The Shopping Mama

Useful Products for Airplane Travel with Kids

by Kate on December 23rd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Life, Shopping

By the time you read this, we will have tackled our first day of holiday travel as a family of four. Two airplanes, a layover in one of the nation’s biggest airports and an hour car ride later, I’m sure it was exhausting. We haven’t even done it yet and I’m tired just thinking about it. As you know, I’ve been on the hunt for products to make traveling with kids easier. We are lucky to be hitting the road (er, sky) this holiday season armed with two multi-tasking products that I’m excited to share with you.

FlyeBaby

The FlyeBaby is a fabric infant seat that you can use on the plane to help wrangle your lap child. The FlyeBaby helps to secure the baby on your lap, giving you a little bit of freedom as your baby has a place to recline. Straps attach to the tray table and around the parent’s waist. And, when you’re not on an airplane, the FlyeBaby turns any chair into a baby safe seat. It’s ideal for travel because you can use it on the plane, and easily throughout your trip because it folds small enough to fit in a diaper bag. And, you know I”m a sucker for cute fabric and the FlyeBaby is available in three great options. For more information and to purchase ($50), visit FlyeBaby.

Zoobie Pets

Toddler Boy is already smitten with this 3-in-1 stuffed animal-pillow-blanket and it’s going to be his constant travel companion, I’m sure. As a parent, I love that Zoobie Pets check so many boxes in one product: it’s a comfort item that entertains, a pillow (perfect for car or airplane travel) and a blanket (a necessity on an airplane since they’re always so darn cold). zoobie pet kojo the croc I’ll write a full review after our travels, but I can tell you my first impression is great – Kojo the Croc ($34) and Toddler Boy are fast friends and the blanket is surprisingly big. Check out all the species of Zoobie Pets and learn more at zoobies.com.

Safe and happy travels!

Wordless Wednesday: Babies with Santa

by Kate on December 23rd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Weekly Features, Wordless Wednesday

Babies Crying with Santa

I’m sorry, but I think these pictures are hysterical. Seriously funny. Although, I’m not sure if Baby Girl is crying because she’s on Santa’s lap. She could be fearing for her life because of the stuffed dear right behind her head or because it looks like Santa is eyeing her candy cane. Which she only had to try to make the whole photo thing a positive experience. Clearly that did not work.

Happy Holidays from my kids to yours!

Little People Play ‘n Go Farm Review

by Kate on December 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toddler, Toys

Fisher-Price is celebrating the 50th Birthday of the Little People with the release of the Play ‘n Go Farm. Designed to look like the original, this farm is a self-contained little play set is great for imaginative play at home and on the go.

Little People 50th Birthday

From one generation to the next, Little People® friends and playsets continue to captivate little ones’ hearts and imaginations. Often the first role-play toys a child is introduced to, the Little People friends inhabit a sweet world filled with wonderful adventures and great friends to make along the way. Hooray for Little People friends!

Play ‘n Go Farm Features

Unique carry along playset
Barn is “lunch pail” design with a closing lid and handle
Includes a retro looking farmer, tractor and trailer, cow and sheep, fence pieces and animal feed bin

The Farm set isn’t particularly extensive – with only one farmer and two animals – but kids unfamiliar with the original will be happy. If you compare this set to the original it really is kind of wimpy. It’s just the basics with only a farmer, tractor, cow and sheep. But, obviously, this is my kids’ only exposure to the Play ‘n Go Farm so they don’t know it’s not up to par with the original. (I think the Animal Sounds Farm is more in line with the original.)

Little People Farm 50th Birthday Farm

I originally thought it would be Baby Girl’s toy but Toddler Boy has played with it more than she has. He likes setting up the farm and has an ongoing story about the farm. Farmer brings food (sometimes grass, sometimes cookies!) to the feed box for the cow. I think the sheep on his farm might starve to death since it’s often left out of the feeding.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The set is an affordable way to try the Little People – and they really are a great toy for kids with everything from this farm to castles to raceways to, well, you name it and there’s a Little People playset for it. And that’s a good thing. The familiar and imaginative settings are perfect for imaginative and role play.

Or Not to Buy… If you’re looking to replace your original Play ‘n Go Farm, this isn’t it.

Shop! Fisher-Price Little People Play ‘n Go Farm is $16.84 at Amazon and also available at retailers nationwide.

Disclosure: Thank you to Fisher-Price for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. The Amazon link is an affiliate link, which means I will get a (very) small referral fee if you purchase something through that link. Buying through affiliate links and from sponsors is a great way to support your favorite blogger. Just sayin’.

Last Minute Christmas Shopping? My Top Picks

by Kate on December 22nd, 2009 | 5 Comments | Shopping

I’ve updated my Top Picks from the Holiday Gift Guide. Check out my favorites for every age group and head over to Holiday Gift Guide 2009 for more ideas!

Fix-It Right! Manny’s Repair Shop Review

by Kate on December 21st, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toys

FP Manny Repair Shop If you’re procrastinating and looking for that final “wow” gift for Christmas morning, Manny’s Repair Shop might be for you! Handy Manny is brought to life as he guides your child in the construction of various repair and building projects. To put it simply, Manny’s Repair Shop is to the garage workbench what the play kitchen is to the real kitchen.

