Baby Gear

I am not a fan of most stuffed animals. My kids have a few that they are attached to and a few that they like but never play with. I hate to have things that just collect dust and are just taking up space. I have found a stuffed animal that is more though, one that is very special. Zoobie pets.

Zoobie was started by two brothers on a quest born out of a desire for innovation and a love of children. With a tag line of: Play. Sleep. Love. how can this company not be good? These are no ordinary animals, each pet is a plush toy, a soft pillow and a comfy blanket all in one!
Just detach the velcro and unzip a zipper and your stuffed animal can change into a pillow or blanket and back again. It is easy to use and safe for children.

How perfect is this for children to travel with? Instead of packing a lovie, a blanket and a pillow, you have it all in one with these soft, lovingly made zoobies. The signature faces on each animal all contain micro beads, making them extremely soft and each animal has its own definitive extra-soft-to-the-touch body texture, making for exceptionally comfy pillows. The inner blankets are made of extra soft and warm coral fleece.
Choose from a ton of different animals from either the zoo collection or the safari collection.
My only problem with this toy is that my two older children each want one of their own! This makes not only a great gift for a new baby but kids of all ages will love it too!

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There are many nice baby blankets on the market today. Some companies have great fabrics and colors for their blankets. I have searched around for a great blanket for my kids on more then one occasion. It has to be soft, well made and made with a great fabric. What if I told you that you could design your own blanket for your baby just the way you want it?

Myubby is a great company that produces made to order custom baby blankets! By using their blanket builder, You can choose from more than 50 unique fabric styles and color/print options, 11 poly satin edging colors or stitch options and, custom ubby personalization features and add-ons.

It is simple and so much fun to build your own blanket. First you decide if you want your blanket to be one or two sided. Then you pick your fabric and color. After that you pick what color you want your satin edging to be and which stitch style. Finally you can add an inscription up to 54 characters or a monogram and of course, the embroidery color and style.
After that the good people of myubby start making your 35″x45″ blanket and they will ship within 2-3 weeks of receipt of order. If you need it faster, they can ship it out in 6 business days for a small added fee.

I can tell you that the myubby blankets are so soft and sweet. It held up great in a washing and I know it will be my son’s favorite blanket in no time flat. Perfect for a new baby gift. Give a myubby blanket for a shower gift too, they also have gift certificates available.
So go, and make a beautiful blanket as unique as your child is.

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When looking for crib bedding for my twins, I didn’t want anything too feminine or masculine since they would be sharing a room. I wanted something to coordinate but with a soft palate of colors. It was so hard to find exactly what I was looking for and I am not even sure I was entirely successful. I wish I had the Serena & Lily Nursery Style book back then to help me!

In case you are not in the know, Serena & Lily are the makers of some gorgeous nursery and children’s beddings and accessories. I am in love their concepts of children’s rooms. Nothing is super cutesy. there are no commercial characters to be found. It is all very high quality and would make any adult jealous.
Their new book, Nursery Style, is for parents who are looking for a new way to decorate a new baby’s or child’s room. Learn how to create a theme in your baby’s room with color, fabrics, and accessories to make a room personal to that child. Besides the tips and advice this gorgeous hard cover book offers over 130 photographs of actual nurseries. It was enough to make my ovaries flutter, and I just had a baby!.

If you are looking for a great gift, this 126 page book is perfect for an expectant mom or new parent. Pick up a copy for your own inspiration. For more information on Serena & Lily check out their web site.

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I had planned to use my pack n play as a sleeping unit for the baby for downstairs and our bassinet upstairs in our room. When I came home from the hospital I realized the pack n play was not a good idea, it was too low for me to bend down, because we don’t have a new one with the changing table on the top. I needed a place to have the baby sleep and to change him downstairs because I wasn’t allowed up and down the stairs too often post partum.

