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Home › Articles › New Dads/Newborn Issues › Dad Play

Dad Play

Choosing Toys for Your New Baby

By Lisa A. Goldstein

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Toy Considerations
When it comes to selecting toys that encourage development, Goldberg says open ended is the key. "The most formed the toy, the least value it has, and the least formed the toy, the most value it has," she says. "The most formed are copies of adult items and toys that do only one thing. The least formed are toys like balls, jump ropes, pegs and peg boards, bubbles, play dough, sand, water, markers and paper and many more. With the least formed toys, you put a lot into them. With the most formed, you put little into them. As the old saying goes, 'The more you put into something, the more you get out of it.'"

Safety issues are also paramount in toy selection. "The whole first year or two, choking is a major concern," says O'Brien. "No strings/laces for that reason, no 'sit-on' toys, since baby's balance isn't good independently. After 5 months, take down mobiles and crib toys with string cords. Save ride-ons for 18 plus months." Toxicity is also a danger, such as with play dough.

If you want help identifying safe toys, safety is one of the categories in the new iParenting Media Awards. Licensed childcare centers, experts and parents nationwide will provide evaluations for a variety of products.

Ultimately, though, it's up to you to provide safe and fun toys. "A new dad should act natural and be himself with the baby," says Goldberg. "From that perspective, play will flow easily. A parent is the best educational toy."

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