November 30, 2006
November 30, 2006
Two More Sales
We've found a few more deals that we want to update you on. First is at the Baby Center Store, where toys are up to 40% off. They also have free shipping on all orders of $49 or more. Just use the code "FREESHIP49" at check out.
Pottery Barn Kids is also having a huge sale. Get up to 65% savings on toys, bedding, and more.
November 30, 2006
No More Diapers
No More Diapers is the story of a little bear named Glen, who gives up diapers for big kid pants. Like many babies, Glen loves his diapers and is reluctant to give them up. Until one day when Glen's best friend, Sophie, announces that she's a big girl, and wears big girl underpants. Glen decides that he's ready to give up his diapers and wear underpants too. There are a few sing-alongs including Wonderous Underous Pants, Underwear is Great, and Congratulations March. Hopefully these will inspire your reluctant toddler to give up diapers as well.
The most ingenious part of the DVD, however, are the included potty training rewards stickers. The package says there are 30 included stickers, but mine only came with 15. There are also several downloads available from the publisher. You can print out 3 coloring pages of scenes from the DVD, a potty chart where your child can place his rewards stickers, and a No More Diapers diploma, when the transition is complete.
The main story runs for about 23 minutes. And after the songs are repeated, this time in a karaoke style with the words underneath. However, there doesn't seem to be any easy way to navigate around the DVD if you just wanted to play the songs. There is no DVD menu, and you can't skip ahead, other than by using a regular fast forward, which is cumbersome at best.
Before watching, I thought the DVD would be more instructional. Instead, its designed to delight and entertain your child, and inspire him to give up diapers as well. You may wish to start playing the DVD regularly before your child is ready, so he can get used to the idea.
No More Diapers is available at Amazon.com for $11.99. Buy a copy for your child today, or give it as a gift to anybody with a young infant this holiday season.
November 30, 2006
Petal Mobile from Petunia Petunia
I know I've said before that I'm not a big fan of most mobiles, but I did find another one that is quite beautiful. The Petal Mobile from Petunia Petunia is hand crocheted, and each flower has a small happy face on it. It hangs about 16 inches, so it should be hung from the ceiling so your baby can't grab at it. When your baby is too old for a mobile, you could still use this by hanging it above the changing table, at a window, or anywhere in the nursery as it looks more like a decoration than your typical mobile.
November 30, 2006
Two Sales
Modern Mini is having a sale. They've just discounted many of their top selling items in time for the holidays. Also, you can get free shipping on all orders over $100 as well as free wrapping. My pick is the Wheely Bug. I've read good things about it, and it looks like a fun toy to me!
Also at Tots and Tails Designs, get 25% off their entire line of designs until December 16. They also have free shipping on all orders over $100 when using the code "free100" at check out. We reviewed one of their blankets earlier this month and can say first hand that they're a great company with great products.
November 29, 2006
Angel Chenille Booties by Hubcap
Here's another in the 'what I wish they made for adults' department. These Angel Chenille Booties by Principino Kids look like the most comfortable booties ever made. What a way to pamper your little one's feet! They are available in three sizes: 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. It's a shame they aren't available in any other colors though.
Learn & Groove Musical Table by LeapFrog
We all know that music is very important for the development of our babies. It's often just a question of how do we incorporate more music into our daily lives. Well, the Learn & Groove Musical Table engages and entertains you baby with songs, sparkling lights and lots of great things to spin, slide, push, and pull. There are 15 musical activies and more than 40 songs and melodies. And its a great play-date toy, since up to four children can play on it at the same time.
November 28, 2006
Win a For Sale By Parents
T-Shirt
We're giving away one size 6T For Sale By Parents t-shirt. This very popular t-shirt is currently sold out on Threadless, so it's only available here. To win this t-shirt, simply sign up for our mailing list. If you're already signed up, don't worry, you're already entered! Be sure to sign up before December 12th.
