The In The Night Garden Story Case Review

Somewhere along the way Leo fell head over heels for In The Night Garden, and in doing so I began to see an influx of toys from the show accumulating around the house. All of the plush toys seemed to stow away to his cot, and these days he won’t sleep without both of his Makka Pakka plush toys, his Iggle Piggle and of course Upsy Daisy…

Earlier this year I even took Leo along to the live show, and after seeing his face light up when he saw his heroes on the stage it is definitely something we will do again.

This month as KD Mumbassadors our task was really exciting, it was to have a play with the KD In The Night Garden Story Case. This case is an exciting way to get your little one’s learning as they play with their favourite characters. The book incorporates Iggle Piggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends in a 4 different games.

Each of the games teaches you something new, from different colours, sounds and numbers. You can change the game you are playing by simply adjusting the arrow over each of the different images on the right hand side of the case. Each game asks the child a different type of question and then allows them to respond with one of the four colour keys that surround the circumference of the story case.

There are 4 pages in this book, 2 of which that are static. One at the front and one at the back. Each of the pages are illustrated with images of the characters and scenery from the ever popular television show.

I found that there were a good selection of different games for Leo to play, but at this moment in time he is quite content to just point out what he sees while he is looking, and of course pressing any of the buttons. What would be nice to see on this toy is a free play option that just lets the child press the buttons to hear different sounds/tunes from the show. I think this would make the toy an even more attractive buy.

What I really like about all of the KD range and not just the In The Night Garden Play Case is that they always promote play and learning. I think this is such an important mixture that really does encourage learning. The play environment is the perfect place to establish this, so I rest assured knowing that Leo has toys that give him that extra support and enjoyment.

The InThe Night Garden Story Case retails at £18.99 on Amazon. This is the cheapest I found it online and think this is a great price.

Disclaimer: I was sent the In The Night Garden Story Case as a KD Mumbassador for the purpose of this review. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

The Fisherprice Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy Review

Fisherprice are a company that every parent will know, from their brightly coloured toys to their fabulous baby equipment. Everything I had for Leo was Fisherprice, the Rainforest Baby Swing, the Rainforest Jumperoo… And now as he has grown up we have continued to adore this family brand.

I was delighted when we were asked to review a few of Fisherprice’s latest toys, and I knew that I could rely on Leo to help me put them through their paces.

So we were very kindly sent their Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy along with the Apptivity iPhone case, which I have to say has been an absolute god send to me, but more on the case a little later. I have to tell you all about this rather super little puppy dog.

The first thing that I liked was just how bright and visually pleasing this little guy was, and in typical Leo form he had clocked onto his new toy before I even had chance to open the box up properly. He was over with me in a flash of lightening and didn’t relent until his new little friend was in his arms.

I don’t think Leo expected all of the mechanical magic that unfolded as he pressed his foot and the puppy began to dance, he looked pretty taken a back when his new puppy suddenly started moving and dancing around. The worried look on his face soon transformed into one of his cheeky smiles and that was Leo set for the rest of the afternoon.

The Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy is suitable for babies from the age of 9 months and over, it is a great aid to get your little one on the move and dancing along with the catchy songs that they will learn during their play times. There are over 25 songs and different phrases that are jam packed into this puppy, he moves, claps his hands and dances around. A great toy for a baby who can sit up, as it will give them something to focus on and interact with. I think this would have been a great hit with Leo when he was at that age of just sitting but not quite moving.

Leo likes to point out all of the puppy’s anatomy, he tells me where his ears are, and will go all the way down to his feet! It is great because the puppy actually sings a little song about certain parts of the body while dancing around, so not only is this toy lots of fun but it is also educational.

Babies and children will be introduced to their ABC’s and their 123’s which in my eyes is never too early.

The Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy wiggles his body from side to side, he claps his hands and moves his ears up and down and even blows kisses. There are two different modes that you can activate by pressing the top of the puppy’s feet, this is great as you can pretty much tailor the experience that your baby will have with their canine friend.

