What did babies do before the advent of technology and all the hi-tech doodads created for their developing minds? As a child, I mostly just drooled, but how might I have turned out if I had the V.Smile Baby Infant Development System?

The V.Smile Baby Infant Development System connects to the TV and doesn't require use of a DVD. You can choose from three Grow-With-Me play modes (not to be confused with the Little Leaps Grow-with-Me Learning System). Select the Play Time mode on the panel and watch your baby play with the colorful, easy-to-press buttons while hearing educational phrases. With the Watch & Learn mode, your baby can watch educational animations complete with baby sign language. Finally, as your baby grows, select the Learn & Explore mode where they can actually direct the play on the screen by choosing the subjects they want to explore. The interactive unit is wireless and has a range of 9 feet.

The V.Smile system works with Baby Smartridges, (did regular cartridges not make the IQ cut?) which slide into the receiver. Each Baby Smartridge has 5 learning games that teach important skills like colors, numbers, sounds, animals, music, and shapes. Although the V.Smile doesn't have the ability to transform like the Little Leaps controller from LeapFrog, it does seem to benefit from including more in options from the start, and doesn't rely on a DVD player.

The V.Smile Baby Infant Development system sells for $39.99 and includes the activity panel, console receiver, and Learn & Discover Home Baby Smartridge. It may be too late for me to benefit from infant development systems, and others like it, but at least there is hope for future generations.