Radio Flyer Turbo Turtle

F. turned one in May and this was her big present. She is walking a few steps at time, and likes to practice by pushing a wagon around the play room. But the wagon’s wheels are on a fixed axel. She pushes it for a few feet, then it runs into a wall, a chair, or her brother, and she’s done. The appeal of the Turbo Turtle is that the wheels are on casters and swivel in every direction, so she can turn it herself – either by riding on it or pushing it – and thereby pursue her brother with greater skill.

Which, so far, she can’t really do. She’ll catch on soon. In the meantime, she likes to sit on it and push the buttons and listen to the obligatory electronic “music” and sounds. The sounds are very much like cartoon side-effects – I swear that some of them are from old Flintstones episodes.

Assembly was, thankfully, easy (especially because J. did it). Packaging was minimal, which was nice. It seems very sturdy and, per the instructions, will hold up to 45 pounds. The instructions also say that it can be used indoors or out, but since we haven’t used it outside yet, I can’t comment on how well the wheels will hold up if used on a hard surface.

Overall I give this toy 4 stars—with a half star docked for somewhat annoying sounds (why does it need sounds? why does everything need sounds?), which F. likes, so maybe they’re not so bad after all; and a half-star docked for excessively high price, which F. won’t understand until she finally starts earning her keep around here, lil’ freeloader.