Fix-It Right Repair Shop

Now you can build and fix exciting projects like Handy Manny! Insert a blueprint into the diagnostic center and Manny guides you along step-by-step. Use the drill press and circular saw to complete your projects! Includes over 40 pieces to build over 20 projects. You can also “fix” the drill and saw when they “break down.”

Repair Shop Features

Tons of great projects you can do in Manny’s Repair Shop
Pick the blueprint you want to work on and Manny will guide you through it
Includes over 40 parts to do the projects
Features a fix-it power saw and a fix-it power drill to do projects with
Over 20 projects to complete

Handy Mannys Repair Shop

Video Review

Check out the video of Manny’s Repair Shop in action. You can see (and hear) how the saw and drill really “work.”

Our Experience

I have to say, this is a great toy. We’ve had a real blast building and putting things together. I particularly like, in addition to making noise, the drill and saw really “work”. The building pieces are designed so that when you push the drill down it really makes a hole and when you “saw” the pieces, if placed correctly, actually break apart. When you start a project, you can put one of the included blueprints into the repair kit and Manny will guide you through the building process. Some of the blueprints are a tad difficult for me to follow, let alone Toddler Boy. For that specific part of the toy, it’s definitely over a 3 year old’s head and he needs help to build specific projects. But, most of the time, our toddler is content to just saw and drill and hammer random things all by himself.

Manny's Repair Shop

It really is a “wow” gift – Toddler Boy nearly peed his pants (maybe not that shocking for a 3 year old boy) when my husband carried it in to surprise him. The size is really a good balance of providing room to play and without being overwhelming in a small room.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… This is a great alternative to a play kitchen. The size is good – big enough to play and with wide legs so it doesn’t tip – but it’s really not too big and the openness of the design makes it feel smaller than it is. I appreciate that it comes with blue prints and suggested projects.

Or Not to Buy… The blueprints are pretty advanced and young kids might find them difficult to use. Toddler Boy needs help to build the projects but he will and is to play by himself when he’s building his own “designs”.

Shop! Manny’s Repair Shop is $100 and can be purchased at major retailers and directly from Fisher Price.

Disclosure: Thank you to Fisher-Price for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.

Fisher-Price TRIO Building Set Review

by Kate on December 20th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toys

trio building set with storage Just like a kid, I have my preferences about what kids’ toys and games I like to play. Obviously I chose what my kids play with, but some of their stuff I don’t enjoy playing but tolerate, some are so-so and then there are those that I actually enjoy doing. TRIO Building System is one of those toys that I actually *really* enjoy playing. Luckily, Toddler Boy likes them, too!

Easy to build, so many ways! Easy-click bricks, sticks, and panels, plus a play figure, make building a “snap” for kids. They can build suggested designs, or build things all their own! Includes 100 pieces in a convenient storage tub. Great for take along play—the storage bin lid doubles as a building base! All pieces in the TRIO™ Building System work together. Collect them all and build a world of fun!

TRIO Basic Building System

The TRIO Basic Building Set with Storage comes with 100 pieces of bricks, sticks and panels in a storage bin. The bin doubles as a building surface for easy play at home or to take to a friend’s house. The “bricks” are (let’s face it) similar to legos in that they stack and connect and come in varying lengths. The bricks make a clicking sound to let you know they’re properly connected. The “sticks” are straight or curved and fit into any side of the bricks. And, the “panels” are, well, panels that are perfect for building a wall.

Designed to grow with your child, the Basic TRIO System is recommended for kids ages 3 – 5, the City System is for kids 4 – 7, and the Castle Building Projects are for 5 – 9 year olds.

Our Experience

The first time we played with the TRIO Toddler Boy played with a couple friends around his age. There were actually a decent number of pieces for them all to share, and the younger two had a similar experience and found the bricks a bit difficult to click together. So, it’s fortunate that I enjoy these because I had to really help Toddler Boy quite a bit – it really took some effort to get to connect. I have already noticed that it’s easier for them to connect so I think once we continue to use and “break them in” it’ll get easier for Toddler Boy to click them by himself.

trio building set

My favorite feature of the TRIO building system is that it’s built around making things. Obviously you can use your imagination and build whatever you like (you should see the “houses” Toddler Boy has created), but the instructions and guidance in how to make various vehicles and robots is really cool. trio helicopter The system we have came with a book of 15 ideas including the pieces you need and a photo of the project. And, once you outgrow the Basic System, you can purchase separate building sets like the TRIO Airport, TRIO Airplane, TRIO Fire Station, or TRIO Castle.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… TRIO Building Set with Storage is a great affordable gift, recommended for kids 3 and older. I think Toddler Boy will continue to enjoy these for a long time, and as his interest grows I like that we can add on building sets to reignite his interest in them. Of course, the storage container is a HUGE plus for me and Toddler Boy likes that the top doubles as a base for his “houses”.

Or Not to Buy… My only complaint is that the pieces are initially too difficult for a 3 year old to do without frustration. Like I said, that problem has already started to improve and I hope it will continue to get better.

