Gear Mommy

Review: Step2 Play Up Adjustable Sand & Water Table

2010-06-29T16:00:00.005-04:00

Tot #1 and Tot #2 love spending time outside at Grandma and Grandpa's house. One of the great things about Grandma's house (vs our apartment) is that you can stash some great, big messy toys, like say... a sand and water table ... and it doesn't really bother anyone. Here's what was important to our decision:

Proportions/Size
You need just enough sand to build things and just enough water (with enough built in features) to keep floating things interesting. But not so much that it get too heavy to move.

Elevation
The older I get, the more I learn to like the beach. But as a mom the one thing I hate is a large amount of sand in a diaper. A classic sandbox was out, so we looked for something that could bring the sand up to toddler level, preferably with some room for adjustment as they grow.

Drains
After my experiences trying to carry and dump our first baby bathtub (which did not have a drain), we realized how critical this was for a sand and water table. Preferably on both the sand and the water sides since the water will never stay on its own side.

Cover
My mother always raised us to be a little leery of sandboxes by explaining to us at an early age what neighborhood cats did in uncovered sandboxes. Needless to say, we never played in an uncovered sandbox. Ever. As a mom I totally get it. Because wouldn't you love to hear your toddler say "Mommy! I found a tootsie roll in the sandbox!".

What we chose:
After looking at a lot of sand and water tables we decided to go with the Step2 Play Up Adjustable Sand & Water Table. For $59.97 (plus free shipping on Amazon) it met all our criteria in a budget friendly way without being too big or too small. We also bought some "sandbox" sand (look for the specific label) at our local home & garden store. Assembly of the table was a extremely easy (especially if you skip the extra unnecessary screws they offer).

It is good to note, that the umbrella provides some shade, but it won't shade the whole table so plan the placement/orientation of the table accordingly (the table is light enough to move if you want to change the angle of the shade).

All in all, this has been a great buy and we're having a hard time tearing the kids away from it!

SALE - Diapers.com Nursery Items - including Stokke!

2010-06-06T10:13:00.003-04:00

Diapers.com is running a 30% off sale on nursery items including some great brands like Stokke furniture (which almost NEVER goes on sale). Its 30% off anything included in the sale (not just one item) so its worth checking out if you're planning on outfitting a nursery anytime soon.

You'll need the promo code FASHION48 to get 30% off. Here is the link to the online email. Sale ends tonight!

News from Gear Mommy

2010-05-23T15:55:00.000-04:00

Apologies to everyone for the lack of post recently - we're expecting Tot #3 in October and I've been busy checking out all the new baby gear on the market. I didn't let myself buy much for Tot #2 (since he was born 16 months after Tot #1), so there is plenty of new gear to review!

Found something great? Email me at gearmommy@gmail.com and tell me what you love!

Coming soon - My Faux Registry
Knowing what I know now and looking at all the new products on the market what I would register for if I had it to do all over again from scratch.

Tylenol/Motrin/Zyrtec/Benedryl Recall - online reimbursement form

2010-05-03T20:42:00.000-04:00

If anyone has infant/children's tylenol, motrin, zyrtec or benedryl recalled products they now have an online form you can fill out for either a coupon for a replacement product or refund check https://www.mcneilproductrecall.com/page.jhtml?id=/include/replacement_coupon.inc (if you have more than 6 products you'll need to fill it out twice).

Also, for people whose kids have crazy allergies, the Benedryl Perfect Measure pre-measured spoons are NOT part of the recall and are still ok.

Quick Favs - Baby Gates

2010-04-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

For the perfect baby gate I looked for three things: very secure, toddler-proof and installation that didn't require a drill or mark-up my woodwork.

The North States Auto-Close Metal Gate (Pressure Mount) is my absolute favorite.

The gate has very solid metal construction. The gate closes automatically and makes an audible "clink" when it closes so you know it has closed securely. The gate itself is light enough that there is no risk of pinched fingers in the gate door. The opening mechanism is easily done by an adult with one hand (so the other hand can be carrying a squirming baby, laundry basket, etc.). The gate is opened by using your thumb to slide a button on the top of the gate while simultaneously lifting the gate up slightly.

This opening mechanism also adds to it's "toddler proof" qualities. The opening mechanism requires the height and manual dexterity of an adult so even a brilliant tot can't physically do it. It's 30" high so an average to tall adult can step over it (or a short adult who ran hurdles in high school), but a toddler can't. The installation system is very secure and almost impossible for a toddler (or probably even an adult running at a good pace) to knock over. So secure in fact that it is even approved for top-of-stairs use which makes it a great choice for families in houses with stairs (by the JPMA for what that's worth).

It is easy to install. Line up the plastic cups on the wall and peel off the adhesive backing. A few turns of each of the four "wheels" on the corners will expand the gate to fit most standard size doors. If you want to remove the gate you can just use a little elbow grease and untwist the "wheels" and the gate quickly loosened enough to move out of the doorway. The plastic cups with adhesive can be removed from a wooden doorway with a little elbow grease (and at worst some goo gone). (To note: if you're installing this on a wall instead of a doorway, they recommend attaching the cups with a set of enclosed screws so you will probably need to break out the drill).

The basic gate kit is adjustable to fit doorways from 29.5" - 38" wide and you can add multiple extra 1 bar (adds 3"), 2 bar (adds 5.75"), 5 bar (adds 14") or 11 bar (adds 31.25") extensions to build a gate that securely fits a doorway up to 125" (almost 10.5 feet!).

I also love that the basic gate kit is $69.99 on Amazon.com and ships for free.

Best Baby Shower Gifts

2010-04-22T13:50:00.001-04:00

So a few people lately have asked me what is the best baby shower gift? My first answer is check their registry (Babies R Us, Target, BuyBuyBaby, Amazon, Magic Beans, Giggle, etc.). If you know a few other people going to the same shower, its nice to all go in on a large gift together (or better yet a large gift card to the store she's registered at).

If they don't have a registry or you don't like what they've registered for - which is totally fine - my favorite baby shower gift is a giant box of diapers.

Go to Target, Walmart, or Costco and pick up the largest box of size 1 diapers that fits in your budget. If your budget covers two boxes, get size 1 and size 1-2. Any experienced mom will tell you that you can always make a size 1 diaper fit and this is the size that you will go through the most of. I'm a fan of Pampers since they make extra soft, very absorbent newborn diapers. But Pampers vs. Huggies is sort of like asking a mom which is better red or blue.

Everyone loves to give cute little clothes (in tiny, tiny sizes because they always seem cuter) or adorable stuffed animals. Unfortunately all a newborn really wears for the first few months are basic onesies and a lot of those adorable little clothes will never get worn. Most of the stuffed animals - no matter how cute - will gather dust and drive the future parents crazy for years to come. Go for the practical bet.

Plus, a giant box of diapers when it is all wrapped up looks like a very large, very fancy gift. And you know that at 3am some morning they'll thank you for them.

If you're invited to a shower across town, or across the country, and you can't make it in person you can send a giant box of diapers from Diapers.com directly to the new mom-to-be. If you spend more than $49 they ship for free (if you're a Delta Skymiles member you can also get miles for ordering them by clicking through the Diapers.com link on Skymiles Shopping).

Brands Worth Loving - Baby Jogger

2010-04-10T16:10:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of brands whose products I like, but every once in a while I come across a brand that is really amazing from start to finish. A lot of companies put out cool looking products, but not all of them can withstand heavy daily use. You can tell the really amazing brands - those that truely have amazing products - by the quality of their customer service. Baby Jogger is one of those brands.

I have two Baby Jogger strollers - the new City Select and a 2 year old City Mini (my parents also have a second City Mini that lives at their house) - and love them both. Smart design, excellent durabillity, good drive, etc. I can honestly say in two years we've only had two issues with our City Mini. About a year ago we noticed that the plastic "windows" in the canopy had cracked where they folded when the canopy was collapsed.  We decided that it was not worth complaining to Baby Jogger about since it seemed mostly cosmetic, iit didn't impact the function of the stroller (in a deluge we would hopefully have the rain cover on) and we knew that in the next version of the City Mini (which my mom has) they had addressed the material for the windows to make it more flexible. Two weeks ago we had a more serious issue. In the course of two days two of the fabric loops that the straps attach to broke off. Luckily both times it happened at home while I was buckling in one of the tots and I could easily move it to the next setting and adjust to make it fit.

I snapped a picture of both issues with my blackberry and sent it off to customer service. Within a couple days they looked into it and wrote back apologizing for the delay and for the fact that they couldn't replace it under the warrenty (which is lifetime for the frame, but 1 year for the fabric). They did offer to give me almost 50% off on a new replacement seat and canopy - so for $65 including shipping I basically got a brand new stroller. I even got to pick a new color - my old one was red, dirty and covered in playground dust, my new one is sleek, black and free of grime and crumbs (at least temporarily).  Now it wasn't free, but $65 is a lot less than I thought I was going to pay and more than fair for what is basically a brand new stroller.

(On a side note: on the same phone call to order the replacement fabric they also happily took my feedback on suggested changes for the City Select rain covers and storage bag to share at their weekly meeting with their product development team. Kudos to a company that asks for feedback and tries to feed it back into the design process to improve their products.)

A similar story comes from a close friend of mine with a 3 year old Baby Jogger City Elite.  They also live in New York City and she has a very active daughter so her stroller has gotten three years of very hard, year round use. She also keeps a substantial diaper bag permanently draped over the handlebar. A couple months ago her stroller frame cracked right below the handlebar. I don't mean a little hairline crack, this was a full shear through you-can-see-air-all-the-way-through it kind of crack. Given how close it was to where her diaperbag attaches to the stroller it's not entirely suprising that the frame gave up the ghost (amazingly she was able to drive the stroller for another couple weeks with no problem). She spent a few minutes on the phone with custmer service and they sent her a full new frame that arrived within days. No charge, no questions, no hassle, no "please box up and send us your old frame so we know you won't resell it" business.

Its great to come across a company like this and we just felt they deserved some praise for having not only an amazing product line, but also an amazing customer service department to support it.