Primo Eurobath
When Andy was first born, the last thing I wanted to do was give him a bath. My sink wasn't a good size, and the tub really scared me. So of course I loved this next product, the Eurobath from Primo. It's a bit large for our house and bathroom, so storage is a pain, but it's great because it's a safe way to bathe your child from birth on up. On one side, your baby lays at a 45 degree angle in the Eurobath, and then when he's about six months old or sitting up fine on his own, you can put him on the other side. There's also a drain and a line to show where to stop filling up the water, although I must admit that I always go past it because Andy really likes to splash. We still have him on the inclined level as he likes to suddenly fall backwards still because he thinks it's fun until he hits his head, and I don't want to mess around in the tub. I also was concerned because it looks a little hard on his head when lying back, but Andy hasn't seemed to mind at all. If you don't mind all the space it takes up, I can't recommend this highly enough. It's made my life so much less stressful. Also available in white and blue.
New at Threadless
There are a few new children's tees over at Threadless. Their $10 sale is still going on too. Our favorite designs include mmmh.. Delicious, Lil' Soap, and Good intentions. They're going fast, so if you are buying them as a holiday present, do so now before they run out! Also keep looking for new designs, as they are coming out every day!
Sales and Deals
Here are some great deals on shipping for your holiday shopping:
It's a Rag Doll's Life: Free shipping on all order $150 and more as well as 15% off all orders $40 or more. Use the code "season" at check out.
Elsewares: Free shipping on all orders $100 or more. This is a great place to find things for everyone on your shopping list.
Sparkability: Free shipping on all orders $50 or more.
Craftsbury Kids: Free shipping on all orders of $75 or more through November 30.
One Little Monkey: Free shipping on all orders. No code or minimum purchase!
Toys"R"Us and Babies"R"Us: $10 off purchases of $30 or more when you use Google Checkout.
Monkeemoos has free shipping now until December 1 for all US orders.
Sandbox Couture is having a sale through tomorrow (Wednesday). Save $15 on all orders of $75 or more when using the code "Cheer15" at check out. Thanks to twodressalike for the info!
Also, don't forget about our Holiday Gift Guide! We're updating it often with new products as we find them!
November 27, 2006
Dwarf's Land Playing Rug by Haba
My son loves things that he can play with and touch. Right now he uses his Taggy Blanket (a must have, but that's another post) whenever he watches tv (which isn't super often, but he is a big fan of Sesame Street). When I found the Dwarf's Land Play Rug by Haba, I knew that he'd love it as well when he's a little older. Just over 3 feet by 3 feet, this rug has trees and houses that are 3D, a mirror in the lake, and a car with a removable goblin. It's very colorful and soft, and I think it'd quickly become a favorite in everyone's household.
Little Thieves at Bunny and Bee
Normally, I'd be the last one to care what Andy wears. Sometimes, I'll take him shopping in his pajamas. But if I had these clothes from Bunny and Bee, I'd be singing a different tune. The Little Thieves collection features shirts, onsies, hoodies, and beanies including the black zip up Ray Gun hoodie featured above. All their products are machine washable, just don't iron the design. Wait, who irons baby clothes anyway?!
Congratulations to Our Winners
Congratulations to Barbara A of the children's charity Kids Wish Network and smmmashley of Kerrville, TX. They have each won a Cookie Loves Milk t-shirt from Super Cool Baby! Barbara just started reading Super Cool Baby and signed up for our newsletter because she was interested in our holiday gift guide. Smmmashley has been reading for three months, enjoys all the cool new stuff for babies, and likes not having to search for it herself!
We'll be doing another giveaway here at Super Cool Baby tomorrow, so keep your eyes peeled, and keep coming back!
