Goodbye Rattle: High-Tech Baby Gadgets
They're a far cry from the old-fashioned rattle, but new high-tech devices are performing the same function for babies.
On The Early Show Thursday, CNET-TV senior editor and Early Show contributor Natali Del Conte presented modern gadgets that soothe, occupy and teach young children.
Del Conte showed Early Show co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez how you can get many applications free from cell phone providers. And other options, like a child PDA, can actually help you save money by giving your baby their own play device, instead of having children mistakenly make calls or appointments on yours.
iPhone Applications:
Baby Rattle Bab Bab Lite
Cost: Free
Where to buy: iTunes App Store
Features:
- Uses the iPhone's accelerometer to make sound when tilted, inverted, and rattled
- Colorful display responds to baby's fingers
- Various tempos and rhythms
G1 Dream Ultimate
Cost: Free
Where to buy: G1 Marketplace
Features:
- Provides white noise or background noise from 10 relaxing tracks
- Escape to the beach, water, or rain sound
- Helps relax you and your baby at the same time
Maxell Kits Safe Headphones & Safe Ear Clips
Cost: $12.99 each
Where to buy: Amazon/Toys R Us
Features:
- Max volume of 90 decibels
- Hearing experts say that 85 decibels is the safest level for listening but you can sustain your hearing with prolonged exposure to 90 decibels. Above 90 is risking hearing damage.
- Small size for children
- Interchangeable caps come in pink, blue, and silver
LeapFrog Text and Learn:
Cost: $21.99
Where to buy: leapfrog.com
Features:
- Give your child his/her own PDA instead of letting them slobber on yours or accidentally send messages
- Not really a networked device so they won't be communicating with anyone
- Games focus on spelling and basic computer skills
- Ages 3 and up
Tranquil Moments Sounds for Baby
Cost: $70
Where to buy: Brookstone
Features:
- Provides relaxing lullaby music in 30, 60, or 90-minute intervals
- Sounds include: Prenatal, Lullaby, Dolphins, Car Ride, Heartbeat, or White Noise
- Sleep Enhancement Technology gradually slows down the program and decreases volume to as your child (or yourself) goes to sleep