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Infant/Toddler
Juvenile Product Gift Guide
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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do not publish any review that has received a score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 over 87 products and the results
of the top 30 are listed in our guide.
We
only publish information on products that exceed our
testing standards. We do not publish reviews of average
scores.
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BETTER
THAN AVERAGE |
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VERY
GOOD |
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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
30 Juvenile Products:
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Leisure Sport Travel System
Graco
$229.99
www.gracobaby.com
Jog-style stroller that includes an infant carrier
car seat with a head guard that can transport easily
and fit into the stay-in car base. One feature we
liked is a hand brake for easy stopping and a one-touch
wheel brake for parking. There is an organizer tray
and a child's tray with a cupholder.
The 5-point harnass strap, thick seat pad and multi-reclining
seat provide a comfortable fit for baby. However,
an instruction manual is included. This stroller
was easy to assemble and can be used through toddler
years. *Kids of all ages are safest when properly
restrained in the backseat of any automobile. |
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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. |
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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.
    
Camille Crib
Pottery Barn Kids.com
$699
www.potterybarnkids.com
Antiqued birch wood crib with white finish and beaded
detail. The mattress platform adjusts to four heights
15", 18", 21", 23.5" as the baby
grows. For safety reasons, all cribs should have slats
no more than 2 3/8" apart. The headboard and footboard
are 48" high. Assembly is required. The crib mattress
is sold separately and should fit snugly with no more
than two fingers width between the edge of the mattress
and the crib side. One feature we liked is that the
rail locks so toddlers can't get out and older siblings
can't get the rail down to let babies out.
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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.
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Sabrina 3-shelf bookcase
Pottery Barn Kids
$299
www.potterybarnkids.com
Three shelves can hold nine baskets (sold separately)
or toys, books, clothes or other supplies. Available
in a white or honey finish. Useful for other items as
the child grows. Ideal for storage and eventually teaching
a child how to organize belongings .Can also be used
as a toy box to encourage teaching cleanup. No assembly
required.
   
Catalina Collection Medicine Cabinet
Pottery Barn Kids.com
$99
www.potterybarnkids.com
Old fashioned medicine-style cabinet with beveled mirror.
20x6x5x28"H. There are 2 adjustable shelves. We
liked this because it can also be used in a nursery
to hold diaper ointment, and quick needed baby supplies.
It is easy to match in either a boy or girl style room
or bathroom and the shelves are spaced apart to hold
different sizes of products.
    
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.
    
Rocking Dog
Pottery Barn Kids
$129
www.potterybarnkids.com
Mounted on two sturdy mahogany rocking treads, the plush
dog has a soft to touch fabric and comes fully assembled.
Recommended for toddlers, a child can use gross motor
skills to rock the dog back and forth. This ride-on
toy can aid a sleepy child to rock to sleep. Measures
32.5x15x25.5"H. Can hold a child up to 25 pounds.
   
Nursery Pegs
Pottery Barn Kids
$24
www.potterybarnkids.com
Mounted on two sturdy mahogany rocking treads, the plush
dog has a soft to touch fabric and comes fully assembled.
Recommended for toddlers, a child can use gross motor
skills to rock the dog back and forth. This ride-on
toy can aid a sleepy child to rock to sleep. Measures
32.5x15x25.5"H. Can hold a child up to 25 pounds.
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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.
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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. |
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Single Desk with Chair
Kidstation
$199.95
www.kidstation.com
This is a computer desk that is really designed
for preschoolers. However, if you plan on starting
your child on the computer at a toddler age, you
can use a booster seat. We found this to be adjustable
so the child's arms can rest comfortably at a 90
degree angle. Ergonomic in design, this is the most
comfortable computer desk we found on the market.
The backrest of the chair is fully supported and
the height adjusts as the child grows so the childÕs
feet can be placed on the floor.
Made of a washable melamine surface, the desk is
designed to allow proper sitting posture while a
child plays on the computer.
It is important that when a child does play on the
computer, that s/he takes breaks every 10 minutes.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
    
Animal Shaped Lamps
Pottery Barn Kids
$39
www.potterybarnkids.com
Made of rice paper over a wire frame. (UL listed) 12
x 5 x 8" H. Uses a 15 watt bulb. Available in pink
(pig), yellow (duck) or white (sheep). Soft glow for
restful sleep and can be used as a nightlight or for
older children who are afraid of the dark. One feature
we liked is the parent-controlled switch that lies behind
the lamp and is out of the reach of a child. This and
all lamps should never be placed near a crib or where
a child can reach or touch.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee All Terrain Stroller
Kolocraft
$109.99
www.jeep.com
Features over-sized wheels with 4 wheel suspension
and one handed folding and steering for comfortable
maneuverability. Includes a multi-positioning reclining
seat, canopy with window and cover, and 3-point
safety harness with quick release buckle. Activities
include electronic steering wheel with realistic
sounds, car horn and starting engine, movable gear
shifter, clicking and turning keys, rearview mirror
and a push button radio that plays 3 songs. Includes
a snack tray with a cup holder. Can accommodate
up to a 41-pound child.
For parents there are removable saddle bags and
a rear basket. We liked this because it is a really
"cool" looking stroller that offers activities
for a child beyond hanging toys and we found that
the stroller drives comfortably. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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