Babies can explore the new world with this Playskool Alphie. this Robot toy is on a field vacation from its home planet and with a kooky grin and funny faces. its primary mission is to provide babies with new learning. There’s practically nothing this little dynamo doesn’t want to “talk about” — from letter sounds and shape sorting to patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and much more, your ALPHIE figure is a whole big classroom in one little portable robot buddy. As his buttons light up, and as he “sings” and plays music, your child’s brain is stretching, growing and helping turn him or her into a super-duper learner and problem-solver. Educational fun on-the-go is as easy as can be, too, with this little guy’s handled noggin and storage spot for his cards in his backpack.

Pros
- Educational and teaches kids about numbers and letters
- colorful and interactive
- sturdy
- Good quality
- Free shipping
- $13.00 (29% discount)
- More Pros here

Cons
- technical function problems often appear upon shippment
- Has card reading flaws
- Soon most of the cards were bent
- More reviews here

This around the world play gym introduces a new fun way for your child to learn and have fun at the same time with different animals, sights and sound of different regions of the worlds. It has a 34″ mat which features real imagery from the different around the world: Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, and the Polar Regions. The gym mat also offers a lot hanging toys as well and the mat is washable and foldable for easy carriage while traveling and convenience. It also has Additional toys included such as Panda rattle toy, Soft Parrot with crinkle, Large baby-safe mirror, Spinning globe rattle ball, Animal Discovery Cards, Igloo shaped Teether, 8 links to attach more toys. This Around the World Play Gym by Baby Einstein is just what your baby needs for a good tour around the world in his imagination.

Pros:
-AA Batteries included
-Center light up globe captivates baby’s attention every time
-Rattle makes a lot of noise, which baby loves
-Parents prefer this because of its removable and portable world
-Very easy to set up
-Mat indicates its really intended for babies
-Musical toys have corresponding lights that really catches the babies attention visually and also through audio
-Baby mirror also catches baby’s attention as he looks at himself in the mirror and he gets curious
-Catches the baby’s attention for a full 30 mins. which is precious time of break for parents from entertaining their babies.
-Very cheap for the quality of the toy and even more cheaper if it’s on SALE! Buy now you get 21% OFF.
-Get it with one day shipping or free shipping
-More Pros here

Cons:
-Globe stopped working in an isolate case so the product was not durable in the long run
-Mat could be a little bit bigger
-Musical Toys doesn’t play continuous music and it stops every now and then
-The support system should be better designed to prevent the arches from toppling over
-Not good for more than 5 months old babies
-More Reviews here

This is a new baby toy product which gives a whole new meaning of fun during bath time. Sometimes kids just don’t like taking baths because it’s boring for them but this toy allows them to have fun with their favorite Yo Gabba Gabba Characters in 21 Nifty Pieces and designs. They are foam stickers that stick to the bath tub even if when wet and can be used over and over again. For parents, this product has proven to be quite useful and making their lives easier because their kids will not complain about bath time anymore.

Pros:
-The toy is quite durable and will last more than just a few sessions.
-The toy even floats on water and sticks to the bath tub.
-They dry quickly
-Easily adoptable for imaginary play
-The price is quite cheap.
-Even if you’re kids don’t know the characters, they will enjoy the beautiful and bright colors.
-It comes in a cutesy pouch.
-Small and easy for kids to handle in their little hands.
-Great holiday gift for kids.

Con:
-Kids will only appreciate it if they know the characters for imaginary play.
-May contain small parts for choking hazard.
-Kids reportedly don’t want to get out of the bath tub anymore because they enjoy playing too much.
-Limited toys in one pack, only 21 pieces.
-Not very durable and can easily break with repeated use.

This product is a new child toy that helps children understand the concept of behavior and rewards. Each good behavior is rewarded by magnets and children will enjoy putting a lot of magnets in their checklist of good behavior. Parents can also join in in the fun by encouraging their kids collect more magnets to put on their magnetic responsibility chart. This is not really a toy but an investment for parents to teach their children proper attitude and the concept of responsibility and a sense of fulfillment every time they do a good job.

Pros:
-Features titles of responsibilities such as: Get ready for bed, get dressed, take bath, clear table, put toys away, keep hands to self, share, brush teeth,stop whining, apologize, say please, thank you, help with indoor/outdor chores, no teasing, show respect, load/empty dishwasher, put clothes in wash, don’t use bad language, set table, take care of pet, do homework, make bed, clean room, take out trash, keep hands to self.
-Plus two blanks for parent to write their own.
-Kids will love to use it’s color and bright designs.
-Good buyer reviews as very effective for teaching their children and easy to use.
-You can hang it in your kid’s bedroom or kitchen wall.
-Simple to use.
-Parents can also add an allowance system based on the “smilies” children get in their charts which teaches them the system of rewards.
-Both Parents and their Kids can enjoy this game.

