*TOi TOi Milestone Collection Expert Review and Evaluation Report*

 

*1. Safety and Health*

 

*Material Quality*

- The materials used in the TOi TOi Milestone Collection toys prioritize baby health.

- The high-quality fabrics, filling materials, and accessories make playtime enjoyable and safe for children. They do not pose any risk in terms of safety and health.

- It is important for toys made for babies to have antibacterial properties to ensure they are free from bacteria and germs. The materials used in this collection ensure the toys are hygienic.

- From the perspective of Bowlby’s Secure Attachment Theory, plush toys can serve as secure attachment objects for babies. According to the theory, babies seek a secure attachment figure. Plush toys provide a constant and comforting presence, helping babies feel safe during stressful situations. These toys can serve as a temporary source of comfort in the absence of a parent.

- Plush toys meet babies' emotional security needs by offering a soft and pleasant texture that gives a sense of emotional safety. This can help improve the baby’s sleep patterns and provide a peaceful sleep. The softness of the toys in this collection is important for children to comfortably hug and form emotional bonds.

- Plush toys help babies relax emotionally. When a baby hugs or plays with the toy, it provides comfort and peace, which is particularly important when the baby is restless or anxious.

- The teething feature in the MINI series also provides a soothing element for babies.

 

*Physical Safety*

- Soft-textured toys make playtime safe for babies.

- The use of soft materials in the toys maintains physical safety for children. Additionally, having rounded corners ensures safe play.

- It is crucial that toys, especially for young children, do not contain small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Instead, they are made in single-piece, larger sizes for physical safety.

- Durable toys provide a healthy and safe usage option for children.

- Details such as eyes and accessories on the toys are securely attached, making them safe for young children.

- Large parts used in the toys are safe for children.

- In the MAXI series, accessories are removable but are designed with large sizes and soft textures, so they do not pose a safety risk.

 

*Age Appropriateness*

- Clear age labels are provided for the toys. For example, the MINI series is labeled for "3 months and up," which helps parents choose the right toy for their child's developmental stage.

- MINI series toys are suitable for children aged 3 months and up. The teething toy included is also appropriate for this age group, creating a product combination that caters to the same developmental stage. These toys are designed to be suitable for sensory development and creating a sense of security. They are simple and easy for children aged 3 months and up to understand.

- MIDI and MAXI series toys are suitable for children from 0+ months.

- In the MAXI series, factors such as the activity bag, the 365-day activity book inside the bag, removable clothing, and the large size of the toy contribute to the suitability of the toys for various age groups.

 

*2. Educational Value*

 

*Developmental Areas*

- The Milestone series toys contribute to various developmental areas (cognitive, emotional, social, and motor skills).

- The toys enhance children’s overall body coordination and movement abilities.

- They help children express their emotions and develop social skills.

- Toys that can be used as sleep companions help increase children’s sense of emotional security and facilitate easier sleep.

- The toys encourage children to create games that support cognitive development.

- Features such as zippers and manipulable parts on the toys in the MIDI series promote fine motor skill development. The soft texture and size of these toys support hugging, carrying, and the development of gross motor skills.

- In the MAXI series, the ability to dress and undress the toys, open and close the bag flap, and turn the pages of the booklet inside helps develop fine motor skills.

- MAXI series toys support the development of gross motor skills such as carrying, hugging, and moving.

- Activity booklets accompanying MAXI series toys contain games that support cognitive development.

 

*Learning Opportunities*

- The toys encourage skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and language development.

- Features like bowties and striped clothing on the toys help develop self-care skills and the ability to understand part-whole relationships.

- The emphasis on large features like heads or ears in the toys allows children to learn about body parts.

- The toys create scenarios and open-ended play opportunities that stimulate creativity and imagination.

- MAXI series toys can be integrated with educational content, offering fun learning opportunities through stories and activities. This integration provides enjoyable learning experiences for children.

- Activity booklets in the MAXI series toy bags offer engaging content that encourages children to create games. Parents can use these booklets to provide children with opportunities to learn, have fun, and socialize.

 

*Adaptability*

- The toys can be adapted to various play scenarios and allow children to create their own games.

- As children grow, the toys offer features that can be used in different ways.

