October 31, 2007
Crystal Lamps
If you're nursery is going to be super girly, we think these Crystal Lamps would be a perfect addition. They have glass and acrylic beads dangling from the curved metal frame, and they use a 25 watt candelabra bulb. They are currently available in pink and white, and there's also matching chandeliers too.
October 31, 2007
Nuts and Bolts
Here's a neat toy that encourages children to use their imagination while creating all sorts of different shapes. This set of nuts & bolts can be assembled and reassembled in a variety of different ways. And the twisting and turning will help with fine motor control. The toys are made from natural and chemical free rubber wood, and finished with non-toxic colors.
October 30, 2007
Deluxe Tummy Time Pyramid
Newborns spend so much time on their backs these days that its important to give them some tummy time. Well, with this Deluxe Tummy Time Pyramid, you can make tummy time a little more interesting for your child. It has three sides of fabric offering different textures, color, and sound-making fun, plus a fourth side that is a giant, baby-safe mirror.
October 30, 2007
Olga Rocker
I was a huge fan of rocking horses when I was little, so I'm looking forward to Andy starting to use them. The Sibi Olga is a good choice for those of you that like modern furniture. It's a simple design so your child can use his imagination to determine whether he's riding a horse or another animal. It has a nylon belt seat and is made of laminated plywood and beach.
October 29, 2007
Busted Tees
I am so happy that Busted Tees now has some of their designs available for kids! They've always been one of my favorite t-shirt shops, so I'm thrilled I can now dress Andy in their tees. Their sizes start at 2T. Some of my favorite designs include I Choo Choo Choose You, HUMA, and Pizza is the Best.
Barney: The Imagination Collection
Do you have a Barney fan in your house? Well, there's a new Barney boxed set that was just recently released: Barney: The Imagination Collection. This 3 DVD set includes Happy, Mad, Silly, Sad
, Best Manners: Your Invitation to Fun
, and Barney's Read with Me, Dance with Me
. Best Manners
and Read with Me
have never been aired on TV and include special features like read-alongs, and several games.
Barney isn't watched too often in our house, but I think this would make a great gift in some houses this upcoming holiday season!
October 26, 2007
Star Stack Ups
Andy loves to stack things. Give him a pile of something, and invariably he tries to stack them, although sometimes without much success. I think he would love this toy: Star Stack Ups.
It includes 24 stars in 6 different colors and 4 different shapes. And in a neat twist a wooden moon ball
is included, so you can have as much fun knocking the stars down as you did stacking them up!
Birth Certificates
If you're looking for a cute way to commemorate your baby's birth, Birth Certificates might be the way to go. These hand painted tiles come with ribbon so you can hang them on the wall, and they are made with a high quality finish so that it will last for years. There's also 11 different designs to choose from.
October 25, 2007
Teeny Towels
Here is a product I wish I'd known about sooner. Teeny Towels are wipes that come in a container that are easy to access and use to wipe off your child when you are out of the house. They come in two different versions, an Insect Repellent and Anti-Bacterial Wipes. I could really use the anti-bacterial ones for my car as I've wanted something like them countless of times. And if you don't want your child breathing in insect spray, there's nothing better than using a wipe. So easy! They can also be attached to your key chain. If only they made wipes with sun block too!
Custom Made For Kids: Personalized Children's Books
Here's a fantastic idea for a gift in the upcoming holiday season. A customized children's book that you can give to your child, niece, nephew or grandchild. The First Adventures of the Incredible you is created with over 20 personal facts about a child and the people and places that are most important to that child. Additionally, there's a customizable dedication page where you may provide a personal message. Hopefully, we'll be able to tell you a lot more soon, as the folks at Custom Made for Kids will be sending us a book, and I have to tell you, I can't wait to see it. If you're interested in a book like this, make sure to order early: it can take up to 2 to 3 weeks to process and ship the order.
October 24, 2007
Cirque Du Soleil Twisterella
Andy's left the stacker stage, but I still love them. The Cirque Du Soleil Twisterella is a funky version of one. It has seven pieces, and there's rattles, squeakers, and crinkle paper which will delight your baby. I love the happy face and all the arms and legs too. If you want a busy, fun, and colorful stacker, this is one to consider!