There is play mode and learning mode, and we have been having a play with both of them over the last few months, Leo is still smitten with this little guy even now.

It is so simple to activate the puppy, by simple pressing one of his feet. Leo can play with him all on his own which is great as we are at the stage where he can get very frustrated if he can’t do something.

 

 The only things I have noticed with this toy is that the mechanical sound is quite loud, you have to have the puppy on the loudest volume setting so that you can hear him over the movement he makes. This hasn’t detracted from the play/enjoyment value what so ever and Leo can hear absolutely everything that is said, which is demonstrated by his interaction and what he repeats back.

The Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy retails at £44.99 and for the play value and learning potential that are packed into the toy, I would say it is a reasonable price. I can see Leo playing with it for some time yet and he is coming up 23 months old. To get the most value for money I would recommend purchasing this when your little one is sitting up.

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Disclaimer: I was sent the Laugh and Learn, Dance and Play Puppy for the purpose of this review, however all views and opinions expressed are completely honest and my own.

Toddler See, Toddler Do - Week 13

Last Friday, just over a week ago… Leo’s baby cousin made his arrival into the world. All 8lbs 10oz of him.

We took Leo over to meet him last Saturday, at just 1 day old and I was not sure how Leo was going to take to the meeting, being just a baby himself.

There were no fireworks and no real interest at this early stage. In fact Leo did not look overly impressed what so ever, but he did not even blink an eye lid when I had a cuddle with my little nephew.

This week my brother brought baby around to see everyone, and when he cried his tiny newborn cry that is what finally sparked some recognition with Leo. Leo stood and just stared at the noise coming from the car seat, trying to work out what it was and why that noise was happening. But as soon as Joshie stopped crying….Leo’s interest retreated to nothing.

Leo cannot fathom why little Joshie is getting bottles of milk when he isn't and has even tried to climb over to his baby cousin and take away his milk supply, so that he can have it for himself!

Leo's understanding is continuing to develop and I have heard a few new words over the last week. One that really pulled on a heart string was 'Daddy'. He has only said this once but it was definitive and there is no quibbling it. He said it.

I am just waiting for the day that he says 'Mummy' as this is the cutest word in the whole world. At present we still get 'Mum' and I am longing for the extra syllables.

The other word that passed Leo's lips was 'Hello' as he ran full pout from the lounge to the front door as he heard a knocking. As soon as the door opened he released his new word on the un-expected guests standing just outside. They looked really impressed with Leo's extravagant welcome and were soon cooing all over him.

The kind of attention little man loves!

I have also noticed that Leo is paying more attention to the word 'No'  in recent weeks, and by using a meaningful tone along with this powerful world, he knows I mean business. When I have been telling Leo not to do something, his bottom lip curls over and he then runs off to the nearest hiding place for a little sulk, which is usually behind one of the arm chairs or behind a cabinet. Of course it does not take him long to forgive me and I always go and get him for a little cuddle to let him know that all is forgotten.

Sometimes saying 'No' to Leo will result in a temper tantrum, the kind where you have to make sure he is lay down on the floor for as he goes all floppy so that he can throw himself down in anger. Leo has taken to throwing himself down to sitting and then backwards just to let me know how much he disapproves with me. 

But then there are moments where he is as good as gold, just like when we took him for his very first hair cut last weekend!

What has been really lovely over the past few weeks is that Leo will bring up books to look through with you. He will hand you the book or the toy he is wanting to play with and he will put his arms up to be picked up. Leo will then sit there contently on your lap until he decides that it is time to move onto the next book or toy. 

We have been playing with the shape sorter as this has quickly become one of his favourite toys. He loves to open up the lid and get out all of the coloured shapes and numbers, and he will then try and post them through the holes to put them back inside. He can get pretty frustrated when playing with it but he beams from ear to ear when he get's one right and it goes into the slot!

What have your little one's been up to this week? Any big moments?

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