Review: Skip*Hop Zoo Lunchies

2010-04-10T08:30:00.003-04:00

The new Skip*Hop Zoo Lunchies are a cute set of soft insulated lunchboxes. The size is just right for a juicebox/milkbox, sandwich and a piece of fruit. This is about the right size for a toddler or young child's lunch.

The size and shape is almost identical to the Skip*Hop 3 Bottle Bag including the interior pocket for silverware/icepacks, but the Zoo Lunchies lack the two exterior pockets. It does feature a very handy flip-open lid (unlike the 3 Bottle Bag which only has a top zip).

Tot #1 and Tot #2 both have Lunchies to match their backpacks. It's tough to say if they have more fun dragging them around the apartment and filling them with toys or opening them up at lunch (or dinner or occasionally breakfast) and seeing what I packed for them. The whole "lunchbox" idea has infused some new fun into our lunchtime routine. Somehow a sandwich is much tastier when it's shaped like a heart and stuffed in your lunchbox. Ditto with a sippy of chocolate milk.

Thankfully - unlike the Zoo Mitts - the Lunchies are available in designs to match all six of the Zoo Pack backpacks. In a pinch you could easily fit the Lunchie into to the backpack with enough extra room for a favorite lovie, a sack of Matchbox cars or maybe a pair of Crocs, but not - say - a bicycle helmet. Good to note, the exterior material is identical to the Zoo Packs and easily wipes clean (as does the interior which is identical to the 3 Bottle Bag).

For $13 this is a fun addition to our spring/summer eating routine.

Review: Skip*Hop Zoo Mitts

2010-04-09T14:41:00.002-04:00

We bought a few of these Skip*Hop Zoo Mitts (penguins, of course, and ducks) a couple months ago and gave them a good long trial before we reviewed them. There are some things we immediately loved and some things that we immediately didn't.

We love the designs. If you have the SkipHop backpacks or lunch boxes you'll be happy to see most, but not all of your favorite designs recreated for bathtime (if you have the kitten, bee or owl be prepared to substitute the ducky mitt).

The texture is a good compromise between soft and scrubby. They seem to get softer with additional washing. Other than some fading on the cotton print trim, the colors have stayed very vibrant (even when dried on high heat).

I don't love the hooks or the price ($10 for one mitt and one hook). Also the suction cup hooks don't stay up on anything. Maybe they would stay put on very large glossy tile (4" square or larger) - which we don't have - but having tested them, they don't stay put on: glossy painted cabinets, enamel cabinets, stainless steel or glass. They constantly fall down. Even with nothing hanging on them. So often that we stopped putting them back up and eventually just threw them away. I would be happy to see them take the suction cup hook out of the set and drop the price a little (under $8). $8 would still be steep for a washcloth, but it's cute and themed and if it gets Tot #1 to jump in the bathtub then I'll run with it.

All in all, these are expensive for what they are, but the actual character washcloth is nice, appealing to toddlers and well made.

Pimp My Ride - Phil & Ted's Sport

2010-03-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

When we were cruising around a while ago in our Phil & Ted's Sport, I was thinking about how we ended up with the mix of storage/sun/trouble-shooting solutions that we have. Most of them aren't made by Phil & Ted (sorry guys). Here is a quick rundown of how we pimped out the Phil & Ted's Sport (not out of vanity, but out of necessity):

Console
We started with the Phil & Ted's "Hang Bag" console and quickly returned it. The three pockets - in order - are: bottle, larger unstructured zippered pocket, bottle. Both of the bottle pockets are open on the bottom which is great for bottles or sippy cups, but no help if you want to drop - say - your house keys or your phone in there (if you do, they will bean the child in seat #2). We found the center zippered pocket to be too large, too deep, too dark and generally too easy to lose things in.

Out of necessity we strapped on our Baby Jogger City Mini Console and found that it fit perfectly. It has three structured pockets - in order - are: mesh cup/bottle holder, square flip top "cooler" pocket, and another cube shaped compartment. The mesh cup holder mesh on the sides and solid on the bottom so it is great for an iced coffee or your keys or loose change (or all of the above). The two square pockets are solid, structured cube shapes and are great for Blackberry/phone, mittens, bows, toy trucks, etc. I use one of them for a pump bottle of hand sanitizer, a travel pack of tissue and a lip gloss.

Supplemental Storage
There are no seat back pockets so where to put your wallet? Due to the placement of the second seat (and tipping issues) you can't attach a diaper bag to the Phil & Ted's Sport. I've seen a few creative parents figure out how to attach one to the side of the stroller frame, but it is very difficult to attach/detach. Phil & Ted's came out with the Mini Diddy (tot-sized mesenger bag that attaches to the back of either seat), but it doesn't hang flush to the back of the seats so doesn't work well for practical day to day walking around. It basically bangs you in the shins the whole time.

The Phil & Ted's Pannier Bags give a little bit less than a grocery bag's worth of storage. It is unstructured so it tends to look floppy when it isn't full of nice, lightweight square things (like maybe kleenex boxes), but with one on each side it can add a lot of storage. All that extra storage comes at a small price. If you put one on each side it becomes very difficult to reach into the main basket from the side anymore. The straps for the bag clips are also a bit long and can drag on the ground. We choose not to do them because the storage was too unstructured and they gave the stroller a much wider profile and a sloppier look.

Instead we chose to go with a pair (sometimes a trio) of Skip*Hop Saddle Bags. One on each side and one on the bar taht runs along the top of the 2nd seat. The small size of the Skip*Hop Saddle Bag means it doesn't hold a ton , but it gives you a great place for your wallet, wipes and a few diapers (it can even hold a Potette + diaper).

Rain Cover

So we bought the Phil & Ted's double rain cover. Its bulky (350 cubic inches tightly rolled), but it fits pretty well. Just make sure to put the second seat upright (non-reclined).

Sun Shades
If you've met me driving my P&T in the summer you've probably heard me gripe about the TERRIBLE sunshade on the P&T Sport. Really - they're a joke. If the sun was shining down on you from directly above, it would provide shade for Tot #1's head (but not her shoulders, arms, body or legs). Since the second seat is tucked behind and underneath the first seat, Tot #2's legs are always shaded (but not necessarily his head, shoulders, arms, etc). You get my picture. The "sunshade" looks kind of like a sunshade, but it does not actually provide any shade from the sun.

I love the Protect a Bub Compact Sunshade and the Protect a Bub Tandem Sunshade (shown) which provide great sun coverage (UPF 50+) and store very compactly (included 8"x8" drawstring bag). They attach to the stroller with a set of fabric ties and can easily be pulled back/tucked up to take kids in or out of the stroller without having to fully remove the sunshade. They are also cross-compatible with a lot of other strollers so it is something you can hand down to friends, siblings, etc. after you're done with strollers.

Winterizing
For the babe we started out with the Phil&Ted's Cocoon, but quickly returned it. It was very, very snug fit in the 2-child infant mode and was difficult to get in/out of the reclined main seat. If you live in a cold climate and need bundlers, the toddler size JJ Cole Urban BundleMe is a good option with a little compromising. For the main seat, skip the elastic band and pull the top pocket over the top of the seat (you may need to undo the two clips at the top of the seat under the canopy). The child shoulder straps should hold the rest in place. For the second seat, pull the elastic band all the way around the seat frame and pull the top pocket over the top of the fabric portion of the seat (below the bar). If you are using this in infant mode (second seat mounted on top, main seat fully reclined), you can use the second bundler in the full reclined main seat. Just make sure to tuck the top portion of the bundler away from the baby's face.

Potty Seat

If you have a toddler you probably will need a potty seat. And it just so happens that my favorite potty The Pottette Plus seat fits pretty well in the Skip*Hop Saddle Bag which can be strapped on the side of the stroller frame.

Groceries/Bags

For a light grocery shopping trip, bulky/heavy items are best stuffed in the basket under the stroller (if you have room), but you can hang a couple bags of lighter items off a pair of MommyHooks on either side of the handlebar. The MommyHook is one of my favorite inventions. Between all of our strollers, I think I own about six of these. Two have already been worn to death and had to be replaced. Make sure to balance your load equally between hooks, checking that the bag don't swing near child #2's head, and make sure you install the clip opening facing out for easy access.

Quick Favs - Outdoor Play Blankets

2010-03-18T16:17:00.001-04:00

So spring is in the air and the park is starting to look inviting! We searched high and low for the best outdoor play blanket and among our mommy friends the JJ Cole Essentials Blanket is our hands-down favorite.

It weighs less than 5 pounds and unfolds into a generous 5' x 5' square. The exterior is waterproof and both sides easily wipe clean with a washcloth (or Clorox wipe). It also folds easily back into shape and the attached velcro flap seals it into a 15" x 10" 5" rectangle. It fits in the bins of most strollers and the detachable shoulder strap makes it just as easy to throw across your shoulder.

Plus is comes in a bunch of fun colors and patterns!

The disposable Neat Sheet is a close second since it easily fits in the washer and for under $10 if it gets really disgusting you don't feel too bad about throwing it away.

CPSC - Sling Safety Warning

2010-03-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the CPSC warning that just came out regarding safe practices with sling style carriers:

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Office of Information and Public Affairs

Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 12, 2010

Release #10-165

CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772

CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Infant Deaths Prompt CPSC Warning About Sling Carriers for Babies

WASHINGTON, D.C.- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is advising parents and caregivers to be cautious when using infant slings for babies younger than four months of age. In researching incident reports from the past 20 years, CPSC identified and is investigating at least 14 deaths associated with sling-style infant carriers, including three in 2009. Twelve of the deaths involved babies younger than four months of age.

Slings can pose two different types of suffocation hazards to babies. In the first few months of life, babies cannot control their heads because of weak neck muscles. The sling's fabric can press against an infant's nose and mouth, blocking the baby's breathing and rapidly suffocating a baby within a minute or two. Additionally, where a sling keeps the infant in a curled position bending the chin toward the chest, the airways can be restricted, limiting the oxygen supply. The baby will not be able to cry for help and can slowly suffocate.

