Scoot Along

If you read our recent post on balance bikes, you'll know that Hype Baby is quite caught up in the pedalless revolution. There are many new versions to choose from and one of the coolest we've stumbled upon is the Skipper Balance Scooter, based on the Vespa model. This funky little mover features rubber wheels, a lacquer finish and comes in racy red, hot pink, baby blue or black. And for extra retro appeal, you can even add a furry seat cover to pad your teeny one's tush. Get these stylish wheels at the Skipper Toys web site.

Toot toot

With the unsettling British summer of the past few weeks, we've managed to find some indoor fun at touristy venues with Mr. Cheeks and his visiting older cousins. A trip to toy mecca Hamley's proved a good way to while away a few hours and although tea and cake at their new Regal Tea Cafe is overpriced, their ice creams are literally heaven sent.

It's almost impossible to leave Hamley's without spending money, and after Mr. Cheeks spent half an hour playing with a giant Thomas the Tank Engine train set, I just had to grab a new Thomas toy to entertain him at home. I must admit that even mama's had fun with the Whistle and Go Thomas comprising a train and a whistle that activates the train making it go, stop and reverse (two toots).

The cool thing is that the train even works when you whistle through your lips or make a whistle-like sound - especially helpful for our 2 and a half-year-old who spends more time blowing saliva down his whistle than actually making it toot. Suitable for Thomas freaks ages 2 and upwards, Whistle and Go Thomas can be found at major toy stores or visit the Tomy web site for more information.