Frequently asked questions
What age is Cuéntale al Sol for?
Birth to 3 years. Newborns can listen to the lullaby while you sing along. Around 6 months, babies explore the crinkly flaps and textures. Toddlers count the 10 sun rays with you in Spanish and English.
Does it need batteries or have a screen?
No. Cuéntale al Sol has no batteries, screens or recorded voices. A pull-string music box plays the Spanish lullaby Sol Solecito, and the lyrics are printed on the back so you can sing along. Your voice does the teaching, the way babies learn language best.
How does Cuéntale al Sol support my baby's Spanish?
It introduces counting from uno to diez (1 to 10) in Spanish and English through 10 colorful sun-ray flaps. Each flap gives you a moment to count, name a color and take turns talking. Sing Sol Solecito together consistently, at playtime, bedtime or in the car, and your baby will come to know the song.
What's the science behind Birdsong toys?
Birdsong toys are built on three findings from early-language research. Babies learn language best through live, back-and-forth interaction, not screens or recordings (Kuhl, Tsao & Liu, 2003). In a study of Spanish-speaking families, toddlers who heard more talk directed at them built bigger vocabularies (Weisleder & Fernald, 2013). And songs and daily routines help a family language last (Fishman, 1991). So every toy puts your voice first, with a Spanish lullaby and bilingual prompts to guide you.
Read more: How Does a Child Become Bilingual? A Look at the Science, Birth to Six
How do I clean it?
Spot clean only, with a damp cloth and mild soap. Because the music box is built inside, the toy can't go in the washing machine or be submerged.
Can we use Cuéntale al Sol at bedtime?
Yes, it's made for your bedtime routine. Sing the lullaby together as your baby winds down, then set the sun aside before they go to sleep. Like all soft toys, it should stay out of the crib and other sleep spaces, as the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. Please don't attach it to a crib, playpen or car seat. Enjoy it during supervised play, and check it for wear now and then.