How to Select Infant Bath Toys

Choosing the right infant bath toy can be frustrating, especially when you consider that infants are totally incapable of describing their preferences. Guessing aside, a bit of careful research will allow you to select the appropriate toy for endless hours of bath time fun. Remember to think of parental pleasure when selecting bath toys, as they make up at least half the tub time entertainment equation.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Select the Right Bath Toy for Your Infant

1. Know that newborns tend to see only black and white for the first few months of life. Brightly colored objects may not attract their attention as much as you might hope.

2. Select with your baby's personality in mind, as some infants may respond more to color than sound, or to texture more than color.

3. Check for PVC-free labels on any toys that will come into contact with your infant or child. Such cancer-causing agents are regulated with enforced labeling requirements within the U.S. and many other countries. However, there are some countries with more lax safety requirements whose products still find their way to toy store shelves and online vendors.

4. Check a website like eBay for reviews and advice prior to buying infant bath toys (see Resources below). Many toys may seem perfect at first glance, but are totally impractical when put to use.

5. Bring your baby on your bath toy-shopping spree, as infants can indicate their unique and individual preferences with a wide array of facial expressions, gestures and coos. What you think is an excellent tub toy may elicit total disinterest from your little one, so let your infant decide.

6. Buy pliable, self-reliant and simply made infant bath toys. Already overwhelmed by the brave new world they've entered, infants rarely require the bells and whistles toddler toys contain, and may actually startle at loud sights and sounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose age-appropriate infant bath toys. The physical and psychological developmental disparities between a 4-month old and an 11-month old are profound and vital. Selecting accordingly can mean the difference between a blank stare and a giggle.
• It's often best to invest in toys with texture for infant bath time, as they provide better grip.
• Purchase an infant safety bath along with your toys to prevent drowning or injury.
• Take care to choose bath toys without small parts that could potentially choke or pinch.

Resources

• GeniusBabies.com for smart infant bath toys
• eBay for infant bath toy reviews

[westsarita]

on 10/24/2008 Rich Frog makes great, safe bath toys for infants and toddlers.