The Take-along Play House has Room for Improvement!
Written: Aug 12 '01 (Updated Aug 12 '01)
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Pros: Makes an interesting travel and/or restaurant toy.
Cons: Interesting but limited. For $10 more you can buy Fisher Price's Home Sweet Home.
The Bottom Line: $20 is too much for this toy; $10 would be more acceptable. For $30 get the Fisher Price Home Sweet Home instead.
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| sgentile's Full Review: Take-along Play House |
The idea for Lamaze’s Take-Along Playhouse is good, but I think Lamaze missed their target in a few ways. The first thing that comes to mind is their intended audience. This toy is intended for ages 12-months to three years old. I think a careful study of actual child play will reveal that children will not be interested in this toy until they are starting to engage in “pretend play" (unless you count teething on the people). This toy has been in my daughter’s playroom since she turned 12-months-old. She didn’t become interested in the Take-Along Playhouse until she turned 17-months-old. Unfortunately, this toy is limited in the number of “pretend” scenarios” that can be imagined. It was only a matter of time before my daughter’s interest turned to her other toys. In fairness, she REALLY liked the Take-Along Playhouse for several months. Her favorite things to do were to carry the little people and dog around with her, and chew on them. But let’s be realistic, once they become 2-years-old the toys designed for them easily out pizzazz this one. The Take-Along Playhouse would be much better if it offered a little bit “more,” or it cost only $10 (and not $20).
What is the Take-Along Playhouse?
The Take-Along Playhouse is constructed of sturdy, washable fabric consisting of a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. It also comes with small soft figures: a boy, girl, and dog, a bed and bathtub. These figures and pieces of furniture are nothing more than tiny pillows. The structure folds up nicely (resembling a lunch box, including a little fabric handle), and will hold the pieces securely inside as long as they are placed there (Try getting your baby to understand this concept). It closes/locks with a button fastener. There are 2 mesh pockets on the outside of this carrying case which can be used to hold the people and the dog.
WARNING: A baby could fit the tiny dog pillow completely in his mouth. It would be difficult, but I sincerely think it is a possibility. Please always watch carefully when the toy dog in out, or keep him in YOUR pocket until your child stops mouthing things.
When you open the Take-Along Playhouse you will find that the sink pops-up like a table. With your help (simply push the sides of the sink cabinet in) the playhouse will remain open. The refrigerator has a fabric door that when opened reveals a stocked refrigerator and freezer. There is a fabric door that is partially cut out so your child can open it and push the doll figures through the door. This door will be the main attraction for your child. You can play peek-a-boo with the people. . . Have the people knock on the door and show your child how to ask, “Who’s there?” and open the door. I’m sure parents can imagine the fun you will have here, over and over again. On the other side of the wall is a tiny bedroom and bathroom. The toilet and sinks are painted on the wall, and so impossible for your 12 month to 3 year old child to play with. These three rooms are painted with LOTS of details; Too much detail if you ask me.
PROS:
Your young child will enjoy opening and closing the door, and minimal pretend play answering that door. Other good traits of this toy are:
~ Your child might learn to put the pillow people and furniture away.
~ It is easily transported because the playhouse folds up (resembles a lunch box) and has an easy to carry fabric handle.
~ Your child might learn to unbutton and fasten a button (but I doubt it; see below CONS).
~ It is completely machine washable!
~ Carries a lifetime guarantee (unconditional). From Lamaze: If for any reason one of our toys needs repair, we'll fix it in our workshop, replace it, or substitute a toy of equal or greater value. Just call us at 800-704-8697 or email us (cs@learningcurve.com)
CONS:
~ The button that opens this toy is too difficult for babies and toddlers to unfasten. The button fits too snuggly in the button hole for a toddler to open. Now keep in mind, mine might be tighter than the average, I have no way of knowing.
~ The people and furniture are poorly designed. It is very difficult for tiny hands to put the people in the little pocket-like openings in the bed and bathtub. The people are very easy to lose as they fall right out of the house when it’s moved (I suggest Velcro).
~ Your child's play environment is limited to 3 tiny rooms that are not deep or wide enough to really play in.
My Recommendation.
Skip the Take-Along Playhouse unless you are looking for something to occupy your children while waiting in restaurants. The Take-Along Playhouse WILL interest your child, but quickly lose its appeal. For this reason if you let young children play with this while you are on vacation, in a plane or in restaurants you should be able to extend the “life” of this toy. If you are looking for a first doll house for your toddler, I suggest the Little People Home Sweet Home doll house. My 12 month old has no problem using the little people (He prefers the Little People bus, airplane and truck).
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): 20
Type of Toy: Baby Toy
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
sgentile
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Location: New England, United States
Reviews written: 249
Trusted by: 476 members
About Me:
I'm a mother who focuses on safety, fun, & value. I write from experience.
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