Looking for an excellent educational toy? Take a ride on the alphabet train.

With the VTech sit-to-stand alphabet train, Chilo is her own learning conductor. Thanks to its interactive activities, colorful two-sided learning blocks and grow-with-me features, the alphabet train ranks as one of my all time favorite toys.

Here’s why:

The toy is packed with learning tools. Each activity on the train is connected by motion sensors that are designed to teach kids about cause and effect. It includes 26 two-sided blocks that feature a letter on one side and a word that starts with that letter on the other. When you place a block on the train it tells you the letter (for example: D) and then asks you to find the word that starts with that letter (for example: dog) by flipping the block around.

There are two ways to play with the alphabet train. Walker mode is designed for new walkers. It’s not as sturdy as your traditional walker, but kids get the idea. It also comes with an attachable carriage that hooks up to the back of the train for those times when your child wants to "drive" the train (Fred Flintstone style) instead of walk with it. Discovery mode is where all the action is. Because of the number of activities, it’s hard for your kid to get bored. They’ll learn something new every time they play with the train.

Other features include:

• A six-page book that—upon turning the pages—highlights four letters of the alphabet.
• Five vibrant number buttons.
• A movable elephant conductor.
• A drop space that shoots the blocks from the train to the carriage.

Want to see how the alphabet train works? Watch Chilo on her alphabet train. 

About VTech’s alphabet train
It’s a pricey toy but you get your money’s worth. My niece has had this toy since June 2011 and she still plays with it today. Instead of giving her all 26 blocks to play with, we rotate them in and out, keeping the toy fresh and fun. Here’s how much the Alphabet train costs at a few of our favorite stores:

• VTech: $42.97; vtech.com
• Amazon: $44.97; amazon.com
• Walmart: $44.97; walmart.com
• Target: $49.99; target.com
• Toys r Us: $49.99; toysrus.com
• JcPenney: $50; jcpenney.com

Thanks for stopping by! See more product reviews at Style by Chilo. 
 

Baby talk
What’s one of your favorite educational toys?