Leap Frog Leap Pad?

Madringal

Anyone have any experience with them?  I am not big into video games for kids, but she loves to play with her grandpa's Ipad (who am I kidding, I do to!)  It appears to have a lof of graet apps that will help with reading and writing.  Can anyone give me some feedback.  What do you like about it?  Dislike?  Age appropriate for a 3.5 year old.  I will be a Christmas gift.  I am also due around that time and think it might be a good toy to keep DD busy at the hospital.

ArcticFox

My friend gave me her kid's old Leap pad from a couple years ago.  Since DD has been using educational apps on my husband's iPad, the leap pad ended up pretty much ignored.  It is like a book with pages and a stylus.. my DD totally lost interest in it once we got apps for the ipad.

MichMomofGirls

WE dont have that, but we have the explorer and DD loves it.  I think it is totally age appropriate and would be a great gift

QtGinaJ

My DD just got the brand new LeapPad (different than the one that was out a few years ago) and she LOVES it!  She got it as a gift for her 4th birthday and will play with it non-stop if I let her.

I too am not a fan of video games, but this is all educational stuff.  It comes with a few games, uses the Leap Frog Explorer games, and has downloads.  But you should know - the games add up $$.  The Explorer games are about $20.  Downloads are $7-$10.  

Also it takes 4 AA batteries.  In 3 weeks we have already had to change batteries once.

Overall we LOVE it!

babyAutumn

We bought DS a leap pad for Christmas last year when he was 3 and a half.  It was a great purchase.  We have been diligent about screen time...he can only play it 30 minutes a day.  But it has come in handy on long car trips.  The games are age appropriate and he has learned a lot using it.  It all just depends on the child though.  DD received something similar when she was 4 yo and barely used it.  She didn't have any interest.  She much preferred playing with her Barbies and reading books.  She still holds no interest in the computer or television so I guess that's a good thing.

Stacyc625

Not much help- but we are planning on buying the new leap pad for christmas. We are big fans of LF toys.

jettagurl

babyAutumn:

We bought DS a leap pad for Christmas last year when he was 3 and a half.  It was a great purchase.  We have been diligent about screen time...he can only play it 30 minutes a day.  But it has come in handy on long car trips.  The games are age appropriate and he has learned a lot using it.  It all just depends on the child though.  DD received something similar when she was 4 yo and barely used it.  She didn't have any interest.  She much preferred playing with her Barbies and reading books.  She still holds no interest in the computer or television so I guess that's a good thing.

^^^^ This can't be the same one....the LeapFrog LeapPad just came out about 2 weeks ago.

I just played with it in Target yesterday.  I think that may be what we get N for Christmas.  I like the educational aspect....also has a built in camera and touch screen.  I think the variety in activities is the big seller (reading/writing/drawing/games/apps).