Category Archives: Age 1-3

Joovy – Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Fun stuff for parents, Strollers, Travel

Joovy_bigcabooseDeedra, one of my neighbors that has three kids once told me that once you have two kids, why not have three or more? It’s all the same.. she said. I’m not sure if I agree. It’s amazing to me that a mom can stay sane while raising three kids, and working from home and sometimes in an office like she does.

Moms like Deedra, and kids like hers deserve a comfortable ride. The Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller accommodates three children ranging in age from new born to about age five depending on weight.

When I received the Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller to review on The Mommy Insider, I never thought that I wouldn’t be able to put it in my own car, a Nissan Quest.   However, as luck would have it, I loaned my car to my sister in law just in time for the review of the stroller.  I had her Toyota Corolla for a few days. At first I thought I wasn’t even going to try to get the stroller in the car. But, I really needed to try it out for the review and I happened to have two children on my testing panel available while I was borrowing her car, so I had to get the stroller in the car and get over to their house no matter what. Much to my surprise, the stroller fit well in her car. I had to fold down part of the back seat but the stroller slid right in. I have a feeling that most parents with three kids don’t drive a Toyota Corolla but instead drive an SUV or mini-van in which case the stroller fits with ease. The weight is a little hefty at about 37 pounds, but I didn’t have a problem loading and unloading myself.

I am very impressed with the durability and handling of the Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller. I took my three testing panel children to Kohl’s to test the stroller out because I knew there would be plenty of obstacles and tight spaces there.  The two younger children, seven months and nine months, sat in the front seats. The front seats accommodate car seats or the child can sit in the two position seat comfortably. Both seats have five point harnesses so baby is secure.  You should have seen the looks I got from passers by at Kohl’s. People actually thought I had three children!  Right!

While in Kohl’s I took some very smooth sharp turns, and was able to navigate most of the isles just fine. The only time I had a problem was when there was something large in the main isle which made it difficult for me to get out. I would simply back up and find another isle to go down though, so it was not a big deal.  Pushing the stroller was a lot easier than I expected.  I was pushing three kids weighing a total of seventy pounds and never struggled to push or turn the stroller.

The stroller comes with two car seat adapters, two snack and drink trays, and two full size canopies all of which are easy to remove and replace.

The third child can either sit or stand. There is a comfortable platform the child can sit on complete with a safety buckle to keep the child secure. When sitting, the child will be facing mom. If the child chooses to stand, he can lean on the strap across the back of the stroller and face away from you.

The huge storage basket fit my diaper bag, a handbag, snacks, toys, and assorted other things and is easy to access which is very important to me.

The Joovy Big Caboose Stand-On Triple Stroller folds and unfolds very easily. It literally took me about 15 seconds to fold the stroller and get it in the car and vice versa. It was not a strain at all.

I think any parent with three children will love this stroller. It’s easy to use, a smooth push, a comfortable ride, and fits well in a family SUV or mini van. This is a stroller that will last for years. The  Deluxe Rip Stop Nylon Fabric makes for an easy to clean stoller that can be used and passed on for years.

Where to buy: Joovy

Time-Out Animals

Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Age 7-10, Fun stuff for parents

TimeoutterrierI don’t know who likes our Time out Terrier more; me or Sebastian. Sebastian loves stuffed animals and when I received the Time out Terrier for review on The Mommy Insider, Sebastian seemed a little confused as to how such a cuddly stuffed animal could count the minutes that a child spends in time out which is actually NEVER! He’s a great kid.

Because Sebastian is seven years old, is a good kid, and doesn’t go to time out, we have come up with these ways to use our Time out Terrier:
1. I set the timer for how long Sebastian should brush his teeth.
2. We set a thirty minute limit on TV time.
3. When we are on a time limit, I set the timer for 10 minutes when we read stories at bedtime.
4. Sebastian loves to turn himself into a raisin in the bathtub so we set the timer to remind him to get out before he disintegrates.
5. I’ve even used the Time out Terrier as a cooking timer!