Thomas and Friends: Steam Engine Stories
I will admit that in our house, we watch an occasional Thomas and Friends. There's just something about the island of Sodor that tickles my fancy, and Andy doesn't seem to mind so much either. Well, last Tuesday a new DVD boxed set was released: Thomas and Friends: Steam Engine Stories. This set includes 3 DVDs: Come Ride the Rails, Tales from the Tracks, and Track Stars. Each DVD includes six story stops
and additional features like read-alongs, songs, Spot the Difference, even a Sodor Activity Depot DVD-ROM for you computer.
This boxed set of DVDs would make a great gift to any children you know who are big Thomas and Friends fans!
October 23, 2007
A Laine Designs
A Lane Designs sells onesies and tees for babies and toddlers. I like them because their designs are simple and cute. All of their designs can be put on a onesie or tee (long or short sleeved) even if you don't see it listed. They can also be personalized. Some of my favorites include You Are My Sunshine, New Here, To Do List, and Wiggle Worm.
The Baby Signing Book
As any parent of a toddler can tell you, the ability of babies to understand what they see and hear develops well before their ability to speak. But, you can give them that ability with sign language. With the Baby Signing Book you can teach your child 350 age- and developmentally-appropriate signs. Starting at 7 to 9 months old, or when your baby first starts to wave bye-bye or raise his hands to be picked up, you can begin teaching some simple signs like eat
, milk
, and more
. Then you just add new ones as you and your baby are ready. The book includes clear instructions and many illustrations so you're not totally lost. This is a book that I definitely wish we had a while ago. We use a few signs ourselves (even though Andy hasn't really picked them up), but we don't use them too extensively because we don't know the signs!
October 22, 2007
Announcements Galore
Looking for a great birth announcement? Or maybe you haven't found that perfect holiday card yet? Well, check out the designs over at Announcements Galore. They have loads of different designs, including announcements for multiples and adoptions. The announcements are all 4x6 photographs printed on Fuji Color Professional photo paper, and each order includes free white, square-flap envelopes. Best of all if you use the coupon code SUPER10
you'll get 10% off any order. And this coupon can be combined with any other offer, including the currently running special on holiday cards (coupon code HOLIDAY
).
Bottle Mate
I breastfed for most of Andy's first year, so he rarely got a bottle. Therefore I don't know much about how hard it is for a baby to hold his own bottle, but I have noticed that there are a lot of bottle grips out there on the market. It seems like more than there used to be too. I found the Bottle Mate, and I think it sounds like a good product. It was designed for a mother after her premature baby had a hard time gripping his bottle. If your baby needs some help learning how to hold a bottle, you might want to try this. It's available in six different colors too.
October 19, 2007
Fuzzy Friends Booties
With the cold weather coming, your baby will need his or her feet kept warm. I just discovered the Fuzzy Friends Booties which would be perfect! They are adorable, super soft, and have faux suede ties. They are also available in pink.
October 18, 2007
Wooden Musical Ball Run
When Andy first encountered a toy like this Wooden Musical Ball Run he was immediately entranced. He wouldn't put the balls on himself, but he loved watching us put them in at the top, and then he would grab them at the bottom. This version is made from smooth solid maple, and has chimes at the end of each ramp. So when one of the six choke-safe balls rolls down, it produces a pleasant musical cacophony.
Milkman Tees
Milkman Tees is a Nashville company that makes onesies and toddler tees. I think the designs are adorable. Many of them have a retro feel to them. Most have line patterns that form a tree, guitar, tree routes, and more. They are also available in a gift bottle which is great for a shower present!
October 17, 2007
Bob the Builder: Ultimate Adventure Collection
Have you got a fan of Bob the Builder in your house? Well, yesterday a new boxed set was released: Bob the Builder: Ultimate Adventure Collection. This set includes 3 DVDs: Dizzy's Favorite Adventures, Lofty's Favorite Adventures and Roley's Favorite Adventures. Each DVD includes 4 separate episodes including one never-before-seen episode. Each disc also includes an additional special feature such as a birthday read-along, or a music video.
