A Preoccupied Tate?

For the past two weeks, Ed and I have been searching for a play gym and play mat for Tate that isn’t made in China. I didn’t really know how difficult it was going to be. Really how many toys are made in China? After a lot of research and searching, I found that almost all toys are made in China. The other day I was hopeless and thought that I may have to settle for a formaldehyde-laced toy for Tate.

Then this morning I had an epiphany. I decided to see if IKEA had any toys for children at reasonable prices (we found two toy play gyms not made in China that were expensive – above $100 – and not found in the US – Meaning that we would have to import them from Germany or elsewhere). I looked on-line and found that IKEA did indeed make toys for tots, but there wasn’t any information on the location of the manufacturer. So, I decided that we had nothing to lose and traveled to IKEA, which is near an outlet mall (Yeah, I know…The coincidence of the IKEA being near the outlet mall wasn’t an incentive for me at all).

We arrived at the IKEA and found a play gym that wasn’t made in China. HOORAY! I was very excited and decided to snatch it up. I assembled it as soon as I arrived at the house and put Tate in it after his nap and afternoon meal. I think that he likes it…

I also found a play mat not made in China as well. Jackpot! And yes, I put Tate on the mat as well when he decided that he had had enough of the play gym.

I did buy him a couple more things at IKEA as well. I think that he likes his little yellow lion…

Tate reaching for his lion...

Tate eating his lion...

Tate done with his lion...

Now that he has a few more toys, I hope that they will preoccupy him for a little while. Nothing really captivates Tate’s attention for long. He usually wants me to hold him or play with him after a while.

I also paid the outlet mall a short visit (in case any of you were curious). I needed to get Tate a couple of items for his big trip to Wisconsin at the end of this month.