Batteries Required
When you become parents, you learn quick to avoid battery operated toys. But in a wireless world, it can be hard to avoid. While Erin's question is specific to swings, we're curious how you've dealt with the battery issue in general. Are rechargeables really a good option?
Has anyone figured out how to power all those battery-sucking swings and other toys more efficiently? Can they be converted to plugs? Has anyone tried the adapter shells that use rechargeable AA batteries? Other solutions to keep all those batteries out of the landfill (not to mention the cost)?
We only use rechargable batteries. We have recharger, and it doesn't take too long. We keep one empty yogurt container stocked with charged batteries of various sizes and another stocked with batteries to be recharged.
Works like a dream and keeps those remote-controlled cars racing around...
Posted by: Zinemama | July 15, 2007 at 04:09 PM
I invested in a recharger a while ago. Getting set up with a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries (because when one set runs out, you want to have another standing by) will cost you something, but they work pretty well for most applications. I ran one of those swings just fine with rechargeables..
Posted by: Martin | July 15, 2007 at 05:23 PM
we have had very good luck with rechargable aa and aaa size batteries for everything but were very disappointed in the lack of power and length of charge for c size. our swing, which my son slept in a lot as a baby, took c size so we really wanted a rechargable option but the technology just wasn't good enough to make it work. even the manufacturer (duracell i believe) admitted it. that was a couple of years ago so maybe larger rechargable batteries are better. i would be curious to know as well.
Posted by: aarin | July 15, 2007 at 07:33 PM
I was able to hook up my FP Aquarium swing to an AC adaptor. It cost around $12 and took under 10 minutes. There is a website that has instructions and pictures of how to do it: http://blog.robinsonhouse.com/2005/05/battery-eliminator-for-fisher-price.html
Posted by: Makila | July 16, 2007 at 09:31 AM