The Best Sound / Sleep Machine

Tranquil Moments® Sounds for Baby

from Brookstone

Our son needed to be held to go to sleep from the start. Getting him to fall asleep on his own was a trying experience for all of us. It may have been a coincidence, but after I purchased this sound machine from Brookstone, he started sleeping much better. We stick with the white noise and leave it on all night, which provides a comforting buzz and helps block out other household noises. The machine has a number of sounds to choose from and a timer feature. I don't know of any competing machine that offers both a timer (with 3 settings) and a continuous play option.

Manufacturer Description

White noise machines for babies gently lull infants to sleep.With programs developed by Dr. Jeffrey Thompson of the Center for Neuroacoustic Research, Brookstone white noise machines for babies are clinically proven baby sleep solutions for parents looking for a little sleep themselves! Wonderfully effective baby sleep aids, these systems calm restless children…and help them sleep more soundly.
Brookstone baby sleep aids mean sweet dreams for everyone in the family.Perfect for naptime and nighttime, our white noise machines for babies promote better sleep and relaxation.

Choose from six clinically proven sound programs, including Prenatal, Lullaby, Dolphins, Car Ride, Heartbeat, and White Noise. And our Exclusive Sleep Enhancement Technology™ gradually slows down the program to gently lull your child to sleep.

Choose the baby sleep solutions that work like a dream!

• Six soothing programs in rich omni-directional, room-filling sound.
  
• Includes 30-, 60- and 90-minute sleep timer.
  
• Decreases volume automatically during last 10 minutes.
  
• LED illumination
  
• Uses AC adapter (included) or four AA batteries (not included).

Your child will sleep soundly with our baby sleep aids.Your search for baby sleep solutions is over! Find out how good a good night’s sleep feels again. Put one of our Tranquil Moments white noise machines for babies next to your child’s crib!

Price: $66.95

Best Toddler Tricycle

Kettler Kettrike Air Navigator Tricycle

We received this tricycle as a hand-me-down from a friend after her 2 children had outgrown it and now our son is enjoying it. With the Kettler name, you expect quality and you certainly get that. The higher price can be justified with its long life expectancy and would be a great gift for the grandparents to consider.

Manufacturer Description
Offering a smooth transition from stroller to trike, the brightly colored Kettler Supreme Navigator Stroller Trike Tricycle includes a parental control steering system that locks handlebars into place for parental guidance when using the canopy pushbar. The Auto-Freewheel allows your child to rest his or her feet on the pedals while you guide them with the pushbar. When your child is ready for biking, a simple on/off switch (located under the Kettler logo on the handlebar stem) unlocks the front steering stem and the Supreme Navigator operates as a standard freewheel tricycle with coaster brake stopping. The durable metal frame has an easy step-through design, and it can quickly be adjusted to accommodate your growing child or fit another rider. The three Komfy Ride tires are filled with air (via regular Schrader valves), which give the trike true road gripping traction and responsive maneuvering. The blue bucket seat provides excellent riding comfort, and the sturdy yellow tipping bucket on the back of the trike is great for transporting everything from toys to sand. The frame is made of high carbon steel and has a fade-resistant polyester powder coat finish in brilliant red. This tricycle meets ASTM safety requirements.

Key Features:

• Tri-wheel steering Kettrike navigation system
• Quick-Adjust frame with multiple frame adjustments
• Parental Control steering lock system locks handlebars into place for parental guidance and steering with pushbar
• Auto-Freewheel allows children to rest their feet on the pedals while parents guide them with the optional pushbar
• Komfy-Ride air tires for superior performance, road gripping traction and responsive maneuvering
• Tipping rear bucket sturdy enough to haul even sand
• Tandem adaptable

Cost $220


Available at Amazon

Best Supplemental Toothbrush

Baby's 1st Toothbrush

We have relied heavily on this little toothbrush doing its job since our son is not very cooperative when it comes to having his teeth brushed with a traditional toothbrush. We have been using this one since his first tooth came in and is even good before teeth emerge to soothe sore gums. After we have a go with the regular toothbrush, we let our son chew on this as long as he likes. It gives the child a sense of doing it themselves and seems quite relaxing.

Manufacturer Description
This toothbrush feels so good! Dentist invented! Baby will enjoy biting down on this soft, patented toothbrush — and when she does, it will gently surround her teeth,
cleaning all surfaces. Its soft, tiny bristles not only remove bacteria, they soothe tender gums. For 4 months and up. Colors may vary.

The tiny soft silicone bristles gently clean baby's teeth and gums through the natural act of biting
It helps reduce harmful bacteria, and removes sugars, starches, and other foods that can cause decay of primary teeth
During the teething stage, the bristles also provide a comforting massage to baby's tender gums
Dimensions of each toothbrush: 3½"L x 1"W x ¾"H
Award winner - Winner of the I Parenting Media Award and the I Parenting Hot Product Award

Cost $13.95 for a 2 pack

Available at One Step Ahead, Amazon

Best Toddler Hooded Bath Towel

Pottery Barn Kids Bath Wraps

Other bath towels haven't held up to washing and are poorly made. These towels are great quality, a good size for 2 and up, and darn cute. They come in variety of colors and patterns and can be personalized.

Manufacturer Description

Our wraps bring a whole new world of excitement to bathtime. A great gift, each hooded wrap is made of soft, absorbent, 100% cotton terry.