Many of the babies who died in slings were either a low birth weight twin, were born prematurely, or had breathing issues such as a cold. Therefore, CPSC urges parents of preemies, twins, babies in fragile health and those with low weight to use extra care and consult their pediatricians about using slings.

Two months ago, the Commission added slings to the list of durable infant products that require a mandatory standard. Additionally, CPSC staff is actively investigating these products to determine what additional action may be appropriate. Until a mandatory standard is developed, CPSC is working with ASTM International to quickly complete an effective voluntary standard for infant sling carriers.

CPSC recommends that parents and caregivers make sure the infant's face is not covered and is visible at all times to the sling's wearer. If nursing the baby in a sling, change the baby's position after feeding so the baby's head is facing up and is clear of the sling and the mother's body. Parents and caregivers should be vigilant about frequently checking their baby in a sling.

CPSC is interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are directly related to infant slings. You can do this by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772.

CPSC - Sling Safety

2010-03-10T20:10:00.000-05:00

I'm a fan of baby carriers in general, but buzz on the mommy/baby wire is that CPSC is about to issue a warning regarding the safety of carrying infants in sling style carriers.

Sheri at Magic Beans just did a helpful post on the upcoming CPSC warning on the safety of sling carriers and infants on Spilling the Beans. Also, check out this helpful site on determining the safety of your sling/carrier.

Quick Favs - Bathtub

2010-03-10T09:24:00.000-05:00

Someone recently asked me about bathtubs - which is another funny, random thing like diaper pails that I have very strong feelings about. I love, love, love the First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub. We had one or two other infant tubs before we found this one and it is by far the easiest to use.

It has adaptors molded into the bottom so it fits into the kitchen sink which is one of the easiest places for an adult to bathe a baby until they are about 9m old. The drain plug doubles as a temperature check. The detachable sling is perfect for newborns - especially for sponge baths before their little belly button stump falls off. It has two positions for older babies – a reclined position for babies who can’t sit up yet and a sitting position for slightly older infants and small toddlers. It is also $18 which is hard to beat.

Sorry for the delay...

2010-03-07T15:14:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay everyone, but even Gear Mommy needs a vacation. A week at Carlisle Bay in Antigua hit the spot perfectly. I'll do a full post soon, but Carlisle Bay ranks as one of the very best family luxury resorts I've ever been to. Unlike most resorts that are "kid tolerant," Carlise Bay really goes out of their way to be kid (and family) friendly. Amazing.

Quick Favs - First Choice Monitor

2010-02-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

Baby monitors. Here is another one of those things where used some bare bones ones and some fancy-schmacy ones, but the best one we've found is somewhere in the middle. Off the top of my head between our house, both sets of grandparents' houses and various hotels, we've used at least 7 different baby monitors that range in price from $19.99 to $250+. The Safety 1st High Definition Digital Monitor (which costs $69) is my favorite by far.

What I love about this monitor is the simplicity. It is a clean and simple in every way. It runs on one clear channel and we have never had an interference issue with it (other monitors, Blackberries, clock radios, cordless phones, wireless networks - nothing!). The nursery console is small (about 2.5" square) and has a great microphone. The battery life is also fantastic. We can often unplug the parent unit during the morning nap and run around until mid-afternoon without having it lose its charge. The belt clip doubles as the stand to keep it upright on your night table. The beauty of the design is that it is so small and so simple that it virtually blends into the background when you're not using it.

Yes, it doesn't have fancy features like temperature, music, light shows, video or intercom, but do you really need them? What you need in a baby monitor is a clear sound of what's going on in the tot(s)'s room without snap-crackle-pop of interference or being tethered to the power cable (because of poor battery life). This one is a winner.

Quick Favs - Biodegradable Disposable Placemats

2010-02-25T15:15:00.000-05:00

Making sure the kids have good manners is something that has always been important to us as parents. Part of that process is learning how to eat politely in a restaurant. The corner diner has been a great place to practice our table manners in a low pressure setting. For that age when dropping things (read: dishes) is the favorite pastime Classy Kid Germ Defense Placemats have been a great plate substitute.

They come in a ziploc pack of 10 or 20 complete with crayons. They have adhesive around all four edges that is strong enough to keep all but a wily toddler from ripping it off the table, but easy enough for an adult to remove without taking the finish off the wood. The different themes give kids something to talk about and something to color (the included triangular crayons are small but sturdy).

They're a little pricy at about $0.50 each, but you'll enjoy dinner out a lot more knowing that your toddler isn't eating off a germ infested table or throwing the china on the floor. It also feels nice and green to know that the placemat will happily biodegrade with your toddlers leftovers.

Quick Favs - Toddler Friendly Seating - PB Teen Flip Lounger

2010-02-21T15:03:00.001-05:00

Most toddlers love to horse around (yay!). Climb up on things (eek!). Jump off things (shudder!). We quickly learned when Tot #1 turned 18m that the super comfy Dutalier glider and footrest were going to be forced into early retirement. You could just see her doing the math of foot rest to glider to radiator cover to window ledge.

That left us with a big furniture gap - we needed something comfortable for an adult to sit on for snuggles or story time, but with a minimal drop and minimal movement to reduce the risks if a toddler climbs up on it.

We stumbled on the Pottery Barn Teen Flip Lounger completely by accident - Pottery Barn Teen wasn't really on my short list of places to look for nursery/playroom furniture. One day we just happened to walk by the store, saw it through the window and were like "that's perfect!".

It is great. It has a nice thick cushioning and a wipe-clean ultra suede finish. It is available in navy (a bit darker than the picture above), pink, pale green and brown. The angle of the back is adjustable from full upright (pictured) to full flat with a few positions in between. We have ours leaned up against a wall to reduce the toddler temptation to turn it into a rocking tackle drill and it is substantial enough that she can't move on her own (but it's easy for me to pull out when I need to vacuum or fetch toys behind it).

For parents with active toddlers struggling with adult-friendly seating for a kids' room this is a great solution.

Quick Favs - Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag

2010-02-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

A few years ago when I was pregnant with Tot #1 I spent a lot of time looking at diaper bags. As a new mom you start to look at your diaper bag not only as a piece of baby gear, but quite possibly as a replacement for your everyday handbag (at least for the first year or two). That being said, I've never been a big fan of the luxury diaper bags - Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. You know it is going to get gross and possibly so gross you'll have to throw it away. You also need something that is designed by people who understand how you're really going to use. An experienced mom of two took me aside and said "Listen, there is only one diaper bag you need. The Skip Hop Duo." She was so right.

Flash forward three years and I'm now on my second Skip Hop Duo. I upgraded to the Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe last year for Mother's Day because I fell in love with the new Blossom pattern (left). My old Skip*Hop Duo was still in such great shape that I donated it to Room to Grow.

Here's what I love about the Skip*Hop Duo Deluxe:

Magnetic closures on the main pocket and both front pockets so things are easy to access, but still secure.
Contrasting colored lining makes it easy to find things inside - no more black hole.
Just the right number of pockets: two mutli-diaper size ones on the inside, two big open ones on the outside (with pen holders!), two zippered pockets on top (perfect for wallet, keys, etc.), a mesh pockets for water/bottle/blackberry/Purell and a closable mini side pocket for change/lipstick/etc.
The shoulder strap is easily adjustable and well padded.
Super smart strap system. You can attach the Duo Deluxe to your stroller without removing the shoulder strap. This is awesome.

It comes in at least 19 different colors and patterns so the chances are, there is something that fits your style.
The best part is, if you spill a cup of apple juice or worse - it can survive the occasional trip through the washing machine with a couple old towels. This can save your diaper bag and maybe your sanity too.

My Favorite Books - Hug Time

2010-02-11T19:35:00.001-05:00

I was perusing the bookcase tonight while getting ready to read Tot #1 a bedtime story and remembered one of my favorite books - Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell.

It is a simple poem about a kitten with a "hug to do list" that takes him (quickly) around the world. It has cute watercolor pictures. One line per page makes it an easy read and keeps the attention of even a squirmy toddler.

Quick Favs - Car Seat + Airport + Go-Go Kids Travelmate = Easy

2010-02-11T12:00:00.003-05:00

As a family who travels a lot, we love smart gear that makes traveling easier. Lugging a carseat through the airport for the sake of safety on the airplane is one of those things that we have always done even though it is a royal pain. If you've ever had the joy of carrying a convertible car seat through an airport you know what I'm talking about. The Go-Go Kidz Travelmate has made it much, much easier.

The Go-Go Kidz Travelmate is basically a set of rollerblade style wheels and a retractable suitcase-like handle that attaches to the back of your convertible car seat. It weighs less than 5 lbs and allows you to drag/push the car seat like a suitcase. You can load in a small tot (fully strapped in of course) or just plop your carry-on onto it and wheel away.

When you get to the plane/taxi/rental car you just unscrew the adaptor and install the car seat into the seat. On the plane, the Go-Go Kidz Travelmate fits in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. For safety's sake, make sure you fully remove the Travelmate and adaptor before installing your car seat.

Its worth mentioning that it doesn't work with every car seat, but here is a list of compatible car seats courtesy of Magic Beans website:

Quick Favs - Diaper Genie II Elite Diaper Pail

2010-02-11T06:30:00.002-05:00

How often do you hear someone say "I LOVE my diaper pail!" I really do. If you read the review I posted yesterday, you probably picked up on the fact that the Diaper Genie II Elite ranks as #1 in my book. I was already a fan of the Diaper Genie II before this came out a year and a half ago, but what an improvement.

What I like: the Diaper Genie II Elite is tall (so you don't have to stoop over) with a lid and self seal both controlled by a foot pedal (so you don't have to squish a nasty diaper down) and its inexpensive ($39.99 or less). I also like that the multi-ply bags have an anti-bacterial/odor-blocking capability and that you have the option to tie off a small bag if the tot drops something particularly...fragrant.

We now own two of these and have given at least two as baby gifts. If you're in the market for a new diaper pail (or if you just don't like the one you have) this is money well spent. It will change the way you feel about your diaper pail.