November 24, 2006
Pronto! Mini Changer by Skip Hop
I love Skip Hop products, so when I found out that they made a changing pad exclusively for Pottery Barn Kids, I got very excited and had to share with you all. The Pronto! Mini Changer is extra wide, has extra padding at the head for more support (I really wish my changing pad had that), a mesh pocket, anf front zipper. It has floral print inside, brown piping, and comes in either pink or blue.
Pipapo by Haba
Haba toys are great because they are simple and babies love them. One of Andy's favorite toys is the Pipapo. Made with three circles in a pyramid like structure, this toys rattles, moves around, and is brightly colored so it keeps Andy's attention. He likes to bite at it or just hold on to it, which is easy because the circles are small enough for his little hands.
Holiday Gift and Shopping Guides from Around the Blogpire
Our editors have been hard at work coming up with the latest products to give as gifts this holiday season. Each of our different sites has their own holiday gift guide on various topics including: shaving, hdtv, gps, gaming, coffee and espresso, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, and more.
Make your holiday gift giving easier this season by visiting the holiday shopping guides below, and get your shopping done online without the crowds and hassle of ever leaving your comfy couch or computer chair.
November 23, 2006
Monkeemoos Sale Tomorrow
Monkeemoos is having a Black Friday Sale tomorrow. From 10-2pm EST, use the code "BF2006" at check out to get 25% off your purchase. They have a ton of great items for boys. Our favorite right now is the Polka Dot Piggy Bank in blue and green.
November 22, 2006
Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby Software
Anderson recently discovered the computer keyboard. Whenever we try to use the computer while he is sitting on our laps, he reaches out to pound on the keyboard. His enthusiasm for this is only matched by his desire to play with the mouse. Of course, after letting him pound away on the keyboard for a few minutes, we discovered that this probably wasn't the best idea. With a few keystrokes, he could delete files, reboot the computer, even send inappropriate emails to the rest of our family!
So, when I heard about Giggles Computer Funtime for Baby Software, I was intrigued. Would it let Andy safely play on the computer while stimulating him at the same time? We were able to see for ourselves after we were sent a copy by the creators, Leveractive. For this review, we used a PC running Windows XP. The software is also compatible with Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows NT, and Mac OS X 10.1 and higher.
The installation of the software was very easy. Just stick the CD in, and Windows automatically starts the install process. After typing in the included software license key we were ready to go. (One caveat, we were unable to quit the installation process without typing in the software license key, so make sure you have it handy before you start). There is also a screensaver on a second bonus CD included in the package.
After installing, we started the software right up. In both Shapes
and My Animal Friends
you're presented with 14 different activities such as Diving Diamonds
, Flopsy's Funny Farm
, Groundhog Day
, and Little Quackers
. Anderson loved watching these activities. The colors are high contrast and the shapes fill the screen. Typically he would pound the keyboard a few times, then get distracted by all the movement on the screen. He'd stare at it, transfixed for a few seconds and then pound the keyboard again. Even after just a few minutes, he started to understand that he was causing all the commotion on the screen.
There are also more than 50 songs included in Shapes
and more than 60 in My Animal Friends
. By default, there is no music playing, but you can choose things like My First Classical
, Jazzy Baby
, Baby Funtime
, Baby Boogie
, and Lullaby Baby
. The music is all very nice. Most of the songs I wouldn't mind listening to even without the game.
This software is a great way to introduce your child to computers. When it's running, you don't have to worry about your child accidentally deleting files. I was never able to figure out any way to exit, other than through the main menu of the program itself. This is probably the most important feature of the software that I can think of. Even the infamous control-alt-delete sequence does nothing in this software.
I cannot recommend this software highly enough. Anderson loves to play with it, and I only feel safe letting him pound away on the keyboard when this is running. There are enough activities included in the program that he won't get bored with any of them for a long time. So, go out and buy it for your little one today!
