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

Apart from its apeal to infants and toddlers, it has obvious teaching uses - shapes, colours and songs. More importantly it teaches large motor skills (to squeeze his hands) and fine motor skills (pressing a single shape) by rewarding the baby with light and sound.

Some less obvious advantages are Tad's mentorship and social graces. When activated he greets and introduces himself, and on switching off sais "bye-bye". When left alone for a while he asks to be picked up, which has helped me teach my little one to care for her toys. Not only is he polite and lovable, but he speaks to (not at) your child in a friendly toddlers voice. Pronounciation is also excellent!

I have not liked any similar toys as much - this one is simple and clear to a toddler, elegant and sophisticated, and develops the user in more ways than you would believe! It also has a usefull auto-off function. Do however remember(before you discard the guarantee papers) to check that you dont have any "hard" or "sticky" buttons because these may frustrate young fingers.

I can only encourage in the words of the little green frog...go on "Pick up Baby Tad!"


Baby Tad   June 15, 2001
62 out of 65 found this review helpful

My daughter is 16 months old and has had this toy since she was 6 months. It was her favorite toy from day one because of its fun musical melodies and cute voices. Now she is older she is learning colours and shapes and can sing along to the music. The best bit is the I love you kiss it gives youif you squeeze baby tads cheek.Regards a doting father.


Your child will like this toy more than you do!   December 3, 2002
32 out of 33 found this review helpful

I have to admit, when this lurid green frog first arrived, I wasn't willing to give him house space, largely because he sings in a very annoying voice, with an American accent. However, he is still here, because my 11 month old daughter loves him, and I must admit that I can now recognise some of his finer qualities. She beams at him as he sings away, and the little lights that flash from the shapes on his bib seem mesmerising. In night time mode (once you get past the annoying "1 minute to night night" in that irritating voice) Baby Tad actually plays some really soothing bed-time tunes.
Be prepared for your children to like this toy more than you do!


Entertaining   November 13, 2002
29 out of 31 found this review helpful

Baby Tad was a God-send to my wife and me in terms of the effect it had on our one year-old son. The night-time countdown feature is a brilliant and extremely useful idea, and our son loves the tunes that Baby Tad plays. The look of sheer joy on his face when he hears all the different songs is a heartwarming sight, and the relaxation that we as parents get as a result of the six minute Night-night countdown is total bliss.

The songs are very catchy, and when my wife and son are out of the house, I often find myself humming the songs of Baby Tad. I recommend this to all parents in search of a toy that both entertains and lulls their child.


Top Buy!!!   April 29, 2003
Miss V E Evans (Wolverahampton, West Midlands United Kingdom)
21 out of 24 found this review helpful

What can I say, my daughter loves it! The songs are clear and the words are easy to understand, flip, even I enjoy playing with it!

Baby Tad has been a godsend, it really makes my daughter think, more so as she gets older. At only 5 months you could see her trying to press the flashing lights and the "Nightime" music lasts a lot longer than your standard mobile so by the time it finished she was fast asleep.

Its also just the right size to cuddle although one down point is that my daughter gets so excited she dribbles on it and it isn't washable, only sponge"able".

This is a top toy, well worth every penny. Buy one now!!