New this year, Fisher-Price has introduced toy line called Stack n Surprise. These fun blocks feature a center piece that pops up to reveal a smiley face when stacked.

My favorite set in this collection is the Stack ’n Surprise™ Blocks Songs ’n Smiles Sillytown™($50) This toy is not only cute, but it is big enough that both of my kids can play with it at the same time. It’s 4 play sections all encourage kids to make things happen and foster an understanding of cause & effect.

My boys love all of the lights, songs and motion. The Songs ’n Smiles Sillytown comes with 8 peek-and-pop action blocks and plays over 16 songs and fun sounds. The workbench in the middle, which is activated by batting the roller, is super cute because all of the people play peek a boo, whether the blocks are stacked or not. Flipping the blocks to make the music go off and racing the car(included) down the track were also a hit with my 2.

I like that all of the toys can be stored under the ‘house’ when they’re not playing with it. It also comes with batteries to get you started right away.

Fisher-Price recommends this toy for kids 6 months and up and I agree. It is perfect for a newly sitting child because it is close to the ground. There are also a bunch of other toys that are included in this collection that fit into every budget. The smaller sets would make great stocking stuffers for little ones.

Pros -Encourages eye-hand coordination and enhances fine motor skills
Cons – doesn’t fold up for easy storage

Other Toys in the collection:

For spring, Fisher-Price has introduced some really cute characters to accompany their newly released Precious Planet baby gear line. The ‘crib to floor’ mirror is a great multi-functional toy for your busy baby. When used on the floor the mirror is a great way to encourage tummy time, because it keeps your baby’s attention with it’s flashy material and rattles that dangle. In the crib, this mirror attaches to the side of the crib to encourage self-discovery and exploration.


We had 3 Precious Planet Crib-to-Floor Mirrors to giveaway to our readers.

Congratulations to our winners Melissa, Heather and Liz!

For spring, Fisher-Price has introduced some really cute characters to accompany their newly released Precious Planet baby gear line. The ‘crib to floor’ mirror is a great multi-functional toy for your busy baby. When used on the floor the mirror is a great way to encourage tummy time, because it keeps your baby’s attention with it’s flashy material and rattles that dangle. In the crib, this mirror attaches to the side of the crib to encourage self-discovery and exploration.

My son loves the bright colors and the lion’s pleasant face. He is just starting to look at himself in the mirror, so it’s amusing to see his face when he realizes who’s looking back him.

I love the solid construction and soft rounded corners. It’s adorable, classic design is perfect for keeping baby happy in many settings.

GIVEAWAY: We have 3 Precious Planet Crib-to-Floor Mirrors to giveaway to our readers.

To enter please tell us your favorite Fisher-Price baby product in the comments here

Extra Entrants:

• Blog about our giveaway! Tell your readers about our giveaway and then send us the link in a separate comment for an additional entrant to the giveaway.
• Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/growingyourbaby or ‘Tweet’ about our giveaway
  
• Regardless of outcome – ALL bloggers who blog about our giveaway will be linked back in our winners post.

*All comments are moderated and may not appear immediately*

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends Friday June 21, 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Fisher Price, today announced a voluntary recall of about 24,000 3-in-1 High Chairs because the seat can fall backwards from high chair frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the product.

Additionally, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place, posing a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children.

The firm has received one report of a seat back detaching and child falling out, resulting in a skull fracture.

This recall involves the 3-in-1 High Chair to Booster™, which converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat. It includes a removable tray, height adjustment and folds for storage. The product number (P5369) is printed on the side of the seat, on a label on the seat pad, and on the product’s packaging.

Consumers should stop using the recalled high chairs immediately and contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 anytime or visit the firm’s Web site at www.service.mattel.com for instructions and a free repair kit.

The event, held at the Central Park Zoo, launched the adorable Fisher-Price Precious Planet line of must-have baby gear for new parents and their little ones.

“Fisher-Price is such a big part of everyone’s childhood and I am so happy to join forces with them in presenting this generous donation in support of the Wildlife Conservation Society,” says actress Maggie Gyllenhaal.

