Wednesday, July 30, 2008

The Best Sound / Sleep Machine







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

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

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