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Home › Articles › Play Time › Stimulating vs. Soothing Toys

Stimulating vs. Soothing Toys

Creating a Healthy Early Learning Experience Through Play

By Kathy Pyrce

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Stimulating vs. Soothing Toys-Creating a Healthy Early Learning Experience Through PlayThe Stimulating Environment
Thanks to child development research and findings, infants today have a wealth of stimulating playthings designed to help encourage sensory awakenings and exploration throughout infancy. Toy manufacturers have heard child development experts and parents alike and have introduced some truly exceptional toys for the "stimulating" environment over the past six to eight years.

"Stimulating" toys feature high-contrast colors, hidden surprise sounds (such as ball chimes, crinkles, jingle bells or squeaks) and have multiple levels upon which the toys can be used and enjoyed. The best are designed to provide opportunities for open-ended play and grow with the baby, providing enjoyment and key developmental benefits through several stages of infancy. For example, a very young baby may enjoy looking at and reaching for the high-contrast colors of the fabrics in his Lamaze Stacking Rings. A month or so later, he might relish shaking the rings to hear the different sounds. Then, a month or two later, he may want to stack them freeform and knock them over. Still later, sequential stacking by size will provide stimulation as well as fun and enjoyment for hours on end!

Stimulating vs. Soothing Toys-Creating a Healthy Early Learning Experience Through PlayIn contrast to the "soothing" environment, the "stimulating" environment is designed to "get baby going" – to motivate him or her to explore and "do." Playthings that support this environment do more than simply entertain. They encourage skill development, expand an infant's world and help further the natural progression from newborn to infant to toddler.


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