Kids II puts children first.

• Position: Baby Einstein Discovering Water Activity Gym - What's New?

For most people, babies are irresistible. Show up with one at any get-together or family function and, more times than not, the little guy will be passed around like a football, showered with love and attention, and endlessly entertained. When the party's over, however, parents are hard-pressed to keep up that level of amusement. Luckily, we found some wonderful early developmental toys from Kids II, Alpharetta, Ga., that not only hold a child's interest, but foster key motor and sensory skills.

One of our favorites is the Baby Einstein Discovering Water Activity Gym ($69.99)--a play mat which creates a stimulating ocean environment for the baby to explore. Its triangular-shaped Musical Aquarium Lights hang from the arched overhead supports and allow three modes of play: continuous music for 15 minutes; and motion- and parent-activated. Even the youngest will enjoy the colorful flashing lights and whimsical swimming sea creatures while listening to Handel's Water Music and Mozart's Nocturne. Hanging toys include discovery cards with real-life ocean photos, a puffer fish that squeaks, a soft, plush Baby Neptune character, and a mirror to promote self-discovery. Favorite toys can be removed easily and hung from strollers or car seats. Not all the fun is from above, however, as the mat is designed to promote the very important "tummy" time as well. To grab the baby's attention, there is a water-filled pat mat that showcases a realistic underwater scene, peek-a-boo flaps showing a whale, turtle, dolphin, and fish, with their names translated in English, French, and Spanish, and the colorful border features different fabric textures. A prop-up pillow is included for the baby's comfort.

Whether in the car or stroller, babies tend to spend a lot of time in an infant carrier. To help the moments pass, the Baby Einstein Baby Neptune Carrier Toy Bar ($12.99) offers waves of musical fun. With Velcro straps, the unit attaches easily to the handle and is positioned perfectly for viewing fish that slosh around in ocean scenery and for swatting at the beads and other danglers that hang underneath the toy. It plays classical melodies by Strauss, Handel, and Telemann.

When the little one is about four months of...