Review: Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail

2010-02-10T09:00:00.004-05:00

This is a repost of my review on Amazon of the new Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail. I felt pretty strongly about it so I thought it was worth sharing.

We have 2 kids and over the last three years have owned or used at least 6 diaper pails including the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail. They are (ranked in order of preference):

Diaper Genie II Elite
Diaper Dekor Plus
Baby Trend Diaper Champ Deluxe
Diaper Genie II
Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail
Playtex Diaper Genie Twist- Away Pail System

Topline:
- The Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail is OK, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Pros:
- The baking soda is an interesting concept for odor control
- It is great that the baking soda cartridge is refillable vs. having to purchase another one.

Cons:
- The lower compartment is maddeningly easy for babies/toddlers to open (and apparently fascinating) which allows them access to the plastic film bag underneath. This seems like a serious safety issue. ** (see note below)
- Despite the baking soda, there is no real difference in odor control. Plus since the bags are a set size so you can't do a "short bag" if you drop in something really stinky.
- Pail is very short (just above knee level on someone 5' 3") and when you have to push the diaper through you have to bend even farther.
- Top hatch is difficult to open with the one hand that is also holding a diaper (since the other hand should be holding the baby on the changing table)
- The "squish" factor involved with pushing a wet (or poopy) diaper through the chute is pretty gross and you can't get a diaper in without touching the bag.
- Base is wider than most so it takes up more floor space in apartments and/or small nurseries.
- You go through the baking soda very quickly.

Aside from my concern with the safety of the accessibility of the lower compartment to small children (maybe I just have a dud pail), I would say this pail is OK. It does the job, but it would not be my first choice. If the baking soda really works I wish Arm & Hammer (or Munchkin) would just sell the refillable dispenser to stick in the top of my regular diaper pails.

** Munchkin was very quick to respond to my concern regarding the door and said that they have improved the design to make a truly child-proof lock.

Quick Favs - First Storybook

2010-02-09T12:00:00.005-05:00

Its hard to find a good first story book. A book with multiple stories in it, none of which are too long or too verbose or generally annoying. And if it could not involve Disney, Dora, princesses or Thomas we'd be much obliged. We stumbled on The Complete Book of Farmyard Tales by Usbourne last summer while we were stocking up on books for Grandma's house and it has become a favorite (we had to buy a copy for our house too).

Written by Heather Amery and illustrated by Stephen Cartwright, this compilation includes 20 simple stories about different everyday adventures that happen to a farm family. They are all 8-10 pages long so they are the perfect length for bedtime or potty time.

The book also includes a CD with oral versions of all the stories so you can bring it along in the car (or use it to read along with).

Review: Carriers other than the Bjorn

2010-02-09T06:37:00.000-05:00

Check out this helpful review that Jamie The Baby Guy just did for StrollerTraffic comparing non-Bjorn baby carriers. A good read if you're in the market for a carrier.

Quick Favs - CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

2010-02-09T06:21:00.002-05:00

As a family who travels a lot, we love smart gear that makes traveling easier. We love the CARES harness (an abbreviation for Child Aviation Restraint System). It is an FAA-certified 5-point harness that works with the seatbelt on the plane to make traveling tots safer. It can be used throughout the flight instead of a carseat for children 22-44lbs (even take-off and landing).

We started using this when Tot #1 was about 2 and it has been great. It weighs less than a pound, folds up into a tiny bag and easily stashes into a carry-on or purse. We just check her car seat with the rest of our luggage and it makes getting through the airport a lot faster.

To install the CARES harness You simply slide the red band over the top of the seat (you need to open the tray table on the seat behind you) and tighten the buckle when you have it at your child's chin level. The two black straps have loops at the bottom that allow the airplane seatbelt to pass through. The chest buckle clips just like a car seat and "voila!" you have one secure tot (and zero car seats dragged onto the plane).

Although the lower weight limit for this is 22lbs, it may be a challenge for a child younger than 2 who may want to sleep on the plane. If your child is under 2, it's probably worth using your car seat instead. Check out our recent review of the Go-Go Kidz Travelmate - its a great option for making airline travel with a carseat easier.

Quick Favs - First Puzzle

2010-02-08T21:22:00.004-05:00

Tot #1 has always been very into puzzles so we've seen our fair share. The Melissa & Doug First Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle is our very favorite first puzzle. The pieces are very thick (over 1/2") and the jumbo knobs make the pieces easy for little hands to grab and maneuver. The shapes are simple and linear so there are no tricky cut outs to matchup. The shape names and colors are printed on the pieces as well as on the puzzle itself (which makes them virtually self-guiding). As puzzles go, this is about as frustration free as you can get. This makes a nice first birthday present that they can grow into quickly.

Quick Favs - Car Seat Cover

2010-02-07T19:55:00.002-05:00

With two kids who occasionally get carsick, we've come to value the concept of a removable car seat cover. After trying several, the Emmalu Designs Waterproof Removable Toddler Car Seat Cover is our hands down favorite. It works well on both our Britax Diplomat (which has lots of strange shaped padding and curvaceous angles) and our Radian65 (which is very simple and rectangular). It gets high marks for covering all of the main trouble spots well with minimal exposed velcro, gaping or bunching. It also offers a variety of easily adjustable should strap heights. For the parent of a carsick tot the icing on the cake is that is removes very quickly and its washer/dryer safe! Yipee!!

Adventures in Potty Training: Part 3 - Panties! Panties! Panties!

2010-02-07T19:30:00.004-05:00

I'm going to apologize in advance for the girlie bias here, but Tot #1 is a girl, so this is a panties specific post. We are wrapping up the final stages of potty training (just nights left!) and though it was worth jotting down a primer on panties since she seems to have acquired quite a collection. With that said, we have discovered that all panties are not created equal.

Here is how they fit from smallest/snuggest to largest/loosest (all are 2T unless otherwise noted):

Potty Patty Pants
Gerber Training Pants
Hanes/Fruit of the Loom
Gap
Gymboree
Potty Patty Waterproof pants
Petit Bateau

We've tried a lot of cotton training pants (i.e. not diapers) and big girl pants (i.e. panties) so here is the run-down of how they compare:

Gerber Padded Training Pants

Pros: very soft, easy to pull up, inexpensive, available in white (so you can bleach them), unisex

Cons: not very absorbant (you might as well have them wear panties)
Price - $7 for 3 at Target

These are your classic training pants. They are probably what our parents used. They are very soft, white or patterns, unisex and inexpensive. The 2T (also called the Small) ran true to size. They aren't very absorbent, but they are very nice and a good value.

Potty Patty Pants (size S)

Pros - very soft, very absorbent padding

Cons - runs a little small
Price - $12.95 for 3

These Potty Patty Pants are available on Potty Training Concepts. The are very soft and cushy. The fit is a bit like a women's "boy short" style underwear and is easy for a toddler to pull on and off. They also could hold a small almost-an-accident or a dribble-while-we-run-to-the-potty. Our only complaints is that the tag placement is a little weird (outside, not squarely on the back) and they tend to run a little small. We bought a size Small (24 - 29lbs) and found the fit to be similar to a small 18m size. All in all they are the best of he absorbent "training pants" we found.

2-in-1 Potty Patty Waterproof Training Pants (size S)

Pros - easy to pull on, not crinkly

Cons - balloon-like fit, not exactly water-proof
Price - $24.95 for 3

These are also from Potty Training Concepts, but are totally different. They are a soft, pull-on "water proof" pants. The best description that comes to mind is "bloomers" and they run very large (a size S fit much more like a 2T). There is also a lot of excess material that gives it a balloon like fit. They are not as crinkly as other waterpoof pants we looked at, but then again they are also are not really waterproof. They were among our least favorite training pants.

Hanes

Pros - inexpensive, easy to pull on, stays up well, lots of characters to choose from

Cons - not very thick

Price - $4.95 or less for 3

Hanes panties are available almost everywhere in almost every character you could want (Disney princesses, Tinkerbell, Barbie, Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty, Nemo, etc.). They are also available for even less without the characters (6 for $5.99 or less). The material is thin, but they feature a nice relatively thick elastic waistband that helps them stay up and makes it easy to toddlers to dress themselves. Although the smallest size is a 2T/3T, they easily fit a small 2 year old. Target, Walmart and most mid-range department stores should carry them.

Fruit of the Loom

Pros - inexpensive, easy to pull on, stays up well, lots of characters to choose from

Cons - not very thick

Price - $6.99 or less for 3

Fruit of the Loom are also available almost everywhere and have some of the other characters you're probably looking for (Dora, My Little Pony, Care Bears, etc.). They are also available in larger multipacks without characters. The fit and material is very similar to Hanes. These also feature the thicker elastic waistband so they stay up all day and are easy for toddlers to navigate. The smallest size is also a 2T/3T, but they also easily fit a small 2 year old. They should be sold in the same places as Hanes.

Baby Gap
Pros - thick cotton, easy to pull on, lots of colors to choose from
Cons - stretch out easily
Price - $13 for 3

The Baby Gap panties are available in lots of fun patterns/colors that change seasonally (which means you can also occasionally find them on sale). The material is a nice thick cotton (thicker than all of the other panties, excluding the training pants). The wide bands on the legs and waist make them easy to get on and off. Over the course of the day they do tend to stretch out around the legs. Generally quite nice.

Gymboree

Pros - easy to pull on, always a bow in the front, lots of colors to choose from, often goes on sale/promo

Cons - runs a little big, stretch out easily

Price - $2 - $4.75 per pair

The Gymboree panties are also available in tons of patterns/colors and you can almost always find them on sale www.gymboree.com. The cotton is relatively thin, but soft. They run a little large and have a bit of a bikini-style fit. Using your Gymboree coupons or Gymbucks towards them makes these a steal.

Petit Bateau

Pros - soft, white

Cons - runs a very large

Price - $12 per pair

The Petit Bateau panties are nice and soft, but they have an unusual high-cut leg (women would call panties this style "French Cut"). The fit is very, very large. A 2t is much closer to a 3T. This is not a great panty for a toddler.

