Toys with light and sound: the advantages and disadvantages for your child
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Is toys with light and sound good for the development of your child?
Sight and hearing are two of the senses that children develop. Toys that provide light and sound are therefore an excellent way to stimulate the development of the senses. But how do you know if it's right?
In this article I will tell you everything about the effect of toys with light and sound on the development of your child and what you should pay attention to when purchasing.
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Discover the different types of toys with light and sound
There are different types for the little ones interactive toys with light and sound available. This toy gives an extra dimension to the playing experience and stimulates the child's senses. Think of soft toys that make noise when you squeeze them, toy cars that light up when you play with them or musical instruments that make different sounds when you press them. These toys are often equipped with batteries and guarantee hours of fun.
Toys that surprise
Toys with light and sound can also be surprising. For example, there are toy robots that can dance and sing, or toys that respond to movement. This kind of toy provides an extra fun and interactive way of playing and provides a lot of fun for children.
Assortment from large to small
The range of toys with light and sound is large and diverse. For example, there are toy kitchens that are equipped with light and sound, but also toy telephones, tablets and laptops. These toys often have educational elements and stimulate the development of the child in a fun way.
Other than open ended toys
Toys with light and sound are different from open-ended toys, where children have to come up with their own game. Toys with light and sound are often more focused on stimulating the senses and providing an interactive play experience. It can be a nice change for kids who like to play with open-ended toys.
Pay attention to the sound volume
Although toys with light and sound have many advantages, it is important to pay attention to the sound volume. Loud noise can be harmful to the child's ears. So always check it volume of the toy and close the toy's window unless necessary.
Whether you are looking for interactive toys for the little ones, toys that surprise or educational toys with light and sound, there is something for every child. Toys with light and sound offer an extra dimension to the playing experience and provide a lot of fun.
Toys with sound: why you should be careful with the volume
As a parent, you naturally want your children to have fun with their toys, especially when it comes to toys with sounds. But it's important to know that there are legal noise levels that toys must meet. The sound level of toys is measured in decibels (dB). The average noise level of toys should not exceed 85 dB at a distance of 50 cm. For toys intended to be held in the hand, the maximum noise level is 100 dB.
Permanent or temporary hearing loss
Toys with sounds can affect your child's hearing if they are too loud. Excessive noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Even brief exposure to very loud sounds can be harmful. It is therefore important to check the loudness of the toy before giving it to your child.
Occurring sounds
Some toys suddenly make loud noises, such as pops, whistles and bangs. These impulse sounds can be more harmful than continuous sounds because they have a higher peak. It is important to check that the toy is specially designed to reduce these noises.
Warn against too loud toys
As a parent, it's important to know how to spot toys that are too loud. The number of decibels depends on how the sound is measured and the result can vary. Here are some tips for determining if a toy is too loud:
- Hold the toy 50 cm away from your ear and listen to the sound. If it's too loud for you, it's probably too loud for your child.
- Pay attention to the loudness of passing cars and compare it with the toy. If the toy is louder than a passing car, it is too loud.
- Check if the toy has a volume control. If the toy does not have a volume control, it will be more difficult to control the sound level.
- Pay attention to the sounds the toy makes. If the toy is constantly making noise, it may be more harmful than toys that make occasional noises.
Suitable toys
There are many toys with sounds that are suitable for children. Simple sounds such as ringing and music can stimulate your child's development. It is important to check that the toy meets legal sound levels and to be careful of toys that suddenly make loud noises. Keep in mind that children's hearing is more sensitive than that of adults and they are more at risk of hearing loss. As a parent it is therefore important to check the sound volume of the toy and to advise on its use.
Rest is better for your child's development
While toys with lights and sounds can certainly be fun for your child, it's important to remember that quiet moments are also necessary for their development. It is especially important for babies to take rest breaks every now and then. By creating a calm environment, you give your child the opportunity to process impressions and gain new energy.
Let your child get used to silence
It can be difficult at first to get your child used to silence, especially if they are used to loud noises and noisy toys. But it is important to show your child that silence can also be a pleasant thing. By getting your child used to quiet moments, you give them the opportunity to relax and unwind.
Toys with soft sounds
If you still want to buy toys with sound, choose toys with soft sounds such as a rattle, bells or squeaks. For example, brands such as Selecta have toys that have been tested by independent authorities and are absolutely harmless to your child.
Listen to your child
On the other hand, it is also important to listen to your child and see what they like. For example, if your child likes to play with loud toys, it is not necessary to ban it completely. But do set limits and make sure there are times when your child can relax.
Rest is good for the defense mechanisms
It has been scientifically proven that regular rest breaks are good for the body's defense mechanisms. This also applies to children. By offering your child regular rest periods, you give their body the chance to recover and re-energize.
Hold yourself accountable
As a parent you are responsible for the environment in which your child grows up. By creating a calm environment, you give your child the opportunity to develop optimally. It is therefore important to be aware of the amount of stimuli your child receives and to anticipate this.
Even an autistic baby sleeps better in silence
It is also important for an autistic baby to have regular moments of rest. By getting your child used to silence, you give them the opportunity to relax and unwind. This can even help your child sleep better. Also pay attention to your child's body language details to see what they need.
Silence is not a punishment
It is important not to use silence as a punishment. Associating silence with something negative can make it harder for your child to accept moments of rest. So make sure that moments of rest are seen as something pleasant and not something that is imposed.
Open-ended toys: the better choice for your child's development
While toys with lights and sounds can certainly be fun, they are not necessarily good for your child's development. This type of toy offers little room for your own creativity and imagination. Open-ended toys, on the other hand, stimulate children's imagination and challenge them to come up with solutions on their own. This is not only good for the development of motor skills and creativity, but also for the problem-solving ability of children.
Where can you go for advice on open-ended toys?
There are several organizations and suppliers that focus on more sustainable and high-quality open-ended toys. An example of this is Baaslevert, a conscious and sustainable supplier with a continuous supply of educational and high-quality toys. They are happy to advise customers about the best choice for their child and can be reached via Whatsapp and customer service. In addition, there are also organizations such as childcare and primary education that focus on the development of children and conscious play.
Conclusion
It is important to know that interactive toys light and sound add an extra dimension to your child's play experience and stimulate their senses. It is important to check that the noise level of the toy meets the legal standards and to limit the noise to quiet moments.
As a parent, you know best what your child likes, so try it and trust your parent's intuition.
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.