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What toy for a disabled baby?
Deafness, visual impairment, reduced motor skills… Whatever their disorder, disabled babies grow up and learn while playing. It is still necessary to offer them adapted games …
Sometimes it is difficult to know which toy to buy for your child. And this is even more true if he has any disability whatsoever. Indeed, it is not easy to choose a beneficial and fun toy for your baby without putting him in difficulty in the face of his disorder. It is important that the child can handle it as he sees fit. If he is discouraged, the game loses all its interest … However, playful moments are essential for the development of babies. Amidst soft toys and early learning toys, they discover their bodies and the world around them. The same goes for babies with disabilities: in their own way, they harness their senses and seek to compensate for their failings, especially during play. To help you, know that sites like Ludiloo.be or Hoptoys.fr offer toys adapted to disabled children. Attractive colors, varied sounds, easy handling, interactivity, materials to touch, smells to smell … everything is designed to stimulate your baby’s senses. Please note that these “made-to-measure” toys are not exclusively intended for children with disabilities: all babies can benefit from them!
What about “classic” toys?
Your child’s disability should not distract you from traditional toys. Many may, in fact, be suitable for a disabled child, provided some precautions are taken. First of all, it is essential to choose games that meet European standards. Then choose the product according to your child’s disorder, without stopping on the indicated age, not always reliable according to the capacities of your child. Muriel, one of our Internet users, has experienced it: “my 3-year-old daughter always plays with free toys when she was one year old. Every year she receives new ones, but many do not correspond to her needs ”. Your child evolves at his own pace and it is important to observe his progress or the learning on which he is focusing his efforts (walking, speaking, fine motor skills, etc.). You will be able to choose a toy corresponding to his needs of the moment. However, be careful not to fall into a spiral of intensive rehabilitation, especially if your child is already in the care of a therapist. You are neither his educator nor his speech therapist. In the game, the notion of pleasure and exchange must be paramount.
If you really have a hard time choosing a toy, opt for safe values such as soft toys, soft toys, activity boards and play mats that will stimulate, in any case, the senses of an awakening baby.
Which toy to choose according to Baby’s handicap?
It is important to choose a toy that will not put your child in difficulty and to choose it according to his disorder:
- Difficulty in fine motor skills
If your child is awkward with their hands, their little fingers are rigid and lacking in flexibility, you should arouse their curiosity. Prefer games that are easy to catch, to handle so that he enjoys playing with his hands. Construction games, manipulation games or even puzzles will be perfect. Also think about fabric books or toys in different materials. Your baby will appreciate the contact of these soft and new materials.
- Hearing problems
If your child is hearing impaired, opt for toys with a variety of sounds. And for deaf babies, bet on attractive colors and materials. For toddlers with hearing problems, stimulation of sight and touch is also a priority. Over the months, do not hesitate, either, to seek taste and smell …
- Vision disturbances
Without sight, babies need even more confidence. Focus on toys to touch and relaxing sounds to reassure him! In this case, interactivity is essential during playful moments with your little one. Do not hesitate to get him to touch the toys before starting and to encourage him.
- Difficulty communicating
If your Baby has trouble expressing himself or interacting with those around him, prefer toys that promote communication and interactivity. Sound toys where you have to repeat the words will help her become familiar with the sounds. Also think about jigsaw puzzles with little words to put together. Finally, tape recorders with microphone or interactive soft toys will also be very useful.
- Psychomotor disorders
From boules games to the toy car, there are many toys that help babies with disabilities to become aware of their bodies and develop their motor skills while having fun. Pushers-walkers, pull-along toys, but also balloons will also promote its development.