How much "abuse" can they take? Hi - I am considering purchasing this product for my 5 year old twin boys but am concerned about how much dropping, throwing they can withstand. They both have Autism and sometimes fall into the "throw first, talk later" mentality. I realize there is nothing break proof but wondered if they can withstand some abuse. How much "abuse" can they take? Hi - I am considering purchasing this product for my 5 year old twin boys but am concerned about how much dropping, throwing they can withstand. They both... » Read More How much "abuse" can they take? Hi - I am considering purchasing this product for my 5 year old twin boys but am concerned about how much dropping, throwing they can withstand. They both have Autism and sometimes fall into the "throw first, talk later" mentality. I realize there is nothing break proof but wondered if they can withstand some abuse. « Show Less
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My 3 year old also has the throw first mentality when he gets mad/frustrated. His Leapster has been thrown across the room a dozen times (it's usually the first thing within reach since he keeps it on the nightstand in his bedroom). On one of those throws it got a small area of damage in the upper corner of the LCD screen (stays white/orange), but all the games still work.
304687
My 4 year old son has dropped it on the pavement and concrete several times, even on top of the deck of a cruise ship and it still works fine. Hes thrown it in a tantrum also and its still works great LOL
304688
I brought mine for my 3 yr old last year. Her new sister, now 18 months, loves to use the coloring action on the Leapster. She drags it around my tile kitchen and bathroom, turns it off and on constantly, and preety much tries to destoy it on her own. That thing takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I am actually trying to find a used one for the little one.
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I suppose it depends on how much area you have. How much damage to your home you are willing to sustain and protecting your child from falling through glass or down a stairwell. That being said I allowed my son to ride in the house. I found that he was more willing to use it when he rode in the house and outdoors. He became proficient in 3 weeks.
1339610
I would be careful with a 2 year old. How much longer before he turns 3? My children were 6 and 4 so my youngest is slightly older but not much. My youngest likes to jump off of EVERYTHING so he loves it!
2219930
I use it to toss my son on & it's very resistant upon impact. He doesn't cry or become upset.
380440
It really depends on the child. My grandchildren had them at age 4, but really enjoy them now that they are 5, 7, 9. They each have their own set. Mine don't put things in their mouth (chew on them.) And they seemed to be coordinated enough to handle stacking things without getting frustrated if they collapse. Hope that answer helps!
521974
It is normal, the children do not have to do a lot of strength to take. A child starting 2 years without taking difficulties.
34481
i gave as a gift. he is pretty rough at 2 and 1/2 years old he is all boy but i dont know if he swings from it.
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3 years & up. I waited until my first child was 3 to use this set and it was the perfect size for him. My daughter started using the set at 18 months (since big brother was there she wanted to be too!), and I was always a little nervous that she would fall off of the chair, so I stayed close by her to prevent an accident. I would not let kids open or close the table (especially) or chairs for risk of pinched fingers.If you have a particularly tall child, you can use the set earlier without a problem (their feet will touch the floor while seated sooner).I LOVE this set. We have a small apartment and I appreciate the fact that I can fold everything up and put it away at the end of the day. 3 years & up. I waited until my first child was 3 to use this set and it was the perfect size for him. My daughter started using the set at 18 months (since big brother was there she wanted to be too!), and I was always a little nervous that she would fall off of the chair, so I stayed close by her to prevent an accident. I would not let kids open or close the table (especially) or chairs for risk of pinched fingers.If you have a particularly tall child, you can use the set earlier without a problem (their feet will touch the floor while seated sooner).I LOVE this... » Read More 3 years & up. I waited until my first child was 3 to use this set and it was the perfect size for him. My daughter started using the set at 18 months (since big brother was there she wanted to be too!), and I was always a little nervous that she would fall off of the chair, so I stayed close by her to prevent an accident. I would not let kids open or close the table (especially) or chairs for risk of pinched fingers.If you have a particularly tall child, you can use the set earlier without a problem (their feet will touch the floor while seated sooner).I LOVE this set. We have a small apartment and I appreciate the fact that I can fold everything up and put it away at the end of the day. « Show Less
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The panels are well made and unless the child had on heavy shoes I don't think they could be damaged. If they weren't attached correctly to each other, they could be knocked over. If they are attached correctly it's pretty difficult to kick them apart. They have come apart when I've tried moving the whole thing to a different area.The good news is that although strong, they aren't really heavy so if a panel fell on him, it wouldn't severely injury him, maybe a bruise. The twins climbed on them, threw toys out of the play area and back in, and the playpen is still standing. :)
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how tall are your kids? that is crazy. I doubt they can jump that high and hit there heads. not even an adult could. well maybe but they would be over the weight limit and break it!!
