It’s America’s biggest and most comprehensive toy test. Thousands of kids across the country tested hundreds of this year’s new toys to see which ones they like the best. And for “Today’s Toy Test 2004,” contributor and consumer specialist Herb Weisbaum has the winning results, which he shares in a special report on “Today.” First up is a look at the toddler category. Children 18 months to three years can be a tough group to shop for, but there are some great options this year. Read more about the top winners in the toddler category below, and be sure to check out the complete list of winners.

We tested 71 toddler toys this year. For us, toddler means toys appropriate for children from 18 months to about three years. Toys with small parts (which could present a choking hazard to a toddler) and those recommended for children three and up were tested in preschool classrooms. Here are the top toys for toddlers:

Love to Walk Baby Pooh (Fisher-Price Friends, $25)
This adorable baby Winnie the Pooh doll is designed especially for toddlers. Just like them, Baby Pooh is learning to walk. Squeeze his hand and Pooh starts to move and music begins to play. Pooh starts off slowly and a little wobbly at first, but before long he starts to pick up speed, as does the music. Finally he asks, “Want to run with me?” Then he really takes off! Baby Pooh is voice-activated, so he starts to walk and talk when he “hears” his friends call out to him. If he should fall down, Baby Pooh asks for help … and then a hug. (Requires four AA batteries.)

Aquadoodle (Spin Master, $25)
It’s every parent’s dream — a drawing toy without paint or ink. Kids doodle and draw on the Aquadoodle mat with water, so there’s never a mess! Just fill up the “magic pens” and watch the fun begin. There are letters and numbers to trace and plenty of space for free-hand drawing. A stamper set (sold separately) has three fun shapes: a car, a flower and a triangle. The Aquadoodle mat can be used over and over again, because once the water dries (it just takes a few minutes), the color disappears. Aquadoodle is three square feet, big enough for up to four kids to draw on at once. When playtime is over, the mat folds up for easy storage.

Retro Rocket (Radio Flyer, $60)
This shiny red ride-on toy with the very cool styling is made from high-quality plastic by the same company that builds those wonderful Radio Flyer wagons. The Retro Rocket has a number of high-tech features: realistic rocket sounds, an after-burner that lights up, and a motor that vibrates the seat during “blast off.” The on-board astronaut voice warns of an approaching asteroid and lets you know that “All systems are go, Retro.” The lights and sounds begin as soon as the wheels start rolling. Teachers told us the kids loved the lights, noise and vibrations. Because it has four tires and is low to the ground, the Retro Rocket gives a stable ride. By the way, this is the first time Radio Flyer has added electronics to one of its toys. (Requires four AA batteries.)

Bilingual Talking Farm (Chicco, $25)
The colorful barn holds an assortment of friendly animals that can teach animal names, sounds, colors and numbers. Turn it on and this animal house comes alive with lights, music and a friendly voice that encourages the child to “press the little bear button and play with me.”
He congratulates children when they answer correctly or lets them know, in a very pleasant way, that they made a mistake. The Talking Farm is bilingual; just turn the sun-shaped selector to choose between English and Spanish. This teaching toy is designed to grow with your child. There are four different play modes, each more difficult than the previous. (Requires two AA batteries.)

Remote Control Racer (Parents Magazine, $15)
Yes, this really is a remote-control racer for a toddler. Because there’s only one button on the controller, it’s very simple to operate. If the racer hits something, it turns itself around. The colorful plastic car has flashing lights and makes sounds as it moves. The transparent windows and sunroof let kids see the engine working. (Requires four AA batteries.)

Laugh & Learn Home (Fisher-Price, $60)
While many toys for toddlers are educational, teachers gave this one top marks. In fact, one teacher told us, “This is the best activity center I’ve ever seen.” This interactive playhouse is about 30 inches tall. It’s full of surprises and filled with fun things for curious youngsters to discover; including a front door that makes creaking sounds, a doorbell that rings, a big light switch that works, a clock that ticks, and a talking mailbox that says, “You have letters!” The Laugh & Learn Home has two modes. In learning mode the activities teach early academics, such as the alphabet, counting, opposites, and first words. The music mode features music and sing-along songs. Teachers told us the kids “loved the music and the lights.” (Requires three C batteries.)

Consumer expert and “Today” contributor Herb Weisbaum has been helping people across the country for more than 25 years. His award-winning reports have exposed everything from quack medications to bogus investments. Since 1990, his Toy Test has helped millions of parents and grandparents select the best toys for their kids. To learn more about Herb Weisbaum and his latest consumer reports, you can visit his Web site at: www.consumerman.com

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