Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center Review

Since my babies are not quite babies anymore, I only recently learned about the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center. (say that 3 times fast). This is one item I recently learned about and included in my list of Educational Gifts for Toddlers. Like most moms, I always really appreciate toys and gifts for my kids that have some educational value and so I try to buy for other moms with those same guidelines in mind.

For mothers of toddlers, this is an excellent and fun toy that can help your crawling baby learn and develop. The learning center gives them plenty of hands on play activities that incorporate the use of sounds, songs, tunes and phrases, which we all know that toddlers love.

Here’s my Real Deal Review of the Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Crawl-Around Learning Center:

Ideal

Great learning toy that improves fine motor skills in kids

The Fisher-Price crawl around learning center consists of two double-sided square panels that stand vertically. Each surface is similar to a playing board where kids can engage in different activities. Electronic boards embedded inside the panels can playback over 200 sounds, phrases, songs, and tunes when baby initiates certain actions. An arch connects the two panels and when little ones crawl under it, they are treated with fun songs, music and other learning content.

Customizable Smart Stages Technology grows with your baby

Fisher Price incorporated what they call Smart Stages Technology in this learning center. This function lets parents choose a level with play activities that are ideal for their child. Level 1,”Explore” encourages exploration. This stage customizes the play activities so that kids ages 6 months and up can learn their first words and hear sounds that spark their curiosity. The second level, “Encourage”, is perfect for kids aged 1 and above. This stage prompts learning through simple directions and questions. When kids reach about 18-months old, parents can switch to the last level, “Pretend”, which is programmed to offer role-play games that promote imaginative fun.

Panels are designed with great attention to detail to stimulate the senses and imagination of children

As far as play activities are concerned, here is a rundown of what the double-sided panels have in store for your young one.

• Panel 1: Your toddler can learn shapes on this panel. He/she will have lots of fun removing the shaped pieces and sending them down the chute. This surface also lets your baby learn the alphabet, play with 4-illuminated light up piano keys or learn colors and body parts from the textured puppy drawing.

• Panel 2: The second panel has a dial pad that lets kids pretend to be making a phone call. Mom or dad can also record a personalized voice message for the baby. This panel features a light switch and drawings that introduce kids to the concept of opposites.

• Panel 3: On the third panel, there are lots of sensory play items. For example, your baby can look through a mirror to discover him/herself or play with the jumbo rattle roller, textured turtle and a fishbowl clicker.

• Panel 4: The last activity panel does not require batteries for kids to engage in play. It features a sliding window for playing peek-a-boo and customizable picture frames.

Sturdy toy design can hold up to pulling from babies

Ordeal

One of the biggest disadvantages of the Fisher Price Learning Center is the fact that it does not fold up for storage. Kids toys and furniture tend to take over our homes anyway, but it would be that much more convenient if this could be folded up easily and put away at our convenience.

Parents should also know that much of the toy is battery operated. Some of the play panels require three AA batteries to operate. When the batteries are low, the volume or sound playback also becomes feeble.

The Real Deal

Overall, it is a fantastic “grow-with-me” toy and many parents say that their kids love the fun activities provided on the 4 play panels. This Fisher Price Learning Center would make a great choice for parents interested in buying a toy that will grow with their toddler. From sitting, to crawling, to standing to cruising, this learning center will take your baby through important milestones during early development.

Find it here on Amazon.com!

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