Reviews (11)

This is a wonderful swing for any age!
We got this swing as a gift, and right away we were able to use it with our newborn!It's safe and easy to work.My child loves the music it plays and the flashing lights that can either be on when the music is playing or not!Sometimes I'll just put him in the swing with the music bar pulled back and he'll fall alsleep.This is a great place for a child to just sit and 'hang out'.

Best Swing Ever
We have four children and the oldest are twins that are 6 yrs old so I wanted to upgrade to a better swing. It was the best investment we ever made. My daughter who is now 8 weeks old loves her swing so much that its the only thing that seemed to make her happy. She refused to sleep in her bassinet or crib so she slept in her swing. I guess she liked how it was reclined and didn't like to lay flat. She still loves to take naps in her swing and for the mother who thinks the bar is too heavy and the bird startles the baby when you flip it over well just catch the bird when you flip it over. We have never had a problem with it startling our daughter and she spends alot of time in the swing. Its also so easy to put the baby in the seat which is very well padded with the bar flipped back. It has an adorable pattern and we have all of the Flutter Bye items. She just loves to look at the bird with the lights and the music and I would highly recommend this item to everyone.

Good Swing!
My 12 week old loves this swing. She stares intenetly at the swinging bird.She likes the lights, the music, and the toys that she can't yet reach.She spends upwards of three hours a day in the swing.Some kids just don't like swings no matter what toys are attached.Our first daughter was like that. We had a Graco swing with the little bears on top that always swing to the back. When this one came and loved to swing we realized we needed an upgrade. The swing is easy to put together and easy to use. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Swings   

Editorial Review

Baby Tad is a wonderful interactive toy that makes early learning fun andeasy. Baby Tad (short for tadpole) helps your preschooler learn shapes, colors, activities,and songs. When your little one presses a colored light-up button, Tad identifies the colorand shape indicated on the button. With his cheerful demeanor and infectious laugh, Tadoffers support and encouragement and will quickly become a close and trusted friend.Besides various greetings,a squeeze of Tad's hand brings forth favorite children's songs, sung in a squeaky, high-pitched voice. --Alison Golder ... Read more

Reviews (409)

Difficult to push buttons, turns off quickly
My 10-month old daughter always smiles when I bring out Baby Tad, but in my opinion the toy is not very well designed for babies. The buttons, embedded in fabric, are really hard for her to push. After a few seconds of not having any buttons pushed, Baby Tad turns off automatically, bringing a quick end to playtime unless I'm sitting there with her pushing the buttons. Could have been a great toy, but I think they missed the boat.

Baby Tad
I gave my granddaughter this toy on her first birthday, hoping it was not too young for her Every time I have seen her, she has been playing with it.She is 22 months and this time she started singing songs from it (unbeknownst to me).When I started singing with her, she brought it over and we sang every song together.What a perfect toy - colors, shapes, songs!

cute and playful but not for a 6 month old
My son learned to love this toy when he was about a 14 months old. It's a cute and now he enjoys it for about 5-10 minutes, but that's about it. The 6 month age suggestion is way too young! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Nursery    2. Crib Toys    3. Stuffed Toys    4. Electronic Learning Aids    5. Writing    6. Counting    7. Learning    8. Electronic    9. Reading    10. Phonics    11. Musical    12. Teaching Toys    13. Baby and Infant    14. Toddler    15. Activity    16. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    17. Preschool    18. Music   

Reviews (13)

Good Product!
I was really looking for an activity center that transitioned into a walker as I can't see spending a lot of money on just an activity center, then spending the same amount on a walker a few months later.After some searching I decided on this one. My 18 week old is 25 inches, and unfortunately, she is slightly too short as she is unable to put her feet flat on the base and is on tippy toes.However, the seat is very stable and holds her without her "flopping around."I tend to keep her in the activity center for only 15-20 minutes at a time since her feet aren't flat on the base. She loves it!!The toys are very interactive and got her attention immediately and she's figured out how to spin the seat with her hands instead of her feet (you can lock the seat if you don't want your child to spin).Also the toys are child friendly, no sharp edges or points like some other activity centers. I did have some slight difficulty putting the center together and would recommend using a power screwdriver when assembling the walker part of it.But, what children's toys don't have some sort of difficutly with assembly?Overall, I am very satisified with this product and would recommend it to any parent.

The design of the walker is not good
When my son was 6 months old, I brought this for him so that he can play and learn to walk. Then, the walker wheels can't move 360 degree, so my son can't walk in most of direction. As an activity center, this one is not bad. Nothing is perfect for both sides.

Worth the money
We bought this activity center when my son was 4 months and was very active and loved to stand up. The biggest selling point was that it transitioned into a walk-behind.I was concerned about spending alot of money for something he would only get to use a few months.I will agree with the other reviews in that there is no height adjustment-we stood my son on an atlas until he was tall enough to reach the bottom.He is now 7 months old and still loves it!He plays with everything on it except the organ which is still too hard for him to push.Overall it was the best baby gear purchase we have made. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Play Centers    3. Stationary Entertainers   

Reviews (16)

So much fun!
We actually purchased this product through the One Step Ahead catalog... same sand and water table, but different color and ours came with a plastic tarp for underneath the table. My husband put it together this morning, and we took our 16 month old son outside on our deck and used it immedately! He absolutely loves it! He had the best time splashing the water, using the toys and playing with the sand. I would highly recommend this product. The assembly took less than 5 minutes... and it seems very sturdy. The cover is also very convenient and seems to stay put. I know my son will enjoy it for months to come. Just buy it!

Disappointed
I purchased this item because of all the good reviews and was very disappointed in it's performance.The table constantly leaked rain water into the sand and there was nothing I could do to stop it.The manufacturer also declined to assist me with a fix for this problem.The store offered to replace the item with a receipt, that of cource, was discarded after the first few weeks.Not a happy purchase, but my grandchildren did enjoy playing in the mud.