Animal Bags from Boon
Now, usually I really dig all the products that Boon makes, but I just can't seem to figure out why this particular product exists. Or really, I just can't fathom that some kids have so many stuffed animals that they need something like this to put them in. I already feel like Anderson has a lot of stuffed animals, and they barely fill a small basket. Perhaps things would be different if he were a girl? I don't know. In any case, if you are being overrun by stuffed animals, you can either give some away to the local children's hospital or woman's shelter, or you can consider the Animal Bag. It is available in three different styles: Oval, Otto (sort of like a chair with an ottoman), and Trio (three globes like this stuck together). Once you've got enough animals stuffed in there it becomes an instant chair (ironic, I know).
Chowhound Splat! Mat
Although Andy isn't quite there yet, soon I'm sure he'll be eating with his hands and therefore getting food all over my dining room. We are lucky to have hard wood floors, but I don't want to be mopping up after him every time he eats. Therefore, I think the Chowhound Splat! Mat is such a great idea. Simply place it underneath your baby's high chair, and it'll catch all the food that ends up on the floor (unless your little one can throw long distances). The mat comes in six different designs (my favorite is naturally Vintage Andy). It is 35 x 35 inches, is made of a wipeable fabric, and the best part is that you can flip it over and use the other side as a chalkboard! It even comes with chalk and an eraser. So once you clean it off, it will keep your child occupied while you wipe down the high chair or do whatever else you need to do! It also stores easily and can be used as a blanket as the beach or park, so this product is truly a multi-tasker! If you like this, consider the Chowhound Placemat as well, which is almost identical to the Splat! Mat but smaller, the Travel Mat, or buy all three in the Gift Set!
Holly Aiken Diaper Bags
I thought I had already written about these diaper bags as I've been really wanting one for a while now, but I guess I didn't! Holly Aiken makes bags, including diaper bags, and they are simply amazing. To quote from her website, "All of Aiken’s bags, whether tote, messenger, clutch or diaper bags, are graphically striking, even from a great distance. Her color pallet is slightly retro and always just right." This couldn't be more true, striking is such a great word for these bags. Whether it's a clutch, baby bag, or tote, the purses stand out. Not only are these bags stunning, they are also nearly indestructable! They are all "made of industrial strength vinyl, poly webbing and nylon. Seams are reinforced for durability." The designs are mostly stripes and take offs of spots, which are simple yet so cool looking. My favorites are the Turbo Jr/Small Tote (because we all need a purse that doesn't hold diapers) and the Diaper Bags, which even come with a matching roll out changing pad. I don't have a matching changing pad to my current diaper bag, I'd love to look that put together!
November 21, 2006
Sale at One Little Monkey
Between now and December 31, get free shipping at One Little Monkey. No coupon code is needed, this deal is automatic! They've also put together their own Holiday Gift Guide you might want to check out.
New at Threadless
Right now Threadless is having a sale. All their tees are $10, including the children's sizes. Some of their new designs that are available for children include Blow With the Wind, Pillow Fight, Calling Home, So far, this is the oldest I've ever been, and Happy Harvest. Consider getting something for the adults too, as the $10 sale is a great deal!
Review: Bub Love
We were lucky enough to get a t-shirt from bub love, a company that makes tees for babies as well as their parents. Bub love is run by a mother who started making tees for her son after not seeing many cute ones on the market. Quickly her homemade tees drew attention, so she started a business designing tees so that other babies would have cute clothing as well.
First of all, the packaging is very cute. It came in clear plastic wrapping with a bow tied with ribbon on the top and a business card that has your size circled. We received the bumble bub design, and the front of the shirt shows through the front. The tee is printed on Hanes Playwear on preshrunk cotton. It is a soft yellow color with chocolate brown ink.
We must say that we really like this tee. It seems a little longer than most, which is great if you have a large baby as it'll continue to fit for a while. One of my pet peeves is when shirts are too short, as they inch up so easily exposing Andy's belly or his onesie. And as it's getting a little cooler, I want him covered! I also really like the folds around the collar. I have no idea what that is called, but it is essential to us as Andy's head is very large. If it wasn't for those folds, he wouldn't be able to get the tee over his head!
