Fisher-Price Bounce And Spin Zebra > Reviews (21)

My son was given this Bounce and Spin zebra for Christmas 2008. He had just turned 1 year old and the toy is suitable for 1 year +.

*Appearance*

As the name would suggest, the toy is a big plastic zebra. Coming from the zebra's neck is a sturdy orange handle. The handle is a good size: It is thick enough that it feels very secure and doesn't wobble or rock back and forth. However it is not too thick to make it difficult for a young child to hold. At the top of the handle is the control box with the on/off switch and a choice of 2 volume levels. There is a clear plastic ball that spins (I will discuss this more in the next paragraph). On each handle is a little plastic creature that can spin around.
The zebra sits on a green plastic base. The plastic base is wide and very sturdy, which is essential to stop it toppling over. As it is, even when my son is bouncing at his most energetic, it seems rock solid. The green base has leaf print across it to add some extra detail.
The toy's measurements are H40.5x W55.5x D22.5cm. It requires 3 x AAA batteries. I have never had to change them and we have had this toy since Christmas 2008. *Assembling*

Unbelievably easy to assemble! I put it all together on my own in 10 minutes, the instructions are very easy to follow. The green base comes in 6 sections and they slot together with little effort. Everything else slots together easily, just as the instructions show.

*What it does*

The main feature is the zebra that the child can sit on and bounce up and down. They are able to get a good bounce as it moves down quite far, so it makes it really fun! As well as bouncing up and down, the zebra can spin around. This isn't a crazy, fast, uncontrolled spin! The zebra only spins when it is being pressed down by the weight of the child, and it seems like it has to be a deliberate move to spin it by the child. My son finds it easy to spin it when he chooses and I like the fact that it doesn't spin too easily to be dangerous and take him by surprise.
The plastic ball on the handle bar is easy to spin. When it spins it triggers the music to play and lights to flash inside. The music seems to be the same each time and whilst the music is fun it would have been nice to have some variety. *My opinion*

I think this is a nice toy that my son seems to enjoy. However, I think it is expensive at close to £50. I personally would not have paid that, but it was a Christmas present from my in-laws.
The toy is suitable for 1 years + and my son had just turned 1 when he was given it. To start with he wasn't that interested in it and would get off as soon as we put him on it! Then he developed an interest in the spinning ball and music, and would sit in front of the zebra spinning the ball and watching the lights. Gradually he developed more interest in the zebra. Once he was walking, and able to get on and off by himself, he started to enjoy bouncing on it. He is now 26 months old and goes on this every day. He doesn't play on it for very long, usually only a few minutes at a time. I think this is probably because he bounces really hard and he wears himself out!
I think it is a useful toy for children to use to get some fun physical activity inside the house - perfect for rainy days when they can't play in the garden.