Great Table!
After a very disappointing experience with the Little Tikes Sand and Water Table, I purchased this one for my daughter.Wow!What a difference!The table was SO easy to assemble!I LOVE the cover -- it has elastic for a snug fit.We had a pretty heavy rain storm yesterday; the cover didn't blow off, and the sand stayed very dry.We look forward to many days of sandy, splashy fun with this table! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Play    2. Toddler    3. Activity   

Editorial Review

The incredibly popular LEGO Bionicle series approaches the long-standing tradition of building toys in a different way than anyone who is only familiar with older LEGO sets might expect. Bionicle imagines an epic battle being fought in a far off planet where everybody, somewhatcuriously, is built out of LEGO blocks. In this limited edition Bionicle set, we meet Ultimate Dume (the homonym is no accident) who seeks to wreak havoc on the unfortunate residents of Tua Nuva. There are 555 pieces in all and the finished product is indeed an impressive and nimble looking towering creatures. Of course, since its LEGO, the bricks can be used for an infinite variety of other purposes to build yet other creatures limited only by the builders imagination. --Charlie Williams ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Hmmm... a makuta combined w/ the trinity, seems great!
Can sombody send me a pic of what this thing looks like combined? [...] This seems so cool! AND YET ANOTHER COST MILESTONE FOR AMAZON! could you guys put a picture of what the combined one looks like? It may convince me into buying. Thanks!

-Willsburo

makuta - the ultimate villian
when makuta uses his red hand attack he absorbs nidhiki, krekka, turaga dume, and nivawk.He then becomes ultimate dume/dumerator!!This set comes with nidhiki, krekka, turaga dume, nivawk, and an exclusive ultimate dumerator/ makuta mask!!

I wish I had read up on the story behind the toys first
My 7 year old loves his Bionicles especially this set because it was challenging to put together. But If I had it to do over again I wouldn't have let my son have these toys just because I disagree with the movie and stories behind the toys. And also how expensive it is to collect all the pieces. The series doesn't end, there is continually more and more bionicles to collect. I let my son have the Bioncles because to me they look like challenging lego robot sets to put together and some of his cousins had them. But if I had read the stories and the info presented in the movies first he wouldn't of had any of them. And I wouldn't have let him get hooked on them and wanting the rest of this endless series. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Good, but not great!
I bought this stroller because of the buggy feature, color (there were few black strollers at the time), and high quality brand.I was generally happy with it, but I had a few issues:
1.It is not as easy to close as the American models
2.The fabric boot cannot be removed to be washed
3.The wheels are not as large as some similar models for better shock
4.There is no tray for cups, keys, etc. (there is a cup holder, but it is not as handy)

I did love the fact that you could move the handle either way so you could look at your baby or they could look out.

The best stroller-worth the money
This is by far the best stroller made. The ride is smooth. The fabric is classy--love the Italian fabric.I haven't had problems with the wheels--people who have, might need to change the wheel settings. The basket is a little hard to get to when using the infant car seat; however other strollers have similar problems when using the infant car seat. I also love that the handle moves, which allows me to see my precious cargo.This stroller is the Mercedes of all strollers.

My favorite stroller!!!!
I own 2 strollers.I've been searching for the perfect stroller since my daughter was born and I've finally found it!I started with the P3 (also a Peg Perego) because it is lighter than the Venezia and folds smaller.I figured that with the carseat I could create the same effect as the reversible handle.Boy was I wrong!My baby hates her carseat.And she did not like the P3 either because she couldn't see me.So I bought the Venezia.It is fantastic.My baby is happy because she can see me.And I'm happy because it is a plush, gorgeous stroller.

The wheels are not huge, but it handles fine on city sidewalks.This is not a stroller for grass and gravel, but few strollers are.That's where joggers come in handy.The wheels are bigger than they used to be - starting in 2004 Peg Perego increased the wheel size - they are now the same size as the wheels on my P3.I'm sure that has helped the handling.When you read reviews, pay attention to the age of the stroller because Peg Perego has improved it.

The boot is fantastic.It is so cozy.And you can unzip it, creating a bassinet effect which will also prevent toys (or your baby!) from falling out.The fabric is plush - it's so cozy and soft!

I find the handling to be great.Just remember to lock the wheels closest to the handle whichever way the handle is facing.What's great about this reversible stroller is that it has four sets of swivel wheels, so it handles great no matter which way the handle is facing.

The fold does take some getting used to.But it folds up (rather than towards the pavement) and stands when folded.I always keep one set of wheels locked (the ones closest to the handle in reverse mode).You can also fold it with things in the basket (like your raincover) which you can't do with the P3.It isn't terribly heavy.The 2004 and later models have handles to help you lift the stroller up steps while it is open or out of the trunk when closed.It takes up more space in my trunk than the P3, but I can fit both the Venezia and the P3 in the trunk at the same time.

The basket is HUGE!My P3 basket was ok, not really great.I found it hard to get things in and out.This basket is sooo roomy.Since 2004 the basket can be pushed down for easy access.

That said, there is 1 thing I don't like.The cupholder is a total joke!Nothing fits in it except a can of soda or the tiniest of water bottles.You can't even try to cram anything in there because it'll flip upside down.I clip a diaper bag (Kecci Mommybag) to the loops on the handlebar or hang my Skip Hop and stick my water bottle in the outside bottle pocket.

Also, I am keeping my P3 as a travel stroller.The Venezia doesn't strike me as great for airports since the fold is more complicated.But it is so wonderful that if I could do it all over again, I'd buy the Venezia now and maybe something like the Maclaren Triumph or Chicco Tuscany for toddlerhood. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Strollers    3. Full-Size Strollers   

Editorial Review

Early Adopters Pick: March 2003. As theworld's smallest video-game platform, the Game Boy Advance SP is also the first to use a built-in rechargeable battery.

