“Toddlers on Technology: A Parents’ Guide,” currently under $20 at Amazon, was written by a mom and two early-childhood educators to help parents choose how and when their children are exposed to various technology, from iPads to computers to cell-phone apps. The book explains, in easy-to-understand language, why technology is so fascinating to little ones, what…
It’s an activity toy, and it’s a walker. VTech’s Sit-to-Stand Walker, part of the company’s Infant Learning product line that grows along with your baby, offers a variety of stimulating activities for babies as young as 1 year old. Baby can play with learning games about animals, colors, music, shapes and numbers. The music mode has a…
We asked educator and BabyNames partner Kate Glinsmann for her favorite apps for children. This is Part 2 of her report: The following apps are ones that I use with my English Language Learners who are in grades pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade. I think all kids at this age would benefit from and enjoy these apps….
We asked educator and BabyNames partner Kate Glinsmann for her favorite apps for children. This is Part 1 of her report: The following apps are ones that I use with my English Language Learners who are in grades pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade. I think all kids at this age would benefit from and enjoy these…
Tired of your little one grabbing your phone or tablet? V Tech has an app for that–or rather, a bunch of apps. The Little Apps Tablet provides hours of fun and learning for 2- to 5-year olds (although Amazon reviewers report babies as young as 18 months being able to use it). The electronic…
An interactive storybook for the iPad can foster a love of classical music in children of all ages. “Hear the beautiful music and get involved!” says developer Infinite Fermata. The Four Seasons: A Vivaldi Storybook features a kid-friendly arrangement of one of the most beloved pieces of classical music, coupled with “loads of fun interactivity”…
Kids got rhythm: this new learning toy has three drum pads and cymbal, each with its own unique sound, VTech says. Your child can play along to nine pre-set melodies in styles including rock, dance and pop, and choose from four different sounds for the drums. Each drum illuminates with an LED light. It’s $18…
The Explore and Learn Helicopter combines a favorite toy with introductory learning tools. There’s a spinning propeller of course, and wheels that roll for take-off. The exit door opens and closes — and releases colorful balls. “Pulling the helicopter and spinning the propeller promote imaginative role-playing,” VTech says. “Press on the piano keys, object buttons, and…
Don’t think it will give your kid an English accent, but it should help them learn letters: the Little Gadget Letter Friend from Vtech uses English voices “dispatched from the UK.” The 7-inch talk robot “is sure to get your little one excited about learning!” Vtech says. “He shakes, dances and responds to your child…
“Soft, flexible plastic with bright primary colors make this Ball fun and easy for little fingers to bend, squeeze, grasp, and roll,” says Baby Einstein. The Bendy Ball also has a rolling Rattle Ball inside inside to add additional sounds and visual stimulation to the toy. It’s $7 here. (affiliate link)
“With his quirky personality, rockin’ dance moves, and funny responses,” developer Vtech says, “your child will love interacting” with its robot toy. Cogsley has an animated LCD screen, as well as mechanical moving parts, and “is the perfect learning robot friend.” Moving parts on Cogsley include twistable ears, spinning nose and eyes, moving arms, twisting…
Babies crave stimulation, and this little device delivers plenty. It’ll also help teach basic numbers with songs and color. The Spin and Learn Color Flashlight combines animal sounds, changing color lights, music, and more than 50 songs to sing along with. “With its easy-to-grip handle, your toddler will want to take this learning toy…
