Toys for infants and toddlers: An analytical study

Abstract

Introduction: Play is essential for child development as it contributes to their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Toys are the primary medium of engagement of caregivers with their children. Traditionally, physical toys were provided to the children. With the introduction of digital toys and screen-based devices, the challenge has been to recognize their effect.Objectives: To assess the practice of toys in infants and toddlers, determine associated health risks and determine the appropriateness of toys as per age.Results: With traditional toys, 74% played with dolls, 72% with soft toys and 5% with outdoor equipment; 53% spent <1 hour, 31% 1-2 hours and 15% >2 hours playing with traditional toys. With digital toys, 61% parents owned 1-3 digital devices, 23.1% 4-6 devices and 15% >6 devices. Almost 92% of children were exposed to mobile screen, 47% to television screen and 42% to tablet. In 77% cases, parents were the principal interactor with child and 15% were solitary play oriented.Conclusions: Almost 50% of traditional toys were not age appropriate. Regarding digital toys, screen time was not safe in 100% in <2-year-old and only 31% safe in 2–3- year age group.