Jumbo Music Block
© 2001 Neurosmith
What do you get if you combine a pillow, a busy box, and a stereo? The Jumbo Music Block, a new toy that is a case study in how technology can supplement traditional play patterns. It's an ideal item for any baby or toddler in the sensorimotor stage (one to three years of age). Each of the six, soft sides of the cube features a different door to explore, behind which children find things to interact with like a mirror, busy ball, a bean bag star, squeaky buttons, ABC and 123 flip books, and a set of spinning blocks. The cube reacts to motion, and knows which side is up, singing a shape tune, for instance, when the shape activity is on top. Under one of the doors, parents will find a volume control with two settings. Adults can also use a screwdriver to get to the batteries (four Cs) and to access the plug that accepts any of Neurosmith's existing music cartridges. We found that the cartridges greatly improve the aesthetic value and life span of the toy (try Jumpin' Jive Jazz). The default music is boppy and can wear thin. Note that a toy of this type will be mouthed by young children, but because of the electronics you won't be able to simply drop it in a washing machine. Instead, the surface will need to be cleaned with a damp cloth. We also found that if you change the cartridges a lot, you'll be tempted to leave the screw loose, which is not a good idea. All in all, this is an outstanding toy. See also Together Tunes.
$59.99, Smart Toy
Teaches: early math and language, colors, shapes, numbers, music