Category Archives: Age 1-3

Chicco Hook-On Travel Seat

Age 1-3, Feeding - baby & kids, Travel

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Minimizing exposure to germs is an issue for most parents.  We are always washing little hands, wiping off shopping cart handles, and rubbing anti-bacterial solution on our kids hands. 

An easy way to limit the exposure to germs while eating out is by using a hook-on travel seat.  Using this type of seat in conjunction with a stick on place mat make a good germ free combination.

Besides having a relatively germ free dining experience, you will also feel confident that your child is safe and comfortable.  The three-point harness keeps the child in the seat while the padded seat
ensures that she is comfortable for a long sitting such as when eating
out.  The Chicco Hippo TravelSeat fits table tops with a table skirt up to 6" thick which is a pretty standard size. I have tried this seat on several different types of tables and haven’t had a problem hooking onto any of them including a round table. 

ChiccohookontravelseatI wasn’t going to use my daughter as a tester for the Chicco Hippo TravelSeat because she doesn’t like to be confined to a high chair and hasn’t used one for a while.  Much to my surprise though, she wanted to get in the seat and uses it often.  The Chicco Hippo TravelSeat allows toddlers to eat at the table with the rest of the family.  The padded seat is removable and machine washable which is much appreciated by a mom of a 22 month old who has mastered the art of making a mess of whatever she touches.  The rubberized arms firmly grip the table but will not leave marks or pinch little fingers.  The seat is simple to install and takes just seconds once you’ve done it a couple of times.

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Learn more about the Chicco Hippo TravelSeat here OR buy here.

Win a red Chicco Caddy Hook-On High Chair!
The Caddy is a little different than the one featured in this review. You can learn more about the Caddy here. 
Join our newsletter using the ‘Subscribe’ form on the right side of the page and I will announce a winner  April 15th.

Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Age 7-10, Ages 10-13, Gadgets, Safety

BraunthermoscanexactempWhen Sebastian, now 8, was younger we used a traditional glass thermometer.  After we broke two glass thermometers which posed a danger because of the broken glass and tiny beads of mercury on the floor, I purchased an ear thermometer.  Ours is quite out-dated and when I recently received a Braun ThermoScan ExacTemp to review, I was very pleased with the features as compared to my 5 year old ear thermometer.

What makes it special: Braun’s ThermoScan ExacTemp thermometer is exceptional in that is features ExacTemp technology. To help avoid inaccurate temperatures the tip is warmed to a temperature close to that of a human body.   The ThermoScan measures the infrared heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissues.  The eardrum shares blood supply with the hypothalamus, the temperature control center in the brain, which means that changes in your child’s body temperature are reflected sooner in the ear than at other sites which is just one more reason to use an ear thermometer.

What’s included: The ThermoScan comes with protective tip covers and a protective case ensuring that the thermometer is secure when not in use.  To save battery life, the ThermoScan thermometer automatically shuts off after 60 seconds.  I am so tired of buying batteries..I love the auto-off feature!

More features: The LCD screen is easy to read and shows the battery level, the thermometer beeps when it is finished taking a temperature.  When your child is sick and you need to check her temperature often, the memory feature comes in handy.  You can store up to 8 temperatures and can access store temperatures easily.  The ThermoScan is light and is designed in such a way that it is easy to hold and won’t slip out of your hand. This thermometer fits into a compact protective case that also stores the probe covers.  I can’t tell you how many times I have had to buy a new pack of covers just because they got lost.. or Sebastian played with them.  Being able to store the probe covers directly in the case is great!

Important note:  There are at least two ThermoScan models so look closely at the details before buying as they have different features.

Icon_website2 Buy a ThermoScan at Amazon  OR learn more at the Braun website

We’re going on an adventure with the Chicco Adventure Backpack

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Toys

This is a cute activity toy for the adventurous toddler.  The handle and wheels make this a toy that your toddler can tote just about anywhere and if your toddler is anything like mine, she will take it everywhere!  Madelyn loves the music and lights and spends a lot of time on the walkie talkie.. I don’t know who she talks to but they have some very serious conversations.  Buh buh bah duh oh uh whoa ga!

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The Adventure Backpack is a fun filled activity backpack with music, melodies and lights.  Music plays when the orange button is pressed and melodies play when the magnifying glass is moved.  The compass spins around, the torch
lights up and the puzzle makes 3 different characters.  The different activities and compact design make the Adventure Backpack a great travel toy.   There are two volume settings as well as the option to turn the sound off.  

I have no doubt that this backpack will withstand the many drops and throws it will suffer while in the hands of Madelyn or any other toddler.  The Adventure Backpack is recommended for ages 9-24 months.

Icon_website2Learn more & buy here

Thilde Pocket and Pillow

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Bedtime, Nursery & Room Decor, Toys

ThildeParents are well aware that baby shouldn’t sleep with toys, books, or stuffed animals in her crib so what is baby to play with when she wakes in the morning? The toys in her Thilde Pocket, of course!

The Thilde Pocket is 100% cotton denim fabric with lots of little pockets in which parents can stash baby’s favorite toys and books for easy access when she wakes in the morning.  Maybe, just maybe the Thilde Pocket will allow mom and dad to get a little extras sleep in the morning while baby is playing in her crib?!    The Thilde Pocket fastens to the crib with Velcro so baby can’t pull it off and can be fastened to a chair when baby grows out of the crib.

If your baby likes to touch and feel everything around her, she will
love the Thilde pillow.  Great for tactile stimulation the Thilde pillow is colorful, has texture, and makes a light crinkling noise when manipulated. 

Both products are a bit pricey but should last for many years so the cost is well worth it.

These products are Madelyn approved!

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Thilde at Craftsburry Kids

SoundSpa™ Lullaby – a must have

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Bedtime, Gadgets, Music, Nursery & Room Decor

HomedicssoundspalullabyI LOVE LOVE LOVE this gadget!
The HoMedics SoundSpa™ Lullaby is a small device that projects rotating images onto baby’s ceiling or wall and plays a variety of relaxing sounds or songs. 

First and foremost, the sound quality is amazing.  Never have I tested a baby device with such clear and ‘real’ sound.

When Madelyn goes to bed I turn the projector on, play Twinkle Twinkle and set the timer to 45 minutes.  The projector brightness can be set to high or low and the volume is completely adjustable.   Homedicscloseup_2Other options include no projection, playing a sound effect instead of a song, different timer settings, and adjustable projection location. 
Changing options is as easy as pushing a button on top of the device or adjusting a dial on the side of the device.

Click the image to the left to view a close up of the controls.

Sounds and sound effects include Twinkle, Twinkle, Rock-A-Bye-Baby, Lullaby and Goodnight, rain, ocean, and a heartbeat.  Priced at just $29, this is a must have!

Icon_website2_2 HoMedics SoundSpa Lullaby