Nap Nanny Announces the Arrival of the Nap Nanny Chill

by Kate on January 25th, 2011  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

The oh-so-comfy baby recliner Nap Nanny has some updates to make it safer and easier for baby (and mama!) to chill. It’s been quite a year for Nap Nanny – from the high of darling national publicity when Sandra Bullock’s son Louis was spotted sleeping in a Nap Nanny in People Magazine to the low of a recall last summer to the excitement of product updates unveiled at the ABC Kids Expo. I had the pleasure of speaking with Nap Nanny President and Founder Leslie Gudel at the ABC Kids Expo in both 2009 and 2010 and her enthusiasm is absolutely infectious. After learning about the product updates, it’s clear Nap Nanny has a placed focus on baby’s safety. (And it’s worth noting many of these updates were in the works prior to the safety recall.)

How is the Nap Nanny Chill Different?

The portable Nap Nanny Chill offers

  • snugger fit at the hips
  • slightly higher sides
  • a redesigned three-point harness
  • harness is removable so it transitions easily to a toddler chair

Like previous Nap Nanny, the Nap Nanny Chill weighs in at 3 pounds, offers a wide base for stability, and a waterproof liner to protect the foam core. It mimics the basic contours of a car seat, but is sloped at 30° at the top and curved gently at the foot to cradle the baby and prevent sliding.

The Nap Nanny Chill recliner is a stand-alone product and not a sleep positioner. It can be carried easily from room to room, but is designed for FLOOR USE ONLY — it should never be placed in a crib, play yard or elevated surface.

Shop! The Nap Nanny Chill Portable Recliner is available for purchase on Amazon for $129.99 (Free Shipping for Amazon Mom). Nap Nanny Chill is available in Camel, Giraffe Print, Minky Blue, Minky Pink or Minky Sage.

Baby & Kid Products to Watch in 2011

by Kate on December 27th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Gear, Shopping

Every year brings new products and innovations for baby and children’s products. We are giving you the scoop on some of 2010′s best new baby products you may not have heard of yet as well as some products that aren’t even for sale yet. Now’s your chance to be the first in your playgroup to have the latest and greatest.

Boppy Flying Circus Play Gym

I had the pleasure of seeing the new Boppy SlideLine collection at the ABC Kids Expo in October. The collection currently features two floor play gyms for infants but will expand to include shopping cart liners and other functional gear for babies.

The Boppy Play Gym Flying Circus ($75) three-arch design allows easy access to baby, and the SlideLine feature means you can easily customize and move toys along the arches to customize play. The gym includes TEN circus-themed toys – quite a lot for a play gym of this size and price point. And, trust me when I tell you that in person this is as cute as you can possibly imagine.

Beaba Pixie Night Light

Oh, how I love the Pixie! Scandinavian Child continues to offer innovative French brand Beaba products that are functional, useful and completely modern. One of the newest products to join the Beaba family is the too cute Pixie Night Light. This rechargeable light is BPA-free and safety tested for use with young babies. In other words, your infant can cuddle the little pixie in her crib without worry. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to carry, it offers two brightness settings and has the cutest little pixie face.

My daughter has taken this to her crib, my 4 year old likes to leave it lit on his bedside table when he’s feeling afraid of the dark, and even my grandmother carried it like a lantern when she spent the night in our house for the first time the other night.

The Beaba Rechargeable Pixie Night Light and Lantern is $58.

KidCo Go-Pod

The makers of the  Kidco PeaPod recently introduced the Go-Pod Portable Activity Seat ($50). Using some of the same technology as the PeaPod, the Go-Pod folds up into a compact and lightweight package perfect for travel. The Go-Pod is awesome for a modern on-the-go lifestyle and great way to keep baby contained and entertained when you’re out and about. There are even velcro loops to hold toys and drink and snack holders.

It’s a great alternative to bulkier activity seats for grandparent’s house. And how perfect would this be to keep baby happy at her big brother’s soccer game or on the family trip to the beach?

Bumbleride

At the 2010 ABC Kids Expo, Bumbleride didn’t unveil any new stroller models, but they did introduce new versions of the current luxury stroller line. The Movement Edition features a modern, sporty, clean lines that pay homage to the company’s southern California roots. Unlike the traditional two-tone Bumbleride, the Movement strollers are solid colors with contrasting piping and the result is an awesome look parents will love. In addition to a different look, they also have a different feel. The fabric is smoother and more water resistant than traditional Bumbleride fabric. The colors are Black (Flite pictured right) and Fog (grey with orange piping).

