iPhone App Review: A New Kind of Pacifier

As a first-time mom, I’m always on the hunt for new things to introduce to my daughter. Whether it’s a book, or a noise-making toy, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of devices to keep my 8-month-old occupied. And now that list includes an iPhone (News - Alert) and iPod Touch application.

 

I have to admit, there’s still a bit of a learning curve for me when it comes to using new gadgets, like the Touch. But I’m a quick study. So, when TMC (News - Alert) gave me the OK, I jumped at the chance to check out a new application just for kids: Pacifier Lite.

Created by software developer in Denver, Pacifier Lite is a free iPhone baby game designed to teach children basic cognitive, vocabulary and counting skills and keep them entertained at the same time. The app, which is geared toward youngsters from one to three, uses colors, shapes and numbers to capture tots’ eyes and plays classical tunes as background music.

 

I never thought I’d let my daughter get her hands on such a high-tech device this early in life, but it was a hit! Under careful supervision, (I promise) my daughter navigated the game, touching every floating colored shape she could get her little hands on. When any shape was touched, a voice would enthusiastically repeat the name of the shape and the color.

 

And though the baby was under the target age range for the game, the app drew lots of smiles and giggles while we played.  

And if you’re looking for something beyond the simple game, iPhone Pacifier developed a paid version of the app called Pacifier 1.

 

Users can customize a set of controls and control the speed and number of the object in the game. In addition, parents can select the color and shape game, or the counting game and pick from eight different classical sings, including “Nutcracker Dance” and “Minute Waltz.”

 

"This product is truly one of a kind; it's exciting to be able to entertain children while also enabling them to learn,” John O'Dwyer, president of iPhone Pacifier, said in a statement.

 

I’m not sure what pleased my little one more – the game’s music and colors, or the fact that she actually had permission to touch the shiny gadget. In any case, the soothing music and bright colors captured my daughter’s attention and kept her busy for a good 10 minutes…until the cat walked by.