product reviews

It's been a year since LeapFrog debuted the LeapPad and gave tots the first tablet of their own. And while the devices weren't exactly easy to come by (it was easily the hottest toy of 2011), those who did get their hands on them were easily impressed with the pad's touchscreen, built-in camera, tilt-sensor, and enhanced ereader.

That's not to say the LeapPad didn't have its detractors. Well, it appears that the company listened to some of the users' complaints, and less than 12 months after the original version hit the stores, the company is preparing to introduce the LeapPad2 Learning Tablet ($100 for pink or green and $130 for a Disney Princess Bundle) next week. While I've been more than happy with our first-generation LeapPads at home, I was eager to see where the company made improvements on the devices. LeapFrog sent us a tablet to try out; see what we thought below.

Who is this product designed for? After seeing preschoolers snag their older siblings' LeapPads last year, LeapFrog has expanded the age range to include 3- to 9-year-olds (rather than starting at 4 years old), meaning games and apps will also be available for the younger set.

What sets it apart? The original LeapPad made its mark with its tablet-like features that gave tots the feeling they were playing with a sophisticated system. With an accelerometer that transforms the tablet into a gaming console for motion-based games; a library of more than 325 games, apps, music, and videos; and the incorporation of Ultra eBooks, the LeapPad had virtually everything a kid could want. The next-generation version only improves upon those features.

• While the screen size (five inches) and resolution (480 by 272 pixels) remain the same, the LeapPad2 now has a second camera installed in the tablet — a 2MP front-facing video and still camera that makes taking a self-portrait easier than ever.
• The more powerful camera results in larger photo files, so the folks at LeapFrog increased the product's memory to 4GB of storage (up from 2GB) so more photos, videos, and apps can remain on the device.
• A faster processor (550 MHz vs. 393 MHz) means apps and games load much faster than before.
• A new music player (already preinstalled on the device) plays educational songs.
• One of my biggest complaints about the original LeapPad was how quickly it burned through batteries. The new version not only extends battery life another hour (up to nine hours), but a rechargeable battery pack can also be purchased separately, so the device can be plugged in and charged when not in use. My wallet and the environment thank LeapFrog for that.
• The new creativity app, Cartoon Director (included on the device), allows tots to place their mugshot onto cartoon characters and then turn them into movies.
• All apps and games purchased for the original LeapPad are compatible with the new version too.

Keep reading to see what could be better an how long the tablet entertains a youngster.

For 44 years, kids have been racing Hot Wheels cars around their homes, on the sidewalks in front of their houses, and, if they're my kids, down the slides on the playground. Playground play aside, most die-cast car play has been strictly horizontal since that time. Now Hot Wheels is shaking things up — really up! — and moving car play vertical! Hot Wheels Wall Tracks, the company's new line of wall-mounted race tracks, literally takes playtime off the floor and onto the walls. The company sent me the Hot Wheels Wall Tracks Starter Set ($32), one of four playsets in the collection, and I took it for a test run with my two car-obsessed kids. Here's what we thought!

Who is this product designed for? The manufacturer suggests that race tracks are for kids ages 4 to 8 years old, but my 2-year-old is having a very good time playing with it, too.

What sets it apart? For generations, car racing has been limited to floor play, where intricate tracks were laid on the ground to facilitate races, crashes, and general play. For the first time, that play moves up the wall, helping to clear the clutter of toys on the floor, but also creating a new play experience. Using 3M Command Strips (which are safe for painted and wallpapered walls — I tested it!), the track supports easily stick on the wall to create vertical, complex race tracks that eventually lead cars to the ground. The enclosed templates make setup a breeze — within 15 minutes of opening the box, we were ready to play!

What could be better? Unfortunately, the 3M Command Strips can lose their "stickiness" pretty easily, and if they do, the entire track falls down — quickly. This problem is easily remedied, though, by simply purchasing additional strips at an office supply store.

Keep reading to see how long the tracks entertain youngsters and for more views of the toy.

Lots of moms like to think out loud, and MiaFT is one of them. This is an excerpt from one of the latest posts on her Baby Love blog.

I'm so excited! Bugaboo has finally come out with a snack tray! I'm thrilled!

As you can see, it doesn't attach to both sides of the stroller as the bumper bar does. I am a little disappointed about that because there are many times I will just seat Audrey in her stroller without belting her in, but she stays put because of the bumper bar. So I will have to make it a point to belt her in always. But it will be worth it. Audrey likes to snack and have her cup when we are out shopping or at the zoo for the day. It keeps her from getting too hungry and cranky. We are able to stay out longer, and have more fun! I've found it online for prices ranging from $39-$52, but I haven't found it available until January. I have been eagerly awaiting this! I just wanted to share the news in case you were too!!

