A play yard that lasts for years

Since babies are little for such a short time, it's wonderful to find a product that grows with them and can be used for a number of years. The Aquarium Play Yard ($99.99) from FisherPrice, East Aurora, N.Y., fits that bill.

First, it can be used as a full-sized bassinet, as an attachment Aquarium fits over the top of the 27" x 39" play yard, achieving just the right depth for an infant. The aquatic theme, with comfortable fabrics and padding and brightly colored sides, surrounds the baby with visual stimulation. With the aquarium mobile attached, children can be lulled to sleep by 10 soothing aquatic songs or mesmerized by the sight of fish "jumping out of water."

When the child is ready to sit up and play, remove the bassinet to use the play yard. This becomes an invaluable space once the youngster learns to crawl or walk. Have peace of mind knowing your baby is safe and enjoying his or her most treasured toys, including the mobile, which converts to a sit-at Activity Center. This mode encourages developing motor skills as the acts of reaching out and pulling on the fish to activate the aquarium action and music foster hand-eye coordination.

Moreover, the play yard will allow years of use as a portable crib. It folds compactly for travel and includes a carrying case so you can take it to hotels, overnight visits to Grandma's, or anywhere you need to contain your child for nap time. The play yard has wheels on one end to make it easy to move around. For more information, visit www.fisher-price.com.

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