The Natural Edition includes a bamboo layer to improve breathability in the collection. The strollers will be available in Walnut and Navy. (The Indie, Bassinet and Queen B in Walnut pictured below.)

Bumbleride’s new stroller collections and colors should be available in the spring at slightly higher price points than the tradition model stroller.

Unleash Creativity with Tegu Magnetic Blocks

by Kate on October 17th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

One of the best parts about the ABC Expo is strolling up and down the rows of booths to discover new and new-to-me products. Last year, I learned about Sprig Toys and was instantly a big fan. This year, my favorite toy find is Tegu magnetic blocks. This things are beyond cool. And so is the Tegu story.

Tegu is “a toy business founded to address unemployment, neglected natural and human resources, and the need for entrepreneurship in Honduras.” Given its foundation, it’s not surprising that Tegu maintains a strong commitment to its employees and to the environment. The company plants more trees than it uses, and it donates money to local schools.

The blocks are intentionally simple. Tegu believes in open-ended play facilitated by a child’s imagination. The blocks come in four sizes and have magnets inside allowing for more elaborate creations than standard blocks.

Consider yourself warned: Tegu blocks are so cool you may enjoy them more than your child. The blocks are so sleek and stylish that they would be just as at home on an executive office desk as they would on a child’s bookshelf. I’m planning to send my husband the Discovery Set for Christmas. (And hopefully by then he’ll have forgotten reading this post and will be surprised when he’s opening gifts.)

Shop! Tegu Blocks aren’t cheap. The Original Set of 52 Blocks is $100 and the Discovery Set is $55. Mahogany Blocks are more expensive. And, coming soon: Colored Blocks! Money Saving Tip: Free Shipping if you Share Tegu on Facebook – visit Tegu.com for details and act quick because the offer expires tonight!

4moms Origami Stroller Video & More 4moms News from the ABC Kids Expo

by Kate on October 16th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Blogging

The 4moms origami stroller is updated and getting ready for a spring release. Obviously the main thing that sets the origami apart from others is the power-folding (and unfolding) feature and the all-around high-techness of the stroller. The LCD screen is bright and impressive and there are some other features you expect in a high-end stroller. I am anxious to see it in real-world action when the stroller is released next spring. Check out the video of the world’s first power-folding stroller.

For the sake of comparison, here’s a video I took of the origami last year. The new version of the stroller has a dark frame and the motor and interior mechanisms have been improved.

4moms also announced slight changes to the mamaRoo infant seat and swing. The bottom “bubble” that houses the motor has been rounded for a sleeker look and for improved safety.

The Clearwater Infant Tub is getting a makeover and will be white rather than blue. In addition, it will be sold as a set – the Infant Tub and Spout. Like the Infant Tub, the Spout has an LCD screen with water temperature so you can always make sure the bathwater is safe. It will also be available in the spring.

What do you think of the origami – is it worth the hype? What do you think of the other 4moms product changes

mamaRoo Giveaway: Not Your Mama’s Infant Seat

by Kate on September 20th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Baby Shopping Guide, Giveaways

The first time I laid my eyes on the awesome 4moms mamaRoo at the ABC Kids Expo last year, I was immediately disappointed my children were too old to use it. And then I briefly contemplated whether a baby seat is reason enough to have another child because I wanted so badly to give the mamaRoo a new home. But just because I don’t need a mamaRoo I still get to give one a new home – in your house with this Baby Shopping Guide giveaway.

Meet the mamaRoo

Like all 4moms products, the mamaRoo is truly remarkable.
From planning to production, it was shaped by the expertise of designers, doctors, nurses, and most importantly, hundreds of parents. Our team used motion sensors to measure the movements of real moms and dads as they soothed their babies, and guess what we found? Parents don’t vibrate like bouncy seats or swing like swings. They bounce and sway. So we built the mamaRoo
to do just that – to move “like you do.”
This isn’t just another infant seat. It’s our baby. And we made it for yours.

It’s clear the mamaRoo is not your mama’s baby swing, but it is the 4moms take on the baby swing. Check out this video to learn more about the thinking behind the unique design.

More Than an Infant Seat

The mamaRoo is described as an Infant Seat, but that simple description truly doesn’t do it justice. The mamaRoo have five unique motions that combine going  up and down AND side to side to mimic real life movements. You know, like the mama bounce we all instinctively do to calm our babies? The motions can be adjusted in five different speeds so you can tone it down to calm baby to sleep or crank it up a bit to keep a playful baby happy.