Many decried the original Game Boy Advance's reflective LCD screen and its reliance on external light sources. The Game Boy Advance SP's main feature--optional backlighting--fixes this complaint nicely, but it's the wealth of other features that makes this system so surprisingly good.

At first look, you might think the SP is a sleek travel alarm clock. When closed, it's just as tall and deep as the original GBA, but only half as wide. Due to its clamshell design, the screen is always protected from everyday scratches. A small button in the center of the console turns on the backlighting element for use in low-light situations, like in a moving car.

The SP comes with a well-designed power adapter that recharges a built-in battery; its prongs fold in for easier storage. Our informal tests found that it takes about four hours to fully charge (you can even play it while it's plugged in and charging), and the battery lasts about 11 hours with the backlighting constantly on--your results may vary. Using the backlighting less often will conserve battery power.

Withseparately sold cables , you can connect the Game Boy Advance SP to other GBAsfor multiplayer gaming (above) or to theNintendo GameCube (below) to access secret levels, exchange data, or use other specialfeatures that vary from game to game.

The quality of the backlighting is very good. It's bright and clear when looking directly at it, but degraded from other angles. This is only a problem for friends who are watching the screen from over your shoulder.

But size, power, and affordability do not come without trade offs. There's no headphone jack here, though Nintendo promises an adapter. The system isn't very loud at its highest volume, and the sound can be turned down to socially acceptable levels. The L and R shoulder buttons are a fraction of the size they were on the GBA, and thus are harder to hit. Also, the reduced size of the SP is slightly less comfortable for adult hands than the GBA, but perhaps more comfortable for smaller hands. The cartridge port placement on the lower part of the console is fine for GBA games, since they are flush with the console body, but older Game Boy Color carts will stick out in a way that takes some getting used to.

Open it up and the hinge will seek out a preferred, pre-set angle (about 150 degrees), though you can open it a bit wider or narrower for your own comfort. The hinge stands up well to lateral pressure, and over all, the SP seems just as rugged as its predecessor--which has proven to be very rugged, indeed. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• CPU: 32-Bit ARM with embedded memory
• Memory: 32 KB with 96 KB VRAM (in CPU), 256 KB WRAM (external of CPU)
• Screen: 2.9-inch reflective TFT color LCD
• Display Size: 1.6 by 2.4 inches (40.8 by 61.2 mm)
• Resolution: 240 x 160 pixels in a wide-screen aspect ratio
• Colors: 511 simultaneous colors from a palette of 32,768
• Software: Fully compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color game paks
• Light Source: Front light integrated with LCD
• Size (closed): 3.3 by 3.23 by .96 inch
• Weight: Approximately 5 ounces
• Power Supply: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• Battery Life: 10 hours continuous play with light on; 18 hours with light off; 3 hours recharging

Features

• 32-bit RISC CPU
• Backward-compatible--plays all Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games
• Onyx handheld video game console
• Clamshell design with built-in lighting
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers 10-18 hours of continuous play (included)

Reviews (43)

The 100% Better Version of GBA
The SP is a small step for gamers but a giant leap for Nintendo. The convience, fun, and portability of the GBA just got better. The SP is smaller, easier on the hands, and has an illuminator behind the screen so you can actually see the game you're playing. Also the SP doesn't switch games so you can still get the GBA Games for it.

Great things do come in small packages
I just purchased the GBASP, and while I have not played at great length, I must say that initially, I am blown away! I was attracted to it not only by the compact size and small screen, but the exceptional low price as well. It will be great to take my gaming habit wherever I want to go. In addition, it is not loaded with bells and whistles like it's newer brother, the DS, and is simple to use. I know of a few people whose only system is the Gameboy, so if you want something simple and portable, this is for you!
the SP is very easy and fun to operate. In addition, the endless list of games will keep you busy for a long, long time.
While everyone seems to be raving over the DS, I'm having a great time with the SP.

Tip. Be sure to get a carrying case, as if you put it in your pockets, lint, dust, etc. will get into the system.

Handheld Ecstasy
The Game Boy SP is the greatest thing I have ever held in my hands that was not distilled in Scotland.

I've never owned a Game Boy before this; my sister has had an original Game Boy for a good while, but I've had nothing in between. I hear the GBA was terrible without a light, and certainly this looks beautiful with its light; I actually like playing it in the dark, since I can see the excellent graphics so well. The rechargeable battery is sheer genius and lasts a good long time, even with the light on.

This thing is tiny and there's no problem carrying it around, but it manages to pack enough power to play some great games - Metroid Fusion is particularly pretty. The Super Mario Advance rereleases are a great idea, since those are some of the best games Nintendo has made; I bought Yoshi's Island, as it is clearly the best of the group (see my review). If you want to play the old Game Boy games, you can't get a DS, since that's only compatible with GBA games, whereas this will play anything from Super Mario Land (giggle, don't laugh) on up.

I would like to address problems people have had with this that have no merit before I get to the legitimate problems that caused me to rate this lower than five stars. The battery pack recharges five hundred times before you need to buy a new one. That's roughly five thousand hours of playing time. If wearing the battery pack out is a serious concern to you, get the following: a. a job; b. a girlfriend; c. a life. If you can play this enough hours out of the day to worry yourself that the battery might go bad, you need to step outside maybe once a month, at least to buy groceries.

It's true that older Game Boy games stick out of this since they longer than GBA games and the slot isn't designed for them, but you'd have to be a bigtime neurotic to care about this. When you're playing the game, you can't even see the cartridge, and if you're holding the system right up against your chest, you're a freak.

Real problems? As has been mentioned, the system is so small that you have to handcuff yourself to play it. Over extended periods of continuous play this can be very painful. Also, the system requires a headphone adapter, and can't simply accept standard headphones without this extra. I don't use headphones anyway, but this is certainly a disadvantage to the system.

