Penny Pinching Parent: Product Review: The First Years Kickin Coaster

Product Reviewed: Kickin' Coaster by The Learning Curve

Price: $72.28 (Amazon) to $79.99

Availability: Amazon, Babies R Us, The Learning Curve Online Store, Target and other baby retailers

Product Features:

(from The Learning Curve site)

Promoting healthy development with its kick and glide action, the Kickin Coaster is ideal for newborns and infants. With its soothing vibrations, playful songs and lights, the Kickin Coaster provides fun, strengthening, educational playtime for baby!

two seats in one: a soothing infant seat, and an active play seat
baby-activated glide helps develop core and leg muscles...while having fun!
twinkle lights for visual tracking
soothing vibrations
eight adjustable positions
two bouncy characters for visual fun
removable infant head support included
multi-level volume control
removable teether rattle for infant play
two types of music: soothing and playful, with six songs in all
age range: from birth, up to 25 lbs
requires one D and three AA batteries, not included

What does PPP think of the Kickin Coaster?

Since my little one is almost 2 and a half now (wow time flies), my friend Kim graciously agreed to try this activity chair out and give us her thoughts for PPP. Thanks Kim!

"The soft greens, yellows, blues and oranges of this seat are very appealing, it's very gender neutral.

The fact that it doesn't take up any more room than an ordinary bouncer, but goes so far beyond what an average bouncy seat can do is wonderful.

This chair has the things you would normally look for in a bouncer for your little one: it vibrates, has some little toys to look at and play with, plays music and even has lights, but the fact that this chair can be more of an activity chair than just a bouncer is what is so impressive.

Normally I use a bouncy seat when I need to sneak a shower or get some dinner on the table, but still have a guilt for putting my child in one. My baby hasn't ever seemed to mind, but I just have a sort of guilt I guess because my daughter just sorta sits there and occasionally bounces.

With this chair she's kicking and moving about and I feel like she's getting a little workout. The only time she really gets to work her legs the same way is when I am holding her or sometimes she will kick off her crib. I love the workout she seems to be getting and she really seems to enjoy it and since it's all based on her desire to move, when she's tired she just sits there and chills out in the comfy little seat!

I think this is a great alternative to your everyday bouncer and wish I had had it the first time around. Maybe then I would not have felt so guilty about taking a shower or fixing dinner!"

Thanks again Kim for your review of the Kickin Coaster!