- For example, in the MINI series, the teething toy can be detached from the main toy and used as a plush toy or keychain.

- In the MIDI series, the toy can be used as a bag, playmate, transitional object, or sleep companion.

- In the MAXI series, the toy can initially serve as a nursing pillow, and later as a side-sleeping pillow and sleep companion. Removable accessories or changeable clothing make it possible to use the toy in various ways as the child grows. Additionally, the 365-day activity booklet allows children to create games and socialize in home and school environments.

- The ability to use the toys in different ways as children grow supports their adaptability.

 

*3. Social and Emotional Development*

 

*Social Interaction*

- The Milestone Collection toys encourage interaction with other children or adults.

- The size and multiple parts of the toys support play by multiple children and promote sharing and cooperation.

- The toys can be used in role-play scenarios that enable children to interact with each other.

- Toys of this size can easily be integrated into role-play scenarios, allowing various character uses.

 

*Sensory Development*

- The toys feature various textures and surfaces that develop children's sense of touch. The different fabric types and textures contribute to sensory development.

- Neutral colors and patterns prevent distraction and support visual perception, allowing children to freely express their creativity.

- The toys support emotional development and help complete sensory integration needs.

- Soft sounds resembling the in-womb environment in MINI series toys soothe babies and help them feel secure.

 

*Emotional Bond*

- The toys are tools through which children can form emotional bonds. For example, plush toys provide a sense of security and comfort.

- There is potential for emotional bonding between the child and the toy.

- Aspects like naming the toys, caring for them, and forming emotional bonds contribute to this potential.

- Children can feel secure with plush toys, especially those used as sleep companions.

 

*Empathy and Cooperation*

- Milestone series toys support the development of social skills such as empathy, sharing, and cooperation.

- The toy designs allow children to express their imagination.

- Role-playing and imaginative games with the toys support the development of empathy, through activities like "feeding," "putting to sleep," or "caring for" the toy.

- Playing together helps children develop cooperation and sharing skills. Multiple children can play with the same toy, create shared game scenarios, and even use the toys collaboratively to develop characters.

 

*4. Gender and Cultural Appropriateness*

 

*Gender Equality*

- Characters in the toys avoid stereotypes and are designed to be suitable for both genders.

- The toys are designed without specific gender details, allowing children to play without perceiving gender concepts.

 

*Cultural Sensitivity*

- The toys are suitable for children from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

- The toys feature universal and neutral designs.

- They can address topics like tolerance, respect, and valuing differences during play.

- The absence of designs representing specific cultures helps develop children’s understanding of tolerance. Offering toys in various colors, outfits, and accessories facilitates the adoption of different cultures by children.

 

*5. Aesthetics and Appeal*

 

*Color and Design*

- Neutral colors in the toy designs help maintain focus and support children’s play without distraction.

- The toys’ visual appeal, with their cute structures, soft lines, and overall aesthetic, enhances children’s sense of security.

- The neutral expressions, soft lines, and overall friendly appearance make it easy for children to connect with the toys.

- The simple and detailed designs allow children to express their imagination.

 

*Durability*

- Milestone collection toys are designed for long-term use. Their robust construction provides security for children and ensures they can withstand drops and frequent handling.

- In the MIDI and MAXI series, the durability of seams is important due to the toys being pulled and carried frequently. Strong seams and secure connections allow children to use the toys for active play.

 

*6. Functionality*

 

*Ease of Use*

- The toys are lightweight and easy for children to carry and manipulate.

- MIDI series toys have features that support children aged 3 months and older in developing their motor skills.

- Toys from both MIDI and MAXI series have features that support the development of motor skills for children of all ages.

- These toys have functional features that make them easy to use in different play groups and integrate into various activities.

 

*Versatility*

- The Milestone Collection toys are suitable for various types of play and different play styles.

- The neutral designs of the toys allow them to be used in a versatile manner.

- MIDI series toys can be used as bags, sleep companions, or transitional objects.

 

*Parental Involvement*

- The toys encourage parental participation, which can strengthen family bonds.

- Parents can use the toys to tell stories and support language development, enhancing children’s imagination and communication skills.

- Playing with the toys helps children develop social skills. Parents can teach sharing, cooperation, and empathy

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​Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist Ms. Fundem Ece

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