I love that the mamaRoo also makes white noise to help soothe a baby. It makes five different nature sounds and you can even plug in your MP3 player to help baby rock out. Or sleep like a rock. You decide.

To stimulate baby, the mamaRoo has a toy mobile with 3 removable plush toy balls. One side of the ball features classic works of arts and the other side is black and white, perfect for infants who can’t yet see colors.

The seat of the mamaRoo is a good-sized seat for chubbier infants, and can be used for babies up to 25 pounds. It can also recline or sit more upright depending on your needs.

Shop! The 4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat available in six colors for $200 and can be purchased online at our affiliate Magic Beans (with free shipping!).

Win! A 4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat!

How to Enter: Check out the mamaRoo and leave a comment with your favorite feature.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

Giveaway ends October 6. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure:  Thanks to 4moms for the giveaway prize. Opinions are my own. Others may have a different experience.

Bugaboo Unveils Double Stroller: Meet the Donkey

by Kate on September 15th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

If you are into strollers, then chances are you are more than familiar with the top of the line, Mercedes of strollers: Bugaboo. For years I’ve admired and drooled over the Bugaboo family of strollers. But, until now, the collection has been lacking a double stroller. Today, Bugaboo announced its first double stroller. Meet the Bugaboo Donkey.

About the Donkey

The Bugaboo Donkey is the first stroller on the market to be fully convertible to offer parents three possible configurations: mono, duo and twin. It offers the possibility of transforming a mono stroller to a duo configuration with the same comfort for all children. It is also the first stroller to be designed specifically to meet parents’ needs for flexible and multiple storage space, courtesy of an expandable side shopping basket and underseat basket.

Donkey Transforms from Single to Double

As I understand it, the stroller above on the left is the mono - a single stroller with side shopping basket. The mono is 23 inches wide – the same as the Bugaboo Cameleon. The frame expands to create enough width to accommodate a second seat to create the duo (pictured on the right), which is 29 inches wide making it a very narrow side by side double stroller.

Learn More About the Donkey

To learn more about the Donkey – from someone who’s actually seen it! – read the Spilling the Beans blog about the Bugaboo Donkey at Magic Beans. They also have a great video to see the stroller in action.

Bugaboo is also slated to be at the ABC Kids Expo in October so hopefully I can catch up with the representatives and get some more info on the Donkey. (That sounds so weird to type. “Donkey”, really?)

Updated: Here are some photos of the Donkey in Mono mode from the ABC Kids Expo.

 

The Donkey expands with the flip of a few switches – the expansion mechanism is pictured below on the front frame. It also expands at the back of the frame and on the handle.

Shop! The Bugaboo Donkey is available from our affiliate Magic Beans. Pricing is as follows: Mono configuration (for one child): $1199, Duo configuration (for two children of different ages): $1499, Twin configuration (for two children of the same age): $1659. As of September 2011, you can purchase the Donkey directly online.

Information and photos via Bugaboo Facebook page.

4moms mamaRoo 60 Days of Giveaways

by Kate on February 26th, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Shopping

mamaroo giveaway
4moms mamaroo

The much anticipated 4moms mamaRoo is now available for pre-order! And, to celebrate 4moms is giving away 60 mamaRoos – one every single day until they ship and are available nationwide on April 30. You can enter every day for your chance to win a mamaRoo (a $200 value) just by signing up to be a 4moms Insider.

About the mamaRoo

The mamaRoo is designed to mimic the motions parents actually make when comforting babies. You know, that mama bounce that involves swaying from side to side while bouncing up and down. We’ve all done it (for hours upon hours) and now the mamaRoo is here to help.

4moms mamaroo infant seat

The mamaRoo has 5 unique motions (Car Ride, Kangaroo, Tree Swing, Rock-a-Bye and Ocean Wave) and can move at 5 different speeds. It plays nature sounds and you can even hook up your iPod to provide your own soothing music or fun jam.

Thinking Behind the mamaRoo


mamaroo 4momsShop! The mamaRoo is offered in six colors and is now available for pre-order. Find a local retailer or order online.

In case you’re wondering and / or cynical, I was not paid for this post. I just think it’s freaking cool and worth sharing. The Amazon link is an affiliate – shopping affiliates is a great way to support your favorite blogger’s shopping habit.

