Toy Tips works for the consumer!
Sign Up for the Daily Toy Tip via Email
 
Search
 

FAQ

Search for Toys
Infant
Toddler
Pre-school
K-5th Grade
5th-7th Grade
Family
Dear Marianne:
I keep reading about "tummy time" for infant play. What is that?
Rachel, Greenville, SC, Mom of Robert (2 weeks)

more...
 

Infant/Toddler Juvenile Product Gift Guide

Jump to Listings

Toy Tips announces the newest area on our site! After continued consumer requests for information on juvenile products for children, Toy Tips is introducing a consumer gift guide on products specifically for infants and toddlers. The area will be updated quarterly and include Toy Tips reviews of the newest products on the market. All products have been researched using the Toy Tips research methodology and parent-tested and rated based on functionality, affordability and continued use. All comments are welcome and can be sent to Marianne@toytips.com.

Our rating system is based on a 3-5 star scoring table. This means all products surpass average scores and we do not publish any review that has received a score less than 3. After testing, all products are donated to The Toy Research Institute for children in need. For this study, we tested hundreds of products and the results of the best reviews are listed in our guide.

We only publish information on products that exceed our testing standards. We do not publish reviews of average scores.

BETTER THAN AVERAGE
VERY GOOD
EXCEPTIONAL

To become "TTT" Tested and approved, a product MUST be tested independently using the Toy Tips academic/scientific research methodology and surpass average developmental skills.

Top Juvenile Products:


Convertible 3-way Activity Center
Graco
$69.99
www.gracobaby.com
360 degree swivel seat allows baby access to circular tray/toys. Encourages rocking motion and bounce so a child can strengthen motor skills and strengthen leg muscles in preparation for walking. There are 3 height adjustments as the child grows. The cloth seat is machine washable. A child should never be left unattended.


First Aid Friends
Munchkin
$5.95
www.munchkininc.com
Terry cloth cold pack that stays soft when frozen. We found these to be kid-friendly even beyond the toddler years. It does not get too cold/icy for a child and has a friendly animal shaped appearance to ease fear of pain. Can be kept in the freezer. We liked these because they are great for small bumps and bruises and provide a quick pain relief for headaches for adults.


WombSong Prenatal Sound System
Munchkin
$49.95
www.munchkininc.com
Based on prenatal brain research, in the third trimester of a pregnancy, the baby can hear and recognize sounds. Playing music, talking and singing to the baby can stimulate growth.
Parent or sibling can listen to the heartbeat of the baby and respond with sound to the child. Includes headphones, microphone, connection cable and a travel case for portability. We liked this as a gift idea for older siblings so they can feel they are part of the child's development.


2 speed open top swing #1424 French Bear
Graco
$79.99
www.gracobaby.com
Open top design allows easy access to baby. Includes a 2-speed battery motor, which runs up to 200 hours on 4 alkaline "D Cell" batteries (not included). The frame folds for easy storage. It is important when looking at swings, to be certain that the posts and legs are sturdy and the there is a wide enough stance to prevent tipping.
A baby should never be left alone in a swing unattended.


Baby C-Bag
Baby C inc.
$19.95
www.babyc.com
Baby bag includes 8 infant and mom product samples, coupons and a parenting book on topics relating to caring for an infant. It also features a postpartum section for mom and practical tips. The bag can be used as a diaper bag or for storing baby items. We liked the idea of trying different products before purchase. It is important to consider multiple brands before deciding on what is best for each individual baby.


Baby Care Line Must Haves
Avent
$14.99-$19.99
www.aventamerica.com
Formulated from flower, plant and milk extracts, the line of products are hypoallergenic and dermatologist approved. The line includes body and hair wash, liquid powder (ideal instead of dusting powder because a child can not inhale it), cleanser and moisturizer, bottom balm and massage gel. The sizes are small to fit in a diaper bag and can be purchased in larger individual sizes.


Bolt Max
Munchkin
$3.29
www.boltdental.com
Disposable toothbrush that lights up to encourage fun while brushing. Features a suction-cup for air-drying and a base for easy handling. The light also serves as a warning to replace the brush every three months. Dentists recommend not to keep a toothbrush near a toilet or other areas of open air where bacteria can fly.

A child should see a pediatric dentist by his/her first birthday. Teeth should be brushed twice daily. This toothbrush is recommended for use by parents on the child until the child shows readiness to brush alone. Either way, it is recommended a parent should supervise.