Bob the Builder isn't too big in our house, but I think this would make a great gift in the upcoming holiday season!
Baby Belts
While we don't have this problem, I've heard that for skinnier kids pants that fit can be hard to find. They are either too short or fall down. If this is a problem for your toddler, Baby Belts might be the answer. These cute belts were made to be both stylish and comfortable for the baby. There are 15 different designs each for boys and girls, including stripes, solid colors, and patterns. There's also different buckles to choose from on most designs: D ring, military buckle, velcro, and rhinestone.
October 16, 2007
Corsair Pedal Plane
Forget boring tricycles, check out this Corsair Pedal Plane over at My Retro Baby. Modeled after the plane used by the Navy, Marines and Royal Navy, this pedal plane is made from all-metal construction, with high-traction rubber tires. Best of all, the propeller blades move when you pedal! So, make your kid the envy of the neighborhood as everybody watches him pedal this awesome creation around!
Zoo Puzzle by Chelona
Andy has a ton of toys, but one category that we are definitely lacking in is puzzles. He doesn't own a single one! I just found the Zoo Puzzle by Chelona, and I think this is a good one to start with. The pieces are big, each has a knob for easily handling for small hands, and it's made of wood. There's also a picture under each puzzle piece too. Also, the entire puzzle can be fit together with three others: Ambulance, Construction, and Playground. So if you want a large puzzle, you can buy all four.
October 15, 2007
Orange and Black Ribbon Tutu
Here's a fun Halloween take on a ballerina's tutu. The Orange and Black Ribbon Tutu is handmade with layers of tulle, satin trim, and an elastic satin waist with ribbon accent. It's an easy alternative to putting your daughter in a costume for any Halloween parties she will be attending!
Review: Braincandy: Smell My World
Super Cool Baby received a new DVD the other day. Braincandy: Smell My World is the start of a new series of DVDs covering the five senses. The DVDs are made for children six months to four years old.
These DVDs have a slightly different approach than others. Co-founder and CEO Sam Reich-Dagnen says, At Braincandy, we don't think the learning process should be about changing children into something, we think it should be about the experience. That's really where the learning is.
This series of DVDs is based on three straight-forward ideas:
- All children learn differently
- Young children learn best when they're encouraged to explore, experiment, and play in an organic, natural manner
- Presenting content through images and sounds, the Braincandy experience can help young children get ready to learn
The DVD itself is pretty simple. It features a funny character shaped by a nose, and there's a lot of exploration of the smells around us. Its hard to tell if this is truly engaging for infants, but Anderson at 18 months seemed to enjoy it!
The 5 Senses Series will be released on October 16th, and will cover sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch.
October 12, 2007
Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag
If you are taking your little one out trick or treating this year, they'll need something to hold their candy in. I really like the Pumpkin Trick or Treat Bag which is a fun take off the standard plastic pumpkin that kids have been using since I was one. This pumpkin is made of fabric but sturdy enough to be filled to the top. It'll get your child excited about going out with the big kids on what is sure to be one of their favorite holidays!
Baby Warma - Baby Wetsuit
Are you signed up for Water Babies this fall? Well, check out the Baby Warma from Konfidence USA. The Baby Warma is a baby wetsuit
that will help keep your newborn warm in the water. Your baby can get cold in the water, even if the water feels nice and warm to you! Plus, the Warma gives you something non-slippery to keep a grip on, which is always helpful. The Baby Warma opens up flat, making it very easy to get on and off — no tugging anything up those pudgy little legs. Konfidence USA has a full line of child swimming products, and we'll be conducting an in-depth review of them next spring. So keep an eye out for it!
October 11, 2007
Review: Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!
When I was growing up Care Bears were all over the place. I haven't heard much about them in the mean time, but guess what? After 25 years, they're making a comeback, starting with an all-new CGI animated adventure in Care Bears: Oopsy Does It!
