Symphony Star Beads is a Super-Star!
Written: Sep 13 '02 (Updated Aug 27 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: ● Durable!
● Entertaining
● Volume control
● Gender neutral
Cons: ● Requires batteries
The Bottom Line: The Symphony Star Beads engages children musically, and promotes independent play. It is a terrific toy!
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| marybatson's Full Review: Sparkling Symphony Star Beads 71662 |
When my son turned 8-weeks old, I went on the hunt for a few activity toys that could grow with him over time. I read that classical music stimulates language development, and may possibly enhance science and math skills. Well, I’m obtuse when it comes to math, so my offspring’s going to need an injection when it comes to that subject. When I saw the Symphony Star Beads sitting on the shelf at my local toy store, I studied it for a few minutes. I thought, hum… it plays classical music, maybe I should start those math injections early.
The Symphony Star Beads is a musical maze that produces flashing lights, and music when shaken. The elliptical orb measures 9” x 7½”, think of a large football. It weighs just over a pound, which is light enough for a toddler to lift and carry. There are 5 musical songs: 3-classically arranged pieces, and 2-children’s songs. The only tune I recognize by name is, If You’re Happy and You Know it Clap Your Hands. The Symphony Star Beads is recommended for infants and toddlers 6-months to 4-years, and it's manufactured by Fisher-Price. There are no safety concerns such as choking, swallowing, or sharp edges.
Rods
Three intertwined curvy rods create a maze on the topside. The backside mimics the top in pattern, but not in color. The transparent rods are made of hard plastic, and are quite durable. They are brightly colored, and each rod holds a colorful star-shaped bead.
Beads
The beads are made of heavy-duty plastic, and are embossed with smiley faces, which provides a raised tactile feature. They measure 1½” x 1” in size, which is larger than a quarter, but not as big a a ½ dollar.
Musical Element
On top of the musical element is the "ON/OFF" switch. Concealed on the bottom is the battery compartment, which requires 3-AA batteries.
Our Experience:
Soon after my son woke from a nap, I placed the musical orb in his crib for playtime. I turned the musical element off, as he was quite sensitive to sound at that age. At first, he seemed confused by the toy. Throughout the week, I continued to introduce the new plaything. His arm became entangled a few times, so I put it up on the shelf. As he gained strength, and better arm control, I tried again. Then, he discovered his involuntary movements made the music play, he was enchanted.
About a month later, he began to explore the rods, and beads. Once he was sitting up, he’d shake it, and then drop it. He loved the rattling sound so much he’d laugh. Fortunately for parents, it’s pleasant to listen to over, and over again, and the toy has a High/Low volume control. The Symphony Star Beads is extremely durable as well. In the past 2-years, Will has dropped it umpteen times, and it continues to play without missing a beat! Moreover, the batteries have only been replaced twice. I suspect that’s because this toy does not need to be "ON" for babies to get pleasure from it. That said, it is especially cool to watch in the dark when the flashing lights dance across the toy. The Symphony Star Beads is recommended for babies 6-months and up. Had I paid attention to the suitability of this toy initially I could have avoided some frustration. At any rate, at 4-months of age William was hooked on this plaything. I definitely recommend it!
Fisher-Price Headquarters
636 Girard Avenue, East Aurora, and NY 14052
Telephone: 1-800-432-KIDS 8 AM ~ 6 PM EST Monday through Friday
www.fisher-price.com
Additional Fisher-Price Reviews:
Activity Center
Kick & Learn Piano
Farmer Says See ‘n Say
Infant to Toddler Soothing Rocker
Sesame Street Grow N’ Go Play Gym
View-Master Thomas & Friends Gift Set
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $12.99
Type of Toy: Baby Toy
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
marybatson
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Member: Mary
Location: Phoenix
Reviews written: 169
Trusted by: 188 members
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