babydollstroller.net » Baby Products

Baby Toys – 12 Months

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 22:32:32 +0000

What are your recommendations for baby toys for a 12 month old?

Many parents feel that they have to go out of their way to find interesting and exciting toys for their babies at this age, but in reality you have to remember that your child simply does not care how much you pay for a toy. In fact, just about anything will amuse a one year old, including an old broken toy, anything he can bang on, or even the family pet!

What most parents are unaware of is that through play, your baby begins to learn how to interact with the world around him, which of course makes playtime extremely important for your baby’s development. However it doesn’t have to be very expensive either. While you can make many toys for your baby with things you find around the house, you will no doubt want to buy him some toys that are interactive and will stimulate his creativity.

Here you will find our latest recommendations on our favorite toys for one year olds.

Infant Car Seat Safety Ratings

admin — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 03:38:15 +0000

I have been searching for infant car seat safety ratings, but I am having trouble finding these ratings. Can you tell me where to find the best car seat ratings and what car seats you would recommend?

You’re going to have trouble finding these safety ratings as the US government does not release any of these types of reports. Basically, the government determines if a seat is safe to be released to the public or not. These car seats are then given a passing or failing grade, before they can be taken to the marketplace. That is about it.

You can read a more in-depth article about this topic by clicking here – top rated car seats.

As far as the car seat brands that I would recommend, I feel that Britax is one of the best manufacturers around. This is exactly what I use for my daughter and I can’t recommend them highly enough.

I’ve also heard a lot of good things about Evenflo and Cosco car seats as well. Just remember to follow the tips I have provided in the link above, before you buy any car seat for your baby. Remember, it is going to be one of the most important purchases you ever made to help keep your child safe.

Also, don’t forget to have the car seat checked at an inspection station to be sure that you installed it correctly. A majority of all car seats that are installed by parents are usually done wrong. It only takes about an hour to have this inspection done and it usually is done by an appointment.

If you take anything from this article it should be the fact that it does not matter how safe your car seat is, or how much money you pay for, if you not have it installed properly. This is easily the most important step that a parent needs to take to help ensure that your baby is going to be as safe as possible whenever you are on the road.

Safety Gates For Stairs

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 20:12:12 +0000

Can you recommend some safety gates for stairs? I want to make sure that I get the right type of gate that will prevent my baby from falling down any of the steps in our home, as we have a number of stairwells.

Picking out the right baby safety gate is extremely important and is something that you simply cannot take the cheap route on. Far too many parents don’t understand how many babies get hurt every year falling down steps, and it is essential that you protect your child from not only these dangers, but others as well by baby proofing your home.

There are three types of baby gates that you buy on the market today and these include: custom gates, permanent gates and pressure gates. Generally, these gates are designed to protect children between six months and two years of age.

Before picking out any type of safety gate for your baby, you will want to do a little bit of research before hand. It is important that you know that not all of these gates are created equally, and doing your homework can mean the difference between your baby being seriously hurt or not.

Here are a few essential tips that you should know:

Look for gates that are not easily opened by a child
Never buy a gate unless it is JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified
Know the ASTM standards for baby gates. The American Society for Testing and Materials sets international standards for baby gates and it is extremely important that you know how much space is needed between the sides and from the bottom of the gate to the floor. This will ensure that your baby’s hands, feet, or head does not get stuck. As this standard can change, it is always best to find it directly on their website.
Avoid buying a pressure gate if you plan to use it on a stairwell as these types of gates can be easily pushed over

Whenever you are buying a baby gate, keep in mind that this is going to be an extremely important purchase. You should never skimp here and buy a cheap gate that will put your child in jeopardy. Be sure to keep the tips above in mind before you go shopping, and don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as you deem necessary when speaking with the salesperson.

Baby Monitors With Camera

admin — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:44:39 +0000

Can you tell me what to look for in baby monitors with camera and video features?

A baby monitor is something that allows parents to sleep more easily at night and it is something I highly recommend that you buy. There are of course the old standard audio baby monitors that have been around for years, but today more and more parents want to use video monitors to keep tabs on their infant. There are pros and cons of course to buying these types of monitors, and of course the biggest con is fact that these types of monitors are quite expensive. However, just because a monitor is expensive, does not necessarily mean that it is of higher-quality.

Also, please be aware of the fact that these units can pose a strangulation risk as the camera needs to be placed near the baby, so please read the warnings that come with the unit you decide on and take the necessary precautions.

What To Look For In A Baby Monitor

Easily the biggest complaint that you will hear about baby monitors, is how much interference is being picked up by these devices. I can tell you that there is nothing more irritating than having a monitor that makes a lot of noise, especially when you are trying to sleep. This is why you will want to look for a monitor that has a 1.9 GHZ frequency, as these types have better privacy and less interference than a 2.4 GHZ frequency, which is used by more devices around your home and in your neighborhood. Or better yet just go with a digital monitor, which has very minimal interference.