Bub love sells more than baby tees. They also have tees for kids up to size 12 as well as tees for Mom and Dad. I will be reviewing a Mom's tee over at Shirt Snob in the next few days in fact, so make sure to head on over there and check it out! There are also a bunch of cute designs. There are a bunch of emotions such as Happy Bub or Cranky Bub, there's a Birthday Bub, Bub Loves Mama (or Daddy), and a new one for the hip parents Two Turn Tables and a Pacifier. And that's just for the infant sizes. There are different designs for the older kids, such as Merry Bub and Flower Bub in the 2-4T sizes. I really just love the idea of different tees for different moods. I had this idea for myself a few years ago as a way of letting the world know how I felt so they would know how to react to me (if I was wearing an angry tee, they'd stay away for instance), and I love to see that such an idea is already out there for my little one. If he's having a bad day, I can throw on the cranky bub tee, and everyone will hopefully understand!
I must bring up my one issue with the tee as this is a review. Unfortunately, I think the tags are big and stiff. We will have to cut them out as I think they will bother Andy. Really, this isn't a big deal, as I would probably have done that no matter what type of tag was in there as I hate tags myself and therefore assume Andy does as well. Other than that, this is a great tee and a great company. They have great customer service and are very nice and friendly and so easy to work with.
Peter and I really like this tee a ton and recommend it whole heartedly to you all!
Christmas Toons by Thingamakid
We received a copy of ThingamaKid's Christmas Toons here at Super Cool Baby. ThingamaKid is a new company founded by former Veggie-Tales producer, and creator of the platinum selling Cedarmont Kids series, Matt Huesmann. If this sounds familiar to you, its because we already looked at Toddler Toons, and Action Bible Toons.
Like the other titles in this series, Christmas Toons is a series of animated cartoons set to sing-along music. The songs are sung by a childrens' choir and set to up-tempo jazzy music. However, unlike the previous titles, this music sounds a little more orchestral, as is fitting for Christmas music. One of the best features of this DVD is the Karaoke mode. This allows you to learn the words while you sing-along to the words and music, or just the music if you desire. The DVD includes the following songs:
- Over the River and Through the Woods
- Up on the Housetop
- Christmas Medley (Deck the Halls, Here We Come a Caroling, We Wish You a Merry Christmas)
- We Three Kings
- The Friendly Beasts
- The Christmas Story
- Away in a Manger
- Jingle Bells
- O Christmas Tree
- Pat-A-Pan
- The Twelve Days of Christmas
Christmas Toons also includes a CD containing many of the same songs, with a few additions. If you don't mind listening to a children's choir sing all your favorite Christmas songs, then you'll probably play this a lot during the holiday season. I know it'll be played a lot here at Super Cool Baby headquarters.
- Over the River and Through the Woods
- Angels We Have Heard On High
- Christmas Medley (Deck the Halls, Here We Come a Caroling, We Wish You a Merry Christmas)
- Go Tell It On The Mountain
- The Friendly Beasts
- Jingle Bells
- Away In A Manger
- O Christmas Tree
- Joy to the World
- Up on the Housetop
- The Twelve Days of Christmas
- Pat-A-Pan
- Hark the Herald Angels Sing
- We Three Kings
- Silent Night
The CD also includes split-track versions of all the songs. This basically means that the music plays in your left speaker, and the lyrics play in your right speaker. However, I don't really understand why you'd want to do that; maybe it has something to do with karaoke?
Stokke Tripp Trapp Highchair
The Tripp Trapp High Chair from Stokke is truly innovative. It was designed by Norwegian designer Peter Opsvik after he couldn't find a chair that would allow his growing son to sit naturally at the family dinner table. The chair features an adjustable footrest and seat that allow your child to sit in a natural position with his feet resting on the ground while still supporting his back. As your child grows the chair grows with him, getting you through that awkward time between highchairs and adult chairs. And when your child has grown up, one more quick adjustment and you can use the seat as well! Besides natural beechwood, the Tripp Trapp comes in a variety of colors, including black, lime, blue. And if you're going to have your infant use the Tripp Trapp, be sure to get the baby rail.
