A rocking toy… Baby’s first birthday gift

Rocking horses are often given at baby showers because they are too cute! But really, a rocking horse won’t get much use other than nursery decor until baby can crawl or even stand. So I think a rocking horse makes a great first birthday gift!

And you don’t even have to give a horse! We gave our son a Talking George Giraffe Babyplay rocker toy courtesy of Mamas and Papas who sent this plush toy for our review.

I wondered how the gift would be received, and it was a hit! Just look at this video of our son seeing the rocking animal toy for the first time on his birthday morning!

The Mamas and Papas plush rocker toy has wooden rockers and comes in several animal choices (caterpillar, ladybug, elephant…), but we just love giraffes in our house!

With music that plays whenever the child rocks, it’s interactive! (Don’t worry, there is an off button on the battery pack that fits into a compartment under the animal’s belly. I do wish it were a little easier to access while the child is on the toy though).

Children can choose songs, stories or play from a button bar behind the toy’s ears. The feed sack on the giraffe contains a ball, apple, rainbow, and caterpillar. When the “magical thinga-me-bobs” are placed in the giraffes mouth, he sings a song or tells a story!

The rockers have a gentle rocking motion, and even my non-walker can reach the handlebars and hold on for quite some time while he rocks (although we sit right by as he can’t get on or off by himself without risk of falling yet, but soon he will be able to!).

Our George Giraffe has become a fixture in the play area – and both the boys love to play, rock, rattle his tail, and feed the sweet little animal!

Mamas & Papas is a UK-based company that makes a range of baby gear from strollers, to high chairs, bouncers, and baby toys!

Do your children enjoy rocking toys? What do you recommend for first birthday presents?

Thanks to Mamas & Papas for sending this complimentary item. All opinions are 100% my own.