“We are very pleased to unveil our new Precious Planet collection and present our donation to the Wildlife Conservation Society,” says Brenda Andolina, Director, Public Relations and Brand Marketing, Fisher-Price. “One of our most popular and enduring toy design themes revolves around the lovable and curious world of animals. We’re very appreciative to organizations like the WCS that are passionate about preserving the animals and habitats we love to bring to life in our toys.”

The new Precious Planet Collection collection includes a wide selection of baby gear including a high chair, gym, cradle swing, bouncer, potty, mobile, tub, bedding and more. The line also features comforting fabrics, activities and colorful, adorable baby animals like monkeys, giraffes and polar bears. The Precious Planet Collection retails for $12.99 – $129.99 and is appropriate for newborns and up.

Due to Simplicity Inc. and SFCA Inc. being unresponsive to consumers via their Hotline and Web site, a significant number of complaints were recently reported.

There have been at least 1,350 reports of one or more rails collapsing. There were numerous reports of children receiving bumps and bruises when the side rail collapsed. There were five reports of injuries which included a broken nose, a broken wrist, a mild concussion, a cut to the hand which required stitches, and a chipped tooth.

The recalled play yards are portable and were sold with a bassinet, changing table, and mobile features. The products have a Rainforest™ patterned fabric, Rainforest themed artwork and bear the “Fisher-Price” logo. The Simplicity Inc. model numbers are 5310 RNF, 5310RNFC, and 5310RNFW. The model number is located on a sticker on one of the legs underneath the play yard.

Consumers should stop using the play yards immediately. Although it did not manufacture or sell the play yards, Fisher-Price has voluntarily agreed to assist consumers who own the products. Consumers who own one of the recalled play yards with the Fisher-Price logo should contact Fisher-Price at (800) 432-5437 anytime or visit the Web site at http://www.service.mattel.com to obtain assistance to replace their play yards.

Related Articles:

• RECALL: 535,000 Stork Craft Cribs Due To Risk of Entrapment and Suffocation
• RECALL: Munire Cribs and Matching Furniture Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
• RECALL: Evenflo Majestic™ High Chairs Due to Fall and Choking Hazards
• RECALL: Frame Replacement Of Phil & Teds Dash Strollers Due to Fall Hazard

Make Christmas more meaningful for your children by giving them a hands-on opportunity to learn about the first Holy Night.

Here are 7 nativity sets that were created with little ones in mind.

Haba has created a high-quality nativity that children can actually play with and enjoy! This wonderful children’s nativity set includes 18 detailed wooden pieces, beautifully crafted of beech wood finished with beeswax. These nativity figures bring to life the story of the nativity. The HABA Nativity Set is sure to become a treasured holiday heirloom to enjoy year after year, and comes packaged in a cheerful sturdy box. For ages 3+

$104.95 at blueberryforest.com

---

2. Playmobil Nativity Set

This Fabulous 59pc. set includes the three wise kings, manager animals, and an accompanying story book of the First Christmas. Figures set up in a stand-up cardstock stable, included for display after play (approx. 17″ x 11″).

*All Playmobil figures have accessories that snap in place into hands, onto heads, or onto bodies, making for hours of interchangeable fun and boundless play value. Recommended for ages 4 and up. *

$24.99 at santaclaushouse.com

---

3. Little People Nativity Scene

New for the 2008 Holiday Edition, Little People’s Nativity scene includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, an angel, two shepherds, two sheep, a sheep dog, a cow, a donkey and a donkey cart with food and a bale of hay. A starry night background scene and two palm tree fence pieces connect with other Little People play sets.

Currently on sale at fisher-price.com for $26.39

---

4. Wooden Nativity Play Set

This wooden nativity set comes with a sturdy stable and 14 colorful all-wood pieces – Baby Jesus, Wise Men, Mary, Joseph, and more…plus the brightest star in the sky! 12″ wide. Ages 3+.

$29.95 at youngexplorers.com

---

5. Veggie Tales Nativity Scene

Veggie Tales offers the story of Baby Jesus with a twist – of cucumber! Veggies tales offers a charming set chunky toys that kids can set up their own Nativity Scene, and you won’t worry about it breaking. Set includes, the manger, and ten Veggie Tale figures. Laura Angel watches over the scene in a flashing star, singing “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem.” Requires 3 button cells (included). Measures 11.5″L x 2.65″W x 8.9″H.

