toys can be cleaned by wiping them with antibacterial soap/water solution and then wiping them clean with a clean wet rag.

3. Cleaning soft baby toys.

Soft baby toys can be somewhat tricky. Many of them are nowadays equipped with chimes, bells, batteries and electronic devices, however, most soft toys that have bells can be washed in the washer. Be sure to first read care labels on soft toys before cleaning them. Most soft toys can be dried in the dryer as well. Warning: Do Not Spray soft electronic baby toys with disinfectant sprays such as Lysol, Clorox; they leave dangerous residue on the toys and are harmful to babies and you can’t wash them afterward.

4. Steaming

One of the best and easiest ways to clean all of your baby’s toys is to steam them with a portable steamer such as Shark steam pocket. First, clean any soiled spots with a damp rag. Lay the toys on a blanket or towel and steam them individually on all sides. Steaming not only kills germs, it helps the toys look bright longer.

It is important to clean toys often, especially during flu season, after a trip or play date and if your baby goes to daycare - clean the toys she took with at the end of the day.

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Margaret Lunn asked:




Making soft stuffed toys for your children is easier than you might think! Don’t worry if your sewing skills are marginal. By starting with simple designs and well-chosen materials, you can create soft baby toys that will delight your little one and stimulate his or her sensory and motor development.

For infants in particular, as well as for very young children (under age 3, they might be still inclined to put toys in their mouths), the first consideration in making soft stuffed toys is safety. There should be no small parts, such as buttons or beads, that could present a choking hazard if they became detached. All materials should be clean and non-toxic. You’ll want to construct your soft baby toys to be durable and washable.

For babies, you can make soft stuffed toys in any shape that can be easily grasped by little hands. Vivid colors and interesting, touchable textures are much more important than shapes at this stage.

So how do you get started? Here are a few ideas to get you going:

Shapes: Try a simple 5- pointed star or a crescent shape. With a little embroidery to suggest eyes and a mouth, you can create a starfish or the man in the moon.

Materials:

100% cotton calico is readily available in a wide selection of brightly colored prints especially for kids. To vary the texture, also look for printed cotton flannel, or blanket fleece. Terry cloth (use a wash cloth!), chenille, and corduroy all have different, nubby textures. Try using different kinds of fabric on the two sides of your soft baby toys.
Basic procedure: To get started, all you’ll need is two small pieces of fabric (about 6 inches square is a good size) and a handful of stuffing material.

Layer the two pieces of fabric, right sides together, and draw your chosen shape on the wrong side of one piece. Sew the two layers together along the drawn line, leaving an opening of about 2 inches for turning and stuffing. Then stitch again over the first line, to assure a good, strong seam to keep the stuffing contained. Trim off any excess fabric, leaving a seam allowance of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch all around. To help the shape turn smoothly, clip the seam allowance close to the stitching around all corners and curve. Now turn the shape to the right side, and fill with stuffing. Stuff the toy firmly enough that it will hold its shape, but not so hard that it becomes difficult for tiny fingers to grasp. Finally, hand stitch the opening very securely, and pull the thread end to the inside.

Congratulations! You now have a beautiful soft stuffed toy for your baby to enjoy.

Love Tests

Nixan Crasto asked:




Babies and Baby toys seem inseparable in the mind’s eye. One can never think of a Baby in isolation. The thought of one leads to the other. Toys are an intrinsic part of a Baby’s development and though babies respond to everything that surrounds them in a natural way, a lot of research by child psychologists and Child Development Specialists has led to the introduction of distinct Baby Development Toys which contribute to the gradual acclimatization of a baby to its natural surroundings. These toys enable a healthy developmental environment for the little tots who are just opening their eyes to a new world in a new habitat in the midst of new sounds and textures, new sights and feels.

The fact is that the baby begins to learn soon after it is born. No doubt the new born is traumatized by the very fact that it is removed from the very comfortable, snug, and cozy environs of the mother’s womb. Being out of it is for the baby, almost like being thrown to the wolves. But the child learns to recognize the comfort of touch, of the hands that care for him, of the loving sounds that soothe him.

When the baby is about three to four months old, making it lie on the back on an activity gym with toys hanging overhead, and watching what follows is a treat for sore eyes. Gradually, the movements of the baby will change from being random to being controlled as the tot will soon establish a connection between its movements and the result it is able to evince from its movements. Thus, the baby would have succeeded in developing a connection between action and response with the help of a toy which becomes the ground for learning more.

Even when lying in the special bath tub, the baby is subconsciously reacting to the interplay between the water and its body, the floating bath toys and the ripple effect of its movements.

Once the baby is six months old it is well able to enjoy and learn from activity center which has various toys of different textures making different sounds, each different from the other. While one has a handle to be pulled the other has a button to be pressed while a third just has to be pushed to the side. The baby is all the time learning merely by observation. It is learning and clocking the result of each action and before we know it, it is gurgling in anticipation of the results of its actions.

It is thus that Developmental Toys are introduced after very close and in depth studies of Baby behavior in consultation with child psychologists and health officers and there is a constant effort to break fresh ground in order to enhance and nurture the development of babies.

Love Tests