My major beef is the control scheme, since the buttons are too close together and it's painful to play for very long, but I still give it an excellent four-star rating. For pure fun this is perfect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Video Games    2. Nintendo Game Boy Advance (Gameboy)    3. GBA    4. Consoles   

Reviews (244)

It's O-K....
This carseat wasn't as great as I thought it was going to be.I first registered for it b/c this brand was what "all the new moms were getting".My son was born very little (only 6 lbs) and in July.He was sweating in this carseat after the first week or so and always cried in it.He grew so fast that by the time he was 2 months old, he was 14.5 lbs and squished into his carseat and cried even more when he was in it.His backside was always hot and sweaty.Not only that, the Primo Viaggio infant carseat was heavy to begin with but with the added weight of the baby, I was struggling.We bought the Britax Marathon carseat and changed him into it by the time he was 4 months old.He LOVES his carseat now and enjoys every car ride now that he's not squished, sweaty and uncomfortable.Seems that it was a waste of money to only use the infant carseat for 4 months.

Before buying, make sure base fits in car!
We bought this car seat because of the great review in the Baby Bargains book, and for the clean styling.After spending an hour trying to install it, we figured out that the LATCH system only works if you have the LATCH system installed on the BOTTOM of your car seat (not the latches behind the back seat head rests).Our car does not have the LATCH system at the top AND bottom of the seat.That is an *extra* updated feature.

We figred there had to be another way to install it without using the LATCH system...we went to the Highway Patrol who proceeded to tell us that there is a way to install it, but since our seats aren't flat enough in the back, the car seat won't work in our car anyway.Our car is an '02 Audi A4 - pretty common size in cars, I think.

Not really worth the money.The Highway Patrol said that he prefers (for safety reasons) the Evenflo car seats - but this one is a safe car seat if it fits right.Now I have to buy another car seat AND stroller since it went together with the Aria stroller....

NOT SAFE!!
I took this car seat to my local fire department for safe installment and I was told it was an unsafe seat for my baby b/c there is so much cushion b/w the baby and the plastic. The more cushion, the more air, and the more unsafe for baby.I am going out to buy a graco snugride.Do not waste your money on this seat, even if you want to buy a peg perego stroller to use with it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Car Seats    3. Infant Car Seats   

Reviews (3)

A great fit!
This is a great seat!It was easy to install.I had it checked by a safety seat tech and he agreed it was a great fit.I purchased and returned several other seats including the Britax Marathon, which was not worth all the hype.The only down side is taking the seat apart to wash the seat cover.My 3 year old is comfortable and happy in this one!

caring mom
Over all this is a great seat.I bought this when my 8 month old out grew her carrier.The seat is a little trick getting it to sit correctly when you have to install in the rear facing position.After having this checked by a professional we were told that with some vehicles you must remove the base and reinstall it once you turn forward facing for the booster seat.My child loves this once she adjusted to the difference.

SAVED MY BABY'S LIFE *****
Very easy to install and use. My 21 month old son was buckled in this carseat when our family was involved in a roll over accident.Our Suburban was T-boned at over 60 miles an hour causing us to roll and land on the roof of our vehicle.My son came out of the accident with only a few bruises from the shoulder harnesses.It is the worst but the greatest feeling to turn around and see your babies hanging from their carseats and knowing that they did their jobs.You can bet that I went the next day and purchased the same seats for my 2 boys.My 4 1/2 year old was in the Graco Turbo Booster.Thanks to carseat manufactures and SAFE KIDS my babies are with me today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Car Seats   

Reviews (5)

Great for tall people
I chose this stroller after my Eddie Bauer stroller was destroyed in a car accident.

This stroller has many great features:

1.Tallest handle of any stroller I examined; great for taller parents because it prevents you from hunching over.
2.Contoured handle fits the natural angle of the wrist.
3.Great storage in the basket, parent, and child trays.
4.Easy folding mechanism.
5.Can be used with the Graco SnugRide, one of the safest infant carseats available.
6.Foot rest can be raised to secure an infant inside the stroller when the carseat is not used.
7.Full recline for younger babies.
8.Though heavy, it is a solid stroller; won't blow away in the wind.

What I would change about this stroller:

1.It folds down onto the wheel base and as a result is not self-standing once collapsed, making it very difficult to transport.
2.The brakes engage when folded down, so dragging the stroller on its wheels once it is folded is not an option.My Eddie Bauer stroller could still be pushed as normal even when it was folded.
3.The back seems too short; my five-month-old is already nearly too tall for it when lying down.
4.It is HUGE even when folded - make sure you have plenty of trunk space if you plan to travel with this stroller!
5.Wheels seem cheap.
6.The parent viewing window in the canopy should have a cover - it is much too big to be open all the time.

Still, I love this stroller and would recommend it to anyone who does lots of walking.

My husband calls it the "Swamp Buggy"
I give it 4 stars only because of the bulkiness. Other than that it is an awesome stroller. I chose it because I loved the matching carseat and wanted a complete travel system. It has a creme and black swirl pattern that is very suitable for a girl which is hard to find since most strollers are navy or brown and boyish looking. The clock and temperature feature are an added bonus. It is very easy to assemble which I did myself when I was 8 months pregnant. I have a small to mid sized sedan and it fits very well in the trunk with room to spare for groceries. It is easy to fold and unfold. I also like the idea that only the tires touch the ground when folded. My only wish is that it folded in an upright position instead of flat. If you are looking for a sturdy full size stroller that is girl friendly then this one fits the bill.