My mother in law found this at our local Target ( I had never seen it before) and it has been a life saver! The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper is perfect to use as a portable bed for travel, a co-sleeper or a changing table! The sleeper is anchored to your bed by a large flap that tucks under your mattress and has walls so you won’t roll over on your infant.
I has a soft head barrier that reduces the risk of entrapment and a foot wedge–which can be used as a sleep positioner in future months–ensures baby stays snugly inside the sleep area. The “mattress” is vinyl covered and removable and the sheet is machine washable.

The best part is that it has a little night light so I can check on the baby in the night or change the baby’s diapers without putting on the harsh overhead light. It also folds up so you can travel easily with it!
The only thing I wish it had were pockets to have diapers and wipes handy. This really is a life saver and it is now one of my favorite baby gear items!

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If I don’t go into labor sooner, I will be having this baby via c-section this morning. Since I won’t be around for a while, while I take care of my newborn and five year old twins, I decided to share with you some of my favorite baby gear. Here are some reviews on things that I cannot live without and things I know you will enjoy:

I love this monitor and will use it for years, they are not just for newborns!

There is nothing like a good swaddling baby blanket.

This nest egg has helped me sleep at night which is a luxury when you are nine months pregnant. I think it will be a great help with breastfeeding too. Go get your own with the coupon, even if you are not pregnant this is great for kids or for travel!

We are trying to be more green in our house and what better timing then when a new baby comes!?

I love these products for Mom. The names and packaging are so cute that I would buy them for that alone! They really smell good too.

I think this is great for the summer. I know I would have to get it if I lived in a state that was hot all year round.

I love this thermometer and couldn’t live without it. Plus it is so much cheaper then it was new to the market and I bought it!

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There are a few things I look for in a baby blanket: soft, large enough to swaddle and well made. If it comes in a great pattern, is loved by celebrities or is made in the USA, that is all gravy. In my experience all babies love a good swaddle and finding the right blanket for the job is the key to some sleep. For you AND the baby!

I will save you the trouble of searching, I found a great swaddling blanket at swaddledesigns.com. the great people at swaddle designs were kind enough to send me three products to review from their company, the ultimate receiving blanket, the baby lovie and the baby burpies.
The first thing I noticed about all of them were how soft and well made they were! They all took a test drive in my washing machine and came out perfect.

Did you miss the chapter on swaddling in your baby book? Have no fear, swaddling instructions are sewn on the blanket! Perfect for Grandmas or Dads who often forget just how to do it!
Swaddling is so important for sleeping better, reducing the risk of SIDS and reducing colic.
Any baby would be attached to this lovie with its soft satin border and satin back. Remember to order more then one so you can rotate one into the wash! The baby burpie is a generous size and very absorbent, a must have in a burp cloth!
I love this ultimate receiving blanket so much I will be ordering more.
The fabric choices are amazing and perfect for any new mother and this is a gift any new mother would love.

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I never had any problems with my kids at bedtime for the first few years of life. When I separated my twins into their own rooms, suddenly my son was scared of the dark. Really it just turned out to be a delay tactic to stay up a little bit longer every night, but it worked. We tried a bunch of different things to make him feel better. The cat sleeping with him, the bedroom door open, the closet light on, etc.
If I had found this glow bear I think this would have done the trick!

Glo-e bear is a light up snuggly bear. It lights up in seven different colors! Use the magical wand to activate the bear. It automatically turns of in fifteen minutes, just enough time to let your little one fall asleep. It comes in your choice of colors, white or pink (the pink is $3.00 extra). If you are not crazy about the bear or have more then one child, they also offer a puppy, a monkey or a heart or square pillows. At 21.99 it is not much more expensive then a regular stuffed animal.

This might just get your kids wanting to go to bed at night. Even if your little one is a great sleeper, this is a nice gift for Valentine’s day, Easter or a birthday for kids of all ages.
Or, you can go a more traditional route and just get a personalized night light that is monogrammed or with just an initial!

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There are some baby gear items that I would have loved to have when I had my twins. We had the swings, the vibrating seats, the boppy and the activity seats, all of which the babies loved. Of course there are new things coming out all the time and I feel like my Mom when I say “Wow, we had nothing like that!”