You also want to look for a display screen that is of adequate enough size so that you can comfortably see your baby. Some monitor sizes are really small, while others can be quite large. However, in most cases the bigger the display size, the more money you will end up having to pay.

You may also want to consider buying a monitor that has a thermometer on it. The device will alert you if the temperature in the room has become either too cold or too warm, so you can make the necessary adjustments.

Another feature that you might want to think about is buying a unit that has a motion and sound detector. These units will filter out many common sounds and only turn on whenever your baby makes a noise or moves.

Finally, you will want to consider the range of your unit. Will you be outside frequently doing such things as gardening while your baby sleeps? If so, you will want to buy a unit that has adequate range to allow you to take the monitor outside or in other parts of the home.

Best Baby Monitors With Camera

Baby Touch Color Video Monitor (Summer Infant) – the best thing about this unit is that it has a generous 3 1/2 inch video display, and it is in color. It also has a great two way talkback feature and has up to 400 feet of range. This unit will set you back about $230.

Motorola Digital Video Baby Monitor (with Room Temperature Thermometer) – this has many of the same features as the Summer Infant unit, but it also has a thermometer as well. The display is quite large as well at 3 1/2 inches in the range goes up to 450 feet. This unit runs around $170.

Rocking Chairs For Nursery

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:54:58 +0000

I’m looking for rocking chairs for nursery rooms. Can you tell me what I should look for and suggest a few models that would stand out in my baby’s room?

Today many parents are using glider rockers in place of the traditional rocker, but I personally feel the old world rocker adds more character to a nursery. However, both of these types of rockers are ideal for helping to soothe a baby to sleep, especially at 2 AM when you’re trying to nurse her.

The traditional rocker has of course been around almost as long as babies (or it least it seems so!) and the gliders are the more contemporary version of these rockers. The difference between the two is not only in their design, but how they rock. A traditional rocker will move in an arc, while a glider moves forward and backwards. Many gliders have a matching ottoman, but in most cases it has to be bought separately.

What To Look For In Nursery Rocking Chairs

First you will need to set your budget, then determine which type of rocker you prefer and if you want an ottoman as well (which can really add to the cost in some cases). Then you need to decide on the finish and design. If you are going with a glider, you will want to decide if you prefer one that can swivel or recline.

You will want to look for a solid wood structure in any rocker that you choose and the cushions for both the seat and ottoman should be made of dense material that doesn’t rip or tear easily. You will find that the prices for these rockers can really vary, as the high end models can be quite pricey, but are generally made from better materials. They also may have preferable features such as the ability to recline or swivel and a locking mechanism. This of course doesn’t mean you can’t find a great bargain in a lower end model, as there are a number of excellent options out there.

One thing that I always recommend to anyone buying a rocker, is to buy one that is wide. You don’t want to get crammed in with your baby when you are trying to find a comfortable position for the two of you. You will discover that as he grows, a narrow rocker can be a hindrance and really becomes quite uncomfortable.

If you are considering a glider, also pay particular attention to the warranty, as these types of rockers have a number of parts that may need to be replaced over time.

There are a number of good choices out there, but here are a couple that I have come across that won’t blow your budget and would look great in most nurseries.

Hill Country Adult Rocking Chair – this an elegant, yet simple rocking chair that comes in both white or natural colors. I have seen this particular rocking chair selling for a shade under $200 at most retailers.

Stork Craft Gliders – this company produces a number of really exquisite looking gliders, but the prices are more than reasonable. The best thing about this line is that most of their gliders come with an ottoman as well.

Fetal Heart Rate Monitor

admin — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:46:03 +0000

Can you tell me if a fetal heart rate monitor is safe to use while you’re pregnant, and what are a few that you would recommend that I buy?

A baby heartbeat monitor can be a wonderful thing as long as it is used in the proper context. Many women who are expecting will use a baby heart monitor to help reassure them that everything is fine with their baby. These devices can be especially comforting for women who have had miscarriages or stillborn babies in the past, because many times when they cannot feel the movement of their babies, simply hearing the heartbeat can help to alleviate their worries that something could be wrong with the baby.

However, it is extremely important to keep in mind that a baby heart rate monitor should never be used in place of a professional diagnosis. In some cases expectant mothers have difficulty finding the heart rate of their babies and start to panic and stress themselves out, which could end up leading to a frantic call to the doctor’s office.

This is why it is highly suggested that you use these devices as a novelty only and expect that even if you hear a heartbeat or not, this does not always mean that everything is either fine with your baby or that something is in fact wrong either.

How Does A Fetal Heart Rate Monitor Work?