Want to see more? Start following Baby Love or start your own OnSugar blog. It's easy, it's free, and we just may feature your content on our site!

The iPad may be top on Mama's holiday wish list this year, but there's a good chance it's on her tot's too! Kids can't keep their hands off the tablets, leading two of the largest educational games manufacturers to create tot-friendly versions this year.

I told you about the LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer ($100) when it first hit the market this Fall, and now I just finished playing around with the VTech InnoTab ($79) and can't help but compare the two units. Similarly priced, they are both designed for kids 4 to 9 years old, both run on four AA batteries (or, better yet, burn through them), and both are designed to educate as lil ones interact with their favorite characters. Though neither device runs as fast as an iPad (and neither offers a WiFi option), gadget-oriented kids can't put them down. See how the two hot holiday gift items compare!

Screen size
Both learning tablets have five-inch color touch-screen LCD display screens, though the InnoTab's appears to be more responsive to the finger touch than the LeapPad, which worked better with the included stylus.

Gadget size

• LeapPad: The gadget's screen is surrounded by one inch of casing to protect it from drops and spills.
• InnoTab: The product's screen comes packaged in a case that provides a two-to-four-inch border around the gadget, giving tots more room to hold it than its competitor. It is almost the same size as the iPad.

Activities and Games

• LeapPad: The tablet comes with four free apps — Art Studio, Story Studio, Pet Pad, and one of your choice — to entertain tots. Additional cartridge games are $25 with downloadable apps ranging from $5-$25.
• InnoTab: The tablet's PDA-like capabilities — a calendar that allows tots to plan their days and add in stickers, a clock to help learn to tell time, a stopwatch for timing kids, a world globe, etc. — are both fun and educational. They also give kids a sense of independence, turning to their devices for information much like mom and dad. The system also comes with an Art Studio. Additional cartridge games are $25 with downloadable apps costing between $5 and $8.

Keep reading to see how the products compare in other categories.

Lots of moms like to think out loud, and MiaFT is one of them. This is an excerpt from one of the latest posts on her Baby Love blog.

If you're a mother, then obviously you have heard of Dr. Sears. But did you know that he now makes snacks and supplements for kids? We were lucky enough to be able to try the Popumz. They are 100 percent natural whole grain crisps, and they have all of the important stuff like fiber, protein, and Omega 3. At first I was skeptical, because they look like those rice cakes for dieting. I wondered how they could be healthy and tasty? So of course I had to have a taste, and they really were yummy!  Audrey inhaled the chocolate and vanilla flavors!

They also have BBQ, cheddar, and ranch, which are a great alternative to giving Audrey potato chips. She loves them just as much, and that's because they taste exactly like chips! They are really good, I could have eaten the whole bag myself!

Even though they are healthy, they are really delicious! Dr. Sears also makes snack bars, drink boxes, and even vitamins! 

Want to see more? Start following Baby Love or start your own OnSugar blog. It's easy, it's free, and we just may feature your content on our site!

It's A-OK to pick a favorite...product, book, or toy! When it comes to testing goods we know mother knows best, which is why we want to hear your views on the products you use! Our Product Reviews group is the perfect place to share your experiences with other women. Check out these reviews for some inspiration and then start spreading the word about your favorite gear!

Battle of the Sippy Cups	Skip Hop's Central Park Bag	The Woombie
Real Wooden Blocks	Evenflo's Symphony All-in-One Car Seat	Plum Dispensing Spoon
Mountain Buggy's Duet Double Stroller	LeapFrog's LeapPad Explorer Tablet	My Favorite Diaper Bag

In the 15 years since Tickle Me Elmo was introduced to the market, adults and kids alike have been taken with the lil red monster's infectious laugh. With each additional version of the toy, Elmo's increasingly more complex movements and sounds have continued to make it one of the hottest toys each holiday season. Now, with Hasbro taking over the Sesame Street toy line, the company is introducing Let's Rock Elmo ($59), the latest, most complex Elmo to hit store shelves. The toy has already been named the hot toy of the year by Toys R Us, but should it top your holiday shopping list? Keep reading to see what I thought.

Who is this product designed for? Made for tots over 2 years old, Let's Rock Elmo is fun for kids up to 5 years old or really any age that is still taken with Elmo's charm.

What sets it apart? More than simply a doll that sings and tells stories, Let's Rock Elmo actually plays two instruments — drums and tambourine — and sings into a microphone, "recognizing" them as they are placed in his hands or under his feet each time. When Elmo's not using one of the included instruments, lil one's can play with them or join in with him on one of the six songs in his repertoire. Three additional instruments that are all sold separately — a guitar ($35), a keyboard ($20), and a working microphone ($15) — are also recognized by Elmo, so when kids pick them up and play them in Elmo's vicinity, he'll join in the new song.

