Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

'Sticky Mittens' Give Babies A Head Start

Posted by timothy on from the some-babies-grab-early dept.

Tammy Tieu writes "Duke University psychologists have discovered that fitting infants with Velcro-covered 'sticky mittens' gives them a developmental jump start in learning to explore objects. The researchers placed the mittens on infants too young to actually grasp objects, but the mittens allowed the infants to snag Velcro-fitted toys merely by swiping at them. In comparisons with infants who hadn't used the mittens, found the psychologists, those who had used the mitten subsequently showed more sophisticated abilities to explore objects."

6 of 42 comments (clear)

  1. I did this with my kids by Henry+V+.009 · · Score: 4, Funny

    They wound up with their hands stuck together for most of childhood. Did wonders for my peace of mind.

    1. Re:I did this with my kids by richie2000 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I've considered putting mine in coveralls with velcro everywhere and then put velcro on the walls so whenever they become a little too lively, I can just stick them to the wall and go play Counter-Strike for an hour or two.

      --
      Money for nothing, pix for free
  2. Hmmm.... by xagon7 · · Score: 3, Funny

    And when does evolution kick in and allow these youngsters the ability to "grow" velcro?

    They need to learn what they HAVE. I can just imagine 25,000 people walking around the world with Velcro on their hands because of their inability to use their REAL digits!

    sheesh.

    1. Re:Hmmm.... by Jerf · · Score: 2, Funny

      And when does evolution kick in and allow these youngsters the ability to "grow" velcro?

      After being bitten by a genetically engineered radioactive super-spider, of course!

      I mean, come on! Duh! Get an education!

  3. A new generation.... by perlyking · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...of kids too lazy to even close their hands :-)

    --
    no sig.
  4. sounds good by tps12 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Just remember to take them off before the kids hit puberty and discover the allure of pornography. Ouch.

    Seriously, I hope the scientists at least let the babies climb on the walls and ceiling.

    Yes, that's two jokes for the price of one, folks. I do it cuz I love ya. Move along.

    --

    Karma: Good (despite my invention of the Karma: sig)