What’s the hottest baby toy of the moment? Some items are classic and never disappear, such as mobiles, mirrors, and rattles, while others come and go. The use of baby educational software, such as Baby Einstein and Your Baby Can Read, is on the way out, especially as multiple studies indicate that such products aren’t effective in building a child’s vocabulary. Rather, the most requested toy of the moment is an activity mat, also known as a baby gym. According to a press release by shopping search engine Twenga, online searches for baby gyms and mats have increased from 116 to 300 percent.
The trend, according to the press release, is a shift from brain power-boosting toys to those that stimulate the child’s senses (a prerequisite for nearly all baby toys) and assist with coordination. On a smaller level, an activity seat, such as this one by online retailer Baby and Me Boutique, keeps the child in one place and has several smaller toys in various bright colors and textures and with sound capabilities for the baby to touch.
Larger activity mats give the baby more space to move and experience colors, sounds, and textures. In many cases, activity mats allow the child to be placed on his or her back – or on the stomach, if he or she is already rolling – and touch the several toys in the gym. The mat on which the child is placed often makes sounds when the baby moves and also has varied textures and colors. The detachable toys, additionally, make several sounds and have textures for the child to feel.
Educational or stimulation toys for babies develop the senses of sight, hearing, and touch. Such toys are designed in black, white, and red combinations or primary colors and make different sounds when the child touches the toy. Additionally, the child touches the surface of the toy and experiences several textures. The sound feature, in particular, starts teaching the child the relationship of cause and effect.
