Do Toys That Claim To Make Baby Smarter Really Work?
Every parent would love to see their child become the next baby Einstein, Picasso, or Mozart. These hopeful moms and dads will try almost anything to give their little one a better chance, including buying trendy new baby toys that boast intelligence-boosting benefits. For more than 15 years, industry experts have suggested baby toys for infants less than six months of age that are shiny and bright, or in high-contrast colors, such as black, white, and red. As eyesight and focus are developing, these types of toys may hold a baby’s attention longer and gain a more active response (arm waving and wiggling) during play. Have you heard of the “Mozart Effect” theory that classical music produces smarter children? A study conducted in 1993 (Rauscher, Shaw, and Ky) sent toy producers into a frenzy to develop CDs and toys that played classical music. Since then, other studies have proven that the brain is developed by any multi-sensory stimulation, with no specific link to classical music. To
