Look out, Oprah! We cozied up by the fire sipping on hot cocoa (in our 85 degree Boca Raton weather), and compiled a list of OUR favorite things, “Mommy Recommended, Pediatrician Approved” style! With the holidays right around the corner, this list includes old standbys that we can’t live without, along with some new gadgets and gizmos that we’re currently crushing on for parents.
Let us know your favorites! Happy Holidays!
The Uvicube – http://amzn.to/2gEC1Gt
We are slightly obsessed with our new office UVICUBE ($299), which looks like a mini kitchen appliance and sterilizes everything (using UV light) be it bottles, cell phones, or toys in a handy “set it and forget it” mode. Plus, it will stay with you through the toddler years and beyond!
Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup – http://amzn.to/2gWSSFm
This sippy cup ($11.49 for the 2-pack) for slightly advanced sippers truly lives up to its name, it IS a miracle! It will not leak, as long as you have the lid locked on tight. We love using this one on trips to the park or anytime on the go!
Inglesina High Chair – http://amzn.to/2fY7jt5
This portable, super lightweight travel highchairs ($69.00) is one of our baby product staples. Rather than using the restaurant’s highchair and having to worry about wiping it down and covering it, bring your own! The Inglesina clips right on to the table, which also brings baby even closer to the action for less mess and spills. We also highly recommend using it for travel for easy feeding whether you’re at a hotel or visiting family.
Doona Stroller – http://amzn.to/2gWQ5vC
When we first saw this incredibly convenient carseat/stroller combo ($599.98), we drooled. Yes, you read that correctly. It’s a carseat that comes out of the car, and magically turns into a stroller with the push of a button. For errands, trips to the doctor’s office, or just for maximum convenience, the Doona is the talk of the town for new parents.
Magnatiles Clear Colors 32 Piece Set – http://amzn.to/2h3X9Da
Quite possibly one of our favorite educational toys, the magnatiles ($49.99) come highly recommended by preschool teachers for a wide age range of children, ages 3 & up. Aside from being entertaining and fun, they help build critical development skills…we say “Win/Win!”
Munchkin Fresh Food Teether- http://amzn.to/2gEMWQK
Parents of teething babies are willing to try anything…but these mesh bag teethers ($6.99 for the 2-pack) really help! Add a piece of frozen fruit, and watch as your little one goes from fussy to fascinated!
Nose Frida – http://amzn.to/2gqvoF3
The number one must-have baby/toddler product for mini stuffy noses, the nose Frida ($17.99) is a life-saver. Be sure to always keep one in your medicine cabinet…it will stay with you until your child learns how to blow his/her nose on their own!
Fred & Friends Dinner Winner Kids’ Dinner Tray – http://amzn.to/2h3ZpKH
Now your kids CAN play with their food! This feeding tool ($15.76) will help your picky eater get more than just a bite or two when you add a reward to the finish line. With a special “treat cover,” your child doesn’t know what the reward is until they finish all their bites. Be it a piece of fruit, a cookie, or even a sticker, the element of surprise gets them to eat like never before!
Aquaphor Baby Advanced Therapy Healing Ointment – http://amzn.to/2gWUGy8
Is there anything more magical than the healing power of Aquaphor? ($18.78 3-pack) This healing ointment and ultra gentle moisturizer is best to have on hand for irritated skin, dry skin, or just to help keep baby skin silky smooth.
Interlocking Foam Mats “Wood Grain” – http://amzn.to/2gS6rTw
If hard wood floors have you worried to get your baby’s tummy time in, these foam mats, ($23.95 for 6-pack) which look like real wood are super comfortable and keep new crawlers & walkers “boo-boo free.”
Nest Camera (Security Camera/Baby Monitor) – http://amzn.to/2gWMc7w
A very reliable and accessible baby monitor for parents, the nest cam ($174.99) puts a super clear shot of your baby’s nursery on your smartphone.
Fisher-Price Rock N’ Play Sleeper – Deluxe – http://amzn.to/2fYa4dD
The Rock N’ Play ($52.88) is not just a rocker/sleeper combo, it’s a miracle! Babies with reflux or colic love the slight incline, and parents love the portability and auto rocking feature. Basically, it rocks!
Fisher-Price Code-a-pillar – http://amzn.to/2h43b6P
An educational toy for the 21st century, the code-a-pillar ($38.88) introduces basic programming and sequencing skills to toddlers ages 3 & up. Next stop: Silicon Valley!
Periodic Table Blocks – http://amzn.to/2gS3vWL
If your children are going to play with blocks, why not offer an early introduction to the periodic table? Wooden blocks are a wonderful, educational toy that can stay in your toy box for years to come! ($34.95)
United States of America – Learning Placemat – http://amzn.to/2gS1s54
It’s always fun to take the opportunity to teach children something new during mealtime. This placemat ($5.42) keeps dinner neat and tidy, all while teaching mini geographers the ropes of the USA!
Safety 1st Rectal Thermometer – http://amzn.to/2gWNuj7
With all the fancy thermometers on the market, it’s important for new parents to understand that infants will need to have their temperatures taken with a standard rectal thermometer ($11.94). If you forgot to put one on your registry, it’s not too late to get one to keep in your medicine cabinet.
Bitsy’s Brainfood Cookies – http://amzn.to/2h46Tx7
Cookies sweetened with sweet potato? You read that correctly! These are a big hit in our house, and we never feel bad for giving them. Extra bonus: they’re shaped like letters of the Alphabet and completely organic. ($6.14)
Thermos Foogo Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-ounce Straw Bottle – http://amzn.to/2gSfrb5
The ultimate all-in-one sip cup. It stays cold for hours, won’t leak, and has a straw for ease of use. These are our “go to” lunchbox sippy cups. ($8.75)
Tower HEPA 3-in-1 Air Cleaning System – http://amzn.to/2gEThvc
Clean air anyone? You change your A/C filter monthly (we hope), but many children and adults can benefit from the continuous circulation of filtered air. Use the HEPA filter ($84.99) to get rid of all of those nasty pollens, dust, or other aero-allergens. We have one in several rooms of our house!
The Happiest Baby On The Block – http://amzn.to/2gWOUKt
Our “go-to” baby bible, this book for new parents teaches calming techniques for baby that you won’t learn anywhere else. A must read! ($10.87)
The Happiest Toddler On The Block – http://amzn.to/2gWYtv7
Toddlers have a language all of their own, and Dr. Harvey Karp is too good at breaking it all down for parents. You are guaranteed to learn something, and your toddler is too! ($9.28)
The Baby Sleeps Tonight – http://amzn.to/2gSaKOJ
We love the baby sleep schedules featured in this book ($9.66), and also love the flexible take on adjusting to life after baby with a realistic approach.