Call Me Baby

I remember this like it was yesterday, but it was actually about 17 years ago.

I had a boss who was an animated phone talker (lots of body language, moving her hands, pacing back and forth). One day when her young toddler was visiting the office, I watched in amazement as her cute little daughter picked up her toy phone and started yammering into it much like her mom did with real phones. Years later, when I had babies and toddlers of my own, I saw again the wonderful appeal of a toy phone, for even the youngest children.

And what a genius toy–they’re learning motor, language, and play skills all at once.

I share for two reasons. There are now apps for babies and toddlers offering another kid of play experience. There are also high-tech toy gadgets that allow kids to mimic how their parents use smartphones.

That said, while smart toys and little kid apps have their merits, I’m still a big proponent of including a few fake phones in the mix. I was reminded of their extraordinary appeal–and the primal power of the phone reflex–the other day when some good friends posted the most creative photos of their baby on Facebook with all the “gadgets” she uses to make phone calls, like apples and pizzas.

With their permission, enjoy the show: