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The first year of life is a magical time--new skills are learned daily, and parents need all the help they can get keeping up with their little ones. Baby's Learn and Play Pack could also be called "parent's learn and play pack," as the book and card set supply a wealth of practical advice, charts, and ideas for playful interaction with your baby for each of the first 12 months.

The t... More

The first year of life is a magical time--new skills are learned daily, and parents need all the help they can get keeping up with their little ones. Baby's Learn and Play Pack could also be called "parent's learn and play pack," as the book and card set supply a wealth of practical advice, charts, and ideas for playful interaction with your baby for each of the first 12 months.

The toys included in the pack look pretty basic, but nearly all of them have been designed with careful thought. The three soft blocks, all with a different texture and sound, are perfectly sized for babies to grasp and explore. The simple rattle has a slender handle and a wide barrel full of interesting color and sound, while the sparkly silver mobile is absolutely entrancing when hung in front of a sunny window. Still worthwhile but a bit less sturdy, the reversible banner is made of thin paper and won't withstand much hands-on exploration. The mirror is a good size, and presents a clear image, but it doesn't take much effort to flex the cardboard mounting and find goofy fun-house faces waiting for you instead of familiar expressions.

Whether parent's use the toys supplied in the kit or make use of others around the house, the reference book and cards will show you how to optimize play time. "The Golden Hour" is referred to regularly by author Miriam Stoppard, and can be any time of day you find convenient to your and your baby's schedule. In this hour, close interaction is key, and you'll be singing, tickling, showing, and playing peekaboo with a new appreciation of what these simple games develop in your baby. More active play-time suggestions involve pouring water, scrunching tissue paper, and starting a percussion band on the kitchen floor. Perfect for first-time parents, this kit is most worthwhile when begun within the first few months of life, as the toys and activities are specifically focused for the first 12 months. --Jill Lightner

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