The Fisher Price soothing motions glider is one of those baby items. The first thing I noticed about this glider was that is so plush. It looks so comfortable for a new born baby. It has two reclining positions for baby one for new babies and one for older babies. It glides in two ways - side-to-side or front-to-back, which is amazing. The other thing I love about this seat is that it seems to be designed for Mom as much as baby, it rotates 360 degrees so the baby can always face mom and it has handles so you can carry baby from room to room.

This chair also has music and over head toys to stimulate baby. The pad is also machine washable which is a huge plus, babies are always dribbling or drooling. It is for newborns up to 25 pounds, but I am not really sure a baby over 20 pounds would fit into this glider. It has great reviews on Amazon.com and it is priced at about $70.00. It is not a must have if you already own a baby seat and/or swing because you probably would not use it for very long, but it seems like a great baby item to have on a “wish list”.

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When you are pregnant for the first or fourth time you know there is a lot of things you need for a baby. They may be small but they can take over your house with their “stuff”. Some things you need for day to day living and some baby gear is a luxury. Besides diapers, wipes and clothing, a baby monitor is very necessary.

When I had my twins I received a baby monitor as a shower gift. We were living in a apartment and the traditional monitor was ok, although I would get to hear the occasional phone conversations of my neighbors that the monitor picked up. Now that I am pregnant again I wanted a monitor that allowed me to see the baby now that we are mostly downstairs during the day and the baby’s room is upstairs.
I had the pleasure of reviewing Summer Infant Day and Night Handheld Video Monitor. This 900 MHz monitor blows away my old traditional monitor. This portable handheld unit is perfect for moving around the house and still being able to see your baby. There are also traditional sound lights that visually show baby’s level of activity. There are nighttime LED lights on the camera that makes the baby fully visible both day and night!
The video monitor has batteries or you can use it with an AC adapter. It also has a kickstand which is perfect for me to view it while I am doing dishes, using the computer or watching TV.

Don’t get this monitor just for a new infant, I would have loved this for my twins when they first transitioned into their toddler beds. It would have saved me countless trips upstairs to see what they were up to. Parents love this monitor, go ahead and read the reviews yourself. This is one of my new favorite baby products to tell all parents about.

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Are you looking for something a little more stylish for your baby’s first bed? Cradles are a great choice for next to your bed in your child’s first weeks of life, or for a place to put the baby in another area of your house. Check out some of these splurge-worthy, modern, unique cradles that are not necessarily budget friendly.

Check out this Caiboo Earth folding bassinet. It is made with sustainable pine and collapses for easy storage. It comes in tow stain colors and is stained with water-based, biodegradable finishes. Perfect for limited space or apartment living. It also has all-natural cotton fabric with are unbleached. Exclusively at giggle.com for $450.00.

This cradle is from a Berlin based initiative called E27. When your baby has grown too big for the cradle, you can remove the cradle and use that as a basket, and attach the included saddle to change the cradle into a modern rocking horse! How fun! It is nice it does something else for $438.00.

I love the idea of this Lullaboo rocking cradle. It comes with an organic cradle mattress and with four finish colors to chose from. It is $590 and comes flat packed and is easy to assemble. This also comes in a non-rocking version for the same price.

Lastly, treat your baby to real style with this iron cradle. This cradle is very ornate and looks like it belongs in a palace. It comes with the mattress and has various choices of finials and colors for $1,199.00.

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Mobiles were invented by the American sculptor Alexander Calder in the early 20th century. Nothing says “nursery” like a great mobile. There are so many different kinds these days. The primary colored ones, the pastel ones that match your room’s decor or the kind that come with a remote control. Which one is best? That is up to you but I will help you narrow down a few choices!

I love anything handmade and this pinwheel mobile fits the bill. Kids love pinwheels and you can point a fan towards this and get a fun show. Very cute at $35.00.