Conclusion:
If you need trainers, the basic Gerber pants are the most economical choice, but the Potty Training Concepts padded Potty Patty pants are a great option if your tot still hasn't mastered the scamper to the potty. For regular undies, Hanes are a great option for the petite tot or the girl who really needs princesses to make potty training tolerable. Ditto for Fruit of the Loom if she must have Dora. Gymboree is actually one of the cheapest on a $/pair basis because you can often double up Gymboree coupons (or Gymbucks) and sale prices, but they tend to run a little big.

Quick Favs - Baby Bjorn Light Travel Crib

2010-02-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

In a world where the typical pack 'n play weighs 30+ lbs (which is about as much as a full bag of golf clubs), the Baby Bjorn Travel Crib Light at 11.5 lbs is a dream! As if the featherweight wasn't enough - it easily folds fits in a suitcase-size handled travel bag that's sturdy enough to check on an airplane. And better yet - it actually has a soft 1" foam mattress. And even better - the sides are angled inward from bottom to top so its very, very difficult for a toddler to climb out of. Wait it gets better - it unfolds itself! It's expensive, but its so comfortable you'll never leave home without it (and you might just leave it set up in the spare room for the tot to nap in!).

Don't forget to order the organic fitted sheet too!

My Favorite Books - For Babies Who Drool

2010-02-05T14:30:00.002-05:00

Tot #2 has many wonderful, charming, down right adorable qualities, but his ability to drool is not one of them. From the first few months we knew he was a drooler. The pediatrician warned us that it might not let up until he is close to two. Drool. Yuck.

Not only is drool messy and gross, it can really take a toll on your board book collection. The finish on board book pages seems to come in three varieties: matte (not shiny at all), semi-glossy, and glossy. If you have a child who drools go for the glossy ones.

The good news is that there are some great board books for the 0-2yr set that have glossy pages. Here are my favorites:

My First Farm: Let's Get Working! (My First Board Books) a great slightly over-sized tab board book. This series also includes My First Words, My First Numbers: Let's Get Counting, and Let's Get Moving (machines, etc.).

My First Learning Library (My 1st Board Books) is a set of three mini board books (ABC, Numbers, First Words) from the DK My First Board Book series. this whole series is quite good and completely drool proof.

My Little Animal Book and My Little Word Book are both great medium-large board books with lots of pages. These two have been hours of fun at our house for both kids.

The My Big Book series are also drool proof and feature glossy oversized board book pages. There are lots of titles to choose from: 3 in 1: My Big Animal,World,Dinosaur, My Big Dinosaur Book, My Big Rescue Book, My Big Truck Book, My Big Train Book, etc.

All of Sandra Boynton's books feature high-gloss drool-proof pages. our favorites are: Boynton's Greatest Hits: Volume 1 (red hat blue hat, A to Z, Doggies, Moo Baa La La La), Boynton's Greatest Hits: Volume II (The Going to Bed Book, Horns to Toes, Opposites, But Not the Hippopotamus), Pajama Time!, Barnyard Dance!, Your Personal Penguin, and Hippos Go Berserk!. There is also a great vinyl "bath book" called Barnyard Bath which is short and different enough from Barnyard Dance to be worth having as well.

The Dr. Seuss board book series also feature drool resistant versions of some of your favorite Seuss, including: There's a Wocket in My Pocket!, Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, Dr. Seuss's ABC, The Foot Book, Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks, Ten Apples Up on Top! and others. Its worth noting that these are not identical to the classics. They are adapted to fit a smaller, shorter format. Not better or worse, just different.

The "That's Not My ___" series by Usborne are also generally drool resistant. There is just about every "That's not my___" that you can imagine: Penguin, Dinosaur, Monkey, Monster, Dragon, Train, Bunny, Car, Puppy and everything in between.

Owl Babies is one of my favorite older toddler books. It is a very sweet story about three little owlets who are waiting for their mother to come (of course she does!). Very sweet, but lots of words so better for an older tot.

The 9 mini board books in Roger Priddy's Chunky Book Tray are perfect sized and priced for the stroller, airplane, etc. The are each about 3" square with 6 extra-thick board book pages each.

Stuffed Animals Everywhere!!

2010-02-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

From what I gather, most parents struggle with how to store toys. There is never enough room, particularly for the odd-shaped things that they (read: you) are sentimentally attached to. Stuffed animals are probably the trickiest. I know some toddler parents who just toss them all in the crib and let them become part of the bedding (which is not exactly a safe sleeping scenario). Others try to arrange them on shelves or in baskets. But they have a nasty habit of multiplying faster than you can find storage space for them.

A few months ago we discovered the Boon Animal Bag and it has become my favorite toy-storage solution. It is a giant faux-fur bean-bag shell with three zippered mesh windows. You stuff all your animals, soft dolls, doll clothes, etc. inside, zip it closed and "voila!" you have turned all your extra stuffed animals into a nice soft bean-bag shaped chair.

The oval shape (shown at left) comes in pink or green. A two-oval design called the "Otto" comes in light blue faux fur. There is also a much larger "Trio" three-oval design that comes in orange faux fur. For more than triple the price you can also get the Trio "Elite" in orange shag.

In an extra bonus, the Animal Bag is even machine washable.

My Favorite Books - Feed Matisse's Fish

2010-02-04T13:30:00.002-05:00

Both of my children (and their friends) love Feed Matisse's Fish. The touch-and-feel elements are all well done and narrative is simple and charming. There are just enough words per page to keep the narrative consistent and helpful, but not so much as to bore kids (or adults).

Note, that the books says this is for children 3+ because small parts can potentially detach and be a choking hazard, but the content is great for kids 12m+ (supervised of course).

Feed Matisse's Fish and Touch the Art: Brush Mona Lisa's Hair are both excellent books from this series. Touch the Art: Make Van Gogh's Bed is also pretty good (although not quite as good as the other two). Touch the Art: Tickle Tut's Toes is particularly weak in terms of both content and narrative.

This will also go on my eventual list of drool-proof books. The high-gloss board book pages are nicely drool resistant.

Double Take - Phil & Ted's Sport vs. Baby Jogger City Select

2010-02-03T14:48:00.019-05:00

Ah, the great double stroller debate...If you have two kids you're bound to face the question of how to transport them. Tandem (front/back) vs. side-by-side? Umbrella vs. full-size? So many questions...The question of a full size stroller vs. double umbrella stroller (a la Maclaren Twin Triumph) could be an entire post on its own. Just like single strollers there is no perfect choice for everyone. Here is a comparison of two of my favorite tandem full-size strollers - the Phil & Ted's Sport and the Baby Jogger City Select.

Background:
I bought the Phil & Ted's Sport Double about a year ago. My building has a very narrow elevator so a side-by-side was out of the question. After reading Sheri's postings from the ABC Kids show last year about the Baby Jogger City Select I was very excited. Two full size tandem seats (or bassinets or carseats), huge storage, patented Quick-Fold technology, and accessories galore (car seat adaptor, buggy board, parent console, adaptors to turn seats into highchairs, etc.). I'll be honest, I've been stalking this stroller since it was announced and as soon as Magic Beans got it in I ordered it.

Let's get the rough data out of the way:

	City Select	Phil & Teds Sport
Folded (1 seat)	33.55" x 27.75" x 16"	36" x 23" x 11"
Unfolded (Max w/ 2 seats)	47" x 29.75" x 52"	40" x 23" x 43"
Unfolded (Min w/ 1 seat)	43" x 26.5" x 42"	40" x 23" x 48"
Handlebar Height	39.5" - 42"	40" - 41.5"
Front Wheel(s)	2 x 8" d x 2" w (solid)	1 x 12"d x 1.5"w (air-filled)
Back Wheels	2 x 12" d x 2" w (foam-filled)	2 x 12"d x 1.5"w (air-filled)
Weight (1 seat/2 seats)	28 lbs / 34 lbs	21 lbs / 24 lbs
Seat Weight Capacity	45 lbs per seat	55 lbs top seat
		33 lbs bottom seat
Storage Basket Capacity	4,300 cubic inches	2,000 cubic inches
Brake	Hand-operated	Foot brake on rear axel
Seat Height	20"	24" (main seat)
(seat base to canopy/frame)		18.5" (second seat)

Here is a summary of the less tangibles:

Storage:
The City Select is the clear winner here. No question. In two-front-facing toddler seat mode, there is an astounding 4,300 cubic inches of storage space in the lower basket which is enough for two medium sized adult back packs. Plus you can hang a Skip Hop Duo Deluxe diaper bag off the support bar under the back seat if you want to increase your storage. The rain covers (1 per seat) are tiny and fit in the pocket behind each seat. The lack of storage space in the P&T Sport has been a big complaint among many parents. At best, there is about 2,000 cubic feet of storage space into which you need to which you first need to fit the rain cover (about 350 cubic inches, tightly rolled) and your child's legs. Yes, there are ways to add to this space - pannier bags, saddle bags, Mommy Hooks, etc. - but in the end every day your child's legs get longer your storage space decreases.

Folding:
The City Select is slightly easier to fold, when you factor in the whole folding process and definitely gets points for being easier on the hands (no more broken nails). To fold the City Select, you need to lift off the front seat, release the adaptors, pull up on the two Quick-Fold buttons and "Voila!" the stroller folds itself. To fold the P&T Sport, you need to first unsnap the canopy, remove any additional storage bags, remove the second seat (with miniscule nail-breaking buttons), twist and press the front release buttons and then lift up. If you are considering either of these for an everyday stroller I would think carefully about how often you are REALLY going to fold this down (once a month, maybe?). If you really are going to be pulling this in and out of the car everyday, neither of these is the probably the stroller for you.

