31 Oct, 2007
The Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube is both a fun and exiting toy for your child as well as providing musical education. The cube allows your child to play along to the included Mozart tunes from a range of musical instruments. There are 5 instruments to play along to 8 Mozart tunes. Each side of the cube represents a different instrument, with an image and the name displayed. These are a Harp, French Horn, Piano, Flute, and Violin. The final side allows you to switch between the various Mozart tunes.The included tunes are as follows.
- Ah! Vous Dirai-je, Maman (Twinkle, Twinkle)
- The Marriage of Figaro
- Country Dance #5
- Come Sweet May
- Der Vogelfanger (from The Magic Flute)
- March in D
- Landler
- Là Ci Darem la Mano (from Don Giovanni)
By pressing the “orchestra” button you can hear all the instruments play together. As each song plays, each selected instrument button flashes to the beat of the music. The sound is not orchestral quality, and is similar to the style of music adopted by Baby Einstein. However, the sound quality is not that great and can sometimes sound quite artificial and tinny. The jury is out on wether they should include the correct compositions, rather than the artifical sounds most toys seem to provide. I guess that it does not matter for such a young child.One disappointment with the cube was the lack of a volume control. The cube can be quite loud, especially in quiet environments, and it would have been nice to be able to reduce the volume.The cube itself is very durable and looks like it can take a lot of punishment. The corners are rounded, offering a safe play toy.Operates on three AA batteries (obviously not included !)Strengths
Weaknesses
- Not great sound quality
- No volume control, as can be loud in quiet environments
- Batteries not included !!!
The Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube is available for 20 dollars with free shipping from Amazon.
Highly Recommended
22 Oct, 2007
If you do not want, or do not have the space for a separate high chair, a booster seat can convert an existing chair into a safe and convinient feeding chair for your baby. The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat is the best booster seat we have used, and offers the features and convinience to make feeding times less hectic. It has 3 height adjustments to support a growing child, and a 3-point harness keeps your baby secure and comfortable. The adjustable straps should fit just about any chair, and we had no problems fitting it to a wide range of different chair shapes and sizes, even chair with arms.
One feature we particularly loved was how easy to clean it was. There were no hard-to-clean areas and the snap-off tray can be cleaned in the dishwasher. We seem to spend a long time cleaning our high chair, having many little gaps and slots that are hard to reach and clean. The tray includes a cup holder that is handy to keep a cup in place whilst feeding, being deep enough to stop it being accidently knocked over.
The seat folds down and includes a shoulder strap for easy travel. This makes it handy for use out and about, such as on a park bench or at a friend or relatives house. It is small and light enough that it can easily be put into the trunk when going out.
Unlike a traditional high chair, the booster seat takes up hardly any space and can remain permanently attached to a dining chair. Where space is at a premium, it offers a great alternative to a high chair. It you are tired of constantly cleaning your high chair, it only needs a quick wipe to clean after a feed.
The Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat is available for around 22 dollars, currently with free shipping from Amazon.
Highly Recommended
19 Oct, 2007
Travel systems have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as they include both a stroller and a car seat. The Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System is one of the most popular selling travel systems. It sits in the middle of the Graco Travel System range, providing a range of features comparable with more expensive models. The stroller is very strong and is comfortable over rough surfaces. The handle bars are at a nice height and it feels very sturdy and not easy to tip over, even when shopping bags are hung from the bar. The LATCH equipped car seat accommodates infants up to about 1 year of age, before you move them into a larger car seat. This can negate the requirement to purchase an expensive convertible car seat. As the car seat is designed for the 0 to 1 year age group, it supports a full recline allowing the baby to lay almost flat (convertible car seats are inclined a few degrees in comparison).
Stroller Key Features
- For infants and children up to 4 years and less than 50 lbs. Rear facing for infants 5-30 lbs and less than 32″
- Has one hand gravity fold
- Included baby tray
- An aluminum welded frame
- A tuck away sun visor
- Front swivel wheels with locks and suspension
- Has a combination 3 or 5 point harness
- 4-position flat reclining seat
- one-touch brakes
Car Seat Key Features
- 5 point harness
- 2-piece chest clip
- Removable infant head support and cold weather boot
- Stay-in-car adjustable base
- LATCH equipped for fitting in most modern cars
We only used the Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System for a short time, but were very impressed with its sturdy construction and included features. The stroller on its own would be worth the cost and it compares well to similarly priced strollers. The inclusion of the infant car seat only adds to the value.
There are a number of Graco Quattro Tour models available in a wide range of patterns and colours.
The Graco Quattro Tour Deluxe Travel System ia available for$195.
Highly Recommended
16 Oct, 2007
Schwinn was founded in 1895 and is famous for its range of childrens scooters, bikes and strollers. The Schwinn Free Wheeler Jogging Stroller is one of the best selling jogging strollers. Jogging strollers are becoming increasingly popular over the last few years, with parents looking for a more rugged strollers than typically available. Where strollers were starting to introduce larger wheels and suspension, this strollers takes it a step further.
Key Product Features
- Secure and comfortable ride
- Lightweight aluminum frame with adjustable handle
- Swivel front wheel for improved maneuverability
- Removable and washable padded seat
- 50-pound maximum weight capacity
Read the rest of this entry »
6 Oct, 2007
Following our previous five star review of the Kids II Baby Einstein Discover Play Color Blocks, the manufacturer has announced a product recall.
Kids II is voluntarily recalling our Baby Einstein Discover & Play Color Blocks in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because our expanded testing detected lead traces that are higher than the Federal limit. The recall only applies to the Blue block included with products that contain certain date codes, which can be found on the sewn in labels attached to the Green block.
For further details, please refer to the manufacturers Web site. Many thanks to Upset Parent for spotting this.