Cost about $30, on sale for 19.99 at the moment.

Best Portable Placemat

Tiny Diner Portable Placemat

We got this placemat when our son was old enough to be sitting in highchairs in restaurants and we have been using it ever since. It is great at the mall food court, fast food places, and restaurants without cloth table cloths - it sticks onto the table with little suction cups, so it won't work on cloth. It comes in Green, Pink, and Blue.

Manufacturer Description

This portable placemat corrals spills and crumbs — and provides your baby gourmet with a clean dining surface, anywhere! We've never seen such a rugged, well-designed placemat! Take it to restaurants, and you know baby's dining off a clean, hygienic surface. Use it at home, and trap spills and crumbs for easy clean up. It suctions to the table, so kids can't send it flying! The rimmed edge contains splatters, while the generous spill-catcher keeps little laps clean. Rolls up compactly for your diaper bag; washes clean with soap and water. Buy one now, and you'll use it for years! Made of durable, safe, FDA-approved materials. So unique, it's patented.

Available at places like One Step Ahead, Right Start, Amazon

Cost about $11

Best Fridge/Cooler Bag for Babies and Toddlers

From Fridge to Go

We have used this cooler bag without fail ever since we got it when our son was 3 months old and it is amazing. We used it to bring bottles to daycare, and now we still use it to bring drinks and fruit out to restaurants, the pool, soccer, car trips. It is big enough to hold 2 to 3 sippy cups, can also hold an adult's water bottle as well. The zipper pockets are great for other snacks, spoons, wipes and the like. The entire bag goes into the freezer which makes it easy but can of course be a space issue if your freezer is as full as ours. As advertised, the bag stays cold for hours even out in the sun at the pool.

"All purpose bag"

• Cools for up to 8 hours


• Chilling panels are NOT REMOVABLE


• Ultimate New Mother Travel Companion


• Color: blue


• Keeps Formula, Juice and Food Chilled


• Holds Bottles, Cups, Utensils, Chew Rings


• Fully Collapsible To Flat


• Cell Phone Pocket


• Adjustable Shoulder Strap & Stroller Hook


• Rear Mesh Storage Pocket


• 10" x 8" x 6" wide
  

Price: $13.95

http://www.fridge-to-go.net/3110.htm

Best Toddler Scooter

Radio Flyer My First Scooter

After seeing the older children in our neighborhood zoom up and down our street on their Razor scooters, our son wanted to get in the action too. He tried one neighbor's inexpensive, pink Dora scooter but it was far too unstable for him. We then ran across this Radio Flyer scooter that is specifically designed for 2 to 5 years olds, with a wider base, and more stability thanks to the 2 front wheels. It comes fully assembled and also folds easily for storage which is a real plus. The scooter is available on Amazon (Toys-r-Us) but also in stores like K-Mart, Toys-r-Us, Wal-Mart. Don't forget the helmet!

From the Manufacturer

Scoot in style with this great Radio Flyer My First Scooter. The two front wheels provide stable steering capabilities making this a great first scooter. Design includes an extra wide base for maximum stability so you child can develop a sense of balance safely and comfortably. The rear wheel has a cover making this a safe ride. My First Scooter has a unique tapered base that provides a better kick path for kids. Your child will ride comfortably with the ergonomic grip handle. With just the push of a button the fold-down handle will hug the base making storage and portability easy.

Product Description

This red-hot scooter is the perfect first scooter for your child, and has all the great qualities that you've come to expect from Radio Flyer.

Features:

• Extra-wide base for maximum stability
• 100% assembled
• Two wheels in front for stable steering
• Tapered base creates a clear kick path
• Ergonomic grip handle
• Rear wheel cover for safety
• Folds for easy storage - just press the button
• Measures 12"L x 24"W x 27"H. Holds up to 45 pounds.

The Best First "Trike"

Radio Flyer Scoot About

Our son is not quite ready for a traditional tri-cycle. Having to learn to peddle and steer at the same time is a lot to ask of a 2 year old. This trike allows the child to learn to steer while propelling themselves comfortably by pushing with their feet. Our boy also loves the bell.

Assembly was quick and easy enough for relatively handy mom to complete in about 30 minutes. Some Amazon reviewers have complained that they had trouble with the pre-drilled holes not lining up properly, but those are probably just exceptions.

Manufacturer Description:

This Classic Radio Flyer Scoot-About is perfect for any toddler looking to ride in style. The signature red body is constructed with sturdy steel, and the handlebars are fashioned with classy chrome and a ringing bell. Steel wheels and rubber tires are durable and give children a smooth ride on even the toughest terrain. The seat is adjustable, so this ride-about can grow with your child. Product DescriptionTots can scoot around safely on this classically designed trike. It comes with all the quality features that parents have come to expect from Radio Flyer.

Features:

• Wide front wheels for stability
• "Furniture friendly"
• Real working steering
• Tough, easy-glide wheels
• Adjustable seat height with easy-turn knob
• Red and white handlebar streamers
• Ringing bell

Introduction

Welcome to our blog on toddler stuff.

We have a very active two year old boy and have very much enjoyed how he has brightened our lives.

We always thoroughly research what we buy for him, both on the web and in the store, and thought we would share what we have found in terms of research and personal experience.

All of the things we talk about were bought and used by us.