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Preggo stuff, Baby Stuff, Toddler Stuff...post your best finds here!!

Date: 5/6/2009 7:59:18 PM
Author: Mrs
Hey all! I was wondering if any of you have a recommendation regarding activity mats / gyms for infants? My baby girl is not quite 2 months old now and I think she''s ready for one but there are so many out there. Thoughts?


Thanks!
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We have this one. My SIL has it now with my nephew and he LOVES it!
 
Burk reminded me that our''s is tiny love too but I am not sure they make the model we have anymore.
 
MRs. We also have a tiny love model, this one here. I can''t recommend it highly enough! It has this attachment that is a large panel that when the baby kicks it, it plays lights and music. There are 4 settings, and it can also go on the ground and baby can use his hands to make noises when he is older. Hunter loves it! He seriously kicks it for about an hour every morning!

He''s on it now, that''s how I am on PS
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The kicking thing became really fun for him starting around 7/8weeks, so your daughter is about there!
 
Another vote for Tiny Love. My 7 mo old still plays with hers although now she just attacks everything and rolls all over it!

Thanks for bib suggestion Tacori--I hate the velcro too! Not to mention it gets stuck to everything in the washer and ruins other outfits/towels.
 
I vote for the Tiny Love activity mat as well!

I also want to share some of the gifts that Lily got for her birthday that she absolutely loves. Granted, she's 2 now so these aren't for the babies but just some ideas to think about for the future.

First of all, she's really into coloring and loves crayons so one of my friends bought her these really cool Melissa and Doug triangular crayons and she's crazy about them! She totally ignores the hundreds of Crayolas and goes straight for these now!
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=4136&k=86015&name=Triangular%20Crayons%20-%2024%20pack
Plus, this coloring book is really nice--not that she knows how to color in the lines!
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=4225&k=86073&name=Jumbo%20Coloring%20Pad%20-%20Pink

Also, the Melissa and Doug chunky puzzles (she has the insect one) is a new favorite.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=3729&k=86068&name=Insects%20Chunky%20Puzzle

And this Melissa and Doug magentic dress up ballerina is great but definitely not for little kids as it has small parts.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/dyn_prod.php?p=3554&k=87166&name=Nina%20Ballerina%20Magnetic%20Dress-Up%20Set

She also got these cool rainbow ice cream cones that are super cute and good for learning colors.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2306428&CAWELAID=129191990

As you can tell, we're more into the educational type stuff rather than just toys. We LOVE books and can never have enough so she got a bunch of those. Plus, we live in an apartment so we don't have a lot of room for tons of plastic crap! But I will say that DH and I did get her one thing that she kind of asked for. Right before her bday, she said, "Daddy, I need bike for my birthday." DH is such a sucker, he was ready to go out and buy her a tricycle right away even though she can't even pedal! So we compromised and got her this instead:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2336194
It's her "CAR" and she loves it for now! Plus, it buys us some time before we have to get her a "bike"!

Just some ideas for those of you who are thinking ahead or need to buy gifts...
 
Well, we finally made our first baby purchase, and I already have a question!

Based on everyone''s love for the BOB, and the fact that my DH loves our friends'' BOB, wecided to buy a used one from our neighbor. They got it when there oldest was 6 months old, and then ended up having another child almost right away, so it is barely used. They finally took it out of there storage shed yesterday for us, and the thing is practically brand new! The back support thing is a little curved from being folded up for the past 16 months, but I think we can take it back to REI and they will replace it. They said they may even give us a whoel new stroller! Not getting my hopes up on that, but still pretty satisfied with getting a nearly new BOB for $140.

Now comes my question. For those of you that have a BOB, did you find it necessary to use as a smaller stroller for quick errands? Did you just rely on a Snap N Go? I''m trying to decide if we need another stroller, and what to get.

By the way, our neighbor also threw in her infant car seat with two bases for free. Her son is 16 months old and doens''t use it anymore. We may still get another one, but maybe not...
 