Handling:
The P&T Sport is definitely more nimble. The tri-wheel design, low/rear center of gravity, narrow wheel base and 1.5" wide tires all contribute to making it easy to hop up a curb or steer one-handed. The City Select has distinctly different handling. The rectangular design, high/forward center of gravity, wider wheel base and 2" wide wheels give it a boxier feel and makes it more difficult to push. The handling is best with the heavier load (child or carseat) in the upper position. You won't notice the handling as much on the straight aways, but your arms will feel it if you're on a sidewalk that angles sharply to one side or the other. For a car analogy, the P&T Sport handles like a Honda Civic - it's no ultra-light sports car, but its pretty nimble. The City Select handles like an Escalade - the passenger ride is really comfortable and there's plenty of room for your stuff, but it's a big frame so expect a wider turning radius.

Braking:
The City Select with a Bugaboo-style handbrake is a clear winner. The foot brake of the P&T Sport is virtually impossible to engage (or disengage) when the 2nd seat is on.

Tires:
For peace of mind, the City Select has better tires since the front tires are solid and the back tires are foam-filled (which basically makes them the stroller equivalent of "run flat" tires). The tires on the P&T Sport at air-filled which gives it a cushy ride, but you periodically need to add air and you do run the risk of getting a flat. I have actually gotten a flat in my P&T Sport and although it is easy to have it repaired at your local bike shop, it is a pain to get there (especially if you had two kids in the stroller and you're not close to home). That being said I have other friends who have had their P&T Sport strollers longer and have never run a flat - so this may also be luck of the draw.

Handlebars:
The handlebars are quite different - there are more useful height options for the City Select, but the shape of the P&T Sport handlebar is more comfortable. The City Select has a single center push button that increases the height of the handlebar. It starts at a height similar to the Baby Jogger City Mini handlebar and get taller. The oval shape of the frame - and thus the handlebar - makes this slightly less comfortable for smaller adult hands, but the wipe-clean grip is easy to sanitize. The handlebar on the P&T Sport is round and squishy making it very comfortable to grip. It adjusts by pressing the two buttons on either side of the frame which allows you to select within a limited range of angles. It is a comfortable range for a petite to medium height parent. Medium to tall parents may find them selves hunching over and knocking their shins on the second seat due to the mechanics of how the handlebar works. Since the angle-system means that as the handlebar moves higher it also move towards the front of the stroller and so your knees move closer to the back of the second seat.

Buckles:
The buckle systems are also different. Both strollers feature a 5 point harness system, but in different ways. The City Select has the same buckle system as all the other Baby Jogger strollers, which means 2 buckles/child with a single click to release. The straps can get twisted, but the rotating clips at the top makes them easy to untangle. These clips also make height adjustments easy, but strap adjustments remain a challenge on this stroller (similar to other Baby Jogger models). The P&T Sport has the similar buckle system to all the other P&T strollers, so you will do 4 buckles/child (8 buckles total to buckle/unbuckle). Conversely to the City Select, the length of P&T Sport buckles are very easy to adjust, but the adjustment to change the height of the shoulder straps is painstakingly difficult.

Sunshades:
The City Select has excellent sun protection - hands down the best I've ever found in a double stroller. The canopies fully encompass the top half of the seat, protecting kids from sun at almost every angle. You can also retract the canopy in 1/3s for incrementally less protection. The canopy "windows" are now magnetic and shaded (an improvement over previous Baby Jogger models) which lets you peek in on the tots without waking them up. The P&T Sport doesn't really have a sun canopy on the top seat. Yes, there is something there called a "canopy," but it doesn't provide any protection from the sun or anything else. There is NO sunshade for the second seat. You can buy relatively inexpensive supplemental sunshades from Protect-a-Bub for both seats, but they are cumbersome to attach.

Seating:
Both strollers have distinct benefits to their seating designs. The City Select features individually adjustable footrests which decrease the stress on a child's back from having their feet hanging. The P&T has better leg room, but as discussed this comes at the expense of your storage space. Several of the other parents who have tried the City Select worried about the child in the upper seat kicking the lower seat (which happens), but it also happens with the P&T Sport with the child in the lower seat kicking the child in the upper seat. In both strollers they'll do it for a while, then the novelty will wear off.

Stability:
The City Select is definitely more stable. The wider-base wheel base, four wheel design and the front position of the second seat all make it very, very difficult to tip (either side-to-side or front/back). Weight imbalance (which leads to tipping backwards) is an annoyance with the P&T Sport. To be fair, the instructions are very explicit - the heavier child should always ride in the main/front seat and you should remove the child in the 2nd seat first, but this isn't always practical (for example, what do you do when your 3 year old in the front seat needs to go potty?).

Recline:
Neither stroller offers much in the way of recline in the traditional two-facing-front configuration, but the if you put the City Select in the two-facing-rear configuration you can get close to full recline on both seats. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable driving around with the front child's head that exposed, but it certainly could be nice for a double nap in the park. The P&T Sport does offer a small amount of recline with the second seat, but it only works for a limited time. After about 9 months, the second child will be too tall to take advantage of the recline feature since they will knock their head against the seat frame - more on this in a minute.

Pinches and Dings:

The City Select has fewer inherent kid-proofing issues than the P&T Sport. With the P&T Sport there are two key issues with the second seat - pinches and dings. No matter how vigilant you are, the child in the second seat of the P&T Sport will try to touch the back wheels and will pinch their fingers. It is very easy for even young children to reach around the wheel covers to touch the spinning wheel. It's just too tempting for a curious child. Also, as I mentioned above, after about 9 months you can no longer use the recline feature in the Sport (or and of the P&T models) because the child's head knocks against the bar that runs across the top of the second seat. The bar across the top of the second seat is an issue even in the upright position when you go across rough urban terrain (big curbs, bumpy/rocky spots, cobblestones, uneven grass, etc.). In the City Select both kids are fairly high up off the ground and away from the wheels which eliminates the chances for pinched fingers. With the adjustable canopies and well padded seats there are also fewer opportunities for knocking their noggin against the frame.

Age Range:

Given the variety of accessories (bassinet, car seat adaptor, etc.) the City Select works better starting from birth (even with twins), but these strollers are fundamentally better for different ages. The two toddler seats are both smaller than the P&T Sport main seat, but larger than the P&T Sport 2nd seat. The City Select is better for kids who are about 2.5 years apart or less. If you start this stroller with a three year old they won't have much room to grow (unless you want to take the canopy off or quickly transition to the toddler board). On the age spread on the P&T Sport is a little trickier. The constraining factor is the size of the second seat. In newborn mode, the second seat mounts on top of the stroller (and the main seat reclines to create a little nest for the babe). In this setup, there is exactly18" between the base of the seat and the canopy which maybe too small for taller/older children (like a 3 year old). After the first 4-6 months, when the infant can ride in a reclined seated position you can put them in the 2nd seat and put the larger child in the main seat. What this means is that if your older child is too big there may be 4-6 months where you can only use this as a single stroller (you'll need to carry the infant in a Baby Bjorn, Ergo, etc.).

Conclusion:

The Phil & Ted's Sport has better handling and can support a much larger, older child in a seated position, but has some issues with parent and child comfort. The Baby Jogger City Select can comfortably support two children (from birth) with plenty of storage space and accessories that allow you to modify it to meet your family's needs, but the trade-off is less than nimble handling. Both strollers are worth taking for a test drive.

If you're in Boston, it's worth swinging over to Magic Beans to test drive both at the newly renovated store in Brookline. If you're in New York, stop by Planet Kids on 86th and 2nd, head to the stroller section and ask for Sana - he can tell you everything there is to know about strollers.

City Select - Tips and Tricks

2010-02-01T15:47:00.002-05:00

We just got our Baby Jogger City Select over the weekend from Magic Beans in Boston. A couple things we learned while assembling and road testing that weren't clear from the manual:

Instructions
- Are in the back pocket of the seat

Installation
- Install the upper seat first, then the 2nd seat.
- The 2nd seat brackets are labeled "L" and "R," but these refer to left and right as you face the stroller from the FRONT (vs. your left or right in the "driving" position)

Sunshades
- The sunshades are easier to install if the mesh canopy is completely removed.
- Start by setting the side brackets in the position they would be if the sun shade was totally unfolded makes them easier to install.
- Snap the short side on first and then use the little handle on the longer side to secure them in place.
- In addition to the upper and lower position for the sun canopy frame, you can adjust it a bit further by playing with where you attach the velcro to the stroller frame. (particularly if you don't like having the canopy on the upper seat rub against your hands while you hold the handlebar)

Handling

- Handling is better and steering is easier with the larger/heavier child in the upper seat.
- To hop a curb or a couple stairs (1-2) you need to step one foot on the back axel while pushing down on the handlebar.

Accessories

- The rain covers fit perfectly in the mesh pockets on the back of each seat.
- JJ Cole Urban Bundle Me fits perfectly on the seats (undo the velcro on the sunshade and you can even snap the elastic band around the back of the seat).
- If you need extra storage or a place for your wallet, the Skip Hop Duo Deluxe diaper bag or Skip Hop Saddle Bag fit just perfectly on the back frame bar (b/w the seat and the storage bag).

Stay tuned! There are more details on the City Select to come it the next post - a comparison of the City Select vs. our Phil & Ted's Sport.

Quick Favs - Mittens with Universal Thumbs

2010-01-15T13:42:00.004-05:00

So if you've ever gotten a toddler ready to go outside on a cold day, you know how much it sucks to find a matching pair of mittens. And to get the toddlers thumbs into the thumb holes. Oh yeah, and if you lose a mitten you're $5-$10 out of luck for the pair.

Enter the Columbia Mt. Hood Fleece Toddler Mitten ($8). They feature a "universal thumb" so you never have to worry about finding a left mitten and a right mitten. Plus the thumb is generously sized so it is easy to put them on a toddler.

The fleece is mid-weight so it is nice and soft, while being flexible enough that kids can hold a sippy cup or lovey while wearing them. Since they are fleece they also dry quickly and a breathable enough to keep toddler hands from getting clammy.

Skip the infant size and go straight to the toddler size. They will be a little big, but you can tuck the extra up the sleeve of their coat..

They come in a few other fun colors: red, bright pink, bright turquoise, black, light violet and sweetpea (a wintergreen-like color).