Two wheels have fallen off
I have had this stroller less than a year. Three months ago, a back wheel broke off at a plastic joint when I was trying to set it up. Got a new wheel from Graco and considered it history. Well, about two weeks ago, while on a walk, a front wheel broke off and the two wheels which make up a single front wheel assembly went down the sidewalk in two differnt directions. I am very glad that my son was older with a sense of balance(15 months) because the stroller lurched forward and very nearly threw him from his seat! When we took the assembly apart, the wheels are held on with very cheap locking washers that are completely rusted out! I store this stroller inside and take very good care of it. Both times, Graco has sent me new wheels for free, this past time, they replaced all four. I still consider this stroller junk and quite unsafe and am looking for a new one ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baby and Infant    2. Gear    3. Strollers    4. Full-Size Strollers   

Editorial Review

This game is sort of like Twister meets Simon Says. Lay the Hullabaloo pads around on the floor about two 'kid's feet' away from each other. The pads are different shapes and colors and have pictures and words on them. Turn on the game console and the cheerful music begins, a happy voice welcomes you to the game and then gives the simple directions you'll need to play. "Jump on a square shape," "Slide over to a red shape," "Hop to a shape with an animal on it" and so on. Then it might tell you to freeze, or to put a body part on one pad, and then a different body part on another. Then, it'll tell you that if you are on a particular pad at the end of that round, you are the winner. We found it to be fun, and easy to understand--though we did wonder how long it might hold a child's interest. --Megan Sullivan ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Fun for the whole family!
We received this as a family gift for Christmas. My 2 year old and 5 year old both love this game and my husband and I have fun playing it with them too! I highly recommend this because it is very educational and fun at the same time! Plus it helps the kids burn off some energy!

Great game for our family
My son received this game as a gift from my husband's employer.WE LOVE IT!!It's simply a lot of fun.The music is catchy and the kids have to listen (great as skill-building) for the next set of instructions.It's not predictable and it's a game that gets everyone off the couch.We've had a lot of fun.

Be 7 Again!
I recently visited my goddaughter who has three boys 7-10 years old. The broke out the Cranium Hullabaloo and we all had a ball! This game is loads of interactive fun, keeps the kids hopping and focused, and gives their mom some "downtime." I forgot I was 55! It is now on my Christmas and birthday "must buy" gift list. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Games    2. Party Games    3. Grownup    4. Board Games   

Reviews (3)

great car seat
Love the car seat.The only bit of information I searched everywhere was this: The SnugRide infant car seat is to be used rear-facing only and is for infants up to 20 lbs and less than 26 inches tall. (from the gracobaby.com website).My 9 month old is under 20lbs, but is 28" long.

Great car seat
I have been using this carseat for my baby since birth ( a little over 5 months).It serves its purpose as a carseat.My baby is very comfortable in it.When we go to the store I just take the car seat out and put it in the universal car seat carrier and go.The handle is easy to hold and the shade is able to completely block out the sun.I would definitely recommend it and advise all moms to not waste their money on the more expensive car seats out there.

Although, Jordan hasn't been in it I love it.
Our second son was born 9 weeks too early and is still in the hospital. But should be coming home very soon. Anyway, I love this carseat. I love the look, and it is great for our little Ivy League. I love the pattern and colors. I can't wait for Jordan to sit in it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Car Seats    3. Infant Car Seats   

Reviews (5)

Pretty good, but not good enough
I just purchased this stroller for my 3-year old daughter and my 13-month old son.I was so excited about this stroller and I couldn't wait to get it so when it came earlier than expected, I was thrilled.My husband put it together pretty easily so no problem there.The first thing I noticed that I wasn't too happy about was the fact that the front tire doesn't swivel (which is my fault for not noticing prior to purchase).This made it extremely difficult for us since we live in Philadelphia with constant turns and corners.Having to lift up the front constantly was a hassle I wasn't prepared to deal with.The parent/handle bar adjusts to different height settings, which is good but the bad part and probably the worst thing about this stroller is that after lifting up the front at every corner, after a while the handle bar began to click down by itself!It couldn't handle the weight of my children being lifted constantly (and they're of normal size and weight!) so the handle bar began to readjust itself to lower settings.Once it happened the first time, it didn't stop doing it.I had to readjust the handle every single time I took a turn.I was so disappointed that my brand new stroller was already malfunctioning after just one walk.I'd recommend this stroller only if you live in an area where you don't have to turn a lot of corners, because it'd be worth it.My children were extremely comfortable, it handles well over just about all terrains, it's got an extremely spacious cargo compartment, and it's really easy to handle.If you live in a city like me, don't waste your time or your money.

Tike Tech for my double trouble tots!
(I HAVE IT IN BLUE) What a great double jogger. We had a different one for our first set of twins but it just didnt fit the bill. for the double trouble, these are the features which make it the ONLY double jogger to buy-

* The seats graciously reqline, great for a sleepy 8 month old or a 3 year old!
* Plently of storage space, pockets on the sides and back of the canopies? WOW. And a removable spacious storage basket
* You really DO NOT need to remove the basket to fold the jogger, just be careful!
* The bar infront of the kids is great. My 3 year olds love to hold onto it, I can even attatch link-a-doos! My younger babies also like to attempt to rest their feet on it!
* The adjustable handle bar! Its great for if your rollerblading, short or tall, or walking. VERY easy
* The back wheels pop off very easily, therefore the folding is very compact, I dont have to bring down my 3rd row seating (which I NEED for 2 sets of twins!) I also fully anticipate packing this jogger and other beach neccesities in the truck when summer aproaches!
* It can handle rough terrain without a problem, it also manuevers great on mulch or grass!
* The kids are NEVER cramped (unlike in my other jogger where they would constantly bang eachothers shoulders)
* The foot rest is nice, my 3 year olds like being able to rest their feet.
* The rainshield is EXCELENT! It can just roll up on the canopies, and roll down if a sudden shower hits!
* The 5 pt. Harness is wonderful, I read the spotlight review about the stroller going upsidedown, I ALLWAYS have the harnesses on, and good thing you did too!
* Fits through a standard doorway, AMAZING!
* Can hold one kid without being unbalanced, a very nice feature

Just to let you know->
This stroller is ideal for outside activites (park, walking the dogs, stroll, beach, zoo, snow, ect.) but I would NOT recomend you using this stroller for the mall and regular outings like that, it is a JOGGER.

