The benefits of play on brain development, from the moment baby comes home, has been touted by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and The National Institute of Play. So, if it takes a village to raise a child, that village will need first-rate toys!
One key member of the “village” is SmartNoggin Founder, Marcia Haut. Armed with a teaching degree in special education, she became an early intervention therapist in her home state of Indiana for tots ages newborn to three years old. Among her assignments was working with young families in their homes, from all walks of life. She noted one common thread again and again; moms and dads were not sure what they should be doing to encourage their baby’s early milestones. After 30 years working with children as a teacher, therapist and mother of two, she never did find the ideal toy “learning tool” to help parents.
Building on a successful early childhood-focused career, she set out to create “that toy.” She chose a rattle – the first toy for a baby. But her rattle would encourage key milestones – such as eye tracking, auditory orientation, grasping and have fun textures that would delight the sense of touch. In 2011, Haut incorporated SmartNoggin, Inc. and the Award Winning NogginStik Developmental Light-up Rattle was introduced in 2012. The NogginStik has been described as a cute baby rattle with a powerful agenda – Helping all children reach their potential is SmartNoggin’s mission.
SmartNoggin’s award winning products are in demand by new parents across the country and the product line of research based developmental toys has grown to include NogginStik Developmental Light-up Rattle, NogginRings Reaching and Grasping Rings and new for fall of 2016 is the NogginSeek Peek & Seek Rattle!
A Parent Guide To Baby’s Milestones is included in every SmartNoggin product. Everyone knows the first three years of a baby’s life are a period of incredible growth and development. But those precious early months are also critical to achieving baby’s milestones. This guide will assure and alert parents (and grandparents) to monthly achievements from newborn to blowing out the candle on the first birthday cake. Looking, listening, reaching and touching are gently introduced with SmartNoggin’s award-winning line.
Industry honors continue for SmartNoggin, including a triple (and rare) Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum for ALL of SmartNoggin’s developmental toys, the NogginStik, NogginRings and NogginSeek. From her professional perch, Haut greatly values the role parents play as their child’s most important teacher and SmartNoggin is ready to help children begin their learning journey, beginning at birth.