Parents and kids can choose from several Time Out Animals including Lilly the Lamb, Fernando the Frog, and Travis the Terrier.

Mom can use the Time Out Animal too!
If your child is old enough to occupy him or herself set the timer for thirty minutes, put it next to your child, and go take a nice warm bath, do some yoga, or call a friend. Explain to your child that until the timer goes off, you are not to be interrupted unless there is an emergency.  If your child is mischievous, be sure to put the Time Out Animal up high so he can’t change the timer!

Where to buy: Time out Mom

The Mommy Insider readers get $5.00 off any animal with code ‘MOMFINDS’!

Happy Baby – Fresh, frozen, organic baby meals.

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Food and Drink

HappybabyfoodWe try to eat organic as much as possible but it’s difficult to find GOOD organic baby food at my local grocery store. Yes, Madelyn and I have tried the big brand organics but I think they are seriously lacking in flavor and ‘oompf’.. if you know what I mean.

I  was thrilled when I received HAPPYBABY fresh, frozen, organic baby meals to review on The Mommy Insider. Madelyn is nine months now and is great about trying new food. As Madelyn favors food with texture, I was excited to introduce her to the Mama Grain baby meal which includes organic bananas, organic quinoa, organic black beans, and water necessary for cooking. She loves it!

HAPPYBABY baby food is full of flavor and nutrients and there are currently ten creative items on the menu.

Check the HAPPYBABY website to find a grocer near you that sells HAPPYBABY fresh, frozen, organic baby meals.

Queen Bee onesie – The French Chihuahua

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Baby & Kids Clothing

Thefrench_big You all know my nickname for Madelyn; Princess Peanut. Well, every princess becomes a Queen right?  Madelyn shares her destiny with the world when she wears her Reine des Abeilles onesie from The French Chihuahua.

This is one of my all time favorite onesie’s on Madelyn. I love the ruffled shoulders and the little white bow on the neckline. They add a classy feel to the whimsical design.

The woman behind The French Chihuahua, Kathleen, was blessed with a daughter.. 7 weeks early which inspired her "Preemie Donna" design available for preemies under 7 pounds.

Other designs for girls include the ‘Papillion Social’ or Social Butterfly, and ‘La Jolie Princesse’ or Little Princess.  Designs for boys include ‘Diablotin’ which means Little Devil, and ‘Prince Charmant’ for Prince Charming.
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Every child deserves to look and feel like a prince or princess which parents can easily achieve with a French Chihuahua onesie.

Another detail I love about The French Chihuahua onesie is the tagless design. Besides being uncomfortable against baby’s delicate skin, Madelyn is all about finding the tags on her clothes and tugging or chewing on them. The French Chihuahua onesies feature the tag on the outside back of the piece so as to not irritate baby or get chewed on.

The French Chihuahua currently features eight beautiful designs with new designs on the way! The collection has a french, vintage flair. The pieces are made from a 210-220 GSM Cotton, is very sturdy and washes well.

Where to buy: The French Chihuhua

The Mommy Insider readers get 15% off with code ‘FRENCH’!

Princess Onesie – Roslyn’s Closet

Age 0-1 year, Age 1-3, Age 3-5, Age 5-7, Baby & Kids Clothing

Roslynscloset_princessonesie_1Princess Peanut… that’s what I call Madelyn. I know, it’s a pretty wierd nickname.

Now, when Madelyn wears her super cute princess onesie from Roslyn’s Closet, the whole world understands that they are not in the company of ‘just another baby’ (there is no such thing, actually), they are looking at a Princess!

The genius behind the whimisical designs at Roslyn’s Closet, Jodi, is a mom of two, and her goal was to create pieces that capture the innocence and
sweetness of being young which I think she has done exceptionally well.

Madelyn’s onesie is nice and soft with an easy to slip on neck. The fit is very cute. Of course, the onesie is machine washable.. would I allow anything else in my home.. no! 

There are designs for both boys and girls at Roslyn’s Closet. Her sizes go up to 6T and are available in short and long sleeves.

Where to buy: Roslyn’s Closet