Baby Einstein - Baby Van Gogh - World of Colors
Average Customer Review:
DVD (26 March, 2002)
list price: $19.99 -- our price: $14.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The Baby Einstein Company's "video board books" were designed as music-focused developmental tools to stimulate babies' brains (prompted by researchproving that exposure to classical melodies can improve verbal ability, spatialintelligence, creativity, and memory in youngsters). Now the company isexpanding into other art forms, including color and art. The idea remains thesame--taking bold, beautiful objects (toys, puppets, nature scenes) and settingthem to fun renditions of classical music (their recordings are easily the bestin the crowded field of child development). A new puppet--Vincent Van Goat--introduces the six primary colors and associates them with Van Gogh'spaintings--"The Starry Night" for blue, "Wheat Fields with Reaper" for yellow. The only misstep is the poetry written and read by creator Julie Aigner-Clark, which is strongly reminiscent of Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days.

The company suggests the program is for toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4.Harsh sounds between segments--such as balloons popping and tiresscreeching--will draw the attention of youngsters but will probably render the videoinappropriate for babes in arms. The video can be purchased by itself or with abeautifully produced 28-page book featuring Van Gogh's paintings, screen shotsfrom the video, and Clark's poems. The combination set may be the best way toengage 3- and 4-year-olds' interest; they can follow along in the text whilewatching the video. Music includes "The William Tell Overture," "The BlueDanube," "Bolero," and Brahms's "Lullaby." The video also provides informationon the cool toys seen in the ending "Toy Chest" segment. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Features

• Color

Reviews (128)

If only...
This dvd is entertaining enough that my 8 month old watches it. He loves the puppets and laughs at them. However, for the rest of the family, viewing this dvd can be painful. This is due to the so-called "poems" which introduce the colors. Green slithers in to make me cool? Purple makes me want to paint my face? Whatever happened to comparing colors to things children recognize like frogs and grapes? The dvd would be 5 star if not for the sad attempt at poetry. If you can bear to listen to annoyingly bad poetry every few minutes, I recommend this dvd. After all, it is for the kids not us.

A review by someone who doesn't love Baby Einstein
Confession: I do not care much for Baby Einstein DVDs.For that reason some might consider me a bad mommy.Yet in my defense, I didn't sit my daughter purposefully infront of the TV until she was over a year old, which to others, is no great accomplishment either, but sometimes I want to sleep in and get a shower for the day :)

Anyway, For those that love Baby Einstein (BE), you don't need to read these reviews, especially mine.But for those who are wondering, let me offer a non-passionate point of view.I think B.E. DVDs are a good introduction to basic concepts for pre-toddlers.But I don't find these interactive enough to teach my toddler colors, shapes, etc, which I thought was their purpose.Of course this seems to be the basis for many B.E. devotees--not overly-stimulating and in your face, etc, which they aren't, but I think mesmerizing, and passive are more accurate descriptions. The pictures and music are delightful.The poems (and Julie's voice,) however, I find to be dreadful.Also, I hardly think naming the colors only twice during each 5 min segment is enough to keep toddlers clear on what they are seeing.I believe repetition and communication are the best teaching tools.Which is probably why nearly every video contains the "These are designed to be educational helps" disclaimer, which is fine if that's your style--I much more prefer a more hands on approach, touching things in HER real world, rather looking at things in the somebody else's real world.

Conclusion: These are fine for pre-toddlers, as an educational HELP, or sheer entertainment, but not solely for teaching concepts.

What's with the poems??
The music in this dvd is nice.That's about the only good thing.The toys they show between color segments really have no real purpose but to fill up time (like most Baby Einstein videos, in my opinion).The colors they show are yellow, green, orange, purple, red and blue.

Each color has puppets and a poem is recited (again, I find Julie's voice annoying).Here's an example of the poem for the color purple: "Purple feels wacky, wild, crazy, tricky, mellow, mild.It makes me want to paint my face, kick a ball and run a race."For the color red the poem is, "When I wake up feeling red, I swoop down from my little bed, throw on a cape and rush out the door and leap across the scarlet floor."

