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

Product Description
The hug and learn Baby Tad will become a firm favourite with your child as they can play in the day and take to bed for cuddles at night. In daytime mode just press the sun on Tads hand to hear 6 familiar and fun songs to sing along to. Press the shapes on Tads tummy and hear him tell you the name and colour of it. The flashing shapes on Tad follow each tune. When its time for bed after a hard days play press the nighttime stars on Tads other hand and it will play up to 6 minutes of classical tunes from Mozart, Beethoven and more. You can choose from 1 to 6 minutes of musical play by simply pressing Tads hand the required number of times. Also for those extra cuddly times just press the lips on the side of Tads face and be greeted with a fun I Love You and a kiss

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   March 16, 2004
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

Baby Tad was a pressie my son got at his christening and one of the best toys he has. It has 2 settings so he goes to sleep while listening to 6 mins of calming music, great for helping set a routine!. When he wakes he will play with the toy himself and it has a number if day time songs and lights that keep him amused. He loves it and I will hear him laughing away with it. If you can live with the frog's very american accent this is a great buy.


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.


Totally Adorable   February 14, 2005
J. E. Davidson (UK)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is a fantastic toy - my 7-month-old son has fallen in love with it on sight. He is not quite sophisticated enough to press the buttons but his older brother (4) also loves the toy and enjoys helping him. They have fantastic fun playing with it together.

The sound quality is way beyond my expectations - both the day and night songs sound very good; not at all tinny.

The daytime songs are a good mixture of traditional favourites and the interactive features (basically just some buttons that light up) are simple but effective. The night-time songs are well chosen and really rather soothing - very useful at the end of a long and tiring day.

Highly recommended.


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.