Kids II puts children first

For most people, babies are irresistible. Show up with one at any get-together or family function and, more times than not, the little guy will be passed around like a football, showered with love and attention, and endlessly entertained. When the party's over, however, parents are hard-pressed to keep up that level of amusement. Luckily, we found some wonderful early developmental toys from Kids II, Alpharetta, Ga., that not only hold a child's interest, but foster key motor and sensory skills.

One of our favorites is the Baby Einstein Discovering Water Activity Gym ($69.99)--a play mat which creates a stimulating ocean environment for the baby to explore. Its triangular-shaped Musical Aquarium Lights hang from the arched overhead supports and allow three modes of play: continuous music for 15 minutes; and motion- and parent-activated. Even the youngest will enjoy the colorful flashing lights and whimsical swimming sea creatures while listening to Handel's Water Music and Mozart's Nocturne. Hanging toys include discovery cards with real-life ocean photos, a puffer fish that squeaks, a soft, plush Baby Neptune character, and a mirror to promote self-discovery. Favorite toys can be removed easily and hung from strollers or car seats. Not all the fun is from above, however, as the mat is designed to promote the very important "tummy" time as well. To grab the baby's attention, there is a water-filled pat mat that showcases a realistic underwater scene, peek-a-boo flaps showing a whale, turtle, dolphin, and fish, with their names translated in English, French, and Spanish, and the colorful border features different fabric textures. A prop-up pillow is included for the baby's comfort.

Whether in the car or stroller, babies tend to spend a lot of time in an infant carrier. To help the moments pass, the Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Carrier Toy Bar ($12.99) offers waves of musical fun. With Velcro straps, the unit attaches easily to the handle and is positioned perfectly for viewing fish that slosh around in ocean scenery and for swatting at the beads and other danglers that hang underneath the toy. It plays classical melodies by Strauss, Handel, and Telemann.

When the little one is about four months of age and is able to hold his or her head up, the Bright Starts Bounce Bounce Baby Activity Zone is a must-have. The seat swivels 360[degrees], allowing the baby to sample the many activities on the tray table continuously. It restricts lateral motion while the child learns to balance and control foot movements. The platform makes silly sounds when it's being bounced on and can be adjusted to accommodate three heights. There is a piano with lighted keys that flash in rhythm with the music, a clicking teeter totter, spinning ball rattle, springing bee, bead chaser, and mirror. The unit also features a snack tray and, naturally, the fabric seat is machine washable and the plastic parts can be wiped down with mild soap and a damp cloth.

Babies beam when they're able to pile up the three colorful turtles on Bright Starts 1,2,3 Stack With Me. Along with reward sounds for placing the correctly sized disk on the pole, the toy counts in English and Spanish, and the turtle at the top lights up and, when pressed, plays music. Their sense of accomplishment is a joy to behold.

Another great play area is the Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station, with over 20 activities and 12 toys. The baby seat is attached to the outside of the circular table and the tyke can walk completely around to access all the toys. The seat can be locked in place for stationary play at the snack tray or Musical Piano, which includes five music styles, color and shape recognition, and fun sounds. Other activities include a Magical Drawing Pad with one drawing tool and two character stamps, and an Action/Reaction Station with peek-a-boo popping seals, large bead chaser, and a whale that slides to make fish swim around. Once the child is able to walk, remove the seat, and it functions as a stand-alone activity table, making this toy just perfect for babies and toddlers.

For more information on these and many more developmental toys, visit www.kidsii.com.

COPYRIGHT 2006 Society for the Advancement of Education
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning