Weekly Web Round-Up: Flying Babies, Princess Scientists

Over at Mommy Shorts, one commenter recommended her top “10 Toys to Help Princesses Master Math and Science.” “How do we train our kids? By giving them toys and experiences, and by encouraging their interests. As we all know, interests can change frequently, particularly in little kids. But skills grow, and build upon earlier skills.…It is not that I’ll be disappointed if my daughters don’t grow up to be science and engineering geeks like their parents- but I want that decision to be based on their authentic preferences, not out-dated gender stereotypes reinforced by toy manufacturers. Plus, I want my girls to have the skills to pursue whatever ends up interesting them as they get older.”

npwtrade.co.uk

We thought this concept for an environmentally-friendly toy featured at Co.Design was pretty nifty. Since the packaging is incorporated into the toy tractor once it’s assembled, you’re left with much less waste. (The tube becomes the toy!) Though we would worry about the germs, grime, and gunk that packaging is there to prevent. (And are those little pieces a choking hazard?)

We were a little perplexed by these photos of gravity-defying babies over at io9. We’re dying to know how photographer Rachel Hulin managed to make these kids seem to float, hover, and glide through the air, but she won’t tell. Until she fesses up, you can check out her photos and try to figure it out for yourself.