If it is bells and whistles you want this mobile by Tiny Love is for you. It requires no winding up, has 4 different types of movement and motion and plays classical music. It is a lot of mobile for $39.99.

Are you looking for black and white? This sheep mobile is for you. Originally designed for MoMA, this mobile is simple and pretty. It also comes fully assembled!

This bunny mobile is so cute I want one for my room! They are made of lightweight plastic and will flow around in the slightest breeze. At $27.00 it will not break the bank either.
Modern tots also has fish or bat mobiles.

Make your own mobile. Here are some cute, easy mobiles you can make yourself or let your young child make with ordinary things you can find around your house.
What kind of mobile did/does your baby have?

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Although I never had one, I just love the idea of a moses basket for babies. There are so many unique ones on the market today. It seems like such a cozy, safe place for an infant and I also just love the esthetics of it! It is also great to travel with. Now you have something to put baby in for nap or play when you are visiting friends or family.
It is also an alternative to a baby hammock or bassinet.

These moses baskets are warm and cheery. They each measure 32 x 12 x8 and come in various, beautiful patterns. They each include the soft bedding and a matching blanket.
Babybeemine.com has many choices when it comes to moses baskets. They are more traditional with the removable hood. They also offer many fabric and lining choices and the basket can be used until baby is approximately 15 lbs.
This site also have some with faux fur lining and matching blanket!

These baskets get as elaborate as you would like them to. They have chenille, fur, cotton and organic baskets on the market today. These baskets really make amazing baby gifts. Add things inside like bottles, bibs, outfits, pacifiers and toys then wrap the entire basket in cellophane and decorate with ribbon. Everyone will want to invite you to their shower when they see you walk in with this! This is the show stopper.

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Every parent I know is concerned about lead in children’s toys, baby gear and accessories for kids. I know I have been going through my cabinets, throwing away plastic cups and plates and trying to replace them with safe products. It will make me sick to throw away all the sippy cups and bottles I have saved for this baby. Never mind all the baby toys I have saved that I now have to test for lead. Every week up until Christmas I will list some safe toys made for babies and toddlers and none of them will be made in China.

This Nest Jax toy cube is made from sustainable materials including organic cotton and recycled wood. Made in India through a fair-trade partnership. Perfect as a toy bin in a child’s room, closet or as a hamper. This comes in orange, green, pink and purple.

This Nest Seat is great for one or two children. It has interlocking parts to share with a friend or sit alone. Better then a bean bag chair and more durable. Made from sustainable materials including 100% certified organic cotton and is also made in India through a fair trade partnership.
It comes in orange, purple and green.

Little Tykes 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym is perfect for babies from birth to three years old. It adjusts into twelve different positions and for five different stages of development.
Little Tykes makes over 70% of their toys in the U.S. and tests everything it sells.

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One of the web sites I love is dwellshop.com because they are the greatest unique things for your home. I was so caught up in looking for things for my own house that I didn’t realize they sold great things for baby.

Check out this beautiful crib set from dwell, Garden Blossom. It comes in a traditional crib size or for oval cribs. It is beautiful without being overly frilly and would go with any home’s decor. They also sell matching hooded blankets, bibs and burp set, pillow and stroller blanket. I have never seen that before with any other crib set. It is priced at $384.00 for the crib set.
They sell so many beautiful crib sets with modern, unique fabrics that goes beyond Pooh Bear and polka dots.
Think it stops at baby bedding? You would be wrong, Garden Blossom and other sets are available for kids beds too. They have duvet covers and sheet sets for twins and full beds. I am always happy when people carry sheets for kids in full sets because that is what my children each have and it is a pain to get sheet sets that are cute enough for kids but lovely enough that I want to look at it for a year!

Are you looking for a upscale baby gift? What about a cashmere/cotton receiving blanket? It is of generous size at 28 x 34.5″, comes in chocolate and pink or chocolate and blue. It is reasonably priced at $84.00.

They also make great toys for baby like these soft blocks or these hand puppets that all babies seem to love.

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