OK....to me these poems are just dumb.Other people proably think they are great, but I can't see having my child sit and watch this and listen to these ridiculous poems.I have written reviews for all other Baby Einstein videos, so please read them too. ... Read more

Asin: B00005YUPQ
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

Dreamscapes Soother
Average Customer Review:
Toy (09 September, 2003)
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $19.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (113)

Soothing Armani
This toy was a gift at my baby shower and I swear that it lives up to its name as 'soother'. Yes, it does 'eat up' the batteries very fast but it is nonetheless a great aid when the baby is fussy and I need some time-out. It is a toy that can even help the mother relax.

Armani's mummy
Trinidad

Still loves it!
We bought this for our daughter when she turned 1 and she just fell in love with it.She is 22 months old now and still loves it.

Great Investment
My son, Aiden, still enjoys this wonderful soothing crib "toy".It tells him a story, sings him songs, and show's him pictures with just the right amount of light.Not too bright and not too dim.He is 10 months old now and knows how to turn it on all by himself.Great investment. ... Read more

Asin: B00008X35T
Sales Rank: 442
Subjects:  1. Learning    2. Electronic Learning Aids (ELA)    3. Electronic    4. Baby and Infant    5. Electronic Learning Aids   

4 oz. Feeding Bottles 3-Pack
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (04 October, 2003)
-- our price: $12.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Breast is best, but a time may come when you'll need to feedbaby from a bottle. These Avent 4-ounce bottles feature a wide neck foreasy cleaning and filling. The cap seals shut for leakproof mixing andtravel; the wide, soft silicone nipple mimics the feel and shape of thebreast; and the patented antivacuum skirt valve reduces air swallowingand painful gas. Use these bottles with the Avent Isis manual breastpump to express milk directly into the bottle--no messy filling.--Terri Shea ... Read more

Features

• Nipples sized for newborns
• Reduces air swallowing and painful gas
• Fits Avent Isis breast pump
• Wide neck allows easy filling and cleaning

Reviews (331)

Avent products are #1 in my book!!
As a mother of four, I have tried just about everything out there in the way of bottles.Now I have a 5 week old daughter and she loves the Avent bottles.I have never had an issue with nipple confusion.She also uses the Avent paci's.No problems at all with going from breast to bottle to binky.I have read other posts about the bottles leaking or not getting any flow from the nipples.I hate to say it but these posters are not using the products properly.If I were exclusively bottle feeding this child, like I did the others, I would completely understand about sleepy 3am bottle woes.However a simple remedy would be to put them all together after they have been washed.Why would anyone wait until baby is hungry to put the nipple into the ring?I think some people are just asking for more work.That being said, I am now a die-hard Avent fan and use many of their products.I hope others will do the same!

Good bottles, but can't use this size for very long.
I have rarely had a problem with my Avent bottles leaking. Often, I will do a wet seal by running my wet finger around the rim of the bottle and the rim of the nipple.Also, make sure you pull the nipple through the ring all the way and do NOT over tighten.My baby gets one bottle a day of breastmilk and breastfeeds the rest of the time.He has been able to switch back and forth without any problems.My only complaint is the 4 oz. size doesn't seem to practical.He's only 5 months old and drinks anywhere from 4-6 oz. at a feeding and has been doing this for several months.My advice would be to only get a couple of the small size and get more of the 9 oz. bottles.

The worstbottels ever! They are leaking!
I heard so many good things about the Avent bottels, so I bought a lot of them.
Unfortunately I had to make the experience that this bottels are leaking, really bad! My daughters cloth including mine have been always wet after feeding. We tried everything and still the leaking didn't stopped. After couple weeks we bought different bottels and through the Avents bottels out.
I never had this problem with any other bottle brand. It is very said that so an expensive product gives a lot of trouble.
Don't waist your money. ... Read more

Asin: B000056JND
Subjects:  1. Feeding    2. Bottle-Feeding    3. Bottles   

Express Microwave Steam Sterilizer
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (04 October, 2003)
-- our price: $29.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Harnessing the speed and convenience of your kitchen microwave,this Express Microwave Steam Sterilizer will save parents valuable timeduring bottle cleaning and preparation. The all-plasticsterilizer--which comes with two 9-ounce Avent bottles, includingrings, nipples, and covers--can hold up to four Avent bottles andaccessories and is small enough (10.75 inches in diameter) to fiteasily into most medium-size microwaves. The sterilizer includes aspecially designed rack that will hold the bottles, along with an Isisbreast pump (not included). The easy-to-use Express Microwave SteamSterilizer can sterilize your bottles and pump equipment in as littleas four minutes, and it will keep its contents sterile for up to threehours if it is kept closed. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Features

