Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The Discovery Ball toy is the perfect example of why reviews can be misleading to shoppers. Parents read the reviews, the particulars, and they think, "WOW, this toy is developmental, it will teach my kid the alphabet, and letter sounds. My kid'll be a genius by 2!" To be honest, had I reviewed this toy soon after my son received it, I would have given it 5-stars and gushed about its developmental qualities. However, time has proven reliable, and I have deduced after 2-years and 2-months that it is, and was insignificant to my son's development. By that, I mean the toy was of no consequence to us. The concept is first-rate, however the delivery is lacking. I mean, what kid wants to roll a ball when they can throw it? The Discovery Ball is designed for infants and toddlers, but it's probably more appropriate for preschoolers. Firstly, the buttons are too difficult for an infant to press; also, they are too close together. Secondly, it's too sensitive. For example, let's say the toy is in "music" mode and its playing Old MacDonald, if the ball is touched midstream the music will stop, and revert into 1 of the 2 very annoying intervening songs. It's like punishment, rather than play. Can I say without it sounding too harsh, "WHAT'S THE POINT?" LeapFrog should have decided long ago whether they were designing an educational tool for preschoolers, or a plaything for infants. William received the Discovery Ball for his 1st Christmas. He was 8-months old at the time, so I took the ball off the stand so he could bat it around on the floor. He'd roll it, the lights would flash, the music would play, and he'd giggle. After a few rolls, he lost interest. The toy has a musical prompt, which occasionally got a look, but most often, he was onto something better. Soon after his 1st birthday, he discovered the ON/OFF switch. He'd sit on the floor and repeatedly turn the thing "ON" and then "OFF". It would play the ABC Song for 3-seconds, he'd slide the lever to the "OFF" position, and then back to "ON" again. It was enough to drive me nuts! He didn't care about the phonics, or even the music, all he cared about was that darn ON/OFF switch. The sound quality is good, but the woman's voice grated on my nerves after hearing 3-seconds of the ABC Song 1000-times in an afternoon. Fortunately, there is a volume control, although my son usually wants to HEAR his toys. As if the lower level isn't loud enough. UGH! Oh, and this toy is one of those irritating playthings that goes off in the toy box, if you fail to turn it "OFF". After his 2nd birthday, William gained enough strength and proficiency to throw the ball. I suppose I should have attached it to its base right there and then, but dummy me thought he'd grow out of that phase. Later, I realized the throwing phase was here to stay, so I put the Discovery Ball back on its base. My attempts were futile, as my crafty little one figured out how to remove it a week later. The toy is sturdy, especially considering how many times it has been dropped, and thrown. We've only replaced the batteries twice, which is an event all its own. Let me just say, its not overly difficult, but more complicated than most. The Discovery Ball can be tricky to wash. LeapFrog recommends you clean the ball with a damp cloth, but that doesn't always produce the best results. You see, the letters and musical notes that cover the surface of the ball are raised, so grime can become lodged in, and between the grooves. I've resorted to spraying Lysol on a rag and wiping it down. It doesn't completely remove the dirt, but it disinfects it, which makes me feel better. In conclusion, the toys more annoying than enjoyable, so it collects dust, until my son finds it, and then it's transformed into a heavy, throwing ball that hurts when hit. My advice ~ avoid it. Mary :)