electronic devices Archives - Globetrotting Mommy

We’re big LeapFrog fans so when we were asked to review the LeapPad3, I knew my daughter would be up for the challenge.

LeapPad3, Traveling Toys, Electronics, Tablets for kids, Kids, Toys for Kids, Toys for Travel

Traveling Toys: LeapPad3 Review

I occasionally let her use electronic gadgets at home but when we travel I let her use them as much as she wants on the plane or in the car. We had a 6+ hour road trip planned so I charged it up and surprised her with it as soon as she uttered, “Are we there yet?”.

She was immediately drawn to its child friendly size and cuteness (pretty in pink) and loved the attached stylus (brilliant!). With very little prompting, she was figuring out the various games, apps, videos and camera while learning how to control the stylus and touchscreen. She happily followed each game’s voice instructions and I happily had some uninterrupted time! Win win.

Traveling Toys: LeapPad3 Review

As with other LeapFrog products, the games are fun AND educational. While she was playing she was also learning math, reading and other problem solving skills. My daughter is in Kindergarden and it seemed like she was able to play with every game at various levels. Best of all, the games automatically adjusted to her skill level so there was never any frustration. It comes with 10 preloaded apps and hundreds more are available to download from the LeapFrog library featuring characters from Disney, Nick. Jr., Sesame Street and more. FYI, the games and apps can add up but if you have other LeapPad products your purchases can be shared by up to three devices.

She especially liked a Barbie game where you matched rhyming words, a puzzle game that involved a bit of geometry, the camera app and seeing her favorite shows like Paw Patrol. There was plenty to do without using Wi-Fi but older kids might enjoy playing with their friends online and chatting with other kids who have LeapPads.

I was really impressed with the LeapPad3’s rechargeable battery life (don’t forget to pack the charger) and overall sturdiness. My daughter loved playing with it and I loved that I didn’t have to worry about her venturing off into YouTube videos or deleting my files. The recommended age is 3-9 but I think 4-6 year olds will enjoy it the most. If you’ve got a long trip with little kids coming up, the LeapPad3 makes a great travel companion.

Thanks to LeapFrog for providing us with the LeapPad3. As usual, all opinions are my own. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to Globetrotting Mommy for daily updates!

Once upon a time, when I was a little girl, in-flight entertainment meant a coloring book, stickers and a Rubik’s cube. Flying with kids has changed a lot and parents (and kids) will be thrilled to know that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) now says portable electronic devices can be used during all phases of the flight!

Globetrotting Mommy – Flying with Kids?

No more announcements telling passengers to power down cell phones, no more waiting patiently to reach 10,000 feet before turning on that IPad or Kindle, and no more bored kids during take off and landing! According the FAA, implementation will vary among airlines but most carries are expected to be onboard with the new rule by the end of year. Flying with kids who can’t wait to read e-books, play games and watch videos all flight long? Delta and Jet Blue have already gone through the approval process so start there first.

Electronic devices still need to be used in airplane mode or have cellular service disabled and phones cannot be used for talking or texting. But if an airline offers WiFi or Bluetooth, that may be accessed.

Here is the FAA’s list of 10 things you should know about the expanded use of personal electronic devices (PED) on flights:

Make safety your first priority.
Changes to PED policies will not happen immediately and will vary by airline. Check with your airline to see if and when you can use your PED.
Current PED policies remain in effect until an airline completes a safety assessment, gets FAA approval, and changes its PED policy.
Cell phones may not be used for voice communications.
Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled. You may use the WiFi connection on your device if the plane has an installed WiFi system and the airline allows its use. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.
Properly stow heavier devices under seats or in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an accident.
During the safety briefing, put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember’s instructions.
It only takes a few minutes to secure items according to the crew’s instructions during takeoff and landing.
In some instances of low visibility – about one percent of flights – some landing systems may not be proved PED tolerant, so you may be asked to turn off your device.
Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn off your device if asked.

For more details, check out the FAA’s press release.

Bon voyage!