Magic Cups (non-spill)
Avent
$9.99
www.aventamerica.com
Non-spill cup that allows a child to sip easily. One feature that we liked is the valve flexes and opens to allow air in. This provides a continuous flow of liquid out so less suction is required for infants and toddlers. These are dishwasher safe.


Magic Cup Trainer
Avent
$9.99
www.aventamerica.com
Cup with handles that can be removed as the child grows older and no longer needs them. Features a non-spill cup and all the qualities of the Avent Magic Cups (review above). For safety reasons, when training your child to drink with a cup, be certain that the child does not sleep with a cup of liquid.


Little Psyclone
Teva's
$24.95
www.teva.com
Sandals that have hook and loop closing systems that makes it easy for parents to attach and eventually for children to learn. Open-toed for comfort while walking allows toes to breathe so socks are not needed. Easy to pack for vacations and warm weather. Not recommended for cold climates.



TV Turtle
Kidsafe
$24.99
www.kidsafetv.net
Turtle-shaped remote that allows parents to control what a child watches on television. Can be pre-programmed to 10 channels. Includes a parent-safeguard that recognizes when a child accessed a station that is not an approved channel. When this happens, it will automatically revert back to a pre-programmed channel. Includes an automatic shut-off at a pre-designated time to monitor television watching. Monitoring the time a child spends watching television is suggested.



Ultrasaucer
Evenflo
$79.99
www.evenflo.com
Ultrasaucer includes 10 interactive built-in toys featuring textures for sensory development. Suggested for ages 4 months to walking age, this allows a child to rock, bounce and spin. Includes a washable seat pad and can be used indoors or outdoors. A child should NEVER be left unattended. Child cannot "walk" for safety reasons but bouncing encourages strengthening motor skills, which will facilitate walking.


Snugli out and About
Evenflo
$29.99
www.evenflo.com
One shoulder harness. Features comfortable soft mesh lining and air flow on the seat to keep air circulating for comfort. Dual side entry for easy placement and removal of child. Lumbar pad supports lower back. Machine washable. For safety reasons, when using this child carrier, parent must be attentive to surroundings and make sure the child is secure and can quickly be removed if necessary.


Johnny Jump Up
Evenflo
$19.99
www.evenflo.com
Portable infant exerciser to strengthen leg muscles for children 4 months- walking age. Attaches to a door frame (door must be sturdy and non-swinging) Parent must make sure to supervise. Features adjusting straps for a secure fit to grow with a child's height and weight. Maximum weight of 24 pounds. Develops coordination and bouncing skills. These have been popular for decades and seem to entertain a child, however, for safety reasons, a child should never be left alone while in use.


Baby Collection
Origins
$7.50-$13.50
www.origins.com
Made of natural ingredients including Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Oil, Soybean, Shea Butter and Aloe and the gentle, calming oils of Lavandin and Ylang Ylang, all products are dermatologist-tested. The packaging is designed to allow Mom to handle the products while keeping a steady grip on baby at the same time. Products include cleanser, moisturizer and massage cream. Each product is sold individually.



Jeep Baby's First Jeep Rocker
Kolocraft
$39.99
www.jeep.com
Transforms from a baby rocker to a toddler chair. Folds flat for easy transport and storage. Multi-position reclining set and a 3-point padded strap for security while feeding.

Features a steering wheel activity center with a soothing vibrating function. One feature we liked is that it can grow with a child and serve a dual purpose (baby rocker and toddler chiar). Can be used indoors and outdoors.


Extra Wide Soft Soft Gate
Evenflo
$29.99-$39.99
www.evenflo.com
Easy to install. Requires no hardware for assembly and won't damage door frames. 27 inches tall and expands to 38 inches to 60 inches wide. One feature we liked is the soft mesh panel. Unlike hard wooden gates, should a child fall against the gate, it minimizes the chance of injury.


Express Bottle and Babyfood Warmer
Avent
$39.99
www.aventamerica.com
Heats frozen breast milk and baby food without destroying nutrients. Thermostatic control and a thermal fuse allow heating bottles, disposable bags and jars without boiling or overheating. It is very important to make sure all heated breast milk and baby food is never too hot for a childÕs mouth. A parent or caregiver MUST check the temperature first. It should only be warm, NEVER hot.

Executive Gift Guide | Family Video Reviews | Infants & Toddlers Gifts
Software Reviews




How To...
 
 


©1997-2010 Toy Tips, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproductions of any kind without the written consent of Toy Tips, Inc. Toy Tips® Kid Tips® I'm a Toy Tester® and TTT® are registered trademarks of Toy Tips, Inc.