We have three pairs of these for each of the tots and love them. I've donated all our other mittens to Room to Grow. We drop them off at our local Petit Bateau or mail them in (54 West 21st Street, #401 New York, NY 10010), but you can also schedule a pick-up (if you have more than just mittens to donate).

My Favorite Books - 18m - 2yrs

2009-12-29T14:35:00.001-05:00

Continuing the previous posts, here are some of my favorite books for kids 18m - 2yrs. Early toddlers all of the sudden catch a sense of humor. They "get" that something is funny, or sounds funny, or rhymes (or doesn't). Some of the early Seuss board books (not the regular Seuss yet), Doreen Crownan, and Laura Numeroff are all good authors for this age group. For "stories" keep them short (a few words per page) and feel free to condense the story to keep up with your toddler's attention span. Toddlers are increasingly able to learn by example at this age, so keep an eye on what behavior the books are modeling (and whether you are ok with that as a parent). At our house we love some Mo Willems books, but NOT "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" because we felt like it didn't show a behavior that we wanted Tot #1 or #2 to mimic. This is purely a personal choice and we may very well be reading too much into what they can pick up from a book, but it is something to think about as you choose books for this age group and beyond.

Some are still board books, but we're starting to dabble in "real" books. The decision of board book vs. hardcover vs. paperback it totally up to you, but be aware, the board book versions of regular books (such as the Dr. Suess books) are condensed versions of the full stories.

Here are some of my favorites:

My Favorite Books - 12 - 18m

2009-12-11T14:21:00.026-05:00

A continuation from the last post, here are some of my favorite books for kids 12 - 18m.

For the 12-18m set, my favorites are all books that encourage curiosity, language and parent/child interaction. Board books with basic vocabulary and big, clear pictures are always a big hit. These are all books that they may still be reading when they're two or three - they will just be getting something different out of it at that age. As with any tool, you are going to get as much out of it as you put into it. The more repetition and interaction the faster their little brains can build the association of the sound of the words you're saying and the pictures. As much as you can, stick to board books for this age group, since the lack of fine motor control can lead to a lot of ripped pages otherwise. All of my favorites (except the last one) are still board books.

Here are my favorites:

My Favorite Books - 0-12m

2009-12-11T13:30:00.026-05:00

As the holidays roll around and I start planning gifts for friends and family, I've been thinking about my favorite books for different age groups.

For the 0-12m set, my favorites are all board books or cloth books. Minimal words, lots of touchy-feely things. If you've ever tried to read to a very young baby, it's not all that exciting. If your lucky they'll sit there while you turn the pages. If you're unlucky, they'll just cry the whole time. Giving them something to do while in between turning the pages (like touchy feely bits, textures, etc.) makes everything go a lot more smoothly.

Here are my favorites:

Brr! It's getting cold outside!

2009-10-20T14:52:00.009-04:00

Ok, so up until today (which is 63 degrees) it has been getting progressively colder in NYC. It was cold enough that last week I broke out the winter gear - hats, mittens, boots, coats and "bundlers." This week is devoted to some of my favorite winter gear.

As a bit of background, I'm originally from Minnesota so a New York winter is a little bit like a really cruel joke. It gets good and cold, snows a little and then it rains and rains and rains. So not only are you cold, but you (and everyone you're toting around) are good and wet. Because cold, wet moms, babies and toddlers are so much fun. Really.

So let's be realistic. A snowsuit in New York City is overkill. It rarely gets cold enough to warrant having one take up that much storage space in your front hall closet (that is if you're lucky enough to even HAVE a front hall closet). Also, if you're going outside you're probably not going to be out long enough to need it - a quick walk here or there and then back home. But you do need something - because they'll kick off that stroller blanket lickety split as soon as you step out the door and they figure out that you're going to put the rain cover on. That's were the beauty of the Urban Bundle Me comes in.

Urban Bundle Me

This is one of my all-time favorite baby gear items. The simple elastic and velcro closures on the back enables it to works (with a little creativity) with almost every car seat and stroller out there.

There is plenty of room for an extra blanket (or snow pants) inside if you need it. Also, the top "blanket" of the BundleMe easily zips off for warmer days. But that zipper also ensures that on cold days you can zip it right up to their chin and (until they figure out how to do zippers) they're bundled in all snug and all warm.

Oh yeah, and it goes in the washer AND the dryer.

You can usually find it for less than $40 - $70 on JJ Cole Urban Toddler Bundle Me">Amazon.com - especially if you're flexible about color.

A great tip - skip the infant size and go for the toddler size. At most, you'll only use the infant size for a year, but you can tuck the extra fabric from the toddler size in and get 2-4 years worth of wear out of it.

Quick Favs - Travel Changer

2009-09-04T15:00:00.002-04:00

The Pronto Travel Changer is the very best changer I've come across. Compact enough for a diaper bag/backpack/stroller, just enough pockets for the essentials (wipes, diapers, etc.). Perfect for changing in the park, in the airport, or - God forbid - an airplane bathroom. At $30 it's a little expensive, but totally worth it.

Alert! $10 Pajamas at Gymboree!

2009-09-03T15:30:00.003-04:00

OK - I'll admit it. Occasionally... once in a while... indeed very, very rarely, I am a sucker for a sale. Usually the same sale.

About 3-4 times a year Gymboree has their big baby sale. Everything over $20 is marked down to $20. Everything $10 - $19.75 is marked down to $10. Plus you get Gymbucks which are always fun.

I LOVE the Gymboree pajamas. They are 100% cotton, super soft and they wear well (wash after wash after wash). At $10 a set ($8 if you remember to bring that 20% off Gymboree coupon you got in the mail) you can't beat the price. In fact, stock up for winter because you won't find a better price (until the next time they run the Baby Sale).

They also have some other really cute things for fall. Like this great little fleece-lined faux fur bunny jacket ($20 or $16 with the coupon).

They also just launched a monkey collection for little girls (3m - 5T). The colors are classic adult fall colors (burnt orange, yellow)...that is to say they are ugly, but they'll hide a lot of fall playground grime. The monkeys are pretty cute and Tot #1 pretty much refuses to wear anything else.

Good tip - if your local Gymboree store is out of stock on the size or style you want, ask them to order it for you from the warehouse. After about 5 minutes on the phone, they will arrange for it to be sent directly to you and you won't have to pay shipping (if you mention that you got the direct mail piece they'll give you the 20% off as well).

Quick Favs - High Chair to Go

2009-09-03T00:45:00.001-04:00

Hands down my favorite travel/spare highchair. It actually folds even more compactly and one of the straps becomes a handle. Great for playdates, keeping in the trunk for restaurants, or for Grandma's house - especially if she lives in an apartment or just doesn't want the enormous highchair kickin' around her kitchen when you're not there. We often take this out to restaurants for our 9m old Tot #2 to use since it gives the back support (and security) that the restaurant high chairs seem to lack. Tot #1 also loves to sit in it to eat, draw, play playdoh or watch Grandma bake. Oh yeah - it's also $19.99!

My Favorite Books - Slide and Peek! by Amazing Baby

2009-09-02T00:45:00.002-04:00

The tots both love this book. It is fun to read and easy for big chunky fingers to move since the sliders go in a circular pattern instead or up/down or side/side. Unlike most of the other touchy-feely baby books, it is almost indestructible. Now I just have to keep Tot #1 from stealing it out of Tot #2's book basket...

Quick Favs - Oh my achin' knees!

2009-08-27T14:38:00.002-04:00

If these bath kneelers EVER come back in stock on Amazon (I've been waiting for my 2nd set for the in-laws house for 2 months) order them! They are the best ones I've tried. They are extra cushy and even have a removable insert in the upper part so you can use on a tub with sliding doors. They come in 5 colors (the four shown plus graphite). They are totally worth $35.

Quick Favs - Travel Bouncer

2009-08-27T14:08:00.001-04:00

I LOVE this travel bouncer from One Step Ahead. It has all the features of a regular boucner (vibration, music, etc.), easily folds/unfolds, stows in a handy carrying bag and is light enough to schlepp to a playdate a 1/4 mile away (or throw in the back seat of your car). This was key for Tot #2 at Tot #1's playdates. Also, at $39.95 you can't beat the price!

Review: Boon Squirt feeding spoon

2009-07-07T13:59:00.001-04:00

Ah, Boon. Beautiful contemporary design. Continued botched execution. Ok, so that could be the review right there. Here is the long version.

The Boon Squirt spoon is a great concept. A spoon that self fills so you don't have to keep dipping it into the baby food jar. Brilliant!

Except: a) you need two hands to unscrew it or fill it or take the storage cap off the spoon part, b) you can only fill it with very smooth foods (i.e. 1st foods), c) you need to use a spoon to get the baby food into the Squirt, and d) if you're serving cereal you'll need to mix it in a bowl with a spoon then load it in the Squirt. When you have a hungry baby howling for dinner a) and b) are deal breakers. Also, if you do the math, c) and d) just made more dirty dishes for you.

Again, it is always easier to find faults in something versus design it perfectly. I just wish Boon would put these concepts or models in front of a focus group of moms before they bring them to market so they could engineer around these pitfalls. Then what was a great, innovative concept could really be a solid meal changing invention (no pun intended). Instead it is just another baby spoon in the back of the drawer.

Review: Phil&Ted Wriggle Wrapper

2009-07-07T13:53:00.002-04:00

The Need: Something small enough to fit in a purse/diaperbag that can substitute for a highchair.

The Solution: The Wriggle Wrapper

(no, that's not me in the photo, this is stock footage)

I just ordered the P&T Wriggle Wrapper and LOVE it. It is a simple, compact solution for wrangling a squirmy baby/small toddler. This is a great solution for when a kid who is too small for a high chair, no high chair is available or when the high chair in question is, well, questionable.

We used it in a restaurant for breakfast, in an airport lounge, sitting at the table reading the paper and just about anywhere else we could think of. For all the on-lap applications it was great. Easy to put on (even one handed), easy to adjust, comfortable for the tot (who is psyched to be sitting on your lap AND at the table) and easy to wipe clean.

