Ayelet Marinovich, M.A., CCC-SLP
Where to Find Baby and Toddler Development Toys
What baby toys do I actually need?
The baby industry would have you believe that toys with all the bells and whistles will do wonders for your young child’s development, yet experts in early learning disagree.
This leaves parents and caregivers feeling lost and confused.
You want to encourage your tiny human’s development, but you don’t know where to start!
There’s so much information out there, it’s easy to feel like you’re spreading yourself too thin.
And somehow, with all the play materials you’ve invested in, you’re out of ideas.
Text transcript of this episode
You and your young child(ren) are bored with the current selection of toys and activities in your home.
You know that your child responds to music, your voice, and enjoys exploring the environment but…
How do you structure your home and play materials to create the ideal learning environment?
How do you provide your child with developmentally appropriate play experiences when you barely have time and energy to take care of basic needs?
How do you “do it all” when you’re little one’s abilities and interests are constantly changing – and when you’re not quite clear on why certain toys are “better” than others?
The undercurrent of anxiety
Many of us feel an underlying sense of anxiety that we’re not doing enough or doing it right.
THis leads us as parents to be easy targets for the baby industry.
“You need more.”
“Get the latest learning toy.”
“Subscribe to get these expert-curated toys delivered straight to your home each month.”
What if there was another way?
What if there was a different way, a better way?
A simpler way?
What if there was a way to minimize the overwhelm and the “stuff” of early parenthood?
And what if this new way were able to save you time, energy, and money (your most precious commodities)?
… So you could raise happy, smart kids from day one… AND feel supported in doing it.
Because everyday household items are where it’s at.
Support your babies.
I know you want to support your precious, tiny humans
It’s my goal to show you how you’re often already doing it.
Now, over the next few weeks, I’m going to be talking more about how the Learn With Less™ Curriculum can help you along your early parenting journey.
But today, I just want to leave you with this little thought:
I want you to consider this reframe, for just a second:
Instead of constantly setting up completely new, separate activities for your child with a fancy “expert approved” toy…
Think about what you’re already doing in a different way.
Make tiny alterations and adjustments so that the time you’re already spending with your child, and the materials you already have in your home can be more enriching.
Now, I’d love for you to tell me over on Instagram or Facebook how you’re already learning with less in your family.
Go ahead and tag me on facebook or instagram at @learnwithless, or use the #learnwithless hashtag on Instagram!
I can’t wait to hear your stories.
Play favorite games. Cover your face with your hands, then remove your hands and say, “Peekaboo, I see you!” Play patty-cake. Ask, “Where are your toes?” Then touch your child’s toes and say, “Here are your toes!” Hide one of your baby’s toys with the corner of a blanket and encourage him or her to find it.