These devices are usually pretty easy to use, as gel is placed on the stomach of the expectant mother and the device is then placed directly above her pubic bone. Sometimes you may be able to hear the heartbeat right away if you’re lucky, but in most cases you will have to move the monitor around and change the angle to finally hear the heartbeat.

It is highly recommended that you do not try to use a monitor to listen for your baby’s heartbeat until at least around 14 weeks, as this is usually the time that you are almost assured of hearing a heartbeat.

Are Fetal Heart Rate Monitor Safe?

Before a monitor can be sold to the public, it has to be approved by the FDA. It is believed that heart monitors are perfectly safe for both the mother and unborn child. However, before you decide to use one at home, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your physician first.

Which Monitors Would You Recommend?

There are a number of these monitors on the market today, and generally you can get a good one for well under $100. There’s also the possibility of renting one, if you prefer to use it for a short period of time.

Such brand names as Graco, Contec and Hi Bebe make these monitors and they start right around $30 and up.

Cheap Baby Items – The Reality

admin — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:02:56 +0000

I am a new mom to be and I am just starting to get an idea of everything I will need, can you please tell me how to get cheap baby items? Our budget is severely limited and I am afraid I won’t be able to afford everything we need for our newborn!

Next to the health of your baby, this is easily the biggest concern for most parents and something I went through as well before my daughter was born, but I can assure you that there are ways to save a great deal of money on these products. You just need to know where and when to look.

My best piece of advice is to create a budget you can follow, and to really stick to it. You will want to set aside money for the big ticket items such as a stroller and most especially a car seat. These two items alone will most likely set you back several hundred dollars. However, don’t be afraid to put these items on your registry list and ask family and friends to pitch in to buy one or both items.

When my wife and I sat down and looked at where all of our money was being spent, I was shocked at how much we had spent on clothes in the beginning (we were quite naive at the time!). It was mind boggling and pushing well past $600. Once our daughter was born she grew out of many of the clothes we had bought, before they were ever even used. This is a common mistake many new parents make. The truth of the matter is you can save yourself hundreds of dollars by limiting the amount of newborn clothes you buy, and keeping the tags on the clothing until they are actually used. Then simply return or exchange the outfits your baby outgrew and never wore. You will be shocked at how much you can save by using this savvy method.

Also keep in mind that many department stores will heavily discount their baby clothes in January and February. These are not off brands, but major labels. We have literally been able to get baby clothing for pennies on the dollar at this time.

Another great way to save money is buying closeout model car seats, strollers, etc. Since these models are generally released in the Spring, this is when you will find the previous model years on sale. You can also find some fantastic bargains on barely used baby items in local classified sites such sites as Kijiji and Craiglist.

Please remember that you will probably want to buy a car seat new for two reasons; first car seats have an expiry date now and you must be aware of if the one you are buying has expired or not, but most importantly if it has been in an accident it is no longer safe.. Many people are unaware of this and it is not always easy to tell if a car seat has been compromised by a visual inspection.

Saving money on baby items is a learning process, but becomes much easier when you become a more experienced parent. You will learn which items you shouldn’t cut corners on, and the best places and times to find the bargains we all chase after!

Umbrella Strollers For Toddlers

admin — Fri, 27 May 2011 16:01:21 +0000

What should I be looking for in umbrella strollers for toddlers?

While you are looking to buy this for a toddler, I would like to take a minute to caution new parents to never use an umbrella stroller for a young baby. This is because the standard ones are usually made for older babies/toddlers. Unless the seat can recline, you should never use these types of strollers for babies under 6-7 months.

The biggest advantages to these strollers are that they are lightweight and inexpensive. You can buy a top of the line umbrella stroller for under $100 and many low end models run around $12-15.

Most parents move to an umbrella stroller before their baby turns 12 months, as they are much easier to maneuver and lug around in your vehicle.

While you can get one of these strollers on the cheap, it is a good idea to buy a high end model that is easy to push and safer for your child. Since you can use this stroller for your child up until 3-4 years of age, investing in a good one is something I doubt you will ever regret. Trust me when I tell you that you will more than get your money’s worth out of it.

What Is The Major Difference Between A High End Umbrella Stroller And A Cheap One?

Basically, the design and the material. A high end model is designed to equally distribute the weight of the load of your child, making it much easier to steer and push around.

Most umbrella strollers are quite simple and the features are limited, but there are a few questions you should ask yourself when considering a specific model:

Is it constructed well? Look at the material of both the frame and the seat to ensure that it will be both durable and sturdy. Since you want to keep this stroller for several years, buying one with cheap material will eventually lead to another trip back to the store for a new one.

Does the seat have padding? Many of these strollers look like hammocks on wheels. Imagine if you had to sit in one of these for an extended period of time like your child. Be considerate and buy one that has some padding in the seat.

Do the handles have padding? Pushing one of these around all day is going to be much easier on your hands if there is padding, instead of hard, unforgiving plastic.