Apparently you can also use it alone on a chair or as a substitute for a crib/bedrail, but we haven't (and probably won't) test those options out. For the "hand's free" option alone it has more than earned it's keep. I would put this on my "must have" list for parents of 2 under 2.

Sale! Land of Nod and Stokke Cribs

2009-06-25T13:47:00.001-04:00

I love Stokke Cribs and I love Land of Nod. And I love that Stokke Cribs are on sale at Land of Nod for $200 off!!

Get your ass to the gym! (just kidding)

2009-05-30T14:41:00.007-04:00

So almost every mom I know (and a lot of dads) are struggling to get back in shape after having a baby. I should preface this with the fact that I don't love the gym. Not bad, just expensive, time consuming and impossible to do with kids (unless you have a gym with kid care and even then, ew....). I figured for the $150/month that I saved in dropping my gym membership, over a few months I could get some great gear to stay in shape. Here's the short list of what I bought and love.

The Strollometer - $35 - $50

In addition to having a great back story about how the company came about and excellent customer service, they have a great product. It is basically a pedometer, but it judges your distance based on the number of times your stroller wheel rotates. It gives you just the right number of stats - speed (current, max, ave), trip distance, trip time, daily mileage, temp and time. Its a great incentive to walk a few more blocks to hit that next mile. Its also rewarding at the end of the day to realize how far you walked.

TRX - $169.95

This was a reco from my husband's trainer who uses this with clients in the park or at the gym. It is a great one piece "gym" that you can use any where and fits in a 9" x 5" bag that you can throw in the closet. All you need is a solid door that closes, backyard swing set rig, big tree branch or pull-up bar in the park. The workout is simple enough for beginners and adjustable for someone more advanced. Plus you can do a little and still feel the results. Or do a lot and be very, very sore. Great for a mini workout while the tots nap.

">The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler - $12.98

If you've ever taken a Pilates class this is a great primer/refresher. With ratings on each pose from Beginner to Very Advanced it is easy to find something that will work for you. It is meant to be done as a longer sequence of poses, but it is a great book to keep around the playroom so you can get a few poses in while you play with the tots. It asks for a good degree of body awareness and visualization which is fantastic for true fans of Pilates, but if you're truly a beginner this might not be a good choice for you.

Adventures in Potty Training: Part 2 - Potty To Go

2009-05-05T13:44:00.001-04:00

Ah, every parents' favorite words 5-10 minutes after you leave home (or 5 minutes after the plane takes off)..."need to go potty!!" Unless you're traveling in an RV - and even if you are - this poses a problem. You can either ignore it - at your peril - or find a place for them to do their business.

Oh, but what about a potty seat? Do I put it in my trunk and haul it around? No. Here are two great options for potty-on-the-go.

Primo Folding Potty Seat

At under $9, weighing less than a pound and folding small enough to fit in your diaper bag (or handbag) this is a great potty seat. Folds down to about 5" x 6" x 2" so fits easily in a gallon size plastic bag with none of the "dirty" side touching the "clean" side. If you rejigger your Skip*Hop Pronto changer you can put this in the mesh section, diapers/pull-ups in the zippered section, and a small pack of wipes in the outer zip pocket, a Charmin mini-travel toilet paper in the mesh toggle pocket on the outside and you've got a full changing/potty kit.

I also like that this has handles in the front for those times when the tot needs something to hang on to or brace on (preferable not the edges of the dirty toilet seat). This is my favorite for size, weight, price and ease of use. All you need is a toilet.

So what if you don't have a toilet - like if you're in a park or on the highway or find an extraordinarily long line for the one working toilet at a rest stop (which looks disgusting)...here is a full potty-to-go ("flushing" included).

Potette Plus Potty On The Go

For $16, including 3 liner refills, you have an instant potty. No toilet needed. Refills are about $0.50 a piece so you don't want to make this your everyday potty, but if you find yourself without a toilet you - and your little trainee - will be glad you had one.

If you're in the park (or by the side of the highway) and are pretty sure that the tot is only going to make #1, then you can skip the bag altogether. Double bonus - you can flip the legs out and it become a toilet-top potty seat.

I keep this in a Skip*Hop Saddlebag on the side of my double stroller just in case we need a potty at the park.

Just like any potty chair it can be difficult from some kids to get used to a new potty. I would recommend a daily in-home test drive for a week or two before you travel just to get everyone comfortable.

Adventures in Potty Training: Part 1 - My Big Girl/Boy Potty

2009-04-21T22:04:00.001-04:00

So we're in full potty training mode at our house. It all started so innocently about three months ago when Tot #1 was 18m old and came across a copy of Alona Frankel's classic "Once Upon A Potty." After initially skipping through most of it, all of the sudden Tot #1 got REALLY into it. We had to read it every time she took a nap. And every time she went to bed. I'll admit we - as parents - got a little into it too. We used some WiteOut to replace the name with our daughter's and to fix the terms to be those we use (I just never grew up saying "pee-pee" and didn't really want my daughter to...).

This of course, means new gear...

BabyBjorn Potty Chair

We started with the classic. This is a great, basic, easy to clean potty chair. Not too high so it's not scary - at just 20 months, Tot #1 can sit down by herself on it. The "bowl" lifts out so you don't have to carry the entire chair everytime they go. It also has a nice high back so your tot can sit back while you all wait for his/her moment.

We keep our potty on a plastic drop cloth that we previously used under the highchair. Even with the best intentions sometimes you just make a mess.

We keep a basket of books, Huggies Clean Team flushable wipes, Pampers Easy Ups, and "big girl undies" next to the potty. More on "undies" vs. pull-ups in a later post.

Bjorn Toilet Trainer

Next we bought a couple of the these seats to put on our regular toilets to get her used to the concept of going on a real toilet. The

hole is very similar in dimension to the aforementioned Potty Chair so the transition between the two - from a tush positioning perspective - is fairly easy.

Primo Ducka Toilet Seat Reducer

We recently came across these while on vacation and they were a big hit with the Tot. Maybe it is because she loves ducks. Maybe she just associates it with vacation. Either way, if it makes her want to use the potty we're pretty psyched. If you can put up with the goofiness factor, it is about $10 cheaper than the Baby Bjorn seat. You just have to live with a slightly goofy yellow duck in your bathroom (a little more expensive, but it also comes in pink or blue). But since you end up owning a potty seat either way, does it matter if it's a little goofy? Probably not. Besides anything that makes your kids want to use the potty is a plus, right?

Review: Skip*Hop Swipe

2009-03-11T13:54:00.001-04:00

The new Skip*Hop Swipe is my new best friend. I don't know why no one thought of this before, but kudos to Skip*Hop for another product that is not only modern and stylish, but conveniently meets the everyday needs of parents.

With 2 kids - heck, with one kid - I've always hated having to rifle through my diaper bag to get at the wipes every time I need to clean messy hands, runny noses, or miscellaneous nastiness off my stroller. It is easy to snap on to the handle bar of any stroller, but I love this so much I bought one for each stroller.

It also easily opens you can quickly refill it with your wipes of choice. No more hunting around for travel-size packs of wipes. Woo hoo!

My only minor complaint is that it is tricky to get the red button completely closed so if you don't use it for a while your wipes can dry out. We go through wipes at a fast enough rate that this isn't an issue at our house. The trick to closing it is to slide the red button all the way down and then gently push it in towards the wipes until you feel a "click."

If you don't own one of these yet you should go buy one (Amazon.com and Magic Beans carry it or you can buy it directly from the Skip*Hop website). It really is fantastic.

Hospital Bag

2009-02-22T14:19:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I'm going to break the "strictly baby gear" rule already. A few of my pregnant friends recently asked me what you need to have in your bag for the hospital. Here are the essentials. Pack it at least 4 weeks before your due date. In fact, while you're thinking about it, pack it now. Make sure your husband/partner/significant other/labor coach knows where it is. Maybe just park it by your front door (or toss it in your car).

Small bag for Labor and delivery:

Plastic bag of Essentials (copies of hospital paperwork, insurance card, doula/doctor/pediatrician names and phone numbers)
Clear hard candies in flavors you like (life savers, jolly ranchers, etc.)*
Gatorade (powder mix if you can find it)*
Large bottle of water (~1L)
Bendable straws
Extra hair bands
Camera
Flip flops
Chapstick
Magazines, Book or iPod w/ headphones (you could be there a while and might need a distraction)
2 Pillows with COLORED pillow cases
Eye glasses (if you have them)
Exercise ball and pump (if you’re using one)
Gum and bland snacks (for your Significant Other)

* if your OB will let you have them. Make sure to ask at your next appointment

Small Suitcase for your stay in Maternity:

You:

Cardigan or zip hoodie
Lightweight cotton bathrobe
Medela Comfort Nursing bra (1-2)
Underwear (3-4)
Nursing nightgown (1-2)
Toiletries (shampoo/conditioner, body wash, hair stuff, a little blush + lip gloss for pictures, extra contacts + saline, deodorant)
Outfit to wear home (not involving pants/tights/leggings)
Balance Bars or some other pre-packaged snacks
Cellphone charger

Significant Other (if they are "rooming in" with you during your stay in Maternity):

Underwear (1-2)
T-shirt (1-2)
PJ pants
Flip flops

Baby:

Outfit to wear home (sleep suit or similar coverage)
Outerwear (depending on the season - a sweater for spring/summer or a jacket, hat, mittens for fall/winter)
Carseat

Have Someone - i.e your parents or a close friend - Bring You:

FOOD and SNACKS (hospital food really is terrible)
Bottled water (4-6, 20oz+ size bottles are best)

Contractions Anyone?

2009-02-05T13:36:00.001-05:00

Ok, so this isn't gear, but this contraction timing tool is fantastic! Practice a few times before you need it just to see how the tool works. It will take a little while to get the hang of what a full contraction feels like (beginning, ending), but you’ll catch on pretty quickly. On the big day, this is best used on a laptop so you can have it at your fingertips. You can also print out your results to share with your doctor or nurse when you get to the hospital. So when you say your contractions are now 3 minutes apart, they might believe you a little more quickly...