newgrandmama

I gave this to my grand-daughter (7 months). even though the recommended beginning age is 1 year. She does fine with close adult supervision and limited play (she can lift it and bang it around if we allowed). I like to get toys with several developmental activities that will last a long time and this fits the bill.At her age, we played with the balls (very brightly colored and large enough so not to be a choking hazard). She could easily grab and hold them, put them in and out of buckets; she really was interested in tracking them as they slowly rolled on the hardwood floor.She tried to put them in the designated holes on the bench, but I don't think she fully grasps that task yet.Very interested in the sounds when we pushed them through the holes and watching them roll out! Encouraged her to semi-crawl and reach for them. I tapped them in with the hammer to get them through, but it took some force (she can't do it yet) and it's a little loud!I love that it's two toys in one with the xylophone that pulls out and used by itself. A WORD OF CAUTION WITH THE HAMMER: We will not let her play with the hammer without close supervision. The long handle is a definite choking hazard! She could tap it to play music when we held it with her. We also hit the keys with the balls and they made music - safer for babies her age. The sound on this one was fine - in tune enough as expected for a toy.Non-toxic; the colors are very bright and interesting to a child. Well built and seems it will be long-lasting. So much to learn (colors, numbers, shapes, fine/gross motor skills, cause-effect, music!). For all that - I think the price is very reasonable.