Baby Einstein Music & Discovery Travel Mirror {Review}

From the time that my girls were infants, my brain started compiling a list of must-have baby products... as well as a list of those that truly aren't necessary. If I could go back 5½ years and share those lists with my younger self, I would. In fact, if I could go back 6 years and change my baby registry, I would do that as well.

One name that wouldn't be changed, however, is Baby Einstein. As all of their products are designed to encourage discovery and inspire new ways for parents and little ones to interact, they have only brought convenience and joy to our lives — from their books to their toys to their baby gear, Baby Einstein just knows what it takes to introduce babies to the world around them in playful and enriching ways.

Founded over a decade ago, Baby Einstein now offers a wide range of products for babies and toddlers, including DVDs, CDs, books, toys and activity products. Created from a baby's point-of-view to incorporate a unique combination of real world objects, music, art, language, animals and nature, The Baby Einstein Company has been an important part of babies' and parents' lives... and will continue to be!

Even though they are already known for their award-winning infant products, Baby Einstein launched six all-new toys and gear in 2012 that are sure to be a hit: Sweet Sea Dreams Mobile, Sea Dreams Soother, Baby Neptune Activity Saucer, Music & Discovery Travel Mirror, Peek-A-Scene and Count & Discover Treasure Chest.

When the Music & Discovery Travel Mirror arrived, the entertainment value of the bright colors and soothing sounds was evident while still in the box.

I used a mirror with both of my girls when they were rear-facing so that I could check on their sweet little faces to see if they were awake, asleep, content and more. However, the mirror itself was simple and didn't lead to any distraction or joy for the kids, so as soon as I began checking out the long list of features that Baby Einstein included in the Music & Discovery Travel Mirror, I knew that this product was a major improvement.

This mirror can be used in the car for both rear-facing and forward-facing babies and attaches easily and securely to seats in most vehicles. By simply clipping it in place, the music, lights, shapes and colors have the ability to entertain baby while on-the-go.

With a large mirror that leads to self discovery for baby (and ease of view for Mom), the adjustable strap makes set-up for the Music & Discovery Travel Mirror nearly non-existent. Simply clip it in place...

...and it is ready to go!

With a variety of different options, Baby Einstein has made it easy to customize this mirror so that it works for you. The four different modes of play include:

• Learning mode discovers colors and shapes in English, Spanish or French
• Lights & Melodies mode
• Melodies only mode
• Lights only mode

I appreciate how easy it is to choose your settings with this mirror, as the dials are all located right on the top. Simply select your mode with the push of a switch...

...and your volume level with the 3-option control.

Parents then turn the sun face dial (which acts as the power button) to set the timer to the desired play length (10, 20, 30, or 60 minutes) to ensure that their baby will be entertained during the entire car ride.

However, the variety of dancing lights and classical melodies are more than just pretty to look at. The different modes introduce baby to shapes and colors in three languages, announcing the names of the blue, red, yellow and green lights in English, Spanish and French as they flash accordingly. What a great way to add educational value to a piece of baby gear!

Retailing for $29.99, the Baby Einstein Music & Discovery Travel Mirror is available now at Target and Toys 'R Us. The high quality, innovation and way that this mirror can enthrall babies and children makes it a must-have for traveling short or long distances. I have no doubt that babies everywhere will be entranced by watching the colorful lights dance in time to the melodies!

For more information about this and all of Baby Einstein's new developmental toys and gear, visit their redesigned website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. Their large collection is filled with soft lights, big shapes, bright colors and sweet melodies designed for self-discovery and the natural curiosity of early learners that you won't want to miss.

(Other than the Music & Discovery Travel Mirror that I received from Baby Einstein, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this high quality product.)