Robeez Baby Sets
Everyone knows Robeez for their shoes. I can barely think of any other kinds of baby shoes out there as Robeez is what everyone owns. But did you know they make more than just shoes? Searching around their website, I found the Baby Set. It includes the shoes, but also a bodysuit, hat, and bib. I personally like the Little Cub design, but there's also Monkeying Around, Cuddly Kitty, and Garden Party. Also, between now and November 30, get free shipping on all orders $50 or more. Just use the code "robeez2006" at check out.
November 20, 2006
Review: The Octonauts and the Only Lonely Monster by Meomi
We recently received a copy of a new children's book, just released in October, to review. It is called The Octonauts and the Only Lonely Monster by Meomi, and as the publisher describes it, this book is like Hello Kitty meeting Star Trek under the sea! I must say, I was intrigued.
The book, geared at ages 4-8, is a tale about a large sea creature that looks like a monster, but is really just lonely and looking for others like it. So the Octonauts search all the oceans looking for others like the monster. It's a tale about how it's okay to be unique and different as we all are in one way or another. I really like this theme as I'm sure every child feels different and strange for one reason or another at some point. I really don't want Andy to grow up feeling like a weirdo because he is a little different than everyone else, so I think a book like this would be great to read to him early on in his life so he knows it's the uniqueness that makes us all special.
The book is beautifully illustrated. The characters do remind me a bit of Hello Kitty, but they are different enough than that character and each other. The world under the sea looks fun and inviting, and it was great to see how the rest of the ocean looked. There are Russian walruses, Asian whales, and tons of other foreign sea creatures. And as they go west or south the direction of the pages flips, so you will have to flip the book to see the pictures right side up. I think children would get a kick out of that.
The author Meomi specializes in critter design. However, this means much more than just books. You can buy these cute characters on buttons, magnets, stationary, knit cozies, on t-shirts at Baby Wit (whom we wrote about recently), and tons more. With all these products you can tie into the book, your child can really immerse himself in the Octonauts if they love the characters as much as we think they might.
There are also more Octonaut adventures to come (hopefully one in October 2007), and I for one cannot wait to read them. I think these will quickly become favorites in your household as they have fun characters and show such an adventurous and stunning world under the sea that one cannot help but want to learn more about.
Bumbo Baby Sitter
I think we're the only family these days without a Bumbo Baby Sitter. Due to its ingenious design, it lets babies as young as three months sit unaided as soon as they've developed the appropriate head and neck control. It may not be the best seat for playing as your child will be a few inches off the ground and may not be able to easily reach the toys in front of him. However, it can be used as a meal-time seat and can be especially useful when your infant is too small for the high-chairs at restaurants. The Bumbo seat is also available in green, blue, and yellow.
Little Tikes Baby Tap A Tune Piano
I loved little pianos when I was a small child. I pretended I was making great music as I pressed all those little keys. It's great to see that this old favorite is still around today and hasn't been messed up by the higher ups in the toy industry (like the Sit N Spin). The Little Tikes Baby Tap A Tune Piano is easy for a small child to use, has bright colors, and has rounded edges so there's no way for him to get hurt. I think music is a very important part of learning. We play music for Andy in the house quite often, and I have made up a bunch of songs that I sing to him throughout the day. I'd love to get this toy (as we really need to buy him some toys!) to continue his education and let him learn that he too can be a part of the music. If you'd prefer something a little taller so your child can stand while using it, consider the Fisher Price Interactive Baby Grand Piano or the Chicco Music 'n Play Table, both of which have good reviews on Amazon as well.