Experience->
When I got this stroller it was a little windy and rainy, but I just HAD to try it out, and my 3 year olds were really excited too. I had put Madison in the stroller (AND BUCKLED HER), the brakes were on, and I was just fixing Conners jacket. A HUGE gust of wind sent a bicycle that was next to us (all you parents probably know, there is always some kids toy outside!) down the drive way and I am almost certian that MAdison would have gone with it, but the brakes stopped it from rolling, it just sortof skidded a little bit and wobbled. IT DIDNT TIP! And thank goodness because a car had just turned the corner and totaled the disney bicycle! I am sure that Madison is okay due to the greatness of this stroller.

I would recomend it to ANYONE!

Great stroller with some limitations
With the arrival of our new baby we wanted to purchase a double all-terrain stroller so that we, and our sitter, could continue to take walks on the beach near our house.We have the single Tike Tech and love it for this purpose.It is well made.The beach is rocky and we were fairly pleased with its ability to handle the rough spots.

Unfortunately, the double stroller is not as great as the single for this purpose.Between the weight of the stroller and the weight of two children it is a significant workout to use this stroller. (For the record, my children are 2 and 7 months and weigh a total of about 45lbs.)

That being said, we have used this stroller on regular roads, sidewalks and gravelly spots and have been satisfied with the performance.We have taken it to the Bronx Zoo and it made it through the doorways and the childrens zoo with minimal issues. It has good sized under-seat baskets and has a pocket behind each seat large enough to hold a bottle/cup, diaper and a portable pack of wipes. Also, if you are using this as a jogger, it may work for you.

As for the head-bumping;I haven't had this be a major issue but I can see how it could happen.My son is a little better than 3 feet tall and is cutting it close when the seat is totally upright.He likes to lay back more so this doesn't cause us any problems as yet.

Something else I would like to add:The Tike Tech Company provides excellent customer service and a very solid product.The stroller arrives almost completely put together and is easy to adjust. Also, they have improved the canopy.It could still be better but the changes definitely helped.
Hope this helps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Strollers    3. Jogging Strollers   

Reviews (42)

Great Stroller
I wanted a compact lightweight stroller for quick on the go stuff.I am so glad I purchased this stroller.It is very light and compact.My daughter loves it and so do I.I use this stroller as my primary stroller now.Down side - no cup holder but one can be purchased for it.

Compact & Light
I purchased this stroller for my 4 month old daughter as a space saver and for travel.I have had no problems with the canopy slipping once I figured out that the tips of the canopy are bendabe.All you have to do is bend them a little and it stays in place.The canopy material is easily removable for travel. The metal bars that are left snap inside/on the back so they can't be broken off.

My daughter seems very comfortable and secure and mommy's back is greatful for the lightweight portability.I give the stroller 5 stars because it is a good product for those times during which the big stroller is not practical.It is also affordably priced.

LOVE IT! GREAT FOR TRAVEL!
I read the other reviews.Everyone is true, its a great stroller.However the person who said it was not good for travel is wrong!Having parts broken on an air plane has nothing to do with the stoller.I have had mine for 18 months and have taken it on 7 flights! ( DID NOT USE THE TRAVEL BAG ) We even took it to MEXICO.Once I got this stroller it has been my only stroller.We are always on the go and needed a great stroller. I don't know how much they travel, but a small stroller can be brought on to the plan and left in the wheelchair area!!!!!BY THE WAY, THE EDDIE BAUER BLUE DIAPER BAG MATCHES PERFECTLY. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Strollers    3. Lightweight Strollers   

Reviews (8)

Great Seat
This is a great car seat. I have one other and a Bodyguard booster seat. They are expensive, but so is my cargo in my opinion.

Equipped with the LATCH system which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. This Anchor system is wounderful feature, it makes installation so much easier, especially if you ever have to switch the seat into another car that is also equiped with the anchor points. Some vehicles don't have the anchor points which would require the standard seatbelt installation.

These anchore are 2 locking devices, one on each side of the car seat which clip install into metal loops which are factory installed on some vehicles inbetween where the back of the seat and the bottom of the seat meet. You can feel them or see them if you dig or spread the cushion. Check your service manual for the location.

You simply push the achors and snap them into position. Then just kneel on the car seat and pull the tethers tight. removing is a simple push of a button.

The Versa-Tether, which keeps the seat from tilting forward or backward is a nice additional safety feature. Again, with vehicles built with the tether anchors installed. You don't need to use the anchors but if you can it helps anchor the seat.

The seats are rather large, make sure they fit before you just buy one. You can do that by testing one with a local retailer. I've found that getting a comfortable reclining angle while rear facing to be harder. It's easier forward facing, but those are based on my own vehicles, that can vary so again, you should try before you buy.

I'm overall very happy.

Safe, comfortable, and easy to use
After contemplating convertible car seats for a few months while my daughter was still in her infant seat, I decided to order a Britax Marathon.I liked the fact that it would allow me to keep her rear-facing much longer than most seats (up to 33 lb.) and that it would allow me to keep her in a 5-point harness longer than most seats (up to 65 lb.).

The built-in lockoffs have been handy when installing the seat in vehicles that would require a locking clip otherwise.The seat cover and comfort foam are very plush (we have the Houndstooth print seat cover) and comfortable.My daughter has always been very comfortable in her Marathon, even on longer trips.

The best seat ever made!!!!
So happy that I chose the Britax Marathon. It was defineatley worth the wait after all the research that I have compiled over the past month with other mothers. Their experiences with the Britax Marathon made me feel so secure with my purchase.

If you are a parent whom is transitioning their little one(s) into a convertible. Then the Britax Marathon is the only seat you should consider. I am especially thrilled that the 5 point harness can handle the weight of a 65 lbs child and the maximum height of 49". That means my little jack will be in his seat for quite some time........thats reassuring!

