We just welcomed our first child into this crazy world on 12/19! As a new parent and fellow pinhead, I'm curious how folks have approached the introduction of pinball to their babies. I'm wondering when it is safe to acclimate a baby around the sights and sounds of a pinball machine. At what age is it safe? I don't want to harm her little ear drums or eyes.
Would appreciate advice! Are certain products like baby headphones the way to go?
Happy Holidays!
I dont see any problem with setting them right next to you while you play. I used to set mine on the glass when they could hold there head up and let them enjoy the lights and sounds. Sights and sounds are probably no more than what they would here on a normal basis. As long as you dont have the volumes wide open and a bunch of loud mouths screaming back and fourth i dont see a problem.
Everyone is different. I personally wouldn’t expose a kid under one to the sensory overload of a pinball machine. My son started playing around 2-3 years old. Around that age though be aware that kids can’t always tel between reality and fantasy. My son was freaked out by Rudy on funhouse he thought it was a real guy trapped in the machine and pretty sure it caused some scar that will arise in therapy in 20 years.
To each their own I think. Maybe at the very least avoid any strobe multiball and super loud sound.
Our daughter is 5 now she was first exposed to pinball machines around 2. Before that we tended to categorize the flickering brights lights and louder sound to the same recommendation as screens. So attract lights were ok. Actual gameplay viewing was limited to small bits and certain machines.
Talk to your pediatrician, I’m sure it’s fine as long as the volume isn’t cranked and their not constantly staring at the lights.
Well, step 1 make sure your games are properly grounded. They probably won't be able to appreciate_ pinball until they can reach the flipper buttons. But what kid doesn't like a bunch of blinking lights? Heck I'm in my 30's and still love all those blinking lights.
Appreciate all of the responses. We're definitely going to ask our pediatrician, but always good to ping this community considering the wealth of experience here.
Quoted from jackd104:Everyone is different. I personally wouldn’t expose a kid under one to the sensory overload of a pinball machine. My son started playing around 2-3 years old. Around that age though be aware that kids can’t always tel between reality and fantasy. My son was freaked out by Rudy on funhouse he thought it was a real guy trapped in the machine and pretty sure it caused some scar that will arise in therapy in 20 years.
Good to know, because I have a Roadshow and wouldn't want to scar my daughter considering its rudy times 2!
With my daughter I would calm her down by sitting her on the glass and playing lotr, with my son, I put him in a from carrier and just play anything in my collection, he sometimes makes it 20min before not wanting to be in there and sometimes falls asleep. Oddly, lately when I have him strapped on, I’ve had some of my best games 
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