Visual Stimulation Reviews

This colorful merry-go-round offers babies multifaceted opportunities for play. Three rattles spin around in a kaleidoscope of sounds and colors. Each rattle can be removed and played with, so babies have several enticing choices: the yellow rattle with its see-through container of multicolored beads; the red rattle with its set of clanging, spinning disks; and the bright blue rattle with its jangling, spinning cylinder of barbershop stripes. Parents may need to assist babies in removing and re-attaching the rattles. --Gail Hudson

They call it "a multisensory play environment and activity gym"; you may just think of it as a good way to get a rug-rat off the rug. The base of the play nest is an inflatable vinyl ring (39 inches external diameter) encased in a fabric cover that's festooned with animal scenes and a variety of textures, and flaps; four fabric-covered gym bars connect to the ring and meet at a point over your baby's head. You can attach various included soft toys (a sun that plays "You Are My Sunshine," a mirrored star) with links to the bars. For the youngest infant, this is a cozy place to watch the world; slightly older tots will enjoy the sense of security and a bit of assistance with sit-up play. Toddlers may give the play nest a second life by seeing whether they can throw the toys or themselves into it. --Richard Farr

The pyramid-shaped Grip and Grab Rattle is made of sturdy, safety-tested plastic tubes in bright colors that are connected by clear plastic spheres. Each sphere contains a red bead, smaller beads move freely through the tubes when the rattle is shaken. So what's the big deal? You'll have to ask a baby. For some reason, they love this thing--won't put it down. They'll go to sleep to the sound of it being gently shaken in front of them, or will miraculously be distracted from the car-seat fussies. (Mini van dealers should include the Grip and Grab as a standard feature).

This Lamaze rattle also provides learning opportunities for babies, almost from birth. The tubes are about the diameter of an adult finger--perfect for grabbing with tiny hands, and later, for chomping with tiny gums and teeth. Early lessons in cause and effect and hand- eye coordination are taught when baby moves and the rattle shakes. Included in the packaging is a booklet about infant development and creative ideas on how to use the toy, as well as a U.S. lifetime warranty. Winner of several national awards, including a National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and a National Parenting Publications Honors Award. --Katherine Ferguson

There's lots to see, hear, and do with this toy that will foster the developmental skills of a toddler. When little ones push one of the five plastic balls through the hole at the top of this tower, lights flash and music plays. From there the ball travels down a spiral path all the way to the bottom--unless your toddler chooses to redirect it with the dial on the side of the ramp. Some babies will simply enjoy watching the ball swirl down the ramp. But as babies get a bit older, they will also be able to observe and anticipate the action of the balls and realize that their actions have an effect on where the balls go. How cool is that? For a toddler, very cool! One drawback to this toy is that it probably isn't sturdy enough or heavy enough for babies or toddlers to use it to pull themselves from a sitting to a standing position, though the "Pull-up" portion of the name implies that's possible. There's plenty more to do with this toy, so that is only a minor consideration.

Offering far more versatility than most stationary or permanently affixed arches, this colorful stroller arch is equipped with push-in clips that allow you to attach it to a stroller, infant car seat, or baby carrier. The arch can be adjusted to different heights and angles and comes with three soft toys, including a fun sun mirror, a soft airplane, and a soft balloon toy. Extra loops have been included so you can add additional toys to the arch, and each of the included toys features some kind of interactive feature, including a rattle, musical tune, and mirror. All three toys have adjustable loops so you can place them at varying heights to keep baby interested and stimulated. --Chris Burns

Hours of sensory stimulation await the infant who encounters this award-winning play system from Tiny Love. Packed in a large see-through bag (complete with a sturdy plastic handle), the set features four padded, 2-foot-long fabric panels. Each exceptionally well-sewn panel contains its own set of exploratory activities and fun toys to squeeze, hug, or roll: a squishable water mat filled with plastic fish, a child-safe mirror inside a sun's crinkly rays, and Velcro-backed pieces to manipulate. Link the panels in various ways by using the secure Velcro straps on each end, or attach a single panel to your baby's crib or playpen. Remove the water mat, mirror, and animal face pillow for easy cleaning or to create different sights for your baby. Track your baby's developmental achievements with the detailed milestones guide that is included in the set. --Liane Thomas