Reviews for 0-1 years old

Armed & Dribble-Less: Burp Armor Burp Cloth’s Got You Covered

Burp Armor

$25 & up at burparmor.com

The mom & dad team who designed the new Burp Armor burp cloth take the “armor” part of their product’s name seriously. Burp Armor is the ultimate protection from everyday dribble. The product is shaped to rest securely on your shoulder and to cover body surfaces that are typically victimized. Furthermore, Burp Armor’s quality construction allows it to stay in place. It’s made with two layers of hemp/organic cotton fleece on top, plus a single layer of hemp/organic cotton corduroy that provides the unique non-slip undersurface. Burp Armor also has baby’s wellbeing and comfort in mind. The cloths are pre-washed in fragrance- and perfume-free soap and are incredibly soft — so much so that when they retire from active duty, they can easily become a favorite “lovey” for babies and toddlers. And of course, Burp Armor products are beautifully designed. Fashion-conscious parents will love the “natural” color main fabric combined with any one of several fun borders, such as “creamsicle stripe” and “candy stitch.” Finally, Burp Armor comes all wrapped up and delivered in a beautiful eco-friendly package. Burp Armor is a perfect baby gift — it’s new and hip, yet it’s also amazingly practical. What more could a new mom ask for?!


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Cruising with the Grandkids on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise

$varies at DisneyShopping.com

If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway vacation with your children and grandchildren and, please excuse the cliché, “fun for the whole family,” then you may want to consider a Disney Cruise. It’s not the first cruise we’d recommend to adults without children (although plenty of couples choose it as their honeymoon destination!). Since we’re talking about an intergenerational vacation, however, and since most kids are fascinated by all things Disney, chances are you won’t regret this choice. Of course, the cruise is another vehicle for disseminating the Disney message, and you’ll need to embrace that fact prior to embarking. More importantly, it’s a way of enjoying a first-class cruise and all that it offers for adults, plus plenty of top-notch activities (some Disney-related and some not) for your grandchildren. The nice thing about the Disney Cruise is that in addition to having lots of luxurious amenities for all ages, children are treated like “little adults” on board, each age group with their own space to play, or “hang out” — all day, and well into the evening, if they wish. Younger children are supervised and escorted by qualified counselors. Disney puts great effort into pleasing kids in every stage — from tots to teens. There are 2 ships (Disney Wonder and Disney Magic), and a variety of cruising options — as short as 3 and 4-night Bahamian Cruises, to 7-night Caribbean and Mexican Riviera Cruises, to a 15-night Panama Canal Cruise. Most of the cruises include a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, equipped with all things Disney… island style. And let’s not forget the food (now we’re talking!). All-family dining includes 3 differently-themed restaurants that you rotate through at dinnertime. Also included is an “adult only” restaurant for those who need a little break from the kids, or simply wish to indulge. Finally, as you’ve probably already guessed (or heard from others), the Disney Cruise is not an economy vacation — as with anything, you pay for quality, which this cruise line does provide. For more information, follow on our “Click Here” button (below) which takes you to Disney, then click on the “Travel” button at the top of the page, and then the “Disney Cruiselines” button on the left. Of course they make it easy to shop for other Disney toys and gifts while on their site.


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Kushies Zolo Linko are Tops in Teething Toys

Zolo Linko (by Kushies)

$32.00 at Kushies

These Zolo Linko teethers by Kushies are a nice interactive set because they include little Zolo creatures your teeny grandchildren will enjoy holding and hugging. These creatures are the soft additions among other interesting textures and shapes that can satisfy an array of finicky little fingers and gums. You’ll find raised dots and stripes, highly polished and matte finished plastic rings and unique shapes. One pretzel-shaped teether has squiggly etched lines, and if the colors were brown with off-white (read, milk chocolate drizzled with white chocolate…), instead of white with black, it would look good enough to eat! Of course, the contrast of black and white together is now known to be helpful in infant development (three of the links are black and white). Kushies has also included plenty of other fun, vibrant colors perfect for your playful tot. All of the individual teethers link together to make a long chain, or can be parceled into smaller chains for strollers, car seats, restaurants, etc. The Zolo Linko set is “Parents’ Choice Approved.” and makes a great gift!


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Barefoot Books Bear’s House Series: a Fun, Safe Place for Babies & Toddlers

Bear at Home

$6.99 at Barefoot Books

“This is Bear’s house and this is the key. Open the door and what do you see?” Both of our kids can recite this entire book on the spot, as can my husband and I. Bear at Home is one in a series of “Bear” infant and toddler books published and sold by Barefoot Books, a publishing house focused on quality, creativity and cultural diversity. The “Bear” series, which also includes Bear About Town, Bear’s Busy Family, Bear in Sunshine, Bear in a Square, and Bear on a Bike, are simple rhyming books that surprisingly cast an immediate spell on babies, toddlers, parents and grandparents, drawing them in time and time again. One of the things that makes Bear at Home and all of Barefoot Books’ titles so alluring yet comforting are the vibrantly colored illustrations, which, at the same time, are simple, and somehow familiar. Babies and toddlers love them. When reading this to my kids, I’d often joke that I would love to live in Bear’s house! Bear’s house, with “big cozy chairs,” and “walls painted bright” seems to be the kind of safe, fun place where we all want our children and grandchildren to be.


