Scout vs the "fisher-price laugh & learn smart stages puppy toy" for a one year old -- similarities/differences, your preference?

Friends of mine are expecting their son soon. The Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy toy was on their baby gift registry. I told them I would get that puppy, if they'd like, but asked if they knew about Scout. Comparing the two products they went with Scout. I LOVE Scout and Violet! My grandchildren have formed a relationship with their personal puppy. There are many more activities one can do with Scout and Violet, PLUS the parents can program the lessons they want the baby to learn as well as the dog calling the child by their name. So Scout and Violet will grow with your child. Three of my grandchildren are past the end age on the box, but love cuddling and listening to their special puppy when traveling and going to bed. I only wish that Fisher Price would make a cat version.

Are the batteries included?

Not exactly. The description says BATTERIES REQUIRED. That is because, if it does come with batteries, they are demo only. They won’t even last long enough to setup your pal with the computer (that’s what happened to me). Even if the product was shipped directly and never for display it will have DEMO batteries.So plan to install 3 new AA batteries before you even start setup. Just trust me on this one. (Took 1.5 hours to setup and 2 calls to customer service. Still cannot say his name correctly).

How can you close the back with the battery pack inside? I can't, the velcro cannot be put together box is too big for the body.

The item that I have on amazon is just like the one you sent a pic of the battery box has to be pushed all the way in,you may have to rotate the battery box a little .but it should fit fine so you close the velcro back.

Is there a way to disable or turn off the blue light? My son likes to keep Scout in his crib when he sleeps. But the blinking light is too bright at night!

There is no "official" easy way to turn the light off. I'm sure you could dig under his light and snip a wire. You might could even remove the light completely. But not sure how safe it would be to tamper with his electronics. Thinking outside of the box, maybe try cutting Scout off at the battery pack at night and playing a CD instead? That way he would have a non-blinky Scout but still have soothing music. Sorry, that's all I can think of.

ASIN	B001W30D2O
Batteries	3 AA batteries required. (included)
Best Sellers Rank	#13,164 in Toys & Games ( See Top 100 in Toys & Games ) #73 in Electronic Learning Systems
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (20,652)
Department	Unisex
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Weight	14.4 ounces
Item model number	80-19156E
Manufacturer	VTech
Manufacturer recommended age	6 months - 3 years
Product Dimensions	10.5 x 9.5 x 6.5 inches
Release date	April 17, 2009

LeapFrog My Pal Scout

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