Does anyone here have a JEEP stroller? For whatever reason (maybe because it''s associated with SUVs), my husband thinks we need a JEEP stroller for our baby. I do like the three wheeled strollers better than 4, because they turn and swivel easier. But, I don''t think I''ve read anyone''s reviews on them. Does that mean they''re crap?
 
fisher, I love my 3 wheeler but you get what you pay for. I would avoid Jeep personally. MIL bought us the Jeep umbrella stroller and we returned it b/c the wheels didn''t even work
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socal, yes I used my snap ''n go for errands. LOVE that thing.

Curly, T has Crayolas'' triangle crayons and loves them too. I tried the beginner ones and they were too hard to hold. The plastic thing is too big. I love everything M&D too.

Janine, I hate them b/c she can rip them off so easily.
 
Tacori,

Other than the extreme high end (BOB, etc.), do you know of a three wheeler that rocks it hardcore? From what we saw of the JEEP, it looked to be made well, but I know nothing of strollers. Haha. This was just a random decision to drive them around the store tonight... and Paul loved the JEEP and it seemed okay to me, too. I know nothing of putting babies in and out of them, but I did like the one hand fold up it has... that was smooth and quick. I was impressed (though I''ve never folded any other one button fold up, so I have nothing to compare it to). I''ve been looking at reviews... maybe that will reveal more information on the durability of them in general.
 
Crayons - A couple months ago I went to my co-worker''s housewarming and met her ex-neighbor. She is a special ed teacher and was saying how her kids have a hard time with regular crayons, so she made these crayon rocks. They are soy-based, and supposed to be really easy to use and don''t break like regular crayons. I am actually thinking about getting some for party favors if we have a 1st birthday party for M. Her site: crayon rocks I am definitely going to get M some when she gets a little older.
 
fisher, people seem to like instep which is under $200. $200 was my budget and I just couldn''t find anything I loved. I wanted one handle, large sun shade, AIR inflated rubber wheels and something I could fold and lift into my SUV. When you consider how much you are going to use this stroller it is worth it. Plus I hated my fullsize so I didn''t want to make another mistake. Otherwise I would hold off until 6 months or so. Does the Jeep recline? I would not put a newborn in any stroller w/o him/her being in their infant carrier. That''s why the Snap and go is so wonderful
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Q, those are cool!
 
Fisher The jeeps are really pieces of crud IMO. All my friends who have bought them either walk around hating them OR have bought something else instead after wasting the money on the Jeep.

I think that Maclarens are fabulous all around town strollers if you want something super easy and foldable. And under $200.

And honestly I would save up and get a Bob or Baby Jogger or something like that if you want a big jogging stroller. A lot of the cheap ones really blow. Tacori is right though that InStep aren''t bad. But they don''t steer nearly as smoothly as a Bob or something.

And a Snap n Go is a MUST. You can usually get them cheap used on CL.
 
socal, a BOB for 140 is a STEAL (I''m assuming it''s a newer revolution). They could have easily sold it on craigslist for 250. People were easily selling them for that price back when they were 329 full price, so ya did good.

Yes, you need an errand stroller. I love the BOB, but it''s a beast for quick errands. Not impossible, but a bit of a pain. SNG to start, MacClaren later. I swear by this system.

Fisher, I''ll go further than what Tacori and NF said and say the jeep 3 wheelers are pieces of sh*t. My friend wanted a jogging stroller after she got her bugaboo because she liked my BOB. Of course, she didn''t want to pay for a BOB after she spent 700 bucks on the bug. She loved the JEEP concept with the little steering wheel. So I did a lot of research for her and we tested it out. Once we put her kid in it, she agreed it was just a bad idea. It feels SO unstable to me (but admittedly, I am comparing to the BOB). Some reviews did indeed say it can tip relatively easily. It''s not sturdy. It''s just trying to be a "cool" stroller, but if I want a jogging stroller, I want substance, not style.

Fortunately the BOB has both.

Yeah, I am a BOB cheerleader, but I don''t work for the company, I swear. 13 months later, I still LOVE my BOB. I use it several times a day and it''s just so awesome at the park. My friend with the bugaboo ended up getting the BOB and really hasn''t touched her bug since. We were just talking the other day and saying what a great stroller it is.

