As baby products are increasing in number, parents have started looking out for more than just a toy. Nobody needs a wooden or plastic toy that makes sounds anymore. People look for distinctive features and product designs that enhance their overall product experience.
When it comes to baby products, design goes beyond appearances, including simplifying lives for parents and children by making toys that are portable, safe, and easy to store. Any parent will tell you that a well-made baby product can feel like a lifesaver in those hectic, sleep-starved early years.
Before we dive into what a healthy toy design is, let’s break down what a product design includes.
What does a product design include?
A product design goes beyond the mere appearance of a product (toys for us). While colour and theme are equally important for a toy design, let’s look at other crucial elements that make it complete and unique.
Functionality
This term includes the overall functions and usage of the product. The more versatile and adaptable the product is, the more likely it is to be around for years. For instance, kids love to take their toys outdoors— in the backyard and in the playroom as well. Therefore, children tend to adore toys that are multi-functional, supporting both indoor and outdoor play.
TIP: As a parent, try to search for toys with multiple uses in one toy. This type of versatility keeps children engaged and absorbed in the toy for longer hours.
Shape
Shape includes the well-defined cutting of the toy, the polished curves, and the refined base that enhances toy handling. Look at our bear stacking tower, which has been intentionally crafted with a rounded base to support the upper blocks and avoid any accident due to sharp edges.
Think like this: What if a dollhouse doesn’t contain a hut-like roof but a square-shaped closed cover? We are accustomed to seeing dollhouses in a specific way, so it wouldn't really look like one. The shape of a toy is often associated with its perceived value in our mind, and that eventually becomes the core of play.
TIP: Constantly look for toys with appropriate shapes and curves. Refrain from buying the ones with any sharp edges.
Material
At Barnshenn, we craft all our toys with utmost respect for the environment while ensuring your toddler’s safety and hygiene. Explore the materials used in our toys:
- Wooden toys: We have tested our wooden toys to meet EN71 European Safety Standards.
- Soft toys: The fabric used in soft toys is cushiony and free of toxins.
- Teepee tent for kids: Made of 100% cotton and poles made of safe and durable pinewood.
TIP: Check if the materials used to make the toys have undergone testing and certification.
The Art of a Functional Design
Imagine you are trying to set up a high chair that calls for an entire instruction manual. You are juggling a wriggly infant, a bottle, and a change bag. It certainly sounds exhausting.
A well-crafted design is crucial in this situation. The most functional baby items are simple, easy to use, and created with parents' actual difficulties in mind. Smart designs make play and learning accessible for kids so they may safely explore their playtime. Therefore, a well-designed product is highly beneficial.
Merging Aesthetics with Practicality
At Barnshenn, we know the importance of blending a high-quality toy with natural functional aesthetics to make them more appealing for kids. This balance guides the design of our selection of wooden toys and soft toys. Let’s explore how our designs give utility first priority:
Wooden Play Kitchen: Promoting Solo Action
Though a toy kitchen is a classic from infancy, a well-designed one transcends mere appearance. With smooth edges and non-toxic finishes, our wooden play kitchens are deliberately built to be strong and safe. Crucially, we place them at a reachable height for little children to engage in autonomous interaction, thereby fostering imagination, role-playing, and problem-solving.
Moo Cow Shape Sorter: Learning with Entertainment
Not only is our Moo Cow Shape Sorter charming and adorable, but it has also been meticulously crafted to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities. Little hands may explore and learn without frustration using simple, graspable forms and a strong wooden frame. The design ensures easy handling, rotation, and placement of the forms, even with the tiniest fingertips.
Animal Jeep: Durability Meets Imagining Power
Another instance of form and purpose working well is our Animal Jeep. Toddlers will find the large wooden bits simple to hold, and the design promotes imaginative play and storytelling. Unlike non-durable plastic substitutes, we construct our Jeep to last. Therefore, it can last for years and endure rough play.
How Considerate Design Helps Parents
Whether it's a toy that keeps a toddler entertained long enough for you to savour a hot cup of tea or a storage-friendly design that prevents your house from becoming a toy explosion, the best baby items simplify your daily lives.
Beyond mere convenience, excellent design helps parents manage daily chaos. Products that run perfectly help parents to be less stressed and frustrated, thereby enabling them to spend more quality time with their children instead of fighting with uncomfortable clasps and poorly considered features.
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Wrap up!
Functional design in baby goods is not just a luxury but also a need. At Barnshenn, our commitment lies in offering engaging play essentials and toys that enhance aesthetics and contribute to simplifying parenting. From our robust wooden play kitchens to intriguing shape sorters to adorable toy jeeps, we make every design decision with parents and children in mind.
We hope that the guide above gave you useful insights and will help you find the next best toy for your kids. Explore our entire collection of toys at Barnshenn for newborns and toddlers. Are you in search of additional inspiration? Hop on to our social media handles, like TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram, for more gift inspiration for toddlers. See you in the next blog.