423438
Considering that Baby Einstein has already had a toy recalled for toxic levels of lead (blue block in their Discover & Play Color Blocks), even if they aren't listing the toxins in their toys directly, they are a suspect company. One boy was suspected of being poisoned by these blocks when no other lead-containing items were found in the house. Besides, lead, PVC, and BPA (which you probably get more from in canned foods anyway) aren't the only toxins in toys and other household objects. Many have toxic levels of antimony, bromine, barium (Melissa & Doug has had two recalls in Canada for this), cadmium, arsenic and mercury. I mostly deny my kids the pleasure of putting any toys in their mouths excessively, but if you want to feel a bit safer about toys, try plugging individual toys/companies into HealthyToys.org or www.goodguide.com. You'll get a better feel for who has repeat offenses. I wouldn't trust anything a manufacturer tells you anyway. They have no intention of pulling dangerous toys or disclosing information unless they're forced to by law. Saying that, we own this toy, as it was gifted before we knew what we know now. The kids love to dance to it. I consider it hazardous for the kids to put in their mouths. I imagine it's not doing a lot of damage just being held. And it does play pleasing music :)
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The swords are kind of large. I think they are great for kids of about 8 to 12. Even older kids can play with them. They are light, and with proper control (meaning being able to swing without going wild), they are strong and safe enough. The foam is pretty good but the core is probably just plastic. It could break if someone hits too hard (though most kids probably aren't strong enough). The biggest problem I see for you is whether or not the child will break things nearby. As I said, the swords are long and light. If the child swings too wildly, a lot of damage coud occur. At my house, I try to get the kids to play outside when they have these in their hands. Hope this helps. The swords are kind of large. I think they are great for kids of about 8 to 12. Even older kids can play with them. They are light, and with proper control (meaning being able to swing without going wild), they are strong and safe enough. The foam is pretty good but the core is probably just plastic. It could break if someone hits too hard (though most kids probably aren't strong enough). The biggest problem I see for you is whether or not the child will break things nearby. As I said, the swords are long and light. If the child swings too wildly, a lot of damage coud occur. At my house, I... » Read More The swords are kind of large. I think they are great for kids of about 8 to 12. Even older kids can play with them. They are light, and with proper control (meaning being able to swing without going wild), they are strong and safe enough. The foam is pretty good but the core is probably just plastic. It could break if someone hits too hard (though most kids probably aren't strong enough). The biggest problem I see for you is whether or not the child will break things nearby. As I said, the swords are long and light. If the child swings too wildly, a lot of damage coud occur. At my house, I try to get the kids to play outside when they have these in their hands. Hope this helps. « Show Less
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i bought it a while ago soon after my son turned 2. we use it at the kitchen table when making art projects. i still use his high chair when eating since he does not resist sitting it in still. i think if i sat him in the booster seat i would have a mess on my floor :-) my son sits very well in this seat - he is 2 1/2 years old, weighs 28 pounds, and (I'm not totally sure on his height) is a little short for his age. i feel that this booster seat will last at least 2 more years for him. fyi...i saw this exact seat at Walmart the other day for just over $10. You could probably go there and see if they have it in order to see it first-hand. i bought it a while ago soon after my son turned 2. we use it at the kitchen table when making art projects. i still use his high chair when eating since he does not resist sitting it in still. i think if i sat him in the booster seat i would have a mess on my floor :-) my son sits very well in this seat - he is 2 1/2 years old, weighs 28 pounds, and (I'm not totally sure on his height) is a little short for his age. i feel that this booster seat will last at least 2 more years for him. fyi...i saw this exact seat at Walmart the other day for just over $10. You could probably go there and... » Read More i bought it a while ago soon after my son turned 2. we use it at the kitchen table when making art projects. i still use his high chair when eating since he does not resist sitting it in still. i think if i sat him in the booster seat i would have a mess on my floor :-) my son sits very well in this seat - he is 2 1/2 years old, weighs 28 pounds, and (I'm not totally sure on his height) is a little short for his age. i feel that this booster seat will last at least 2 more years for him. fyi...i saw this exact seat at Walmart the other day for just over $10. You could probably go there and see if they have it in order to see it first-hand. « Show Less
1959331
If the child has good coordination, I think they could handle these. The problem that pops up is how they handle the timing of pushing the talk button and then talking and then letting go. My six year old had to work on that a bit. Hope that helps.
1490379
No. I have a 4 & 6 year olds who have abided it for as long as we have it and no breakage.
271029
we had it only for few days so it's not broke yet lol. just kidding. my kids are pretty rough with it but it seems very durable and well made. Unless you crash it on purpose, I don't see breaking it.
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Depends on the child, I guess. My son started playing with Legos when he was around 5 or 6 years old (he's now 11). He was never one to put things in his mouth, though. So we didn't worry about choking, even though we supervised him closely whenever he played with them. I think if a child has interest and has someone older (older child or preferably a responsible parent) to socialize with (help him build), then the interest will increase. I think Legos can help kids learn in many different ways, in both physically handling small objects and in thinking skills. It will just depend on the child's current abilities if s/he can actually do the work and enjoy what s/he is doing. Hope that helps. Depends on the child, I guess. My son started playing with Legos when he was around 5 or 6 years old (he's now 11). He was never one to put things in his mouth, though. So we didn't worry about choking, even though we supervised him closely whenever he played with them. I think if a child has interest and has someone older (older child or preferably a responsible parent) to socialize with (help him build), then the interest will increase. I think Legos can help kids learn in many different ways, in both physically handling small objects and in thinking skills. It will just depend on the... » Read More Depends on the child, I guess. My son started playing with Legos when he was around 5 or 6 years old (he's now 11). He was never one to put things in his mouth, though. So we didn't worry about choking, even though we supervised him closely whenever he played with them. I think if a child has interest and has someone older (older child or preferably a responsible parent) to socialize with (help him build), then the interest will increase. I think Legos can help kids learn in many different ways, in both physically handling small objects and in thinking skills. It will just depend on the child's current abilities if s/he can actually do the work and enjoy what s/he is doing. Hope that helps. « Show Less