PSA/Warning Playskool Busy Ball Popper

Taytee

I'm sure many moms have already figured this out but the "Playskool Busy Ball Popper" does not like any other toys in it, especially the following ones I've shown. In fact, unless you enjoy your toddler screaming "HELP" at the top of their lungs, you should put up the ball popper when not in use or directly supervised. I thought I'd put up most of the toys that can get stuck in there (I rotate her toys), but I didn't think about the smiley face ball thing at the top of the stacker, it was in a toy bin. However when it wouldn't pop up, DD jammed her entire arm down in there to get it. I almost couldn't get her arm it out. It wasn't a problem just 2 months ago when she got it, but it's a perfect fit now...

ETA: I guess I should point out that my post is more about worrying about your kids arm getting stuck in the damn thing trying to fish out random toys. It's pretty obvious only the balls that come with the toy should go in there

bobcatsteph

Oh goodness..thanks for the PSA.

Those balls really fly out of there! I have to be ready to chase them all over the room.

Emer

You can also put food, a plastic harmonica, pacifiers, and golf balls down there.  Oh, and wooden letters.  None of those will pop up, but all will invite the toddler to reach inside the chute and get her arm stuck. 

Good times.

btrrcupbride

::note to self::
Make sure to regift the Playskool ball popper if we happen to be unfortunate enough to receive one for Christmas.

AustinAggie

And there are a few toys that go in easily and DO NOT come out.  That thing has a surprisingly large number of screws that hold it together!  I can't imagine having a toddler screaming at me for 30 minutes while I tried to take all the screws out...  I'm hoping my kids don't bring that scenario to life anytime soon.

There's also a Parents brand toy that balls go into that is also a PITA when it comes to things getting stuck - including chubby little hands.  I'm not cool enough to post a picture of it though.  It comes with a mallet that squeaks if you hit it hard enough.

AustinAggie

Bttrcp, it really is an awesome toy and kids LOVE it!  If you are in the mood for some good giggles and total happiness, you might need this.  It's actually so fun watching the kids get a kick out of it, that I've bought the noisy thing for friends' kids' too.  Guilty as charged.

Emer

AustinAggie:

And there are a few toys that go in easily and DO NOT come out.  That thing has a surprisingly large number of screws that hold it together!  I can't imagine having a toddler screaming at me for 30 minutes while I tried to take all the screws out...  I'm hoping my kids don't bring that scenario to life anytime soon.

There's also a Parents brand toy that balls go into that is also a PITA when it comes to things getting stuck - including chubby little hands.  I'm not cool enough to post a picture of it though.  It comes with a mallet that squeaks if you hit it hard enough.

 Ditto.

AustinAggie

That's the one!

Thanks Emer! 

MrsRegis

Ha! We have the same toy. It got donated to charity. If any toy designers/executives are paying attention, how about making the ball for toddler and baby toys THE SAME SIZE. I can't tell you how many different sized small balls are laying around my house and are routinely stuck in the wrong toy.

Emer

AustinAggie:

That's the one!

Thanks Emer! 

You're welcome!  I knew exactly which toy you meant.  I can't stand that thing, but all the parents at DD's first b-day party said I'd love it.  You have to push way too hard to get the balls in and I wasn't thrilled about her learning to slam things with a hammer if it didn't quite fit through a hole!

kimbiebride

Okay, so now I'm glad we didn't buy that one. ?There's enough PITA to go around in our house with the "Little People" garage, barn and castle. Squishy Tonka trucks just don't fit in the elevator, silo or trap door. ?But he tries. ?Several times. ?Every day. ?

Fun!