Do you remember the first time you heard a baby toy? It’s probably one of the most distinct sounds in the world. But why are baby toys so loud? Some parents might think it’s for safety reasons, but that might not be the whole story. In this blog post, we will explore why fun baby toys make such a loud noise and whether or not it is actually beneficial for babies. Stay tuned!
One possible reason why baby toys are so loud is to help the baby engage with the toy. When a baby hears a loud noise, it often grabs their attention and keeps them engaged. This is especially important for newborns and infants who are still getting used to the world around them. By providing a stimulating environment, parents can encourage early development in their child. And one of the loudest toys out there right now is the Baby Einstein’s Take Along Tunes.
However, some experts believe that this might not be entirely safe. Loud noises can sometimes be too overwhelming for young babies, which could lead to problems such as increased stress levels or even hearing loss. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of using noisy toys before making a decision on whether or not they are right for your child.
At the end of the day, the decision is up to you. If you feel comfortable using loud baby toys, go ahead! Just make sure to keep an eye on your child’s reactions and take the toy away if they seem overwhelmed. And if you’re not sure whether or not a toy is too loud, why not try it out first? You can always return it if the sound level seems unsafe for your little one.
The impact of noisy toys on you and your child
Noise is the No.1 cause of preventable hearing loss in both adults and kids. A single exposure to very loud sound (as from 120 decibels) from a toy can result in noise-induced hearing loss. If you or your baby is exposed to loud noise of above 85 decibels for an extended period, the same problem may arise. So wearing ear protection is worth considering if you’re usually around loud toys. But that’s not all.
Hearing loss or impairment may delay a child’s language development. It will also be difficult for them to learn words correctly with the noisy toy screaming in the background.
That said, it wouldn’t be best if all of your baby’s interaction is with a talking toy. There should be more interaction between parent and child as this can help with bonding and the child’s language development.
What to do if your baby’s toy is too loud:
- If your baby’s toy is too loud, try returning it to the store.
- Some parents find that covering the toy with a blanket can help reduce the noise level. You may also cover the speaker with tape to mute the sound.
- Turn down the volume (if possible) and seal the volume control with a tape to prevent the baby from increasing it accidentally.
- Avoid keeping your baby with toys that are too loud for extended periods. The louder a toy is, the shorter should its playing time be.
- Wear hearing protector
- Take out the music button or battery if it gets too annoying.
How to know if your baby’s toy is too loud
- If your baby seems overwhelmed or stressed by the noise, it’s probably too loud. Loud noise can affect your baby’s development in many ways, such as causing fatigue and impairing the attention of children.
- You can also try holding the toy close to your ear before giving it to your baby to see if it’s too loud for you. If it is, chances are it’s too loud for them as well.
- If you have to shout above the noise for someone to hear you, it’s a tell-tale sign that the toy is too loud.
- Many toy manufacturers claim that the toy will sound quieter at home because they made some technical adjustment to make the toy sound louder in the store amid the background noise. But the difference, if it exists at all, is very slight, and the toy will sound just as loud when you get home. So if you test the toy in the store and it’s too loud, don’t put your faith on the manufacturer’s claim. Just drop it.
- The safe limit for baby toys is 85 decibels at about 20 inches away from the toy. But this isn’t very realistic, because kids are inquisitive and will put up a toy to their ear to find out where the sound is coming from. So even when a toy’s sound level falls within the safe limit (such as Baby Einstein), it still might be unsafe for your kid.
- Another option is to use an app to check the decibel level of the toy. This can help you to make an informed decision about whether or not the toy is safe for your child.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and go with a quieter toy. Your child will thank you for it!
Final thoughts
We hope this blog post has helped to answer some of your questions about why baby toys are so loud. At the end of the day, it’s up to parents to decide what’s best for their child.
This awareness among parents can enable them create a happy time for their kids without putting them at risk.
Of course, there will be well-meaning friends visiting with gifts for children, such as talking toys. If you feel the sound is loud enough to put your child at risk, use our recommendations above instead of going the unpolite path of rejecting the gift.
Happy playing!
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