Reviews for Baby Gear
Stokke Xplory Complete Stroller$1099.00 at Amazon.com |
As with their multi-stage chair (see our review), Stokke designed this Xplory Complete Baby Stroller with both children and parents in mind, maximizing its comfort and usability. The main advantage this has over most other strollers is that baby is positioned higher than usual, so they can be closer to you while they walk. Yes, it may take a while to get used to the non-traditional appearance, but this is the beauty of scandinavian design — what we consider to be, shall we say, a “breath of fresh air.” When babies are in the bassinet stage (this model includes the bassinet), they can make eye-contact, and when they’re upright, it lets them enjoy the view from a normal vantage point. The adjustable, three-position seat can be faced forward or toward you, and an adjustable footrest keeps the child’s feet from dangling. The diagonal frame makes it easy to pull up to a table, or it can be readily folded and stored. The components are wonderfully maneuverable for parents, and the ride (equipped with shock absorbers) is as smooth as its passenger’s behind! We should note that this stoller is compatible with the Graco Snugride and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP carseats, should parents want this type of system. The carseats, as well as the chosen carseat’s adaptor (made by Stokke to click the carseat into the stroller), will need to be purchased separately. Choose from different colors and packages by clicking on “Click Here,” and searching under “Stokke Xplory.”
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This messenger-style diaper bag (shown here in “cocoa dots”) is just one of many stylish bags by San Francisco based Sally Spicer Designs. New moms will appreciate the little bit of urban hip-ness it will add to their sometimes not-so-hip days. Furthermore, any mom (myself included) could think of countless uses for this diaper bag, and will at the same time, be thrilled by the fashionable statement it makes. It has 2 inside pockets and one outside pocket, a cell phone holder, bottle holder and removable changing pad. And don’t forget to check out all of the bags by Sally Spicer Designs, including totes and cosmetic bags.
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Evenflo SmartSteps Exersaucer Entertainer$55.99 at Amazon.com |
These activity saucers for baby are invaluable to moms and dads, and beloved by babies. Ours enabled us to eat dinner at a civilized hour and clean the house once in a while. This gift is perfect for when babies can sit up, but not much else. It gives them a refreshing sense of independence because they’re essentially able to stand up (in the secure seat), bounce, spin, etc. by themselves; yet it provides appropriate support that parents can count on. This Evenflo Exersaucer activity saucer for baby is adjustable as your grandchild grows and can also stay stationary. The activity center/surrounding tray has nine toys (all accessible) and 12 songs and sounds to entertain baby. There’s also a removable, dishwasher safe snack tray. So know that with this gift, you’ll provide your new grandchild with countless hours of safe entertainment, education, and exercise. And although mom and dad will still need to keep their eyes on baby, they will be singing your praises as well!
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Fisher-Price Aquarium Take Along Swing$varies at Amazon.com |
This Fisher-Price Aquarium Take Along portable baby swing was one of the best investments in baby gear that we ever made! First, it’s a swing that has eight different speeds. Second, it’s small and portable, so once mom and dad get the hang of it (like all baby gear) it’s easy to fold-up and store, or pack in the car for travel. Third, it’s a baby entertainment center. Lights, music, and now, fish (with this updated model) are included to stimulate or soothe baby, depending on which feature is activated. Babies can pull the hanging sea creature toys themselves to play the music and lights — and most really seem to enjoy the show. If not, the on/off button is easy to locate. We like that the swing is low to the ground, and think babies feel safer that way. And the seat is designed to fully support legs — no dangling, so it’s cozier and babies are more content. In fact, it’s so cozy that with some help from rolled-up receiving blankets to position them just so, our little ones often fell right asleep in it! The swing does require batteries, but they last longer than you would expect. And this is a minor inconvenience for such a useful product.
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Children's Songs, A Collection of Childhood Favorites$12.99 at Amazon.com |
Susie Tallman’s Oppenheim Gold Award-winning collection includes 38 classic children’s songs sung with a refreshingly contemporary twist. Parents (and some kids, depending on their age) probably won’t need to learn many new words. But they may find themselves a little out of tune, or rhythm, as they work their way through, and hopefully, fall in love, with Tallman’s contagiously playful and modern renditions of these sing-along favorites. Her strong, clear soprano voice, matched by a wide range of instruments, including clanging spoons and bells and whistles, are perfect for a child’s ears. And most adults will find her non-traditional approach entertaining, as well. If you like this one, we also recommend Susie Tallman’s “Lullaby Themes for Sleepy Dreams” CD (reviewed).
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Lullaby Themes for Sleepy Dreams$15.98 at Amazon.com |
Susie Tallman is a favorite of children and parents alike, as this CD’s Parent’s Choice Gold Award attests to. This worldly lullabies collection includes 18 classic and some lesser-known lullabies, all sung in her silky smooth soprano voice accompanied by the simple sounds of a guitar or piano. Mmmm… we’re nodding off as we write… It’s enough to make you swoon — and should certainly be enough to put any child to sleep without the usual fuss. We also suggest Susie Tallman’s “Children’s Songs, a Collection of Childhood Favorites” (reviewed). Collect them all!
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Amazon.com Gift Certificate$5.00 - $5,000.00 at Amazon.com |
Still can’t decide what to get your grandchild? Sometimes the best gift is allowing kids the freedom to shop online for their own special something. Amazon.com has more products to choose from than any other online retailer. Kids can spend hours, even days if they want, shopping for toys, books, clothes, electronics… almost anything they can think of! Trust us. So when in doubt give them an Amazon.com gift certificate. They’ll be in shopping heaven!
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