Quick Favs - Baby Gates

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.

Quick Favs - Outdoor Play Blankets

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.

Quick Favs - Bathtub

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.

Quick Favs - First Choice Monitor

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Quick Favs - First Storybook

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).

Quick Favs - CARES Child Aviation Restraint System

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

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

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!!

Quick Favs - Baby Bjorn Light Travel Crib

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!