Trust me, save your pennies and get the BOB revolution if you want an all terrain stroller/jogger. Tacori tried to find a substitute in vain, but she''s one smart cookie and realized BOB''s yer uncle!
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Date: 5/7/2009 9:38:56 PM
Author: qtiekiki
Crayons - A couple months ago I went to my co-worker''s housewarming and met her ex-neighbor. She is a special ed teacher and was saying how her kids have a hard time with regular crayons, so she made these crayon rocks. They are soy-based, and supposed to be really easy to use and don''t break like regular crayons. I am actually thinking about getting some for party favors if we have a 1st birthday party for M. Her site: crayon rocks I am definitely going to get M some when she gets a little older.
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Those are cool! I''ve bookmarked, thanks! And please don''t change your av anytime soon, because it cracks me up EVERY TIME I see it!

Curly, thanks for those toy suggestions...I''ve been paying special attention to such things lately because I am a moron at that kind of stuff.
 
there are a few deals on the net that i thought i'd post for the mommies and mommies-to-be...not sure how long they'll last

1) free nursing covers @ uddercovers.com. their "essence" covers are essentially free with the coupon code "onefree" or "slickdeal". they originally retail for $32 but with the coupon you just pay shipping of about $7. only pink and blue are left right now and they ship to canada as well.

2) mamabargains.com has the easy walker sky strollers for $229.37 (orig price is $499.99). $15 flat rate shipping.
 
Thanks everyone for the tiny love activity mat recommendation! I ordered one on line and expect it later this week. I hope she likes it!

I also got a Bob this past weekend! I''m very excited about it. Is she big enough to go in it yet at 8 weeks? I got a head support to put in it for her which would help right? I believe I read that I shouldn''t actually run/jog with her in it until she''s 6 months but walking is okay. Is that true? I remember seeing a special on TV the other day about model mommies and this one mom ran a marathon with her 4 month old LO in a jogger the whole way! Needless to say, I will NOT be running a marathon anytime soon but I''m just curious.
 
Date: 5/12/2009 12:53:58 PM
Author: Mrs
Thanks everyone for the tiny love activity mat recommendation! I ordered one on line and expect it later this week. I hope she likes it!

I also got a Bob this past weekend! I''m very excited about it. Is she big enough to go in it yet at 8 weeks? I got a head support to put in it for her which would help right? I believe I read that I shouldn''t actually run/jog with her in it until she''s 6 months but walking is okay. Is that true? I remember seeing a special on TV the other day about model mommies and this one mom ran a marathon with her 4 month old LO in a jogger the whole way! Needless to say, I will NOT be running a marathon anytime soon but I''m just curious.
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I would have been very comfortable taking Amelia for a light jog on a smooth surface (like our local beachfront strand) at 4 months. I would just make sure she''s full inclined before you do so.

I put Amelia in the BOB from 1 week. No problem. I took her to stroller strides class at 6 weeks old in it and was able to light jog as there were no jarring surfaces (although the way you make the stroller jostle while running has something to do with it as well). I used a snuzzler and always had her fully reclined. Worked fantastic.

So yes, with support like a snuzzler, you can use that puppy from day 1, as long as you have the ones with the 70 degree recline (models 2007 and later).
 
Okay, is it weird that browsing this thread TOTALLY makes me wanna have a bebe?
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Must remove self from baby shopping thread STAT...
 
Thanks for the reviews on strollers, ladies. We''ll hit up the Instep and maybe the Maclaren on our next visit to BRU (we go there way too often for not being preggo... so many pregnant friends though!)

I totally don''t want a crap mobile for our baby... but we don''t jog, but we do walk a lot and up and down hills and want an urban/all terrain stroller since we do a lot of outdoor-sy type things (I''ve seen far too many of the teeny weeny 4 wheel variety strollers get caught up in grass, stuck in stand, etc. to think that''s a good option for us).

