The Importance of Developmental Toys

With the fast pace of technology in the 21st century, people nowadays are more adept at using gadgets in exchange for the usual tools that we are used to. Even babies have their own fair share of this trend. But is it beneficial for them considering that they are on their initial developmental milestones? This is a big question that has been a debate for quite some time between working parents and developmental pediatricians.  

Parents would always insist that as soon as their little person is not crying, everything will be fine. It already became an instant baby sitter while they are busy with work or with other chores. Little do they know they are teaching their infants to be very complacent and stagnant. Brain and motor skills development are very crucial at this age. In order to develop motor skills, infants must perceive something in the environment that motivates them to act and use their perceptions to fine-tune their movements.

Motor skills represent solutions to the infant’s goal. When infants are motivated to do something, they create a new motor behavior to complete the new desired act. Gross motor skills involve large-muscle activities, such as moving one’s arm and walking. On the other hand, Fine motor skills involved finely tuned movements such as grasping a toy or anything that requires finger dexterity. Toys that consist of vibrant colors, shapes, and sizes encourage such movement, hence called developmental toys. Developmental toys should not need to be expensive. It may consist of a few building blocks, stacking circles, or wooden puzzles. They are not only cheap but also safe without the danger of using a battery. 

We can say that a tablet is also as colorful and as educational as a toy but playing with it post a high risk of delayed brain and motor development to an infant. This is due to the fact they cannot grasp different shapes and textures for the development of their fine motor skills. Their gross motor skills also suffer as the activities in the tablet are all conveniently placed inside.

Ultimately, gadgets can wait. But your fast learning and curious little ones cannot. To help them grow and develop their full potential, let them explore the things around them. 

-Marianne Manahan