Cons:
-Not for kids ages 3 below. Small parts can be swallowed or lost. Make sure you count every magnet or removable parts are accounted for to avoid accidents and accidental swallowing.
-Bulky material and some users have preferred it to be foldable and comes in a pouch so as to avoid a mess.
-Parents are advised not to rely solely on the toy alone, the key to make it more effective is to have a consistent system of rewards and discipline for kids and set up clear and realistic goals.

The Activity Keys by Baby Einstein is a set of 3 plastic, multicolored activity keys.  This key set features a yellow button that activates red and green lights, a water-filled key that soothes a teething baby’s sore gums, and a  key with rattling beads.  The AThe Activity Keys by Baby Einstein is a set of 3 plastic, multicolored activity keys.ctivity Key set promotes the development of gross motor skills, visual development, tactile stimulation, and a cause-and-effect undertanding. Baby Einstein did a great job with this one.

Pros:

• The key ring is small, and light enough for young baby’s hands to hold and manipulate.
• The Activity Keys are small enough to take along in a diaper bag or purse, so baby can be entertained anywhere.
• There are no pointy edges on this key ring that could cause injury to a baby, like some of the competitor’s products.
• The keys have varied textures and colors to stimulate both a baby’s visual and tactile senses.
• The water-filled, squishy key is a perfect teether.
• Baby’s are mesmerized by the blinking red and green lights that are activated by pressing the yellow button.  The button is easy enough to press, that a baby can activate the lights by himself.
• This key set is very easy to clean with just light soap and warm water, so it is always clean for baby to put in her mouth.

Cons:

• Baby Einstein’s toy does not make any sounds to accompany the flashing light, so if your baby is most interested in toys that make some type of noise, this may not be your best choice.  The only sound is the rattling of the beads, created when baby shakes the key ring.
• Some people think that the water-filled key is a little too thick to fit into some babies’ mouths.
• Some people also found the water-filled key to have a strong, unpleasant plastic odor.

Product Details:

• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.2 x 2.2 inches ; 9.6 ounces
• Free Shipping: When Purchased From Amazon Link >>>
• Ships: Usually Within 24 Hours
• Special Shipping Information: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• In Stock: Yes
• Gift Wrap Available

Customer Comment:

My 3 month old baby loves this key set.  She rattles it, and is thoroughly amazed when I press the button for the flashing lights.  I really like the size of this toy;

it is small enough for my little girl to hold, and for me to throw in her diaper bag.  This is a really great toy.

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]]> http://www.babytoys101.com/2010/12/activity-keys-by-baby-einstein/feed/ 0 http://www.babytoys101.com/2010/12/little-super-star-classical-stacker/ http://www.babytoys101.com/2010/12/little-super-star-classical-stacker/#comments Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:21:56 +0000 Baby Toys 101 Team http://www.babytoys101.com/?p=372



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The Little Super Star Classical Stacker is a 5 piece infant stacking toy, complete with dancing lights and music, and is part of the Dance Baby Dance Collection by Fisher Price.  This stacker is composed of 4  brightly colored, translucent, star-shaped rings, and a fun smiley faced star character, all of which fit over a lighted post.  The lights on the post dance through the translucent star rings, as one of 5 different classical children’s songs plays.  The Little Super Star Stacker is best suited to children from 6 months to 3 years.

Pros:

• The 4 transparent stars are textured to help develop a baby’s tactile skills.
• Stacking the rings helps children to develop coordination, while pushing the star at the top to make the music play helps teach cause and effect.
• It is a very durable toy that can withstand being spilled on and thrown on the floor repeatedly.
• The different colors used in this toy make a good example for teaching baby colors.

Cons:

• There is not a volume control and the volume of the songs can be quite loud and irritating to adults after a while.
• Because the post is not cone-shaped, there is not a specific order that the rings need to be stacked in (i.e. from largest hole to smallest hole), so there is not a lot of problem solving associated with stacking these rings, they will fit in any order.
• The rings are quite thick and can be difficult for some small babies to grasp.  This may cause frustration for the babies that are not able to grasp the rings.
• Drool from baby chewing on the base of the stacker has a potential to short out the electrical mechanisms, it is best to not allow baby to chew on the base and post of this stacking toy, let her chew on the rings instead.
• For many children, the music and flashing lights far outweighs the importance of stacking the rings, so many children only want to press the button and make the music play over and over, with little or no interest in stacking the rings.

