Parent-infant-interactive, sensory-stimulation toy and methods of use

Abstract

This disclosure is generally directed to a parent-infant-interactive, sensory-stimulation toy and associated methods of use. Such a toy features an interchangeable elongated feather-like tail member used for gently and playfully stroking a baby's body, wherein the material use for the feather-like member can be made from various types of irresistibly touchable and non-toxic (and preferably hypoallergenic), baby-safe materials of various textures and different sensations. Such materials include, but are not limited to, silks and velvet that are specially configured to provide the desired touch sensory stimulation while eliminating a choking hazard. The toy features a soft and squeezable body member with other graspable appendages and sound-emanating internal components (bells, rattles, crinkle paper, etc.), and the toy as a whole is artistically designed to be visually stimulating to a child, often being fashioned after various animals and/or imaginary characters.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 939,702; filed on Feb. 13, 2014; for “Parent-Infant-Interactive, Sensory-Stimulation Toy and Methods of Use”; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 939,702 is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]Developmental studies indicate that sensory stimulation is an effective exercise for increasing the number of brain cell connections in infants and toddlers.[0003]“Touch is a powerful learning tool for enhancing a baby's early emotional learning.”[0004]Alice Sterling Honig, PhD, Infants & Toddlers. The Power of Sensory Experiences[0005]“Touch is a very important sense that has been found to affect parent-infant attachment, cognitive development, sociability, ability to withstand stress, and immunological development . . . touch enhances growth and development”[0006]Cindy McGaha, Associate Professor of Chil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]The present inventive disclosure is generally directed to a multi-functional, parent-infant-interactive, sensory-stimulation toy and associated methods of use. Such a toy combines various senses-stimulation members that can be found in some other child toys; however, it also features a very soft, elongated, feather-like tail member (in some embodiments, interchangeable) used for gently and playfully stroking

Problems solved by technology

However, there really are few opportunities for ongoing direct interaction between the parent and the baby with the rattle, and a parent is likely to tire of holding the rattle, and while the parent is holding the rattle, the baby is not getting the full benefit of the sensory-development of the rattle, other than the sound when the parent shakes it, and of course the visual aspects of the rattle.

In such cases, significant opportunities to both enhance the sensory and cognitive development of the infant and promote the early loving and interactive bond between parent and child are lost.

Parents looking for something more interactive are forced

Images