Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Review

I really like this little music player and it's inexpensive enough to buy for all the toddlers on your list. The classical songs are still pleasant encore after encore for both parent and toddler. Like its name says, it's portable and easy to take along on car trips, walks or anywhere you need your toddler to have a quick entertaining toy that can be operated independently.

You've got your MP3 player and now your toddler can have his. This portable, musical toy is something that your toddler can tote around on his own and is perfect for trips in the car or to the diaper changing table.

I was surprised how nice the music sounds compared to other musical toys and was pleased that it played classical tunes instead of the cheesy kid songs so many other toys are loaded with. It's not too loud even on the loudest setting, either. There's also a quieter setting and (bless you!) an off setting in case it starts to wear on your nerves. My guess is that the lights will get on your nerves long before the music will, especially if you're driving at night.

The manufacturer talks all about how this toy will improve hand-eye coordination or introduce an appreciation of music, but more than anything I think this toy is all about teaching cause-and-effect. Your toddler pushes the button and he gets music and flashing lights. The music stops and he does it all over again.

Initially, I didn't like that the music stopped so soon, but after seeing children play with this toy again and again, I realize that the short time span helps fuel this cause-and-effect learning. It seems to stop just at the moment most toddlers lose interest and the sudden silence makes pushing that button nearly impossible to resist.

Another thing I like about this toy is its price. It's just the right price to use as a gift at all your toddler's daycare or playgroup birthday parties (15-20 of those a year gets expensive, doesn't it?) or if you've got lots of nieces, nephews and grandkids. Although it's made in China, it's durable, sounds great and doesn't seem cheaped out at all.