tunnel/crawl through toys

[Reyadawnbringer]

Looking for a suggestion for a tunnel type crawl through toy. All the ones I saw at target were for 18mo + Actually the only one at 18 mo was a ball pit and that isn't what I am looking for. The tunnel toys were all for 3 years and up. DS is 10 mo old and LOVES to crawl in and under the low bookshelf, under the table, through the chairs etc. I think he would adore a tunnel type toy to crawl through. Any suggestions on an age appropriate one or why the ones I have seen are for such a high age group?

TIA!

[vonfirmath]

At our church nursery, we used those collapsible tunnels and even the kids less than 18 months enjoyed them. It was simply a supervised toy, only taken out when we were watching, etc. instead of left out all the time.

[cono0507]

We've had this one from IKEA for a few years now: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80078877

I like that it is easily folded up for storage. As far as the 18+mo age recommendation, I think that is just a recommendation as far as what age groups will enjoy it - there is no magic change in safety in my opinion between 10 mo and 18mo as far as a toy like this goes (in contrast to choking hazards for age 3+ since that involves anatomical change in airway size and ability to swallow). I think you just take it out and use it while the child is supervised as PP said, and then put it away when they are done until they are a little older and you can leave it out. My 2 yr old has been enjoying this tunnel since before she could walk.

[emily]

We got our Ikea tunnel last week (recommended by BBB posters). 16mo DD loves it. I love that you can collapse and tie it up.

[MeISOE]

I'll place a 3rd vote for the IKEA tunnel. My son was crawling at 5 months and we bought ours when he was about 10 months and walking. It is still his favorite toy (20 mo now). We actually took it with us on our week long vacation to a beach house with friends and an outdoor wedding, and it was a hit with the toddler crew as well as with the 5+ crowd. Durable, simple, easy enough to store.

[Reyadawnbringer]

Thanks for such a positive response on the Ikea tunnel. Since I don't have an Ikea here around us (closest one is 2 hrs away) I may have to get his granny to buy it and send it down to us (she only lives 5 mins from an Ikea). I got an email from my BFF recommending this tunnel: http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Einstein-Animal-Exploration-Tunnel/dp/B001FXE0ES/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1251825534&sr=8-5

Anyone have eny experience with it? I like that the Ikea one is cheaper, but I like that the Baby Einstein one is more colorful with more stuff to do. I am at a loss because I am not sure which one he would like better. I am thinking the Ikea one because it looks more enclosed and he seems to be into that, but I wonder if he will get bored with it since there isn't anything else that goes with it like the Baby Einstein one.

What do you all think?

[kristac]

We have this one:

http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16976&keyword=tunnel&scategoryid=0

DS2 has been using it since about 18 months or so. Very sturdy- holds up to all the abuses my 4.5 year old can throw at it.

[brittone2]

For a number of years Costco was carrying a Ryan's Room tent/tunnel set every year during the holidays. I didn't see it at our local store last year though. We bought our set about 4 years ago when DS was 18 months or so from Costco. Ours has two tents and a tunnel. DD started crawling through it at 10 months to play w/ her brother. It was one of the first things they could "play" together.

I think TJ Maxx etc. sometimes have the Ryan's Room ones.

Ikea should have tunnels etc. as well as PPs have said.

[clb]

For a number of years Costco was carrying a Ryan's Room tent/tunnel set every year during the holidays. I didn't see it at our local store last year though. We bought our set about 4 years ago when DS was 18 months or so from Costco. Ours has two tents and a tunnel. DD started crawling through it at 10 months to play w/ her brother. It was one of the first things they could "play" together.


This set was at my Costco this weekend. I think it was $32??
We have the ikea tunnel and love it.

[katydid1971]

We bought the Ikea tunnel for Ds when he was 1 and he still plays with it (he's 4). Now he pretends to be a worm and stand with it around him (does that make sense?) or hides in it etc. You wouldn't be able to do that with that baby einstein one. Plus rolling around in it is fun too. Send grandma to Ikea to pick it up, have her grab the tent while she is there :)
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30073090

[goldenpig]

The Ikea tunnel and tent look good.
Here's another cute planes/trains tent/tunnel from Amazon for $40:
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-Travel-No-20217/dp/B000EUHJEG/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1252133544&sr=1-9
If you want something fancier, this is the one my daughter has and loves...it's a super cute ladybug tent and tunnel.
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-Lady-Tunnel/dp/B00009IMAT/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1252133440&sr=1-1
Or there's a tunnel that's see through if you're worried that he might get scared:
http://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Play-Tents-See-Tunnel/dp/B0007YDC0E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1252133544&sr=1-2