Would a lack of baby toys impact a child's intelligence?

Question

Assuming that love, attention, nutrition, and all other baby needs are met, would having limited baby toys (few or none) affect the child's intellectual development?

I'm just curious here, not looking for parenting advice.

Thank you for all your answers. I have 3 boys, ages 6, 4, and 6 months. The first two had plenty of toys, not spoiled, but not deprived either. We sold/donated most of their baby toys, so when #3 came around we had to decide whether or not to make the investment again.

My first two are very bright, ahead of the average, and homeschooled. But their attention spans are short and they suffer from "want-itis" . We decided to let our third child grow up without being bombarded with the latest toys, in the hopes that he will be calmer, more imaginitive, and less driven for "stuff". We kept the toys that I considered valuable (blocks, puzzles, etc...) and our baby will have those available when the time comes.

I asked the question because I was curious about the public opinion on the subject. I have been pleasantly surprised by these responses! Thanks!

Answer 1

Considering the fact that some of the greatest and most intelligent people throughout man's history have had lfew to no toys (Einstein, Plato, Isaac Newton, Hawkings, Merriam Webster, Copernicus, Benjamin Franklin, Jesus of Nazareth, Beethoven, Mozart, etc.) and considering the fact that many of them lacked, in some manner or another, some of the most essential factors for healthy development, one could safely say that a lack of many toys would not adversly affect a childs intelligence. On the other hand, an overabundance of toys, especially the ones that do not challenge children to be more active by appling acquired knowledge to practical situations, would actually hinder the develorment of a child's intelligence. In what, if anything at all, does a push-button, noise making, visually appealing toy help a child developing intelligence. Toys, especially the modern, electronic ones, promote mental lathargy in children. Just think about it! Even school kids are pushed to complacency because calculators, computers and other electronic enhancers do all the mental work for them.

To me, intelligence is best developed, by applying the knowledge you acquire through your five primary senses, to solve the simple to complex problems that life places before you on a day to day basis. There is nothing better than reading, through wichever means available, to develop intelligence. Although a stable, loving , responsible environment at home exposes the child to a more tranquil condition, which aids greatly in developing other traits necessary for the obtention of intelligence, it is not an absolute.

Answer 2

Having limited toys is probably best. I think that zero toys would be a mistake.

We have a few toys for our son and we play WITH him. It provides an opportunity for learning. He learns cause and effect with his little barn. He figured out that when he pulls on the barn door, the windmill spins, lights start flashing, and it plays music.

With his block set, he has figured out that each shape fits into a different hole. He's still working on that, but when the circle doesn't fit in the square hole, he tries to figure out which hole it does fit in.

And his "Leap" sings the alphabet to him and he tries to repeat the sounds that he hears.

He doesn't have a ton of toys. Just the ones above, a couple stuffed animals, and a few teething toys. Those rattles and teehers are just great for chewing on. He gets to feel a variety of textures, and he loves to also bang them around and hear them crash together.

We play with him most of the time, and help him find new ways to play with the toys he has. Because he doesn't have "TONS" of toys, he is happy playing with the ones he has so far. And since they are designed for babies... and not just stuff around the house, I can feel safe leaving him alone with his toys if I need a little time to do something else, like laundry, cooking, etc.

No toys would probably leave him bored and stunt his creativity, and diminish his happiness. I am constantly amazed at how much my child has learned in 8 months. He is actually learning to do many things ahead of the "Average" baby.

Answer 3

Yes, LOL. I never really had toys or anything when I was little (just books), so in a way I'm kind of going through a second childhood =P I play with their toys with my kids - they still have a lot to teach me -, but sometimes when they're not home, I find myself doing something like combing a doll's hair or cuddling with my kids' favourite stuffed animal. My favourite, I think, is my 5 year old's American Girl doll (Nellie). I always loved those dolls when I was a kid and still love playing with them now - both with my daughter and by myself! Plus I have fun teaching her about historical time periods through them.

Answer 4

All the kids I know would rather play with a pot and a wooden spoon, or the box that the toy came in. There is no sense in wasting so much money on toys. Sure some toys will be great, but no need to go overboard. Think back to when you were a kid, did you have many toys? You turned out just fine, right?

Answer 5

Absolutely not! In past generations, there were no such things as "baby toys," and people grew up to be healthy and intelligent individuals (look at Edison and Einstein!). But that said, your baby still needs to learn to amuse himself. Most babies love playing with pots and pans, and with Tupperware containers. Water play is always fun (in the bathtub, or at the beach). Sand boxes are awesome, and are good for helping a child develop manual dexterity. Kids can have hours of fun (and stimulate their imagination and creativity) with a big box of crayons and some plain paper. If you're planning to buy just a few toys for your child, I would stick with the tried-and-true classics - blocks, a little red wagon, a tricycle, etc. Most kids will have hours of fun with something as simple as a huge cardboard box!

Answer 6

The toys themselves don't necessarily stimulate developement. I think it is the time that you spend with the child. Just a generation ago there was no such thing as "baby einstien" and all that stuff.
Most of the time, babies want to play with spoons, bowls, stuff around the house, boxes, blankets etc.. I think though that a few toys wouldn't hurt either.

Answer 7

Not having toys wouldn't affect their intelligence, but not having something stimulating them would affect their intellectual development. But there are so many things besides 'baby toys' that can stimulate a baby's senses - like singing, or conversations, or the world outside - or even things like paper, boxes, or tupperware. Anything with different textures, patterns, or noises will stimulate a child. After all, everything is new to them.

Answer 8

i think it's depending on the age.. if you have a 2 year old running around without any toys, he's got nothing to do.. By playing they explore their world.. As for a baby, their parents are the best toys for them. But still, a gym would teach them reach and grab, Blocks and rattles would teach cause and effect... i dont think a parent needs to BUY many toys, bc any can be made of household stuff, but i believe toys are needed to teach them to play independently.. :)

Answer 9

I think it could. Studies have shown that when babies are stimulated with toys that light up, spin, have multiple parts and colors on them, this helps their brain to develop and make the connections that lead to intelligence. Even those spinner deals people put over the cribs can positively affect the baby's development. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or expensive, though....even just being stimulated through light, music, and having the parents looking at them and talking to them might do the same thing.

Answer 10

Absolutely NOT! Most kids don't play with even half of the stuff that they have anyway, and most of the time, they would rather play with 'non-toy' items, or play outside, or be read to. Lack of toys could be a good thing!