Infant Toy Project

PLAYSKOOL POPPIN' PARK BOUNCE 'N RIDE (4)

Made by Play-Skool of durable plastic and a sturdy rubber ball for bouncing. Your child will giggle along with the music and silly sounds of this bouncy ride! Kids can bounce on the seat for some quiet stay-in-place fun, or scoot along on an adventure around the house. An inflatable ball under the seat provides the bounce-along action; a quick flip of the kickstand switches the toy from stationary to “let’s go!” mode. The toy is fairly lightweight and comes with a separate air pump for the ball. Adult assembly required. Phillips/cross head screwdriver required for assembly. Batteries are also required. Recommended for children 12 months and up.

This toy is a convertible toy, switching from a stationary bouncing toy, to a sit-on walking toy. Either way children play with the toy, it is meant for them to sit on independently. When they are able to propel the bike forward by themselves, they will push the bike along. Until they reach the assisted walking stage, babies can sit on the bike and bounce on the inflatable ball.

Ratings for this toy

Rating scale - 1=poor, 2=fair, 3=average, 4=good, 5=excellent

DURABILITY - 3; This toy has an inflatable ball that children bounce on. Any damage to this ball, and the toy is rendered useless. The rest of the bike is made of hard plastic, and will break if handled incorrectly, or pressure is exerted on the wrong parts.
SAFETY - 3; The bike offers a safety concern on two levels. One is the position and make of the handle bars. Children could smack their face on the hard plastic bars and become easily injured. The second concern in the inflatable ball. If the ball should become damaged, fingers and hands could become smashed if the ball deflates and the child continues to try to use the toy. Parents should check the condition of the toy each time it is played with.

ATTRACTIVENESS - 5; its bright colors and playful music make this a very attractive toy. Its unique design adds to the thrill.
SOURCE OF STIMULATION - 2; Physical stimulation. There are better forms of exercise that can encourage further physical development. Learning to walk with a toy between their knees can hinder a child’s ability to learn to walk on their own.

WHAT WILL MY CHILD LEARN FROM THIS TOY?

Cognitive

Babies at this age (12-24 months) are very curious about their surroundings, and this toy can help them explore. Parents could use this toy as a way for baby to mimic their daily routines as well. Parents can help the child learn vocabulary with hands on implications. Words such as "go" and "stop" as well as "ride" and "walk" can be taught using this toy. Children can also be taught to follow directions using this toy. Giving them basic commands, and then modeling them if necessary can help implement good behavior when they reach toddlerhood.

Social-Emotional

Children will be excited to see their parents smile and be excited when they move the bike on their own (whether it is stationary or mobile). Children enjoy pleasing their parents and this can reinforce the child's ability to correctly manipulate the toy. This toy offers no social or emotional component on its own.

Physical

Children will learn gross motor skills while using this toy. Balance, scooting, bouncing, and walking are all ways to improve heart, muscle, and bone strength. By encouraging exercise, parents are encouraging a positive model for the future. The physical benefits of a push bike like this one, are outweighed by the downside. Walking with a toy between their knees can hinder a child’s ability to learn to walk on their own. Unlike other toys that simply help steady them by holding their weight, bike type toys can actually hinder their development. Children who spend too much time on this toy, may have delays in walking because of the odd way in which they must hold their legs in order ride this toy.