LeapFrog Hug & Learn Baby Tad

Turn him on and he'll say "Hi I'm Baby Tad, Lets Sing" and begin his enthusiastic play. In "Daytime" play mode, babies can press the smiley shapes on his bib has six buttons for a response. Babies are encouraged to press the button which is lit, and are rewarded with enthusiastic greetings and songs. Baby Tad also says cute phrases that babies will love at random times, such as "Peekaboo, I see you" and "Lets Snuggle". Press, or kiss the pink lip button on his cheek and Baby Tad kisses back, saying "mmmwahh, I love you!"

Possibly the most useful feature on the new and improved Baby Tad is the brand new "Night-time" phrase, a brilliant idea for babies who like familiar songs to go to sleep to. This mode is calming rather than interactive. Baby Tad can be programmed play up to six minutes of soothing classical music and lights, simply by pressing his hand, once, twice, and so on, up to six times for six minutes. He will announce "one minute to night night, two minutes to night night" etc: and the music then plays for the allotted time and stops without ceremony, a comforting series of tunes which will help lull little ones to sleep.

While using the toy, children can develop perceptual and reasoning skills; motor skills are also enhanced as children physically push a flashing shape, song and "kiss" buttons. Playing with Baby Tad also provides opportunities for exploration, creativity and social development, all necessary ingredients for children's learning. The toy is accompanied by an excellent parents' guide and instruction manual which is straightforward and easy to follow, has a handy volume control on the battery box and comes complete with three AA batteries.

This toy is recommended by the manufacturer for toddlers aged nine months and over. --Susan Naylor

With every cuddle, kiss and squeeze, Baby Tad engages and soothes your little one.

Babies squeeze the sun on the daytime hand to hear six happy, active songs and to play a fun learning game - flashing lights follow the beat and guide babies to the color and shape buttons on Baby Tad's chest. And this adorable friend's cheerful encouragement and cute laugh make learning a delight.

When it's time for bed or for a long trip, your baby just squeezes the moon on the nighttime hand to play up to six minutes of uninterrupted classical music. This music soothes even the most active toddlers. The Hug & Learn Baby Tad Plush features a volume control. The actual item may vary from the photographs and/or illustrations.

Music & Creativity Music helps develop a child's imagination and creativity — and provides a fun, rewarding learning experience. Music stimulates a newborn's brain, creating pathways for future learning, such as speech. Exposing children to music also enhances long-term ability to perform higher brain mathematical functions, and it encourages movement, self-expression and social interactions.