(StatePoint) As more technologies enter the market that are durable, affordable and designed specifically for kids, playtime has been revolutionized. New twists to classic playroom staples are 
helping foster independent play, motor skills, imagination and language development.
Luckily, kids are totally on board, with 72 million reporting they want smart toys, according to recent research conducted by Interpret.
Robots may be the wave of the future, but toys hitting shelves now are already taking their inspiration from technological advances and trends. Here are a few toys to consider:
Interactive Dolls
These are not the baby dolls you may remember from your own childhood. The old standard has evolved into new high-tech, interactive dolls that engage children and can help them reach their developmental milestones.
For example, the more little ones talk to the Baby Amaze Learn to Talk & Read Baby Doll by VTech, the more words and phrases the doll will learn and repeat. Parents and children can also read from the three included books featuring more than 70 words to help expand basic vocabulary. This baby doll encourages nurturing role play by asking for her pacifier, bottle and more. When kids press the buttons and put the bottle or pacifier in her mouth, they will be able to explore fun interactive activities such as talking, reading, caring and music.
For reactions and interactive play, hide and uncover the eyes of the Peek & Learn Doll, which helps children learn body parts, counting and nurturing concepts. The doll also plays a variety of familiar melodies and includes a baby bottle.
High-Tech Pretend
Technology advancements have already brought parents baby gear like onesies with built-in sensors and baby monitors with smartphone capabilities. Now kids caring for their baby dolls can mimic this trend with new tech features in accompanying gear.
Check out VTech’s Baby Amaze 3-in-1 Care & Learn Stroller, which has a smart sensor that recognizes when it’s being moved and plays sing-along songs about letters, colors, places and animals.
Transform the stroller into a high chair to hear baby care reminders that introduce nurturing concepts and healthy habits while children pretend to feed the doll. Turn the book’s pages on the tray to learn about different foods and nutrition. Convert the high chair into a bassinet and the doll will fall asleep while listening to classic nursery rhymes and lullabies. It includes piano keys that introduce numbers and counting, and plays piano sounds in music mode. More information can be found at vtechkids.com/babyamaze.
For parents who want more from their child’s playtime, consider taking tech features into account at the toy store. You can maximize learning and fun at the same time.