Care Bears: Oopsy Does It! introduces two new characters; the clumsy Oopsy Bear and the bilingual Amigo Bear. The movie has a straightforward plot: Oopsy Bear accidentally destroys the amusement park that Cheer and Grumpy Bears built for their friends. Grizzle, an evil bear, uses Oopsy's mistake in a plot to steal the Care Bears' belly badges. Oopsy Bear saves the day though, and proves you don't need a badge to be a bear that cares.
The DVD comes with a special toy: ours had a little Oopsy Bear included. I would imagine that they're all the same, but I'm not positive. You could get a random bear for all I know. Care Bears will be making their television comeback this fall on the CBS Saturday morning lineup. And if they're anything like they were in yesteryear, they're sure to be super popular again!
Mairzey Dotes Blankets
I had been meaning to write about Mairzey Dotes Blankets since we recently had an ad up from them and they seemed like nice blankets. But of course life took over and I forgot. Today Peter and I were realizing that we need a blanket for Andy's crib, and I realized that these blankets would be perfect! All we have right now are super heavy blankets, and we realized that we need something to get us to winter. These blankets would be perfect. They come in a bunch of different styles and colors as well as in two different sizes.
October 10, 2007
The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade
Last year we reviewed a new book, The Octonauts and the Only Lonely Monster. I particularly loved the Hello Kitty look, and the neat story. Well the Octonauts are back in The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade. This story follows the Octonauts as they travel to the mysterious Sea of Shade to rescue the world's shadows from the Shade King. Like the previous book, The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade is visually rich. There's a lot happening on every page, making it a pleasure to read since there's always something new to discover.
The Octonauts and the Sea of Shade will be published on October 23rd. So, get those pre-orders in now!
Egg Nightlight
We haven't really used a night light yet as Andy hasn't needed it. But I must say the Egg Nightlight is pretty neat. It has a nice and simple design, and it is available in five different colors. Also, since it's round it's lights go all around the room and not just on the ceiling.
October 9, 2007
Belly Bean Designs
We're suckers for well made photographic announcements here at Super Cool baby. The folks Belly Bean Designs have some great designs and print on matte photo paper, metallic finish photo paper, press printed cardstock, and photos mounted on linen or metallic cardstock. Belly Bean Designs have dozens and dozens of different designs. Each announcement can be further customized to you liking. And since these things can take some time, you should start thinking about your holiday cards. So visit their Holiday Card Gallery and you'll find dozens of cards that you'd love to send out this holiday season!
Reversible Hoodie by Baby Soy
I am obsessed with hoodies, owning about 15. So of course Andy's been subjected to more than a few in his short life! The Reversible Hoodie is now on his Christmas list as I just love it! I love the blue and brown combination of colors! It's made with soybean fiber and cotton so it's good for the environment too. With the weather getting cooler this fall, this hoodie might be a good addition to your child's wardrobe!
October 8, 2007
Halloween Books
This Halloween, teach your little one about the holiday with some books. There are a bunch to choose from at Amazon. The ones that look the most promising to me include My First Halloween, My Halloween Sound Book, Halloween, A Merry Scary Halloween, and Mouse's First Halloween.
October 5, 2007
Harley Davidson Rocker
We've got a neighbor who loves to ride his big Harley-Davidson around town. He's now an empty-nester, but I bet he'd love to give something like this Harley-Davidson rocker to his grand kids. The rocker is inspired by the Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce. It has a leather seat, and a sculpted and chromed front fork to support the handlebar. The motorcycle is securely attached to the base to keep kids safe.
Review: Me in the Mirror by Sassy
When Andy got to be about six months old, I realized that a crib mirror might be a good idea for him. We bought one the next time we were in Babies R Us, and there were only two options. Luckily, the Me in the Mirror worked out quite well for us. I chose it because it has the ribbons and rings around it while the other I was considering has nothing. Andy has actually enjoyed playing with these toys, so it was a good move. The mirror can either hang flat or at a downward angle in the crib, and it can stand on its own outside of the crib too. It secures to the side of the crib with two ties that have worked quite well. Andy's loved being able to look at himself in the crib, and he's really enjoyed this mirror a lot.