Kelty TC 2.0 Review

by Kate on January 31st, 2010  |  5 Comments  |  Carriers, Gear, New Year New Mama, Reviews, Reviews

kelty logoOne of the coolest parts about going to the ABC Kids Expo way back in September is that I was exposed to products and companies that I didn’t know much about. But, when I had the chance to talk to people enthusiastic about their products and the opportunity to touch and play with stuff, it goes a long way in piquing my interest. Kelty is the perfect example of this. Before ABC, I had heard of Kelty but didn’t really think it was a great fit for me or my family. I mean, we don’t camp or hike. However, after spending almost an hour browsing all the Kelty Kids products, I was a convert. The Child Carriers ARE perfect for outdoorsy families that camp and hike, but they also have a place in homes like mine.

About Kelty

Since 1952, Kelty has built affordable, reliable outdoor gear that enables everyone, from the first-time camper to the experienced mountaineer, to embrace any experience with confidence. Kelty: Go Anywhere.

In 1992, Kelty enters the kid carrying business with the “Kelty Child Carrier”.  This iconic pack was built around a tubular aluminum frame.  This kid carrier was based on the classic Kelty pack design proven in 40 years of wilderness use.  See the full line of Kelty KIDS carriers.

Kelty Transit Carrier 2.0

When given the opportunity to review a Kelty Child Carrier, I was realistic about it. While the FC 3.0 looks amazing, with its auto-deploy kickstand and Sun Hood, it’s far more carrier than I need. Don’t get me wrong, the TC (Transit Carrier) 2.0 has awesome features as well, but it’s less intimidating and I know we’ll get use out of it.

Kelty Transit Carrier 2.0

Here are some details on the TC 2.0:
kelty tc 2.0 babySafety Features:

  • Five-point, adjustable child’s harness

Carrier Features:

  • Padded, adjustable-height child’s seat
  • Toy loops
  • Carry/lift handles
  • 40-pound weight limit
  • Foot stabilizer for safe loading
  • Lightweight internal aluminum frame
  • Mesh water-bottle pockets
  • Organizer pocket

Kelty TC 2.0 detailsI’ve used a lot of different carriers in my day, and this is up there with the best of them as far as safety for the child. First, the entire “cockpit” area can be raised or lowered to fit your child so little ones are high enough to see and bigger kids are low enough to be safe. There are adjustable leg straps that are super easy to fit around your tot. And, there is also a harness that go over the child’s shoulders. To give you an example of the detail-oriented and well thought out design of the TC 2.0 – the shoulder strap buckles (similar to the chest strap in a car seat) are covered. It’s a small detail, but it means your child can’t get to it without major effort and it adds a very finished look.

kelty kids tc 2.0 in useKelty thought about the parents’ comfort, too. The shoulder straps are VERY padded, and they are padded all the way down the front of your chest. There is also a padded hip belt that adds comfort and support. I carried both kids around on my back – my 32 pound 3 year old and my 20 pound 1 year old. And, don’t get me wrong, my 3 year old got heavy on my back but it was still comfortable. I think my little guy was comfy, too, because he keeps asking to go for a walk. (Note to self: In the picture it looks like I should adjust the straps better next time so the pack is higher on my back.)

And, of course, because the TC 2.0 is made by Kelty the backpack area allows for all the storage you could need for a day trip. There are two zippered areas with plenty of room for diapers, snacks and change of clothes and more. The pack also has designated spots for water bottles and an easily accessible closure for keys.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Kelty TC 2.0 is perfect for day trips, or trips around town. I think this is PERFECT for travel, too. I know we’re planning to use it at the Disney Social Media Moms Convention next week as one of us can wear it, wear a kid and it takes the place of a diaper bag. (If my husband ever flies alone with the kids, I think this would be a lifesaver.) There are too many features and details to mention in one post, but suffice it to say, I’m really impressed with the TC 2.0.

Or Not to Buy… The 2.0 is one of the most basic Kelty Child Carriers and it still might be more carrier than you need. It’s definitely designed for outdoor adventure use.

Connect! Find Kelty on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

Shop! Kelty Kids has a whole collection of products to help get your kids involved in the outdoors, including Child Carriers, Diaper Bags and Strollers. The Child Carriers range from the TC 2.0 for $149.95 to the Frame Carrier 3.0 for $249.95.

Tell me… Do you own a Kelty Child Carrier? If not, which model do you think best fits your family?

Disclaimer: Thank you to Kelty for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product. Others may have a different experience.

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