April 30th, 2013

VTech InnoTab 2 Baby Review

My son is an iPad addict. Yet, on a trip to New York recently, we gave him the VTech InnoTab 2 Baby tablet to check out. We had gotten it at a blogging event for a review. Frankly, we were not quite sure if he even would give it a glance.

VTech InnoTab 2 Baby Reviews

You can see from the picture the answer to that! (And the next day, our 10 month old discovered it.)

So I am happy that he is happy with it. My husband is happy since he got his iPad back. Win, win! But here are some things to consider if you are trading in the iPad for the InnoTab. Note that I am only comparing it to the iPad because that is the only other tablet-like device we own. Similar statements could be said if you own other tablets, but I cannot say for certain.

1. It takes time for each game/feature to load. We are used to almost instantaneous play with the iPad, while the games in the InnoTab 2 Baby take awhile to load. If you have an 8 year old who is used to the fast pace of the iPad, then this will probably be frustrating.

2. Picture quality is not as clear. Similar to above, if your 7 year old is used to the clear graphics of iPod Touch, for example, then this will probably be a step down in their opinion.

3. Limited game options. While there are many games and activities from which to choose in the VTech store, they are not as plentiful as what you would find in iTunes. Plus, the VTech games are more expensive by a dollar or two more (on average.)

But here is what is better about the InnoTab compared to the iPad:

1. No questionable content. Everything that works on the InnoTab is appropriate for this age range. No ‘accidental’ perusing on YouTube, going on the internet or downloading of apps that are poor quality and in poor taste (and often filled with ads too.) None of that here.

2. Multi-user options. The iPad is a one person device. The InnoTab has the ability to program itself for up to five users with their own name and various features and age appropriate games. Making the investment great for a multi-kid home.

3. More durable. Let’s face it. Mainstream tablets cost hundreds of dollars and are not kid-friendly. The InnoTab, while bulky, is a parents dream. The thing can be dropped and it seems like it might survive. The thing could have apple juice spilled on it and you have a good shot at it still working. I cannot say that about our iPad. (Poor iPad.)

4. No more panic attacks. I have had a lot of friends mention the frustrations when the iPad ‘dies’ en route to a destination. The charging just doesn’t last long. Especially if you are passing it around in the family. The InnoTab 2 Baby runs on AA batteries, so it does last longer and no worries about bringing along a charger or finding an outlet in the airport to make sure it is charged before you board the plane.

4. You won’t get dirty looks in public. I won’t get into the whole “should you be giving your kids electronic devices?” discussion. If you are reading this, then you have already answered that question. So, one thing to note is that you won’t get “THE” stares when your four year old is playing with an iPad. Or get comments like “Wow, your kid has an iPad. I don’t even have one.” If they are playing with the InnoTab, you probably will get a smile, and maybe a comment on how well behaved your kids are at the restaurant. LOL.

Some other features to note. It has a video and camera feature. My son loves using this. Especially when he figured out that he can rotate the camera lens so he can take pictures of himself. (We have a lot of those now…and of the dog…and the ceiling…and the floor.)

It retails for about $90 on sites like Amazon, and the age range is 1 year-9 years old.

Congrats to Eileen S. for winning via the PromoSimple entry! Contest ended on May 14, 2013.

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Image Credit: My Own. All Rights Reserved
Disclosure: I received a free sample in a swag bag as part of a blogging event.

CategoryProduct Reviews for Moms, Babies and Kids, Technology | Comment4 Comments »

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April 19th, 2013

Five Eco-Friendly Toys for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, I wanted to share five eco-friendly toys for your consideration. Whether to celebrate the earth on earth day or any time of year when you are looking for a unique, eco-friendly, gift. These five picks are made with respect for Mother Earth.

Kinderfeets
This wooden push bike is a low-to-the-ground, small training bicycle without pedals that allows your child’s feet to touch the ground and provides a more natural way to learn to ride. The bike also features wooden pegs for them to rest their feet on while they glide. It is eco-friendly, receiving the of The Toy Man® eco-Recognition Seal and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council®. Additionally, a tree is planted for every bike sold, the EVA airless tires are biodegradable and minimal packaging is used. The bike has a chalkboard finish that kids can draw on and comes in six colors.

Kleynimals
This is a set of non-toxic, eco-friendly, food grade stainless steel decorative keys for baby that are lead, BPA and Phthalate free that are safe for baby and produced in an environmentally friendly manner. The steel comes from an American mill and they are produced and assembled in the USA as well. Kleynimals are cleaned and assembled by a Maryland non-profit organization that supports developmentally disabled adults in living self-directed lives. From the lower environmental impact of the stainless steel, to the recycled paper and packaging used and the unbleached USA-made muslin bag that Kleynimals come in, it is a great choice for conscious moms

Soft Blocks
Soft Blocks are unique interlock blocks for children three and older that help foster problem solving skills and constructive building techniques. Children instinctively respond to the soft material which also makes playing ouch-free. I haven’t been able to find out if they are BPA-free, but it is a recyclable plastic.

