How to Select Toys for Special Needs Babies
The right toy for a special needs baby will strike a perfect balance between safety and stimulation. For premature babies and infants who have undergone surgery, care must be taken to provide a toy that is not taxing to undeveloped muscles or healing bones. With physically challenged children, however, it will be necessary to provide a stimulating toy that will help to break through challenges and obstacles.
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Instructions
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Choose toys that are generally soft and lightweight. Avoid any toys that have hard surfaces or corners that are unyielding to your baby's fragile and sensitive body. Small stuffed animals that are brightly colored and made of a single piece are ideal.
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Find toys that are designed to fit the tiny and fragile hands of special needs babies. For instance, baby rattles have been specifically developed for premature babies that are easy to grab, lightweight and made to fit smaller hands.
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Select toys that stimulate the senses of your baby, such as sight and sound, but that aren't too loud or bright. Special needs babies who have undergone lengthy medical treatment may not be used to loud noises or bright colors, and may react negatively to being overstimulated. Expose them slowly to these toys, and allow them to become used to their surroundings gradually.
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Pick toys that are tactile in nature and particularly stimulating for your special needs baby's sense of touch. Soft, pliant toys that feel smooth and pleasing to their skin may encourage a baby to interact more with their immediate surroundings, and accelerate their development.
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Ask your doctor or pediatrician to select toys that are relevant to the special needs of your baby. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specific toy or company that specializes in encouraging the mental and physical development of special needs babies, or he may even recommend a specific toy that he has found to be particularly useful.
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Use online resources, such as Shower Your Baby, that sell toys designed for special needs babies (see Resources below). Many of these companies have online customer service reps to help you select the right toy for your special needs baby.
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Tips & Warnings
All babies tend to react more favorably to the colors yellow, blue, red and green during early developmental stages.
