I'm a Scientist and a Mom. Here Are the Toys Worth Buying for Your Child
Summary
A scientist and mother from the UK reviewed the research behind popular baby toys to see which really help child development. She found that simple, affordable toys like stacking cups and ball-drop toys often work as well or better than expensive ones, especially when parents actively engage with their children.Key Facts
- Ashleigh Clegg is a scientist with degrees in biology and biotechnology who became a mom.
- She checks scientific studies to evaluate claims about toys that say they help brain development.
- Expensive toys like the Grimms Rainbow wooden stacking toy have little proof they boost creativity or STEM skills more than cheaper toys.
- Stacking cups and shape sorters have research backing them for helping motor skills and problem-solving.
- Ball-drop toys score highest because they help with skills like object permanence (understanding objects still exist when hidden).
- Interaction with caregivers, called "serve and return," is more important than the toy itself for development.
- Simple items like books, blocks, household objects, and parent engagement support learning well.
- Clegg encourages parents not to feel pressured to buy pricey toys, saying quality time matters most.
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