But now I wonder, if you get an all terrain three wheeler, are people going to think it''s a jogging stroller? Because we aren''t joggers and don''t look like joggers (if you know what I mean) and don''t want to look like we got this "trendy" stroller style just to get it, not because it''s what we need.

Eh, I know image doesn''t matter. Nevermind about that last part.

So, the instep and others can be used from newborn on? I thought for newborns you needed either the tri-system (carrier stuck to stroller) or the snap and go? Or am I off again?
 
Date: 5/12/2009 10:16:11 PM
Author: fisherofmengirly

So, the instep and others can be used from newborn on? I thought for newborns you needed either the tri-system (carrier stuck to stroller) or the snap and go? Or am I off again?
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Some can, some can''t. Make sure to read the fine print and make sure it can be used from day 1 if that''s what you want it for. Many of the cheaper models can''t be used until 3 mos.

But...you will still want a SNG. It is such a pain in the patootie to get a tiny infant in and out of a carseat to use a regular stroller-you will never want to go anywhere and it is important for your sanity to get out!

And please don''t get one of those "systems". Total POS (my opinion of course...). Get a snap n go...SOOOO much easier. Or at least get a stroller you love that has a carseat adaptor-but don''t buy a system just to buy a system.
 
I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions/experience with the Bugaboo Bee?

We already got a used BOB for our big stroller, but based on everyone''s opinions on here, I am planning to get another smaller stroller for errands. I know everyone likes the Snap and Go, but then you''d have to get another small stroller for when they aren''t in the car seat all the time anymore (some suggested a Mclaren). I was thinking I could use the Bugaboo Bee for both. You can use it with the carset adapter when they are small, and then use it as a regular stroller once older. And you don''t have to take off the seat to fold like the other Bugs, which is great.

I know they are expensive, but our strollers are really going to be our only big purchases. I am willing to splurge on them since I''ll be using them all the time.
 
So cal, I used my s''ng and then once she was too heavy I (and still do use) my volo. Love my volo. They are around $80-$100 and s''ngs are $40-$60. Start a college fund with the difference
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No need for two pricey strollers IMHO. Plus most errands she sits in the cart so I don''t even use my volo *that* much. But it is GREAT for travel.
 
so cal, I agree with Tacori. There really is not need for two expensive strollers. I also have a volvo and although I didn''t have a SNG in the early stages (so many of the mommies around here LOVE them and they''re cheap) I just used my full size travel system to put the carseat in.
 
Tacori and Burk - Thanks.

So did you ladies just keep your little ones in the carseat for errands exclusively until 6 months? I looked at the Volo''s online, and it says they are good from 6 months+. I am just concerned about my baby being in a carseat every time we run errands for the first 6 months, since that can''t be that comfortable for them. All my friends that have a Snap N Go also had a travel system, so they would put their baby in the regular stroller seat if they were awake and could hold their head up.
 
Yeah I did if I used a stroller but honestly she sits in a cart most of the time. I think she started doing that around 5 months.

ETA: I have a BOB too and have taken it to the farmer's market and a few places like that. I think it is easy to fold and not *that* heavy so if you are REALLY worried you could use that.
 
Date: 5/13/2009 7:10:00 PM
Author: so cal girl
I was just wondering if anyone had any opinions/experience with the Bugaboo Bee?

We already got a used BOB for our big stroller, but based on everyone''s opinions on here, I am planning to get another smaller stroller for errands. I know everyone likes the Snap and Go, but then you''d have to get another small stroller for when they aren''t in the car seat all the time anymore (some suggested a Mclaren). I was thinking I could use the Bugaboo Bee for both. You can use it with the carset adapter when they are small, and then use it as a regular stroller once older. And you don''t have to take off the seat to fold like the other Bugs, which is great.

I know they are expensive, but our strollers are really going to be our only big purchases. I am willing to splurge on them since I''ll be using them all the time.
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So Cal, I really seriously looked at the Bee and although I liked a lot of things about it, it was just too low to the ground for me and with my back that was a worry. However it did tick all the other boxes for us. Loads of my friends in London have one and seem pretty happy.

