Infant Toy Project

Shatter-proof Mirror (1)

This durable mirror is made from a glass-like reflective material similar to plexi-glass. It is shatter-proof and virtually unbreakable. It has a wide, sturdy wooden bottom with non-slip feet. Because of its unique easel-like design, it can stand on its own, or be an accent piece in another area of the home. Because of its 15inX15in design, infants and children can sit in front of the mirror and easily see their entire body. Recommended for ages 6 months and up.

Mirrors are not only great tools for adults, but they make a wonderful toys for babies. There are countless ways to use a mirror to play with your child:

Sit in front of the mirror with your baby on your lap and them them look at the reflection.
Touch parts of their body and name them, while the child looks into the mirror. "Nose", "Mouth", "Hands", etc.
Change facial expressions and watch your child's reaction. Show a sad face and say, "Sad"; show a happy face and say, "Happy".
Point at the baby and say their name. "This is Mary" and then point at yourself, and say,"This is Mommy".
Encourage your child to interact with their reflection, and listen as they babble, or speak to their reflection.
Encourage your child to move around in front of the mirror, watching their entire body move.

Ratings for this toy

Rating scale - 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=average, 4=good, 5=excellent

DURABILITY - 5; This toy is well made from quality materials. It is designed to stand the test of time, and will likely follow your child into adulthood.
SAFETY - 5; Because of its shatter-proof design and large bottom, this toy is made for safety. It will not break or tip over while it is being played with. The back of the mirror will easily sit against the wall to ensure it will not fall over.
ATTRACTIVENESS - 4; The attractiveness of this toy is found in its simplicity. This mirror can easily stand on its own, or serve as a complimentary piece in any room.
SOURCE OF STIMULATION - 5; self. This mirror is self-stimulating. It can be used by the infant alone, or socially.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN FROM THIS TOY?

Cognitive

Mirrors can help promote language development. By pointing out things your child can see in the mirror you teach them vocabulary visually. Babies will also promote their own language development by sitting and talking to their reflection. Mirrors also teach self-awareness and self-recognition. Babies will be able to see their physical place in the world.

Social-Emotional

Looking into the mirror with your child will help them identify emotions and facial expressions. They will be able to visually see what emotions look like. The baby will interact with you while playing in the mirror. They will want to show you what is happening and what they can do. Babies are likely to mimic your behavior in the mirror. Babies left alone with the mirror will explore their own facial expressions.

Physical

You can help your child develop physically while using this mirror. You can help your child learn fine motor skills when showing them the features of their face. By pointing to the mirror, the child learns to control not only their arm movements, but their hand and finger movements as well. Children will be eager to see their bodies move in the mirror. They will stand and shake and "jump" in front of the mirror, all the while strengthening their muscles and refining gross motor skills.