$19.99 at etoys.com

---

6. Personalized Deluxe Nativity Set

This beautifully carved wood Nativity scene was created so that kids can handle it as much as they like. It is great way to learn the Christmas story; a great family keepsake! 24 pieces, in a wooden box made for personalizing. For ages 3 and up.

Available exclusively at onestepahead.com for $39.95

---

7. 12-Pc Nativity Set

This simple hand-carved, wooden set invites hands-on enjoyment. Its child-like, folkart craftsmanship will charm everyone while displaying the essence of Christmas. The Joseph figure stands 3¼” H. The accompanying Tomie DePaola “Little Christmas Pageant” board book (sold separately) is a charming, rendition of this timeless story. Ages 4 yrs. +

$29.99 at constplay.com

 

Related Articles:

• 9 Ways To Play With Noah’s Ark
• Just Like Dad: 9 Creative Kids Work Benches
• 10 Great Play Kitchens
• Sorting Toys Have Great Developmental Benefits

---

]]>

The story of Noah’s Ark is a great story for kids of all ages because of it’s simplicity.

Many toy companies have created their versions of the centuries old tale, giving parents the perfect opportunity to teach their children new skills and lessons.

Some of these lessons include:

• learning the various types of animals in Noah’s Ark and their characteristics through stories using these animals as characters.
• telling the history relating to Noah’s Ark to teach children kindness, virtue and morality through play.
• learning that Noah and his family traveled by ark using the water way and also the other various transportation method available today such as air, road, railroad and ship.

We have found 9 great ways to play with Noah’s Ark. Some of these toys encourage important developmental skills like co-ordination, stacking, sorting and creative play.

*Additional information for each toy is available by clicking on the ‘notes’ link under the picture*

Related Articles:

• Just Like Dad: 9 Creative Kids Work Benches
• 10 Great Play Kitchens

The Magazine asked parents to name the products that they can’t live without.

I agree with some of these products, but scratch my head about others…

Here are this year’s winners:

1. Boppy
2. Fisher-Price Swings
3. Johnson’s Bedtime Line
4. Desitin Diaper cream
5. Fisher-Price Jumperoo
6. Fisher-Price Bouncer
7. Boudreaux’s Butt Paste
8. Playtex Diaper Genie
9. Dr. Brown’s Bottles
10. Bumbo Seat

Honourable mention

1. Medela Pump in Style
2. Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier
3. A&D Diaper Cream
4. Balmex Diaper Cream
5. Baby Einstein DVDs

Personally, the Medela pump, the Bjorn Carrier and the Baby Einstein DVDs series would be part of my top 10. These three products collectively saved my sanity with Baby #1.

I am completely in LOVE with Fisher-Price’s infant products. The swing and bouncer pictured up top are also two of my favorite baby products. No one makes a swing like Fisher-Price. The Little Lamb Cradle Swing is fit for Royalty.

The one product that caught my eye immediately was the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Swing.

This cradle like swing features a generous space for the baby to relax in and material that is so soft you will want to climb in and sleep there yourself.

The soothing experience begins with eight musical choices, a canopy and a natural side-to-side cradle motion.

The mobile above features a mirror, floating clouds and little lambs to entertain your bundle, with six soothing swing speeds, a little plush tethered bear, a removable tray, and a bead bar added for extra variety.

All of these features paired with the little lambs’ ability to move front and back like a traditional swing made this product a must have.

When my Little Lamb arrived I asked my husband to tackle the installation because I didn’t want to get stuck knee deep in bolts and screws with a toddler running around.

To our surprise installation took just minutes and only included a few screws and a couple clips. Expectant moms nesting before baby arrives could probably tackle this task with ease.

We also love that it folds nicely, making it easy to store in the corner or tote around the house if necessary.

Parents looking for a product that will grow with their child will find the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Swing a great choice.

It’s ability to transition from an entertainment space to a peaceful space will make it a significant piece of gear for the new mom!

Suitable from birth up to 25 lbs. • 46L x 29W x 40.5H “

$150