October 4, 2007
Rubicon Rucksack by Petunia Pickle Bottom
Laura mentioned to me the other day, that if we ever have another child, I'm required to get my own diaper bag. Well, I don't think I could go wrong with the Rubicon Rucksack, part of the Scout collection at Petunia Pickle Bottom. The inside is divided into 5 compartments 1 large magnetic snap pocket, 2 pockets for easy reach and grab
, and 2 bottle pockets. There's another 2 bottle pockets on the outside, and 2 large exterior pockets as well. The best part about this bag is that the interior swaps out to convert into a padded laptop bag. The bag comes in black and brown buffalo leather.
Review: Healthy Care Booster Seat by Fisher Price
Instead of going to the store and making a rash decision, for a change Peter and I decided to research booster seats for Andy. He is a very large baby, and the high chair that we had just wasn't cutting it anymore. So we went onto Amazon, and our decision was quite easy. The Healthy Care Booster Seat by Fisher Price had an amazing rating of 5 full stars with lots of reviews, so it was obvious that many people liked it
It has a lot of good features. It's easy to clean, there are no spots for food to get lodged and stuck, the tray comes on and off easily and has a removable tray on top of the main tray, has three different spots to attach, the straps are all adjustable and easy to use, and it has three different height levels. It also packs up easily for traveling, which is great for us because we are taking it with us on our Thanksgiving car trip. Our only concern is that it accommodates children up to 37 lbs, and Andy is almost there and isn't yet 18 months old!
October 3, 2007
"Race Ya" Wall Decal
This wall decal is just awesome. The set includes 4 curved sections, 8 straight sections, and 5 movable cars. You can make a great design that goes all over your nursery walls and floors. Then, you can stage mini races with the cars! This would look great in a properly themed nursery, but it might look a tad out of place otherwise.
Heirloom Rattle
A good baby gift for a new or expecting mom is the Heirloom Rattle. Handmade in the USA, this rattle is made with non-toxic oil, five inches long, and each one is different. It's a little expensive if you're buying it on your own, but when giving to someone else, it's a thoughtful and beautiful gift.
October 2, 2007
New Plum Organics Flavors
Remember Plum Organics, who we reviewed back in January? They are now selling Stage Three flavors as well. They are Harvest Vegetables with Turkey and Black Bean Tomato Ragout. There's also two new Stage One and Two flavors: Pumpkin Banana and Mango Muesli. We really liked Plum Organics and wish we'd discovered them sooner. They heat up easily in a microwave and have resealable containers. They are sold at Wild Oats, Whole Foods, and more markets. We suggest you give them a try if you haven't already!
Carousel Tiger Spiral
This looks like a really neat toy for an infant car seat. The Carousel Tiger Spiral will wrap around most strollers, cribs, and car seats. It features three soft dangling toys including a rattle, mirror, and squeaker. Your newborn will definitely have lots of fun reaching up to bat these around!
Tiffany Classic Tote Set by JP Lizzy
I am not using a diaper bag much anymore, but I'm still starting to look for a new one because my current one is pretty worn out. I really like the Tiffany Classic Tote Set by JP Lizzy. It has microfiber wipeable fabric, a magnetic closure, coordinating changing pad, cosmetic band, and wristlet (which I could use!), a large zippered interior pocket, two other interior pockets, two exterior side pockets, two adjustable interior bottle pockets, and metal feet to protect the bottom. But most importantly to me, it's adorable! I have very little that is pink with a son, but if I ever have a daughter, this is the bag I want!
October 1, 2007
Combi Training Chopsticks
We eat a lot of our meals with chopsticks, and while Andy isn't using any utensils yet (yes, we're working on that), he's going to have to learn how to use chopsticks sooner or later. These training chopsticks by Combi are a great way to learn. Your child uses them in 3 different stages, each getting progressively more complex. At the end, your child should be able to use chopsticks perfectly! These chopsticks are recommended for children ages 3 and up.
Thirsty Tote by Built NY
Thirsty Totes by Built NY (available in blue and pink) are really neat bottle holders. They are made out of the same material as wet suits, are machine washable, insulate and protect your child's drink while also soaking up spills, have a handle that can snap to strollers and diaper bags, and they even stretch to fit sippy cups, juice boxes, and bottles. Sounds perfect to us!
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