I made my purchase online and after searching carefully. I purchased my seat at travelingtikes.comThere prices are competitive and sold the seat to me for $209.99 including shipping.

After recieving my seat I installed it in my car almost immediately. Even though the instructions were somewhat complicated to understand the seat did not budge once in place.

Im a happy Britax customer. I hope this info will help other parents in there never ending search for the best seat ever made! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Car Seats   

Reviews (33)

So disappointed with stroller and terrible customer service
I am so dissapointed with my purchase of the Aria Stroller.My friends bought Graco stollers (and are so happy), but I had to buy what I thought was "the best", andgo with Peg Perego. I purchased the Aria because it was light weight. I spent $199 at Babies R Us. Immediately, I noticed that the carseat did not snap in easily into the stroller.Then, the stroller hood (which provides little protection) looked bent.I always had to pull the fabric to make it look even.Another problem was everytime I opened the stroller, the infant's cup holder would roll out into the street.It does not snap in correctly. There appears to be a crack in the tray. These were minor problems, although frustrating, but I could overlook them.After a few months of use, I found a small piece on the floor. The attachment that reclines the seat, fell off. It is easily a choking hazard. We cannot put it back on.Now, it is very difficult to recline the seat up and down.Next, one of the buttons popped off of the side, so I can't open and close the stroller without sticking a key or pen in the side.Obviously, this is very difficult and inconvenient with an infant.I just found another piece that "popped off", and I can't figure out where it came from. I just feel that for the price, this stroller is a piece of junk. It's very "rickety".I'm also disappointed with the support that it provides my son.The Graco strollers look like they "hug" and "support" the infant. The Peg Perego Aria model does not.
I was so upset, so I e-mailed Peg Perego. I did not receive a response.After a few weeks of waiting, I called Peg Perego customer service.I explained all of the problems that occured over 7 months of use.I was told that they would replace two parts, but they would not replace the item.The sales representative even told me that the warranty is for one year, and it's almost one year, so there's not much they can do.If a warranty is for a year, that should be for the full year. Plus, last I checked, we have 12 months in a year, not 7 months.Customer service was so unsympathetic and unhelpful. I was so surprised and disappointed.
I would never purchase a Peg Perego item again.Save your money.

No more clunky stroller
I remember when my 13 yr. old was a baby. Her stroller was horrible. It was so clunky... hard to open and close. For my new daughter I purchased a Metalica Aria and I couldn't be happier. I recommend it to my neighbors,friends and relatives. I demonstrate how light weight(only 4lbs.) and easy it is to close while holding my baby on my hip. Not to mention that I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building without elevators so, finding the right one was my main concern. A few weeks earlier I bought a PegPerego car seat. Well, to my amazement it works with the stroller.You see there is a latch hidden in the seat of the stroller that the car seat snaps into. Finally, someone got it right. No more clunky stroller.

GREAT for disabled parents
I am a new mom to a little boy (5 months now) and I am a paraplegic. That means I am in a wheelchair ALL THE TIME!! When I was pregnant I searched for every light weight stroller that I could and this was the only one easy enough to lift, fold and unfold from a sitting point.

This stroller has been a lifesaver. It allows me to still have all the independance I had before having a baby.Early on, I used the GRACO snugride carseat to go with it as a travel system and I just recently started using it without the carseat.

Everyone tells me they love how my sroller looks too, so it's very stylish. =) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Strollers    3. Lightweight Strollers    4. Midsize Strollers   

Editorial Review

Sometimes you just have to put down your little bundle of joy and give your arms a rest! Butwhere can you set someone who may not be able to sit upright? The Gymini 3-D Activity Gym may be theperfect answer. This award-winning portable, washable gym is easy to assemble. Simply spread the3-foot-square quilt on the floor and enjoy a vivid animal circus in red, white, and black. Slide two pliablearches into the corner sockets of the quilt, so that they cross diagonally. Clip the beads, rattles, and mirrorsinto the hole-punched arches. The dangles can be repositioned for endless variety. Babies can lie on theirbacks and stare up at the colorful dangling toys. The gym will improve babies' hand-eye coordination, andsoon they'll be reaching, stretching, kicking, pulling, and rolling--an adorable sight! To put away the gym,simply remove the arches, fold up the quilt, and tuck all the parts into a handy waterproof carrying case.--Kathryn Gustafson ... Read more

Reviews (247)

Can't get enough
We couldn't find very many black, white and red toys so we purchased this as soon as we saw it...and thank goodness we did.Our son loves it and can't get enough of it.

My son can't take his eyes off of it!!
My son loves this product.I love the bright colors and all the different interchangable toys you can purchase to go with it.Easy to wash and folds easily to store!LOVE IT!!!

THE BEST EVER
This gymni is a great buy. I bought this for my daughter when she was two months old and it was the greatest toy ever.She loved looking at the toys at first and begun to kick her legs.Within a few weeks she would bat at the toys and pretty soon she could grab them.This was the greatest toy for my newborn she could lay under it for hours.Which made housework so easy for me because she was very happy under her play gym.Great toy and I recommend it for any newborn.After she was to old for the gym at about six months when she could sit up.She now enjoys playing with the detachable rattle, mirror and music box. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Gyms    3. Baby and Infant    4. Learning    5. Toddler    6. Stuffed Toys   

Features

• Bust blocks, groove through puzzles, and jam wirelessly with friends. Stack em right and youll unlock lush looks and buttery beats. Want to be lumines? Just let the music guide you.
• "Advance through 24 action-packed levels, each with its own musical theme and sound effects.
• 4 gameplay modes including single-player and multiplayer ensure varied and lengthy gameplay. Time attacks, duels, and puzzle challenges await!
• Unlock new customizable skins and avatars as you progress. Flaunt your progress in multiplayer mode; push your opponent right off the screen.
• Challenge yourself, or go head to head with an opponent via wireless multiplayer functionality.

