He thought, “That’s got to be a giant squid,” an elusive species that biologists had been trying to capture alive on camera for decades. The first video Vecchione received, filmed in January of 2000, unveiled an unusual squid with a craned arm posture when it was first encountered in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: Michael Vecchione et al, Science, December 21, 2001īut the grainy footage was not of a giant squid. In fact, it was unlike anything Vecchione had ever seen or heard of before: A squid suspended by undulating fins much larger than its body, with long, spindly arms bent sharply before draping down into the darkness like ghostly gossamer. “My reaction was to jump out of my chair and start yelling profanities, because I knew it was something really different,” Vecchione remembers in a recent phone interview with Science Friday. He reached out to fellow cephalopod researchers and squid biologists, but like Vecchione, no one knew what it could be. Vecchione was able to track down eight more sightings from deep-sea submarines around the world that hadn’t been documented or shared with researchers. While newborns might spend most of their time eating, cuddling, and sleeping, toys that stimulate their senses can also be beneficial for their development.That same day, he spoke to Science Friday about the obscure animal that he and scientists had dubbed, “the mystery squid.” He and his colleagues published the findings on Decemin Science. The best newborn toys are soft, easy to clean, and offer gentle stimulation with contrasting colors and various textures, according to Dr. Denise Scott, M.D., a pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist for JustAnswer. When shopping for newborn toys, a few guidelines will help you sort between age-appropriate options and ones that are better suited for older infants and toddlers. Scott is a pediatrician and pediatric endocrinologist with nearly 30 years of experience. She completed training at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center with fellowship training at the National Institutes of Health. She also co-founded Kids First, the first after-hours pediatric urgent care clinic in Oklahoma City, which is now part of the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. At JustAnswer, a platform that connects people with live doctors and other verified and vetted experts, she addresses pediatric medical questions. What Are The Best Toys For Newborn Development?įirst, keep in mind that newborns will likely look at their toys rather than actively play with them, and they can only focus on objects about 8 to 12 inches away. So if you’re looking to introduce items your newborn can gaze at and cuddle with, Scott recommends “high-contrast, soft activity panels, toys, books, and floor mats,” adding “toys that squeak or make noise can also be entertaining.” What To Avoid When Shopping For Newborn Toys “They may observe them but will not reach for or grab things.” Additionally, Scott says, “They also look more for contrast, so toys that show faces or are black and white or brightly colored are best.” Scott also explains, “Any item a newborn holds should be of a soft material, such as fabric or rubberized, be safe to put in their mouth, and be easy to clean.” “Newborns (babies from birth to 2 months) do not play with toys,” Dr. While squeaky toys can be entertaining for newborns, you’ll want to avoid toys that may cause overstimulation. According to Scott, these include toys “that play loud, fast-paced music, those that have flashing pictures or strobe-type lights, and pop-up toys” - think dancing and talking animals, flashing balls, and loud musical instruments. “Toys made with wood, metal, or hard materials, toys with separate pieces that could come apart, painted objects, and anything too soft or cushiony that a face could get trapped in are ones to avoid,” adds Scott.Īt the end of the day, “the best stimulation for a newborn is your face and voice, not toys,” says Dr. In a hurry? Here are five popular newborn toys: However, with a variety of textures, colors, and fun features to choose from, these highly rated newborn toys make a cute and stimulating addition to playtime - and some can even be used past the newborn stage.
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