Shop! If you’re shopping for the first set of TRIO, at $30 I definitely think the TRIO Building Set with Storageis the way to go. That way you always have somewhere to put them! Prices for additional building sets range from $10 (for the Airplane) to $50 or so for the large castles and such.

Disclosure: Thank you to Fisher-Price for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. The Amazon link is an affiliate link, which means I will get a (very) small referral fee if you purchase something through that link. Buying through affiliate links and from sponsors is a great way to support your favorite blogger. Just sayin’.

Guest Post: Toddler Discipline Tips

by Kate on December 20th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Parenting

One of the most difficult jobs you will have with a toddler is discipline. There is no getting round it – your toddler is going to misbehavior no matter how good a parent you are. All you can do is your best. There are going to some moments that you will remember all your life – and you will tell the tales back to your child when they are older and possibly embarrass them a little!

I have complied a small list of tips to help you on the way of managing and limiting this behavior.

Stay calm and don’t lose your temper – Don’t lose your temper is really the most important rule when dealing with toddlers. There is also the strong possibility the toddler will ‘learn’ this behavior and demonstrate this later on in life.

Set limits and be consistent with them: Children need to know the limits – you must stay consistent with these limits or your child will learn that they can stretch these limits. Never underestimate a toddler’s ability to get what they want!

Show you love them: everyone needs to be loved and no more than your toddler! Tell them you love them regularly. They need constant reassurance on this matter. Cuddles are important too.

Communicate possibly and firmly – Be firm but fair. Don’t be negative all the time about your child’s behavior.

Toddler proof your home – Make sure any objects that can cause harm are out of the way. Remember the phrase ‘if it can happen it will happen. Take away objects that can cause the child to miss behave. If you don’t want your toddler to play with your mobile (If you want it too continue to work for any length of period I would suggest you don’t!) make sure it is out of reach. Same goes for any breakable objects – make sue your toddler can’t reach them. This will save on a few battles!

Recognize triggers to bad behavior – Try to minimize these ‘triggers’. Prevention is better than the cure!

Parental tensions in the house: remember that kids can pick tension within the house. Try not to argue in front of the child or get involved in full blown rows when they are in the house. These kids can have a profound effect on your child. This type of behavior can be learned by your child. Don’t be afraid to show affection to your partner in front of your child. Inevitably they will want involved in any cuddle and there is nothing wrong with a group hug ever so often!

Alan Murray is the webmaster of a Baby Names site. The site has much more than just baby names, with sections on parenting, Breastfeeding, and Toddlers.

Go Diego Go Extreme Launch and Rescue Pack Review

by Kate on December 19th, 2009 | 5 Comments | Reviews, Toys

diego extreme launch and rescue pack Like many toddlers and preschoolers, Toddler Boy is really into imaginative play. But I find that most of his adventures and stories start with something familiar to him – like a character from his television show or book. The Go Diego Go Extreme Launch & Rescue Pack is a great toy for kids like mine because it expands on the familiarity with Diego and his animal rescue adventures but allows kiddos to direct and conduct imaginary play.

Extreme Launch and Rescue Pack

Now kids can be just like Diego with this trusty Extreme Rescue Pack. As on the show, the Rescue Pack will transform to help Diego in his rescues. Your child can take the backpack off and press the logo button to transform the backpack into a rescue center. Kids can spot an animal in trouble with the binoculars, or use the play walkie talkie and signal flares to communicate with Diego.

Includes over 50 rescue missions, phrases & sounds
Front panels open and binoculars pop up
Binoculars are removable
Inside is a hidden rescue station with rescue tools
All play pieces store inside the backpack
4 flares, walkie talkie and small rhino toy are included

Our Experience

The Launch and Rescue Pack is a hard-sided backpack that transforms into a rescue station to help Diego save animals. When you push the Diego button, the backpack opens and binocular pop up on top. Inside, your little one will find flares, a walkie-talkie and a mission center with a map to help find the rescue mission. When you push another button on the inside, Diego tells your little one where to find an animal in trouble and the fun begins.

diego extreme launch and rescue pack

Recommended for children 3 – 6, the Extreme Launch and Rescue Pack is probably best suited for the 4 – 5ish age range. At 3 years old, Toddler Boy lacks some of the strength and dexterity required to put the flares in the launcher and the binoculars in the top of the pack. It’s frustrating for him and for me when he has to come to me every few minutes to fix the toy.

But, when we do get the flares set up – it’s really cool! Your little one pulls a handle on the backpack strap and POP! the flare goes flying into the air.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The accessories – like the really cool flare launcher and binoculars – are pretty cool. The coolest part about the toy is that it’s part costume and part friend who encourages imaginative play.

Or Not to Buy… I was initially slightly disappointed by the size of the pack as it’s a bit on the small side. Although it does have adjustable straps, it fits Toddler Boy pretty well right now but I think he’ll enjoy it more in a year or two. And, while there is a particular storage place inside the pack for the walkie-talkie and flares, they don’t fit very securely which is frustrating.

Shop! The Go Diego Go Extreme Launch and Rescue Pack is available at stores nationwide and on Amazon.com. It’s currently about $60 on Amazon but is $49 at other retailers.