• Holds up to 4 Avent bottles and accessories
• Works with Isis breast pump
• Includes 4 9-ounce Avent bottles

Reviews (343)

quick and easy
I sterilized bottles and breast pumps the old fashioned way with my first child and in the begining w/ my 2nd child. NEVER AGAIN! This is a very simple, fast, effective and economical way to get just about everything for baby sterilized.

Very Convenient
This sterilizer is a time saver. As a parent of a baby, time is teh one thing you need the most. I would invest on thisitem.
Just put in the microwave for 4 minutes. Then let it cool for 2, and then use the items when you need them.

Good product, but not really necessary
This product is easy to use, works well and is FAST . . . and everyone knows that time is precious is a new baby.I use Advent bottles & pacifiers and they fit perfect as do all the parts to my Medela breast pump.I don't use the sterilizer every time anymore since my daughter is a little older now.I run the bottles & pacifiers though the dishwasher so I feel comfortable with the heat they get from that.This sterilizer is great though as it is very light weight and easy to store in between uses.It's up to you & your doctor whether you need a sterilizer, but if you do decide to get one, definitely get this one. ... Read more

Asin: B000056OUH
Subjects:  1. Feeding    2. Bottle Accessories    3. Sterilizers   

Sony ICF-CD853V AM/FM/TV/Weather Clock Radio/CD Player
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $129.99
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Features

• 25 Programmable station memories for easy access
• CD, CDR and CDRW Playback compatible
• Headphone Jack for adding an optional stereo headphone
• Nap Timer
• Triple Alarm - 3 Times/3 Modes (CD/Radio/Buzzer)

Reviews (11)

Great product
Sony's technical expertise is Boss. The user-interface is intuitive; I haven't had to look at the manual.

But when I bought a SECOND one for my girlfriend, it was the floor model and didn't include the manual. (...)
My rating for the product is FIVE STARS. My rating for Sony Customer Service is TWO Stars.

Can't read the Clock!
If you are buying this for an alarm clock, not being able to read the time may be a problem.

Sadly, Badly designed
The features advertised for this CD clock radio made it seem like a solution to my disappointment with similar models in the genre. It has a digital tuner, large display, plays CD/R/RW, and the Sony Mega Bass system.Well... it has a digital tuner indeed with very poor sensitivity on FM (even with endless tries with the little antenna), no reception on weather and that you have to repeatedly press the "band" button to find your presets.The display is nice if you can read it; you must be directly in front of and slightly above, or it disappears. The CD functions are very good, but the sound is rather muddy, made worse by the Mega Bass and postioning of the speakers.The styling is odd, and while it may have a small footprint, it takes up a lot of room as it swells up to the concave CD lid. The labels on the buttons are unreadable thanks to a "mirrored" background behind the plastic front.The alarms are pretty useless; the buzzer is very soft, and one can't go to sleep with soft music without the radio/CD going off in the morning at the same soft level. Far too many design defects are incorporated in this model to use it for any purpose! ... Read more

Asin: B000068EAM
Sales Rank: 30321
Subjects:  1. Clock Radio (Radios)    2. Accessories (Accessory)   

Ocean Wonders Aquarium - Cradle Swing
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (19 November, 2003)
list price: $99.99
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Editorial Review

Babies can’t scuba dive, but here’s the next best thing. This entertaining ocean-themed swing is sure to delight babies and possibly give parents a little bit of a breather. It’s done up in a blue bubbly design that manages to be both soothing and festive and, yes, that combination is exactly what you want in a swing. But while the aquatic angle is fun, what’s really impressive about this swing is its variety: it features eight swing levels, five volume settings on various musical or nature sounds, and even a light display. A toy bar with little fishes rounds out the ensemble. Overall, this swing is a great way for baby to stay occupied without getting wet. --John Moe ... Read more

Features

• Lights and sounds distract Baby from crying
• Two swinging motions; eight swinging levels
• Blue, ocean theme is entertaining and soothing

Reviews (1452)

You will love this swing!
I purchased a similar Fisher-Price cradle swing three years ago for my daughter and we both loved it. She adored the side-to-side swinging motion and it was a real helper to me during nap time. At the time, this particular swing was among the most expensive out on the market; but, it has now been handed down twice and received equal kudos from my sister-in-law and best friend.

