I was recently asked by the ‘toymasters’ at VTech to review four of their new toys for babies and young children. All four were perfect for my daughter’s age so I jumped at the chance! I was sent one each of the four toys I am reviewing here, but all opinions are my own.

 

VTech® Chomp & Count Dino™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $19.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

This Vtech Chomp & Count Dino toy does so much for that price which I have seen for as low as $14! It teaches numbers, shapes, food and colors and is a great interactive toy that covers quite a large age range- 6-36 months. It has two play modes: Counting Mode, or Meal mode. Eight ‘healthy food’ discs are included and are designed to be fed to the dino at any time to trigger a song about the food (like an apple). You can also press the large red question mark button on his head and it will ask for a specific food, and cheer if the right disc gets inserted. The yellow disc on the dinosaur’s back can be spun to hear a random song. There’s a little compartment at the bottom to hold the discs, and the dino can be pulled along by a string. I think my daughter liked this one the best because you can put the discs in and they come out. She has repeatedly put them in and laughed hysterically when they came out the bottom. The discs are big enough that I do not worry about her trying to eat them or stick them through the fire place grate. My older son talks about the ‘food’ you are feeding the dino and how he ‘LOVES’ apples or whatever food it is.

VTech® Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser™ (Age 6-36 months, MSRP: $39.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Next is the VTech Sit to Stand Smart Cruiser which I saw today at $32. This two-in-one toy transforms from a baby toy to a toddler ride-on thanks to the innovative removable steering wheel. Simply remove the wheel and place on the floor for use by young babies, and then replace on the column of the ride-on to make a fun toy that has turns signals, gives directions, and makes fun traffic sounds. My 18 month old daughter LOVES the fact that you can remove the wheel part. She has to fight my 4 year old for it though. He has not stopped playing with it since we got it. He vrooms all over with it and doesn’t even care if she takes off the top part. He likes the little dials that are there under where you put the music part. Even though my kids are older, this is a great toy for anyone.

VTech® Grow-Along Music Center™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $29.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Third up is the VTech Grow-Along Music Center. It’s a height-adjustable music stand with light-up keys that are activated by speaking into the microphone. It will play songs and melodies at the push of a button, and also play individual notes. The top of the stand is removable so you can place it on the floor. This allows even young babies to play with it, and then when your child is old enough to stand simply reattach the top to the stand and it’s a whole new experience! My son and daughter are both older but they thought this toy was super fun. My 18 month old daughter puts her mouth right on the microphone and goes, AHHHHHHH LALALALA.  It is beyond cute and I have dozens of videos of it. My son plays the ‘piano’ key part and nods his head to the beat he makes and says he is creating his music tunes. Its actually not as loud as you would expect a music toy to be. So I dont feel like I need to leave the room when they play it constantly.

VTech® Smart Shots Sports Center™ (Age 12-36 months, MSRP: $39.99)

Amazon               VTechKids

Last but not least is the VTech Smart Shots Sports Center. This is another toy I saw on sale for only $33 today. It is a great toy which I particularly liked because it encourages active, physical play; helping with co-ordination and keeping your child on the move. It has 50 songs and phrases that are activated by scoring a goal or dunking a basket. The light up talking scoreboard encourages your child to score again and keeps them engaged. For younger babies, they can sit in front of the toy and play with the gears and buttons along the sides of the goal posts. My daughter hasn’t quite got that you need to drop the ball throw the hoop. She pushes it up from the bottom.  I told her that is still 2 points though. She LOVES to kick the soccer ball in though. She thinks everything should be kicked now and she laughs and laughs when her foot actually connects with the ball. My 4 year old plays both ways and he loves the buttons on  the side. He has a little game that he will kick the soccer ball in, run up and push two or three of the side buttons, and then drop the basketball through the hoop. He is very competitive with this game and apparently only he can win. I guess that is 4 year olds for you though.

 

The upper collective age limit that VTech has listed for these toys is 36 months, but my 4 year old son wants to play with them every bit as much as my baby daughter. My kids LOVE these toys! They have kept them busy, engaged and learning since the minute I unboxed them. I think these would make amazing presents at a baby shower (all four of these toys will grow along with baby) or for the Holiday season.

 

WIN IT!!!!

And guess what? I have another set of all four toys-

The VTech Chomp and Count Dino, The VTech Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser, The VTech Grow-Along Music Centerand The VTech Smart Shots Sport Center to give away to one lucky reader! Just enter on the giveaway form below. This giveaway will run until 11/15 at 11:59 pm.