Then I saw the Stokke Xplory and the height they are and that was that - it ticked all our boxes and then some. Plus I managed to get an amazing deal online where I paid the same for the Stokke as the Bee would have cost me and got a load of the accessories plus a free Maxi Cosi carseat and adaptors as well. The carseat and stroller are the only things we have bought new and as we don''t have the space for more than one ''baby-mobile'' it needs to be an all in one. My mother and MIL have both been raving over it - maybe that means they will WANT to take their grand-daughter out for walks!

I found the Bee not totally simple to unfold, take the carseat on and off etc - and that was without a wriggly and/or screaming child in it. It also looks very narrow and not very tall. Plus the accessories are $$$... not to say that Stokke aren''t either - but you can get away without actually needing to buy them!

I''ve interrogated poor unsuspecting Xplory owners and some of them are putting their 3 years olds in it still, I can''t see that you would get a child of 2 into the Bee. For an expensive piece of kit, I''d want my money''s worth!

That said, the resale value is pretty good!
 
Hi Ladies, I''m wondering if some of you can help talk some sense into me and let me know what gear I need and what''s going overboard. It''s getting hard for me to resist buying everything as C hits the fun stages with toys,etc. I already resisted a jumperoo (since I have an exersaucer), but have the following on my wish list. Let me know if any of them are useless or overkill or if I''m missing something! This would be for around the 9 month age group.

*Laugh & Learn Musical Table
*Fisher Price Singing Band walker (already have lots of musical toys, crazy RF highchair, exersaucer)
*sun pod for beach (already have travel crib, PNP)
*shoes, swimgear
*shopping cart cover
*alphabet floor mat
*outdoor toddler swing (Little Tikes,etc)
*block toys
 
Date: 5/19/2009 10:52:06 AM
Author: janinegirly
Hi Ladies, I'm wondering if some of you can help talk some sense into me and let me know what gear I need and what's going overboard. It's getting hard for me to resist buying everything as C hits the fun stages with toys,etc. I already resisted a jumperoo (since I have an exersaucer), but have the following on my wish list. Let me know if any of them are useless or overkill or if I'm missing something! This would be for around the 9 month age group.


*Laugh & Learn Musical Table

*Fisher Price Singing Band walker (already have lots of musical toys, crazy RF highchair, exersaucer)

*sun pod for beach (already have travel crib, PNP)

*shoes, swimgear

*shopping cart cover

*alphabet floor mat

*outdoor toddler swing (Little Tikes,etc)

*block toys
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Love the L&L table. Great to use w/o the age before she can stand then pop the legs on when she is older. Pretty much all the L&L toys are good. The house is a favorite.

I think a push toy is good. We have the playskool (I think) 2 in 1 that was given to us. She STILL rides around on it (turns from a walker to a "car") I like toys like that where she can use them at two different ages.

Do you go to the beach a lot? We did buy a "tent" from One Step Ahead that was nice when we go to the beach. She should have a swimming suit and water shoes (IF she walks). But you can buy them at target if you want to save.

I have a shopping cart cover I no longer use. You might be passed that boat at 9 months. It is great when they are little but a PITA now that she is older. half the time I get those special cars where she is driving the car b/c it keeps her busier.

Is the floor mat rubber? No way if you have pets. I heard they attract all the pet hair. Gross.

We have a bucket swing on our swing set and she loves it. They have sales on the little tike ones all the time. If you have somewhere to hang it kids do love to swing.

Blocks are a good learning toy. She has a set of painted wooden ones from Target. Guess I am nit much help b/c my kid is spoiled
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But again remember I am a SAHM so I need toys for my sanity as well as her entertainment.

ETA: unless you see a good sale I would wait until after her one year party. She might get a lot of this stuff as gifts.
 
Thanks Tacori--looks like I should buy it all, LOL.
We do go to the beach alot, DH''s parents have a beach house and he has spent most his childhood summers there. Hardest part is the 2-3hr drive with a back arching little one though!

I don''t know where you mommies keep all these toys--I guess we better finish our basement fast!
 
janine, we have a 10 hour drive to my inlaws''s lake house so consider yourself lucky!
 
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