Baby Einstein—a favorite brand among parents—creates products and baby gear that specialize in interactive activities for children, often featuring familiar classical music. We handed off the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy to our 11-month-old son, and paid special attention to the toy’s design, entertainment value, and price.
Design: Easy to hold and operate
The design of the Take Along Tunes Musical Toy is super straightforward and simplified. At only around 5 x 5 inches, it’s sized with little hands in mind and features an easy-to-press button and a handle. We thought the design was great, overall, but we did find that the beads on the handle made it a little more challenging for our son to grasp. Of course, some kids may find the tactile stimulation of moving the beads enjoyable, so it may depend on the baby.
Entertainment Value: Quick to become a favorite
Featuring seven melodies from composers such as Mozart and Chopin, the toy quickly captured our son’s attention. The variation and length of each song, combined with the light-up colors, seemed very stimulating for our 11-month-old. While he did want to play with other toys after a few minutes of enjoying the tunes (which is typical for the age group), he kept returning to the small music maker. Unlike many other toys that are less stimulating and engaging, the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy quickly worked its way into the regular rotation at playtime.
Age Range: Plenty of fun for years to come
The toy is made for children ages 3 to 36 months. Our son falls right in that age range and was able to carry the toy and press the musical button, all while being engaged by the music. We think it would still be a good option for a younger baby who doesn’t have those physical developments just yet, since the lights and music provide sensory stimulation. This is a toy that can definitely grow with a child, and will remain enjoyable for a few years. Not many early childhood toys can transition from 12 months and younger into the toddler years, but this one is very versatile.
Ease of Cleaning: Wipe to clean
The toy is fairly easy to clean—just wipe it with a damp cloth. However, you don’t want to submerge it in water you’ll risk damaging the electronics. We found that the beads around the handle can make it slightly more challenging to clean after our son’s messy little hands got gunk in the crevices.
Price: Big fun for a small price
For a toy that is less than $10 and can grow with a child, this is a must-have item. Especially when traveling, we all want something that will keep our child entertained for a longer period of time, and this is a great inexpensive option.
Competition: Stands out for portability and easy listening
There are plenty of other musical toys on the market but many are more expensive and larger (which means more clutter for your home). Plus, listening to classical music is a little gentler on parents’ ears too! The Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy is a toy option that kids will love and parents will appreciate too. The fun melodies and gentle lights entertain and capture a baby’s attention on those long car rides, but make it a popular pick even when playing at home.
