Latches Board

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

The Latches Board is an excellent toy to promote curiosity among young toddlers as well as improve small-motor and problem-solving skills.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My 3 year old son LOVES this puzzle. He uses his imagination knocking on the doors, opens the variety of latches and counts the animals. It is a FUN educational toy!

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

I got this for my 16 month old son, as he likes to fiddle with latches, etc. He really enojys it. I didn't realize for some reason that it was for 3+, and am happy to report that my 3 1/2 year old also likes it. It is more interactive with her, as there are pictures under the doors you open (and can count, describe, etc). The only downside I've noticed is that it is heavy, and once or twice it has been pulled off the coffee table onto a foot! Now we keep it on the floor :)

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

A bit challenging for my 2 yr old but perfect for my 3 1/2 yr old.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

I bought this for Christmas for my 2 year old because she loves puzzles, lift-a-flaps and figuring out how to open everything (typical 2 year old!). She LOVES this latch board! It didn't take her very long to figure out how all of the latches worked and now she'll play with the latches figuring out what's underneath. The latches are challenging enough to make toddlers think without frustrating them. Underneath each door is a different colored animal with corresponding number. So, even once your child has the latches mastered the pictures underneath provide additonal counting, number and color recognition, and make for a fun memory game! Hours of fun, and although big, the board is all one piece making it very portable!

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

We bought this for our daughter who seems be very mechanical. She learned how to undo each latch quickly. She will spend a lot of time working on the latches board and loves it.
Highly recommend the latches board!

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

I was a little unsure about buying this toy thinking it might be yet another piece of junk from Mellisa & Doug. It's not. The toy is very well-made and brightly colored. The wood is not flimsy particle board but a heavy, solid piece. My daughters are 20 months old and it seems to be spot-on for their learning level-- a challenge but not so hard that they give up. I would certainly recommend this toy!

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

I waited until my daughter was 18 months to purchase this board (I was dying to play with it myself!) at which time she started to show great interest in manipulating latches and such. She loves this toy and it provides a good challenge for her. Several of the latches are very difficult to rotate or slide (realistically) or take too much strength for her 18 month fingers and it does cause some frustration since she knows what to do.

I keep getting the comment that I'm teaching my daughter to escape from her baby gates and such, but none of these latches correspond to anything we have in our house.

Inside each door is a cute image of "4 red bunnies" or "5 green frogs" etc., so you can combine the fun with practicing colors, animals, and numbers.

It seems quite possible to get really small fingers pinched in the latches (although she hasn't yet), so if your child is much less than 3 years old (recommended minimum age) I would encourage active supervision when using this toy.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My 1.5 year old laid right down on the floor to check this out as soon as it came in the mail. The toy is very cool with all the locks and latches. Some of the latch/locks I have to help her to open/close. As she gets older she should be able to do it on her own. Nice toy and good quality for the price. Also like knowing that the product is safe paint wise.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My daughter is 22 months and ridiculously fascinated with all types of locks around the house so this seemed like a perfect puzzle for her. She plays with the locks, but just as much likes opening the little doors to see the animals hiding behind.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My 2-1/2 old loves this toy. It is well made and very durable. When I first gave it to her she played with it for hours. She still plays with it once or twice a day and the different locks are a challenge. It's also great for teaching numbers and colors. I like it so much I'm going to send one to her cousin who is 3 mos. younger.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My son is 15months old and loves this puzzle. It's very durable and of good quality.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My little guy leaves this one out to play with everyday. He gets better at opening the latches daily and never seems bored. A good toy to turn to on a rainy day.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

Although this product says it is best for 3+ year-olds, my 18 month can manipulate some of the locks and loves to open the doors to see the animals. I have heard physical therapists say that this is a great toy for teaching fine motor skills.

Comments about Melissa & Doug Latches Board:

My 1.5 year old can already manipulate some of the latches and doors. It is really helping her develop fine motor skills. Some of the hinges are stiff, but that just helps her learn what strength to use on different tasks. This toy really holds her attention.