Are tech toys or open-ended toys better for babies?

If you’ve been strolling down the baby toy aisles of a retail store lately, you might have made a simple observation: toys have changed a lot over the years. For every box of standard bricks you see, you’ll probably find multiple boxes of baby’s first earbuds, the equivalent of Stanley coffee mugs, and a plethora of handheld gaming toys, among other things.

What happened to open-ended toys (aka traditional toys that can be played with in a variety of ways)? A mom who goes by the handle @elizabeth.marcelena on TikTok asked the question in a video, asking other parents to weigh in on the current state of toys today. Are tech toys better? Or are our children missing out because blocks and puzzles may no longer be our first choice? With over 15,000 comments pouring in, the mum clearly had something on her mind.

Is the evolution of baby toys real?

As a mother of five children (ages 16 to 3), I can relate. When my first child was born, she played with some tech-based baby toys. Now, when I browse the toy section with my youngest son, I see more beeping, blinking toys than ever before.

To be fair, he also has building blocks and a toy kitchen at home. In fact, my grandfather was the president of Tinker Toys and we still have the original set in our house that my son can play with for hours.

In fact, no matter what new gadgets toy manufacturers come out with, classic toys always seem to catch on. As Amy Jackson, Chief Early Learning Strategist at Primrose Schools says parentseven if technology-based toys are so prevalent in our children’s lives, “Fifteen years from now, I’m sure kids will still love cardboard boxes just as much as they did before.”

According to the 2021 report psychology todayResearchers at Eastern Connecticut State University studied how preschoolers played with more than 100 toys over a 10-year period. They found that open-ended toys were associated with higher quality play. But this is far from the final word on the issue.

Benefits of tech toys for babies

For board-certified pediatrician Michelle Bennett, MD, FAAP, PLLC, of ​​Elliston Pediatrics, whether technology-based toys are beneficial to children depends not only on the individual, but also on the toy itself.

“Technology-based toys encourage interaction and involve solving challenges and puzzles and can be very engaging and educational,” she told us parents.

As Dr. Jackson points out, “Children are always attracted to toys that represent the world around them, especially items they see adults using in their lives.”

Hence the baby headphones and remote control. But she also acknowledges that “children today are growing up with different stimuli than other generations.” This can lead to important learning opportunities.

“Research shows technology-based toys can enhance learning by engaging children, providing personalized experiences and supporting STEM education,” said Gigi Schweikert, parenting and education expert and CEO of Lightbridge Academy.

A 2024 Chinese study found that multi-sensory toys can increase children’s engagement.

Schweikert went on to explain how toys with sounds engage a child’s senses and touch.

“When children play with toys that make sounds, it helps them develop awareness of their environment and overall sensory integration,” Schweikert said. “Sounds can also enhance learning by providing auditory feedback and developing auditory processing skills, especially in language. aspect.

Michael Rich, PhD, MPH, director of the Digital Health Laboratory and Children’s Clinic for Interactive Media and Internet Disorders (CIMAID) in Boston and associate professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, agrees that some technology-based toys can provide learning opportunities, such as Foreign language learning equipment.

Disadvantages of Baby Tech Toys

It’s not all good news when it comes to today’s newest children’s toys. Experts say some of the products TikTok moms are confused about may cause social impairment and overstimulation.

Additionally, Dr. Bennett says certain types of technology can shorten attention spans.

“These types of toys are often more observational rather than directly interactive,” she says. “They’re fast-paced and use a lot of ‘bells and whistles’ to keep the brain highly stimulated.”

Young children may feel less satisfied with toys that require more effort if they play with them regularly.

Dr. Jackson adds that toys that constantly beep and sing distract the brain from imaginative and critical thinking.

Dr. Ritchie said it’s also important to consider that many tech toys only engage children for a certain amount of time. “Toys that imitate adult tools—whether it’s a smartphone, a hammer, or a stethoscope—are designed to allow children to imitate adult behaviors during play,” he said. Just imitating adults.

Open ended toys top rated

Many commenters on the TikTok video mentioned Montessori toys as their preference, rather than a baby’s first TV remote or smartphone.

“Montessori is an educational method,” Dr. Jackson explains. “Toys inspired by this approach often feature natural materials but are more explicitly designed to promote natural inquiry and experimentation. Toys used in Montessori education encourage hands-on, open-ended play and inquiry.

The experts we spoke to raved about open-ended toys such as building blocks, pretend kitchens, puzzles and costumes.

“I encourage parents to focus on providing toys that encourage active and pretend play,” Dr. Bennett said. In fact, according to her, toys don’t have to be expensive to appeal to children. A simple gymnastics facility can provide hours of imaginative play and promote physical activity, which is another benefit.

Dr. Rich agrees that children will use toys such as blocks and simple sandboxes again and again because they require imagination and creativity.

“For children of any age, free play where the child is imaginative and led, and where every choice is negotiated with others, is the healthiest and most lasting play,” he said.

Healthy combination is always the best

Experts we spoke to say parents can’t go wrong with a healthy mix of technology and open-ended toys.

“It’s always about balance,” Dr. Jackson said. “Lights, buttons and screens are not necessarily harmful as long as they are not the child’s only toys and there are plenty of opportunities for interaction and imaginative play.”

She added: “My advice to parents is to always remember that play is learning for children and consider how toys and experiences can be part of that learning.”

Dr. Schweikert said a balance of tech games and traditional activities will lead to well-rounded development. Meanwhile, Dr. Ritchie’s advice: “I urge parents buying toys to choose toys that challenge their children to expand their thinking and behavior, and are toys that are imagined and initiated by the child.”

Now, if only we could get our kids to start cleaning up the ocean of blocks on my living room floor on their own.