Product Detail:

• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.7 x 9.6 inches ; 1.6 pounds
• Free Shipping: When Purchased From Amazon Link >  > >
• Ships: Usually Within 24 Hours
• Special Shipping Information: Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses.
• Gift wrapping: Available
• In Stock: Yes

Product Features It’s a 5-piece infant stacker of 4 dual colored translucent stars and a characterized musical note top that fits over a lighted post Lights dance through the stars as classical music plays Plays 5 classical and childrens favorites Part of Dance baby Dance Collection Age Range 6 to 36 Months

Customer Review:

My husband bought the Little Super Star Classical Stacker after reading a large number of positive reviews when my son was 7 months old.  My son loves this toy.  He laughs when the music plays and the lights flash.  He has  recently learned how to make the music play on his own.  That makes him very excited.  However, his favorite thing now is to take the rings off of the post and throw them across the room.  I am looking forward to the moment when he is interested in putting them back on the pole, but for now, he is happy and loves to play with this cute and cheery toy for up to an hour at a time.  For me, it was well worth the money (and the time chasing rings) to see my baby so happy.

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Octoplush is a soft, multi-textured, developmental plush toy, made by Baby Einstein.  The Octoplush has colorful stitched satin patches on velour legs that promote baby to develop tactile skills by touching the different textures, and later are a great learning foundation for teaching colors, as each leg says the color name when squeezed.  This plush toy also has a built-in music box that is activated when the Octoplush is gently hugged.  This toy comes complete with a language selector for either English, Spanish, or French, and has a volume control.  The Octoplush is best suited for children 3 months and older.

Pros:

• Buttons on the octopus’ legs say the name of the color and can be set to say them in English, Spanish, or French, so this is a great starting point for both learning colors, as well as a foreign language.
• The volume control really helps to keep from annoying parents when baby is playing with the octopus.
• Octopus head is easily squeezed by a baby, to activate the music.
• There is an ON/OFF button for when baby is cuddling with the octopus, and no sound is needed, or parents need a break.
• Toy is on the small side, so it is great for young babies, and will not be overwhelming.
• Color words are printed on the underside of the octopus’ feet in all three languages, so you can reinforce the words that baby is hearing from the octopus.

Cons:

• The color spots are difficult for a baby to activate by himself.
• Octopus is an odd shape and a bit top-heavy, so may not be easy for a small child to carry around the house.
• Octoplush may go off by itself if not turned OFF when it is not being used, this could get annoying, and depending how frequently this happens, could waste batteries.

Product Details:

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 11 x 11 inches ; 15.7 ounces
• Free Shipping: When Purchased From Amazon Link > > >
• Ships: Usually Within 24 Hours
• Special Shipping Information: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Gift  Wrap Is Available
• In Stock: Yes

Customer Review:

I received the Octoplush as a shower gift before my son was born.  It wasn’t until he got to be about 3 months old that he took any real interest, but since then, the Octoplush is his favorite toy.  He loves to listen to the music and touch the different fabric textures on the toy.  This octopus is even his favorite bed time friend.  My son is not old enough to be interested in learning colors yet, but I love that this toy will help to teach them to him.  I also love that it will provide a good starting point for him to become familiar with both Spanish and French.  I am really excited about the way that this cute toy appeals to my son at many different development levels, and will continue to make learning fun for my little boy.

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The Musical Inchworm is an interactive, brightly colored and patterned, plush toy, made by Lamaze.  The Musical Inchworm  has a soft velour body and features  fun jingles, crinkles, rattles, and squeaks, as well as interesting textures to touch and chew on.  When the Inchworm is hugged, he plays “If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands”.  The vibrant colors and patterns create visual stimulus, while the jingle, crinkle, rattle, squeak, and music provide auditory interest and stimulation.  The different textures and fabrics help baby to develop tactile sensations.  The Lamaze Musical Inchworm is suited for children from birth on.

Pros:

• The underside of the inchworm has a ruler that measures up to 24 inches in length, and can be used to measure the length of the baby and see how much he has grown.
• The ties of the legs and antennae can be used for a teething baby to chew on, and provide some relief.
• This toy makes several different sound effects, which encourage a baby to manipulate the inchworm to hear the sounds.  This also helps baby to understand the relationship between cause and effect.
• This toy is a great developmental toy, providing visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation all at once.
• The inchworm is soft and serves as a great bedtime cuddle buddy.

Cons:

• The inchworm does not come with a Lamaze hook, so he really can’t be clipped on to strollers or car seats.
• It is difficult to make the music, as the head of the inchworm has to be squeezed harder than a baby is likely able to do.
• There are not many places that are easy for a small baby to grab on the inchworm, and it is too heavy for many babies to be able to lift to their mouths by one of the little knotted legs.
• The music is very quiet and a bit tinny in sound, but it plays in short intervals, so nobody she get annoyed with it.