Is it easy to tip over? The lower end models are notorious for tipping over. So be sure the model you consider is equally balanced and not easy to tip over.

I always suggest buying closeout models, especially with umbrella strollers. A new model isn’t going to be significantly improved over last year, but the price on the older models can be quite attractive to many parents.

Train Tables For Toddlers

admin — Fri, 27 May 2011 02:59:48 +0000

What would you say are the best train tables for toddlers?

Nothing seems to amuse a toddler like a train and there are countless sets you can buy, but some of the most interesting ones I have found are listed below:

Kid’s Ride Around Town Train Set and Table (Kidcraft) – I have to say I am really becoming a fan of this company and the unique toys they make. This is a great set that is basically a little city that your child can ride the train round. It includes an airport, hospital and about 100 other pieces your toddler can play with. The dimensions are 49 X 35 and it runs around $150.

Deluxe Canyon Road Train and Track Table (Step2) – the thing I like the most about this is that the train track is actually one piece. Anyone with a toddler knows they are notorious for losing train tracks and other pieces. So this alone will save you time looking for missing track pieces under the couch, in the refrigerator (yep) and anywhere else you can think of. It also converts into an activity table once you put the lid on, so it actually serves a couple of purposes and is a space saver to boot. I have seen this for as little as $75 at some stores.

Thomas and Friends Table and Chairs (Little Tikes) – this isn’t exactly a train set, but it a cute little table and chair set with Thomas the train on the back. It can be used as an activity table or even for your child to eat lunch or dinner on. It will easily be one of their favorite tables to play on. You can pick this up for your toddler for $70.

I have seen a few other train tables I have liked, including ones made by Mellissa and Doug. So you may want to check out what they have to offer as well. However, I think just about any toddler will be happy with any of the tables above.

Top Rated Strollers

admin — Thu, 26 May 2011 11:56:22 +0000

Who would you say makes the top rated strollers?

This is one of those buying decisions that can leave many parents with a bad case of information overload. Whenever you sit down and work out the numbers for your baby budget, keep in mind that a stroller can get quite costly. However that depends on what you are looking for and how much you are actually willing to spend.

What Should I Be Looking For In A Stroller?

Features and an attractive design are desirable, but the most important thing is going to be safety, durability and of course practicality. Some important questions you want to ask yourself when looking at a stroller are:

Does it have a sturdy frame? Check the construction of the frame and ensure that it is equally balanced so it won’t easily tip over.

Does it have a 5 point harness? This is the safest harness on the market and while some manufactures use a 3 point harness, this can be all too easy for a baby or toddler to slip out of.

Does it lock when folded open? This is extremely important as an unlocked stroller can collapse on your baby or toddler.

What are the wheels made of and how big are they? You want wheels made of nylon or rubber and keep in mind that the bigger the wheel, the less maneuverability you will have. However, a bigger wheel will be better equipped to handle rougher terrain. So always take into consideration where the stroller will be used most often.

Is the braking system easy to use? You want to look for a stroller that has an easy to use brake system that won’t jam or slip.

How heavy or bulky is the stroller? You have to decide if you want more features which can make the stroller heavier and bigger, or a lightweight and more maneuverable stroller.

What Type Of Strollers Are Available?

There are so many types of strollers available that it is impossible to go over all of them here. However, three of the most common are:

Full Feature Strollers
Lightweight Strollers
Jogging Strollers

Full feature strollers – these models are probably the most popular ones available. They come with a very sturdy frame and a plethora of features such as cup holders, reclining and padded seats, and an infant car seat carrier.

Our top pick in this line has to be the Bugaboo Cameleon, which is fully loaded and priced accordingly at $880.

If you are looking for a more budget conscious stroller that is loaded with features, then we suggest the Steelcraft Profile, which is currently priced around $189.

Lightweight strollers – a lightweight stroller is not nearly as bulky as full featured ones and is generally around 12-14 lbs. These strollers are also light on features, but are much easier to maneuver and load into your vehicle.

Our favorite brand is the Micralite line of strollers, which can be expensive as well. A good budget lightweight stroller would be the Chicco C6.

Jogging strollers – these strollers are designed for active parents to literally run with the stroller around the park or track. They come with large wheels and very sturdy frames to withstand the vibrations of running. A good jogging stroller will usually come with a hand brake for when you need to make quick and sudden stops.

The best bang for your buck here is easily the Jeep Overland which is just as good as many of the top selling brands, but is much less expensive.

The BOB Ironman is another highly rated stroller, but will really cut into your budget.

While the strollers we recommend are our favorites, this doesn’t mean there aren’t other outstanding values available. Just be sure to always work out your budget first, and then ask yourself the questions above before buying any stroller. And try to avoid overpaying for fancy features you may never end up using!