Best Swing Made!
From the day I brought her home, this was my lifesaver.It helped me get more than 2 hours of sleep!

Good:
-Padding is great especially for a newborn.My daughter weighed 6 pounds and had no problems with her head falling.
-Lights, sounds, and sea creatures help keep her entertained even at 4 months.
-The two directions are great.
-The storage on the back is convient for diapers, pacifiers, etc.

Downfalls:
-The base of the swing is wide and takes a lot of room (but doesn't all swings?).
-The batteries are used quickly.
-Took awhile to put together but my husband had no problems.

My niece, which is 5 days older than my daughter, would not sit in ANY swing (she had tried 4 different ones).When she came to my house, she LOVED this swing and sat in it for over an hour.

I can't say enough about this swing...well worth the money!!!

Awesome swing!
What an awesome product, my 1 month old loves it. We have only had it for 3 weeks and my newborn has already fallen in love with it. She just loves watching the fishy "swim". My only negative comment is I wish the sound and mobile would stay on longer than about 7 minutes.It does get a little annouying having to push the reset button over and over again. Great swing though if you can deal with that, which I can for all the other perks. ... Read more

Asin: B00006C29I
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Swings   

Deluxe Symphony-In-Motion - Zoo Mobile
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (04 October, 2003)

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Reviews (156)

This mobile allows me to shower.
My son will watch this mobile for about 30 minutes, sometimes he plays and sometimes he watches it and falls asleep.I don't know what it is about this toy, but he loves it.I'm really glad we got this mobile, it's a little pricey, but worth the money and it's runs for a long time.It seems like 15 or 20 minutes.

We absolutely love this mobile!
We had purchased another "cutesy" mobile for our son (our first child) and he was not interested in it AT ALL.My husband's boss bought this as a gift for our son when he was about 2 months old, and he LOVES it.He would stare at it and be entirely interested in it.I would highly recommend it.There's something about the shapes and the way that it moves that no other mobile could compare to.

We had absolutely not trouble attaching it to the crib, and we've never had any problems w/ it.As my son got older (he's 9 months now) we used the mobile to put him to sleep, and it worked!of course now that he's bigger and can stand up in his crib he plays w/ it, lol.

We do go through batteries what seems like quite frequently, but in my opinion that's a small price to pay for how much entertainment our son gets out of it.

As for the remote control...we thought it was "cool", but we never use it!

Overall, a great mobile, a great investment for your child, boy or girl!

Baby loves it
My 2-month-old baby loves this mobile. He gets so excited watching the animals go around and upper & down. And when the mobile isn't in movement, he just loves to see it quietly the colorful figures.This mobile gives me at least 30 min to do housework. We chose this mobile because of its colorful & innovative design. My husband was really impressed by the remote (one more gadget for him), but it isn't necessary. You can save $10 o even $20 by buying the other 2 simpler models. I have read that people is having difficulty to install this mobile on a curve crib (most of convertible cribs), but we solved this problem by just inserting a pieces of cardboard between the rail & the hanger to strengthen it. A piece of advice: buy reachable batteries, because this is one toy that can be used a lot for a long time. ... Read more

Asin: B00006G963
Sales Rank: 585
Subjects:  1. Nursery    2. Nursery Decor    3. Mobiles   

Kick & Play Bouncer
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (18 November, 2003)
list price: $39.99
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Editorial Review