Eco-Friendly Play Games
Have your family and friends unplug with tech games and play with items from Family Games America, like Tantrix Tiles, Milky Words and Tabletop Games! FGA is the first-ever eco-friendly game company. All of their games are made eco-responsibly with reforested trees and recycled woods free of dyes and lacquers.

Weerol
Weerol was created to further the fun, excitement, education, and passion to play for children 18 months – 6 years with creative, sustainable, and organizational toys that transforms to grow and adapt to your child’s development. It responds to each milestone-style of play while being a beautiful addition to your home. Constructed from renewable sources and non-toxic water based adhesives and paints, Weerol has a low impact on the environment and promotes a healthy, safe environment for your child as well.

Always consider donating or consigning out grown or unused toys to share the fun with another family and continue the life of the toy for another few years or another generation!

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April 17th, 2013

Bright Starts Buggy (Having a Ball Count and Roll Buggie)

Bright Starts Buggy ToyI received this adorable little pink lady bug (officially called the Having a Ball™ Count and Roll Buggie from Bright Starts by KidsII) to review recently. When it arrived on my doorstep, it was like Christmas. We call it the second child syndrome! Our 3.5 year old son has ‘passed down’ his toys to his sister and they are pretty beat up and gender neutral. They still work and are well loved, but I have to say, I get a bit giddy when there is something girly and new for her that is her solely her own. Well, kind of. My son saw it when he got home from preschool and started playing with it too.

The product is geared towards kids 6-36 months so there is a great age range with this product, which is why both my son and daughter are drawn towards it. (We are having a crash course in sharing lessons right now!) What I like about it from a play factor, is that it does have such longevity and multi-functional use. For my 8 month old, it encourages her to be active and crawl after the Buggie. It also aids in her gross motor skills as she tries to put the balls in the opening at the top. For my older son, it is an opportunity to focus on colors and numbers. I’ll ask him to put the blue ball or the pink ball in the Buggie, and see if he gets it right. Alternatively, I’ll ask him to count the balls as he drops them in the top. Overall, it is just really cute and fun.

The Buggie seems pretty sturdy for less than $20 for a toy. My daughter and son are pretty rough with it, and it has held up just fine thus far, so it seems as if it will make it for the full age range of the product. If we had bought it ourselves, it would have been worth the value for sure! You can find it at BuyBuyBaby or Target.

But here is the video if you want to see it in action and how my kids play with it. (One minute in length.)

As you can see from the video, it turns out that everyone in the house, including the dog, loves this. While I didn’t get a video shot, I swear that I even heard my husband chuckling one night when he was ‘putting the toys away’ (aka, playing with it.)

I also want to share that we are fans of the Bright Start line, especially this Around We Go Activity Center, as we call it. We got ours from a consignment shop, but if you are looking for an activity center that also encourage walking, leg strength, fine and gross motor skills, I can’t rave enough about it.

 

 

Happy playing!

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February 28th, 2013

Tips for Buying Used Toys for Kids

How to Buy Used ToysIf you have a limited budget for toys, buying new toys for your children can be expensive. Buying used or consigned toys, is a great way to stretch the budget, and is eco-conscious too! Here are some tips for shopping for used toys for kids and making an old toy “new” again.

Look for advertised garage sales, local consignment shops, consignment sales or charity stores to find used toys. Keep an open mind, but we have often found great curbside finds on trash day and at the swap section at our local town sanitary waste center too. Don’t forget to put the word out to family and friends who may be looking for an opportunity to pass along old toys and outgrown baby gear. Lastly, eBay and Craigslist are two other online sources for people selling or giving away items.

Before purchasing a used toy, check out resources such as cpsc.gov and kidsindanger.org for any information on product recalls to ensure the toy is safe. Even if it is, consider the features. Is the battery compartment easily accessible or does it need to be unscrewed? This answer may depend on your comfort level and the age of your child.

Speaking of batteries, carry a few types of batteries (AA, AAA, C and D batteries) while you’re hitting the sales to test battery operated toys on site. Make sure to check the battery compartment for leaked battery acid. In order to neutralize the leaked alkaline, you’ll need a household acid like vinegar or lemon juice. A Q-tip or old tooth brush can help scrub the leakage from the electrical contacts. Always use household gloves and glasses and work in a well-ventilated area.
Clean acid-based batteries with baking soda and a little bit of water on a Q-tip or old tooth brush. Never put water directly on the acid.

Before your child starts play time with your garage sale find, wipe down the plastic toy or electronic device with disinfectant surface wipes. If a used toy is stained, you can try rubbing alcohol to remove the stains. For stubborn stains, try cuticle remover, allowing it to set for 30 minutes before wiping off. If the fabric is removable, throw it in the wash or take a steam cleaner and steam clean it in place.

Found the perfect toy, but don’t have the right type of battery? You can bring any old toy or electronic device into your local Batteries Plus store where associates can repair the existing battery pack, find the right batteries, or even build a custom battery to bring it back to life. Amazon is another great place to find unique or hard to find batteries and always remember that you can call the original toy manufacturer. They may be a great resource to point you in the right direction or send you copies of product manuals.

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