Product Detail:

• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 8.2 x 6.1 inches ; 12.8 ounces
• Free Shipping: When Purchased From Amazon Link  > > >
• Ships: Usually Within 24 Hours
• Special Shipping Information: Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses.
• Gift wrapping: Available
• In Stock: Yes

Customer Review:

I got the Musical Inchworm as a shower gift before my second child was born.  I was excited about it; it seemed to be well constructed, brightly colored, and made a variety of different sounds.

My daughter started to take an interest in this toy at about 2 months old.  She liked the look of “Inchy’s” smiling face and she got a big kick out of the different sounds.  As she got older, she really grew to love the squeak sound and the crinkle sound, and could make them on her own.  Now, at 6 months old, “Inchy” is her favorite toy.  She sleeps with him in her crib, he comes with us on car rides, and on visits to friends.  My daughter just loves this toy.

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Baby’s Photo Book is a vinyl photo book for introducing baby to family and friends, and is made by Baby Einstein.  This baby photo book has storage for up to five 4″ x 6 “pictures and one wallet-size picture.  This photo book also features a water-filled handle that doubles as a teether for soothing the  gums of a teething baby.  There are large colorful tabs to make turning the pages easier for baby, and the vinyl flaps on each page keep the photographs in place and protected.  This is the perfect first photo album for introducing baby to people that are important in his life.

Pros:

• The book is durable and can withstand being beaten on and chewed by a baby.
• The matte finish on the vinyl photo sleeves, does not create any reflections or distortions of the photos, and allows baby to get a good look at the important people in his life.
• The vinyl of this book makes it very easy to clean.
• Helps baby to recognize family friends, relatives, and to learn the names of the people in the pictures.
• Small enough to carry along when traveling, as it easily fits into a diaper bag or purse.
• Each vinyl slot has a little extra tab that wraps around the photo, and keeps it safe and dry  in case baby chews on the pages.
• There are colorful tabs on the pages that assist baby in turning the pages.

Cons:

• The Baby Einstein Baby’s Photo Book holds less 4″ x 6″ pictures than some similar products made by competitors.
• The edges of the book are somewhat sharp.  Even though they are rounded, it is possible for a baby to scratch his delicate skin on the edges of this book.
• The book is design so that the pictures will not fall out, or little fingers pull them out.  However, to keep the pictures in, the sleeves are very tight, which makes putting a picture in the sleeve quite difficult.
• The slot for the 4″ x 6″ picture on the back will have Baby Einstein written across his face, meaning that there are really only four usable 4″ x 6″ slots for photos.

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The Busy Zoo Activity Center, by Toysmith, is an interactive cube that offers five sides of fun, including  jungle design pattern doors, animal alphabet, snake along beads, squiggly tracks, and  silly critter puzzle.  This baby toy incorporates bright colors, and fun designs to inspire baby’s imagination, while utilizing interactive play to develop hand-eye coordination, and hand muscle strength and dexterity.  This toy is best suited fro children 12 months and older.

Pros:

• All of the edges on this toy have been rounded, so there are no sharp angles that could injure a baby.
• The alphabet (on the side) is a great tool for teaching baby letters, by being able to visually show baby the letters, and saying the name of each letter.  Also, each letter coincides with an object on the back so there is more opportunities to teach your child about the letters, the pictures and about language.
• The Busy Zoo Activity Center entertains children and engages them without the need for  loud noises or flashing lights.  This is often a welcome relief for parents and children.
• The Busy Zoo Activity Center requires no batteries, is kid-powered, and can be enjoyed for years.
• This toy provides knobs, sliders, spinners, and doors to encourage baby to explore, as well as develop the fine motor skills, associated with manipulating all of the interactive features of this toy.
• The Busy Zoo Activity Center comes fully assembled, so baby can start playing with the toy immediately.
• All of the moving pieces of this toy are attached, so there is no clean up required when the baby is done playing.

Cons:

• It is possible for a baby to get his fingers stuck and/ or smashed under the alphabet squares, so it is wise to supervise baby while he is playing with this toy.
• The metal “track” that the beads run on, which twists and turns for lots of fun play, is just the right size for toddlers to get their hands and arms stuck in, and there is absolutely no give in the metal when one is  trying to free a child.  For this reason, it is very important that children are supervised while playing with this toy.
• The activity cube can tip over on a baby if it is used to help a baby stand.  Therefore, a parent should sit near to the cube, while child is playing with it, to ensure that the cube does not hurt or trap baby.
• There is a potential that a baby could fall and hit his head on this toy, causing quite a bit of damage, since the activity center is made of hard wood.

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