Babies love toys, especially during bath time. They don’t just play with them but are often seen putting them in their mouths, posing a risk of infections or choking. So, it becomes essential for parents to pick bath toys for kids carefully. Silicon material is gaining popularity in the toys market because this synthetic material comprises stable structures of silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. The current hype around silicone material for kids' toys is largely due to increased awareness among parents regarding the safety and health implications of using traditional plastic toys. Its eco-friendly attributes, such as being recyclable and having a longer lifespan, contribute to its popularity in sustainable parenting practices.
We will highlight the benefits of choosing silicon bath toys for kids and some best recommendations out there:
Benefits of Silicon Bath Toys
Safe For Kids
1) Non-Toxic and BPA-Free:Since it does not react chemically, silicone is a very safe substance for toys. If you're looking for a bath toy that has no content of bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, pick a silicone one. Babies, who are more likely to put their toys in their mouths, would be securer with these.
2) Hypoallergenic Properties:Silicone is naturally hypoallergenic and has a non-porous nature, which means it doesn’t absorb water and is resistant to growing mold or germs. This lowers the chance of allergic reactions and infections in kids.
3) Heat Resistance:Parents can sterilize these toys by boiling them to over 400F (200C) as they can withstand high temperatures without degrading or releasing harmful substances.
Durability
Rubber toys can degrade over time, and plastic toys can crack and break, but silicone - is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. It retains its shape and integrity for a longer period of time than other toys. So, for parents, it's a cost-effective option as these toys can be used for indoor or outdoor activities without any frequent replacement needs.
Developmental and Sensory Benefits
This material of kids' bath toys is highly customizable with bright colors and unique textures, which can stimulate and engage their senses. Squeezing, stacking, twisting, and touching the material, which is soft and flexible, contributes to the development of fine motor skills and tactile understanding.
In order to help children develop their spatial awareness and logical thinking skills, toys that involve stacking, sorting, or putting parts together can be of great help. The majority of bath toys made of silicone are designed to be interactive and allow kids to express emotions, develop storytelling skills, and understand social interactions by mimicking scenarios with their toys.
Softness and Comfort
When it comes to kids, silicone is safe for their sensitive skin because it is soft and bendable. Soft silicone toys don't hurt or abrade like toys made of harder metals or rubber. It also helps to soothe sore gums and is safe to chew on for kids who are teething.
Versatility in Design
The design shape and size options are versatile when it comes to silicon toys; whether your child loves animals, cars, or any abstract shape, the silicon toys have a range to suit each child’s interests. Further, many silicone bath toys come with features that allow for customization, such as suction cups for sticking to the bath or walls or pieces that can be assembled and disassembled.
Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance
Parents need not worry about the hygiene or maintenance of these toys as it is very easy to clean. You can do this -
1) Wash them with Soap and Water
2) Sterilize in Boiling water
Plus, there is no need for scrubbing away grime or dealing with unpleasant odors, as seen often in the case with rubber or plastic toys.
Top Picks of Silicon Bath Toys For Kids
Here are some top picks for kids' bathtime fun:
Animal Shapes:
These are soft and squeezable silicone toys shaped like animals such as ducks, frogs, fish, and turtles and usually come in bright and attractive colors. Animal shapes can also serve as companions for bathtime routines, providing comfort and entertainment to kids. Plus, it can spark curiosity and be used for educational purposes, such as learning about different animals, their habitats, and their behaviors.
Water Scoops and Pourers:
Being lightweight, silicone scoops and cups are designed for scooping and pouring water into the bath. It includes cups, ladles, buckets, and watering cans with the use of which kids can develop creativity and learning through hands-on play. They can scoop up water from the tub and pour it into containers or onto different parts of their bodies, creating splashes and having a fun time.
Alphabet and Number Blocks:
Children are visually stimulated by dazzlingly colored, soft silicone blocks that have raised alphabet letters and numerals. Floating in water and sticking to wet bath surfaces, these blocks are perfect for learning activities like stacking and sorting, which can help develop early literacy and numeracy abilities.
Sensory Balls and Shapes:
Sensory Balls have patterns featuring bumps, ridges, or spikes, and shapes can include different textures, such as smooth, bumpy, or knobby surfaces. Textured silicone balls and shapes encourage the exploration of the senses through touch and sight. It allows kids to practice their dexterity and imagination while also improving their fine motor skills.
Bath Pipes and Tubes:
Silicone pipes and tubes with various openings for water flow come as interconnecting pieces that can be arranged in different configurations. As it floats on the water's surface during bath time play, it promotes exploration of water flow and direction.
Pro Tip: Have bathroom storage for bath toys to keep these little companions of your kids safe and well-organized!
Conclusion
Now you know the numerous benefits of these silicon bath toys for kids. When shopping next time for toys, opt for silicone, and don't forget to have bathroom toy storage. This will ensure a happy and safe bathing time for your little one.