Keep reading to see what could be better and if I would buy it.

Double stroller pushers are often faced with a dilemma: sacrifice comfort for the convenience of a compact stroller, or choose a wide side-by-side carriage that is often unwieldy and hard to manage in crowds. The newest crop of double strollers is out to solve that dilemma with side-by-side pushchairs that mimic the size and maneuverability of classic single strollers. The latest to enter the market is Mountain Buggy's Duet ($600). The company sent us one of the first strollers off the assembly line for testing purposes. See how it measures up.

Who is this product designed for? As the narrowest side-by-side double stroller on the market, the Duet is perfect for parents of twins, or tots close in age, who use their stroller around town, not just for walks through the neighborhood.

Is it practical? The Duet gives double stroller-pushing parents more flexibility than ever before. It easily fits through the standard 32-inch door frame and maneuvers as smoothly as lightweight stroller down both nicely paved paths and torn up city streets. Able to accommodate two car seats (one seated slightly higher than the other) and two bassinets, the pushchair can be used from birth on up. The fully-reclining seats provide lil ones with plenty of space to stretch out and rest while the seats' independent canopies feature "flick-out sun visors" that provide extra protection once tots lay down. An adjustable handlebar provides both taller and shorter-than-average parents comfortable pushing positions.

Keep reading to see what sets the Duet apart from other double strollers and where it could use some improvements.

Baby monitors have come a long way from the crackly, static-filled intercoms that filled store shelves just a few years ago. Today, they not only allow parents to hear if their lil one wakes up in the middle of the night, but they also offer video and temperature monitoring and can even be shared with family and friends. The Lorex Live Wireless Video Home Monitor ($170) offers all of this and more in a reliable, easy-to-use package. Setup couldn't be easier with the Lorex system. Simply power up both the camera and the display screen and begin viewing instantly.

The camera gives clear audio and video, and in darkness, it will automatically shift into night mode, creating illuminated imaging through infrared light sensors. Via the display screen, moms can hold the "Talk" button to speak directly to their tots. They can also turn on a comforting lullaby to soothe lil ones back to sleep.

Keep reading to find out why we are liking the Lorex Baby Monitor.

Moms may soon regain control of their iPads. The tech toy from Apple that is filled with mama's cooking, organizing, and entertaining apps somehow worked its way into lots of lil ones' hands, and many moms are having a hard time prying it away.

That should all change next week when LeapFrog starts shipping out its new LeapPad Explorer Learning Tablet ($100). A tablet engineered just for kids, the LeapPad takes all of the technology introduced on last year's Leapster Explorer (including an ereader that adjusts to tots' learning levels, letter and number writing skills, and a high-resolution touchscreen) and adds exciting new functions like a tilt-sensor (just like the iPad), an enhanced ereader with a visual dictionary and games embedded within the books, a larger (five-inch) screen, and a built-in camera. The company sent us a tablet to try out, see what we thought below.

Who is this product designed for? The manufacturer suggests that the tablet is for tots ages 4 to 9 years old (and it can be customized for up to three kids), but a preschooler could navigate his way around it, too.

What sets it apart? With a five-inch 480-x-272 pixel (16 x 9) touchscreen, the LeapPad offers kids plenty of space to read, draw, write, or view their activities. Given the educational basis behind all of LeapFrog's products, the learning apps included with the system are brought to life on it. The new Ultra eBooks not only reads stories to kids, but should tykes select individual words, the system sounds them out. Portions of books are animated and games are built into them as well. A built-in camera and video recorder can be used on their own or in conjunction with other apps to create storybooks and videos that can be shared once the tablet is connected to a computer. And the accelerometer transforms the tablet into a gaming console, allowing for motion-based activities. Like other LeapFrog products, the Explorer connects to the online Learning Path, allowing parents to track their tots' progress and identify areas requiring additional support. When connected to the computer, artwork, photos, and videos created by kids can also be shared with family and friends through Facebook and email.

What could be better? Kids used to tooling around with their parents' gadgets will have to get used to a slower unit. The 400MHz processor doesn't allow apps to load as quickly as they may be used to. Also, with no WiFi, tots will have to forgo playing Angry Birds and the like, in favor of the more educational apps created by LeapFrog (which could be a very good thing!). The cost may set some families off as well. While the tablet costs $100 and comes with four free apps — Art Studio, Story Studio, Pet Pad, and one of your choice — the 100 additional apps that will be available later this year will cost between $5 to $20, making it a pricey investment. On the plus side, all games and cartridges parents bought for the Explorer are compatible with the LeapPad.

Keep reading to see how long the laptop entertains a youngster and for more views of the device.