Reviews (26)

New twist on tetris
I've seen a few variations of Tetris since it was first released.. well the first version I ever saw was on an Apple IIc that was a pirated and completely in russian.

Lumines is pretty simple, form 4 small blocks of the same color into a square by shifting, sliding and spinning 4 block combos that drop from the sky.Make high score, start over. You could add on that you can also play head to head with other PSP players or try a few of the other modes with specialized goals.
For some reason I get drawn into a cycle of playing one game after another cause I messed up just a little bit on the last one and could have done better.

Each time you last out a level (timed, so your not penalized by making bonus points like you did in tetris), you open up a new "skin" with a different song and visual background/blocks.

This was the third game i've bought for my psp so far and it is the most addictive.Even though its not as flashy or involved as some of the other titles, its definately packed with fun.

Tetris wishes it was as cool as Lumines
Okay so a lot of other reviews will focus on things like the amazing music, flashy graphics, rotating skins, and so forth.But the fun of Lumines is mostly in gameplay, which requires a lot more skill than tetris ever did.

Everybody's going to compare this game to Tetris because it has four-part pieces that fall onto the screen where you place the pieces in order to get points and clear blocks.Let me be clear in saying that this is ALL they have in common.Clearing lines in tetris is easy, and the only skill involved is being able to move the piece fast enough before it falls.

Lumines is a whole new kind of game.Each piece is a 2x2 block where each little block is one of two colors.Your goal is to make squares of 2x2 blocks that are the same color.This sounds easy enough, but it isn't, always.Not only can you make blocks of 2x2, but these blocks can overlap each other, so a block of 3x2 works, or any other combination of shapes where the 2x2 blocks can be found.This means there's a lot of strategy in laying down a block in order to maximize the number of cubes it makes.

What's also innovative about this game is the "timeline" which scrolls across the screen, clearing the cubes you've made.That's right, a cube doesn't disappear as soon as you've made it.. it takes a few seconds, which allows you to stack multiple pieces together to form more and more overlapping cubes before the timeline swipes them away.but if you don't do it quick enough, you'll only get part of your cube cleared and be left with the rest.

The skill and strategy involved with dropping each piece in the right place at the right time is immense, and takes far more brainpower than tetris ever could.That's what makes this game so fun.

Another little feature I will mention about the skins, some of them seem designed specifically to be harder to see, so that placing the blocks isn't as easy as it was with other skins.On other levels the timeline will move slower or faster, further changing the dynamics of the game (you'd think a slower timeline would let you create more blocks, but if you've got a full screen it can be a nightmare waiting for your screen to open up).

I should point out that there are a few annoying bugs in Lumines that, for instance, won't save your scores all the time.The instructions are also pretty unclear about the details of the vs. modes, where you can attack your opponent (which moves the border of your screen over one, giving you more room to work and your opponent less), but they don't tell you exactly how to attack.Finally from what i've read, you cannot score higher than 999,999 which is a bit ridiculous for a system of this level. Hopefully someday there will be a Lumines 2 that fixes these problems, but in the meantime this game is good enough for me.

Perpetual Harmony
Tetris quite frankly bores me.It dominated a large sum of my time and now I dread its remade counterparts.Why do I enjoy Lumines?It breaks out of the norm so many block puzzle-games take.A new perspective and enjoyable mix-up of gameplay makes it a favorite for the PSP, although I would not go as far as calling the game revolutionary or mind-blowing.

If you've played "Rez" or any other games set to music and beats you already know how these games strike an incredibly fun chord, and why they are must buys.But if not the I'll let you in on the twist, with each stage clear new eye-candy appears in the background and a tune begins.With the beat of the song a timer swipes across the screen stack as many of the square style blocks before the time between beats is over and rack up combos.Then watch to your amusement as your towers fall causing chain-reactions multiplying in more blocks made, and a higher score.

I admit to playing the game in a trance-like state watching the blocks flow and hearing the music blend to find myself going on half an hour of play without noticing.Unlocking new songs, and backgrounds give just enough initiative to keep playing you up into the night.

Overall Lumines is fun but not my pick over a console game with more of a story.It's perfect for a portable platform and a great game for the PSP.
A Bliss of 7 ... Read more

Reviews (25)

newMNmom
I love this product!!My husband and I looked for a new stationary toy that my 4 month old could use.She loved to stand at and early age, and I wanted her to be able to play while she did this.This has been a great for her!At first her toes barely touched the ground, but now at 6 months, she can touch the ground and has a great time in it!The other review said her son had a hard time turning around.It is a little hard to turn in, but I can tell when she wants to see the other side, so I turn it forher.She can easily move back and forth in it though and I think it's been good for her to learn how to use her feet to move around.She loves the bells, and really starts dancing when the music plays.She also loves the mirror and the stationary toys.I agree it is big and not easy to move between rooms.But it is so worth it in the end.I would recommend this to anyone.

Fun for my little one
My 7 month old daughter loves the intelletainer, we got this when she was 5 months, it keeps her busy. She loves to play with the the plastic gears, the mirror/clock and the toys a lot. The only thing I didn't care for is its big and wide that it won't fit in between doors if you want to move it to another room.

Wonderful
We actually bought this entertainer when my son was only three months old, so we could have it ready when he was ready.I saw it in the store and was so impressed with everything it had on it, especially all the educational things!It was really easy to put together.My son was a lap-standing baby pretty early, and he would want to stand all the time, which, of course, it's hard to find the time for.I put him in this for the first time when he was just four months old, and he cried at first because his feet didn't reach the ground...so I just put a pillow underneath, and he loved it.At first he just liked to pull and chew on the bell, but now he does everything (he's not quite six months).He turns himself around, he plays with the clock/mirror...this keeps him busy for up to half an hour, sometimes a bit longer!I would definitely recommend this! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Play Centers    3. Stationary Entertainers