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Dolce Mia Designs Vintage-Inspired Kids Wall Art, Kids Frames, Stationary & More!

Dolce Mia Kids Decor

$vary at Dolce Mia Designs

Dolce Mia Designs, a family-owned business, has been creating beautifully crafted gifts since 1995. Their vintage inspired designs bring smiles to our faces — we own several pieces! Their children’s and baby lines, in particular, boast a unique combination of playfulness and warmth reminiscent of the toys and activities of earlier generations. Choose from several new Wall Art pieces (shown here), frames, clocks, note cards, photo albums, brag books, placemats and growth charts. And you can combine different pieces within the same theme — for instance, a picture frame and clock both with the “construction truck” pattern. Themes range from “princess,” “fairies,” and “ballerina,” for girls, to “space,” “firefighter,” “race cars” and “trains” for boys, among others. And if you’re in need of a baby gift, look no further! Noah’s Arc, a baby chick, little lamb, and even a little “Cupie,” make appearances in this adorable collection of memorable gifts.


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The Sweetest Story of All: Custom Made for Kids Personalized Children’s Book

The First Adventures of Incredible You

$32.95 at Custom Made for Kids

What a wonderful way to document your grandchild’s early years! The First Adventures of Incredible You, published by Custom Made for Kids (created by two moms), is a personalized children’s book about the everyday experiences of a young child — your grandchild. You help write the story, by providing the names of special people and places in your grandchild’s life (including you!). From splashing in rain puddles to cheering on a favorite team to smelling a beloved family food, the book tells the story they can most easily relate to. The publisher’s website has a great FAQ page that answers all types of questions, like how the story accommodates multiple siblings, if a child is adopted, a twin, etc. Great for kids ages 0-8, the book is the winner of the 2007 iParenting Media Award Winner for Outstanding Product in the Gift category. We are sure that this is one story your grandchild won’t want to miss!


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Kushies Zolo Boa Stacking Toy: All That it’s “Stacked” Up to Be

Zolo Boa (by Kushies)

$40.00 at Kushies

So you’ve got a new grandchild who’s just begun sitting up—a momentous developmental occasion and a relief for mom and dad! This calls for a stacking toy. How about a stacker designed for 21st century babies? You’ll be able to tell Mom and Dad that the Zolo Boa by Kushies was inspired by EQ, the theory of “emotional intelligence,” and backed by child development experts who’ve spent a lot of time, energy and money to earn that title! The rings transform into a vibrantly colored creature that makes animal sounds. This toy really “stacks up!”


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Award Winning Musical Toy Spans Through Various Developmental Stages

LeapFrog Learn & Groove Alphabet Drum

$14.99 at Amazon.com

It features 3 learning modes, including Alphabet, Dance Along, and Music Play. The Alphabet Mode introduces babies to letters in both English and Spanish. And Music Play mode lets the child freely explore music and movement. In the Dance Mode, children, of course, dance. But babies and toddlers also roll it around… and chase after it — it truly does engage children through various developmental stages. The Alphabet Drum is built to withstand typical toddler handlAnother great toy by Leapfrog! Your grandchildren (ages 6 to 36 months) will quickly learn cause and effect, as each tap of this drum rewards them with lights, letters and music. ing, and mom and dad will appreciate its volume control feature. To prolong battery life, the drum shuts off if it hasn’t been used for a while. Plus, at approximately 8 inches tall, it helps babies learn to sit up on their own! This toy was a winner of the 2006 iParenting Media Greatest Products Award.


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HABA Animal Den Plush Toy is Early Stage “Game” for Babies

HABA Animal Den

$16.99 at Amazon.com

This HABA Animal Den colorful plush toy is like a first “game” for babies, in that they are able to push and pull the animals out of their little “homes” in the ball. For such an early stage toy, it certainly stretches and enhances the developmental capabilities of infants, which is why it’s received the IParenting Media Award for Excellence. And it’s adorable. Well done!


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Serve Babies 5 Fruits a Day with Peruvian Hand-Knit Rattle Set

Handknit Fruit Rattles Gift Set

$39.99 at Amazon.com

Treat your new baby grandchild to a luxurious, yet playful gift. This unique 5-piece rattle set is hand-knit by Peruvian artisans in small workshops, and features a vibrantly colored pear, mandarin orange, strawberry, watermelon and apple. The rattles are made from all-natural fibers, are hand washable, and measure 3″ in diameter. This is a great way to delight your grandchild, and support families in Peru.


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