Fisher Price Hippo Projection Soother - Review

We were recently sent the Fisher Price Hippo Projection Soother in pink for Erin to test out. Fisher Price is one of my favourite brands for baby toys as you can always guarantee the quality and this product was no exception!

Place the hippo on a dresser or table top to help sooth baby, filling the room with soothing, starry lights.

The hippo is made from soft, plush material and his head and legs are lovely and squishy. Three audio modes play 30 minutes of calming lullaby music, nature sounds or white noise to help baby drift off to sleep. The music and noises are controlled by the buttons on the side of the dome - they will play for 30 minutes and switch off automatically (by which point hopefully your baby has drifted off to the land of nod!) - if you wish to stop them earlier, you just need to press the button again.

The hippo is suitable from birth so it was ideal for Erin to test out at 8 months old. I loved the projector - the dome area is quite big so the stars cover a massive part of the ceiling, if not all of it. They aren't too bright or flashy but very soothing. Placing the soother in the middle of the room gets the best coverage I found.

Photo credit - Smyths Toys

I've never really used white noise for Erin (or Elliot) to sooth but I do really like the nature noise option - it's very relaxing and I could certainly drift off to sleep listening to it!

Although the soother isn't really a cuddly toy (due to the big dome in the middle!), Erin has enjoyed playing with the hippo on her mat. I imagine the plush material feels really nice on her fingers.

Erin is generally a good sleeper but I have been using the noises for naptime as a background noise - our house is never quiet (having a 4yr old does that) so it just makes it a bit more soothing for her when shes napping.

She isn't too fussed about the stars but Elliot has been using the hippo as a nightlight recently. He always complains that his room is too dark when we put him to bed so the hippo has been really handy for him to pop on while he's settling down. (I then take the hippo back to Erin's room when he's asleep incase she wakes up and needs settling!)

Our Fisher Price Hippo is a lovely pale pink colour but he also comes in blue and costs £22.99.

*Disclaimer - We were sent this item in return for an honest review. All views are my own

Jonathan Adler's New Fisher Price Range - Review

When you think of Fisher Price, you wouldn't normally associate Jonathan Adler, iconic American potter and designer. However last year he was named as Fisher Price's new Creative Director and he has been bringing his sense of style to some brand new products.

A new range of baby toys, suitable from birth, is inspired by contemporary art and features bright bold colours, geometric prints and gorgeous animal designs. It's never too early to develop a baby's sense of style!

We were lucky enough to be sent a selection of these new toys and Erin finally got a chance to do her first review! Obviously she is only very young still (9 weeks at the time of writing this!) but it's never too early to introduce toys to your baby to encourage their development.

Monkey Mirror (RRP £19.99)

This was my favourite of the range! Featuring a very cute monkey face, the mirror is perfect for tummy time. I love the clash of the geometric pattern and the bold colours and the attention to detail. There are lots of things to play with including a squeaky monkey, clacking bananas, a crinkly panel, fleecy grass, a jingling parrot and of course the mirror. The other side features colouring jungle animals. 

I have been encouraging tummy time recently and usually Erin gets a bit grumpy (she's prefers being propped up so she can see around!) but I think the mirror is going to be a great help getting her to spend time on her tummy. There are so many features on the mirror to keep baby entertained and I love the fact it can just be folded up for easy storage. It's really lightweight too so it would be an ideal toy to pop in your suitcase if you were going away with your baby. 

Activity Alligator & Activity Elephant (RRP £12.99 each)

These are lovely sensory toys that can be attached to your buggy or changing bag which is handy. Much like the monkey mirror, the toys are brightly coloured and feature the same geometric pattern as the rest of the Jonathan Adler range. 

The alligator has bright red and orange scales, a crinkly belly, a knotted tail and lots of different textures to boost baby's senses. He has a rattle attached to one foot and some rings on the other which make a fun clacking sound. I love that he is made of such lovely soft material, it feels almost suede like. 

The elephant is similarly coloured with a variety of textures including crinkle, corduroy, knit and plush. Like his alligator friend he features dangling toys which include a colourful butterfly and noisy rattle. He makes a really satisfying crunchy noise which Erin was fascinated with! 

Signature Style Pegs - Giraffe Spinner (RRP £4.99)

This cute little fella is bound to be popular with babies. He is bright and eye catching and features the same striking patterns as the rest of the range. Sensory stimulation is provided by the spinning bird and clacking rattle. Like the activity animals, the giraffe can be attached to your changing bag or buggy. 

We loved the giraffe and Elliot spent ages showing Erin the spinning bird! 

I think this is a lovely range and I adore all the bright colours and funky patterns. Sometimes baby toys can be a bit samey but Fisher Price are definitely onto a winner with these ones. I like that that toys are suitable from birth - Erin is still very young so she's not quite at the playing stage yet but she has started to find her hands and the toys are brilliant for her with all the sensory stimulations.

Are you a fan of Fisher Price toys for your children?

Selected Products available from Argos