A safe and comfortable place for little ones to sit up and see the worldaround them, the Kick 'n Play Bouncer from Fisher-Price is equipped with somegreat interactive features that are designed to stimulate and entertain yourlittle one during her first several months of life. Powered by a single D andthree AA batteries (not included), the multicolored bouncer has a soft,removable seat pad that is machine washable and dryer-safe. Along with a hangingroller ball, rattles, and a set of teethers, the removable toy bar also featuresa set of colorful lights and an array of interesting sounds that responddirectly to baby's movements in the seat. With 10 different tunes, six soundeffects, and an array of twinkling and flashing lights, the Kick 'n Playprovides a lot more excitement and stimulation for baby than your typicalbouncer. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Features

• 2 modes for child activation and extended play
• 3-point restraint
• Removable seat pad is machine washable

Reviews (1501)

great bouncer
I love this bouncy chair. Our son had a great time playing in this seat. The sounds, lights and hanging toys kept him easily entertained. Very easy to wash! I would recommend this bouncer to consumers.

Great for a baby who loves to kick!
My brother got this for us as shower gift.It has been indispensible!My daughter figured out pretty quickly how to make the music play, and has been mesmerized by it ever since!Now that she is almost three months old, she is starting to kick the toys that hang down, too.It's a really nice way to put her down while I cook or clean, but not have to put her directly on the floor (we have ceramic tile in our kitchen).It's small enough, too, to take places so that she has something to do at grandma's, ect.Between this and the Musical Garden Activity Mat, she is a happy, active baby!

THE BEST BOUNCER EVER!
I can't say enough about this bouncer.I have a 6 month old son that is still enjoying this seat.He can get it bouncing so good and just loves to be in it.It cradles him just right and I never worry about him falling out or off.He has been in it all 6 months and I don't know what I would do without it. The bar that you can take off is great for when he wants to play or we take it off for when he wants to bounce.One thing is that if he gets bouncing with the toy bar on, it does kinda get him in the face, but he just lets me know and we take it off.I recomend this bouncer for all new moms needing somewhere to sit their child and feel safe about leaving the room for a moment! ... Read more

Asin: B00005QI1G
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Bouncer Seats   

Electronic Pound & Pop Ride-On Playset
Average Customer Review:
Toy
-- our price: $39.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (4)

Fun, with a few drawbacks
We got this truck for my son when he turned 1, and at 18 months he still loves it. Overall I'm still pleased with it too, but there are a few things I don't like, and now I'm looking for a new riding toy that doesn't have these issues:

- The seat has no "butt curve" and it's kind of high off the ground for kids under 18 months, so my son straddles it a bit awkwardly. With shoes on he can push it along now.

- Because the seat is flat, he thinks it makes a wonderful stepstool, but then it rolls out from under him! Use caution on non-carpeted surfaces especially. I've had a few coronaries already from turning around to discover my son wobbling precariously atop the toy, reaching for glasses, knives, etc. that I thought were safely tucked away.

- This may just be our toy, but we have a problem with the sounds going off by themselves, especially the sound effects for the pegs under the seat. We have changed batteries and it still happens. Usually when it starts going off we just take out the batteries, but my son notices and doesn't like it as much.

- I disagree with reviewer who said the sound effects aren't loud. Ours are! I wish it had volume control.

On the plus side: Babies LOVE all the buttons to push for sayings, music and sounds. You will quickly learn the toolman's song too! I like that it has a safety bar underneath to keep it from tipping backwards. And so far it's very sturdy other than the short in the sound board. Like I said, still happy with the purchase, but now I have a better idea what kind of riding toy I'd like him to have.

Great fun!
My son received this for his second birthday.He already had a ride on but the seat dipped low and since he is tall for his age, he wasn't able to ride and scoot.This seat is a good height.He plays with it all the time and it has become his favorite.He loves to hammer the pegs and the sound effects are not too loud.I agree with the other reviews about the stickers.They are not put on very well, kinda bubbly.Other than that,its a great hit!!!

My son loves it!
We just got this for my sons 2nd birthday and it is his new favorite toy. The sound is not load at all which is nice. Though like the other reviewer I did have an issue with the stickers but I just went over them all and made sure they were on good. Now my only problem is that my 4 year old likes to fight with her brother over this toy! We give this toy 2 thumbs up!!! ... Read more

Asin: B0001N6MTO
Sales Rank: 3897
Subjects:  1. Ride-Ons