Abstract
In the present study, the effects of playing with therapeutic toys were ascertained in ten hospitalized infants. The face scale was used to ascertain the effects of playing with therapeutic toys or usual playtime activities. In addition, the subjects were videotaped while playing in order to observe their behaviors. Although assessments using the face scale showed positive effects after usual playtime activities and playing with therapeutic toys, the positive effects were slightly greater after playing with therapeutic toys than usual playtime activities. While playing with therapeutic toys, touching the toys was the most common behavior. Furthermore, when compared to usual playtime activities, the number of smiles was significantly higher when playing with therapeutic toys. Hospitalized infants are under severe stress because they are separated from their mothers and must undergo unfamiliar treatments and procedures. Furthermore, resting and isolation can be very stressful. We would be suggested that playing with therapeutic toys is an effective technique for calming and relaxing such infants and alleviating pain and stress.
