April 2007
Best batteries for toys
You may not go through as many batteries as diapers during your baby’s first couple of years, but it will seem pretty close.
Batteries usually aren’t included when you buy toys and baby gear with music, lights, vibration, or sound effects, and some
toys or baby products may require more than one size battery. Because not every battery is right for every job, here’s a rundown
of what to consider before your next visit to the battery aisle.
Buy rechargeable batteries for high-use items. For gear with a high power drain, such as an infant swing, or for toys and devices you use often, rechargeable batteries are much more economical than disposables, even after you factor in the cost of a $30 to $50 recharger, because the batteries can be recharged hundreds of times. Our tests show that rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries perform better than rechargeable alkalines for such gear. But NiMH cells discharge when they’re not in use, so they’re not the best choice for battery-powered devices that often sit idle, such as a remote control.
Have disposables batteries on hand. Even if you plan to use rechargeables, it’s a good idea to keep disposable batteries on hand as a backup. Among disposables, lithium batteries are best for digital cameras; the least expensive high-scoring alkalines are fine for everything else. Don’t bother with nickel oxy-hydroxide cells.
Be wary of false savings. Disposable batteries are supposed to last a long time in storage--lithium cells for more than 10 years and alkalines for roughly seven--so you can buy in bulk and not worry when you need emergency juice. But be careful: Store-brand disposable batteries were less expensive in bulk, but we found that name-brand batteries were sometimes pricier per battery in the large pack. Bottom line: Scrutinize unit-price labels.
Follow manufacturer recommendations. No disposable battery is a deal if the toy or baby products manufacturer recommends another type. Be cautious of knock-off brands such as Dinacell, which may seem like a great value. Some have been defective.
See our Ratings of disposable AA batteries.
Buy rechargeable batteries for high-use items. For gear with a high power drain, such as an infant swing, or for toys and devices you use often, rechargeable batteries are much more economical than disposables, even after you factor in the cost of a $30 to $50 recharger, because the batteries can be recharged hundreds of times. Our tests show that rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries perform better than rechargeable alkalines for such gear. But NiMH cells discharge when they’re not in use, so they’re not the best choice for battery-powered devices that often sit idle, such as a remote control.
Have disposables batteries on hand. Even if you plan to use rechargeables, it’s a good idea to keep disposable batteries on hand as a backup. Among disposables, lithium batteries are best for digital cameras; the least expensive high-scoring alkalines are fine for everything else. Don’t bother with nickel oxy-hydroxide cells.
Be wary of false savings. Disposable batteries are supposed to last a long time in storage--lithium cells for more than 10 years and alkalines for roughly seven--so you can buy in bulk and not worry when you need emergency juice. But be careful: Store-brand disposable batteries were less expensive in bulk, but we found that name-brand batteries were sometimes pricier per battery in the large pack. Bottom line: Scrutinize unit-price labels.
Follow manufacturer recommendations. No disposable battery is a deal if the toy or baby products manufacturer recommends another type. Be cautious of knock-off brands such as Dinacell, which may seem like a great value. Some have been defective.
See our Ratings of disposable AA batteries.
