Motorola Video Baby Monitor {Review}

by Kate on April 5th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews

The name Motorola is synonymous with electronics so it’s no surprise that the brand has baby gadgets with smart technology. The Motorola line of baby monitors ranges from basic digital audio monitors to feature-packed video monitors. We’ve been keeping our eyes and ears on baby (or his big brother) with the MPB33 Wireless Video Baby Monitor.

Motorola MBP33 Wireless Video Baby Monitor

Motorola’s MBP33 Digital Audio Baby Monitor will give you the reassurance that your child is resting peacefully. Equipped with 2.4GHz FHSS technology for sound clarity, you can feel comfortable your little one will come through loud and clear when they need you. A 2.8″ LCD color display shows sound and video monitoring, with infrared night vision. Data encryption is built-in for added security. The MBP33 digital audio baby monitor has an impressive range of up to 200 meters with an out of range warning, allowing you to move around the house or yard comfortably, knowing you will hear when your little one is awake.

Monitor Features

  • Range up to 590 feet
  • Pre-recorded lullabies
  • Room temperature monitor
  • Sound-activated lights
  • 2.8″ diagonal color screen
  • Two-way communication

Motorola Video Baby Monitor Review

We’ve had some pretty bad experiences with baby monitors in the past so when we started using the Motorola Video Monitor I just assumed that some of the issues we’ve had in the past would occur again. To give you an idea:  With one monitor we heard neighbors having inappropriate conversations. With another, the “wireless” parental unit battery ran out of juice in about 10 minutes and would beep incessantly when unplugged. And then it started beeping even when plugged in. In comparison, using the Motorola MBP33 is a breeze because it works simply and actually does what it says it will do.

The MBP33 Wireless Video Baby Monitor is so packed with features that it’s hard to highlight my favorites. You know, other than the fact that it works beautifully without broadcasting my neighbor’s private moments or beeping while plugged in. First, the Monitor quality – both audio and visual – is great. The reach is about 590 feet, which is very generous and allows me to watch and listen throughout the house and into the yard. When you go too far, there’s an out of range warning. It has automatic channel selection so you’re always getting the most clear signal possible. The video display size is 2.8 inches which is plenty to get a look at your child. There’s color display during the day and infared at night. You can also turn off the video feature and just listen. Or, you can mute the sound and watch the LED lights to see the volume of noise in the room.

My five year old quickly realized the beauty of the two-way communication and recently claimed the Monitor as his own. He knows he’s not supposed to come out of his room after he goes to bed, so he now talks to my husband and I through the monitor. It’s pretty clever and totally hysterical, actually. Sometimes in the morning he’ll say, “Dada!? Dada?! Can I get out of bed now?” And we can answer back, walkie-talkie style. Oh, and, of course, we can watch him sleep.

In addition to talking to your child through the monitor, you can also play one of five lullabies to soothe your little one. And, one of my very favorite features is the room thermometer. Finally, if you have two young kids (or a preschooler who wants his own monitor) you can buy additional cameras for monitoring on the single parental unit.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Motorola MBP33 Wireless Baby Video Monitor has restored my faith in the value of baby monitors. Seriously. The MBP33 does the basic job its meant to – allow you to listen to and watch your baby – but it is also packed with additional features that enhance its functionality for parents and baby. We love the display, two-way communication, room thermometer and the ability to add additional cameras.

Or Not to Buy… I’m totally jealous of the remote zoom, tilt and pan features of other video monitors (like the MBP36) and I think it’s probably worth the extra money to get the added features.

Shop! The Motorola MBP33 Wireless Video Baby Monitor is $199. Additional monitors are $99. The Motorola Baby Monitor range from $40 to $250 and are available from our affiliate Amazon.

Thanks to Motorola for providing a sample to facilitate this review.

4moms mamaRoo Plush {Review & Giveaway}

by Kate on March 23rd, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Giveaways, Reviews

Editor’s Note: As of May 1, 2012 there is a new, updated mamaRoo. We have the scoop on the improvements to the new mamaRoo.

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I’ve blogged about it, admired it in person and even included it in our Baby Shopping Guide and now with the arrival of baby Max I finally get to welcome the 4moms mamaRoo into our home for a proper review. And not only does Max get to enjoy the mamaRoo but one of your little one’s will, too, because we’re giving one away!

4moms mamaRoo Review

We’ve been using the mamaRoo since the day Max came home from the hospital. I have to credit my husband with that, really. His idea was to put the baby in the seat even when he was content to get him used to the motions so that he’ll be familiar with it when we need to place him there to soothe him or just because we need an extra hand. Max has probably been in the mamaRoo at least once a day since his first bounce and sway. Now it does not always make or keep him 100 percent happy, but it’s been a great option for all of us.

Unique Motions. There are five motions and varying speeds so you can find the best motion to soothe or entertain your baby. Faster speeds are good to stimulate while slower speeds are better for calming baby. So far we’ve kept Max bopping right around the middle speed level. Here’s a video where you can see the way the mamaRoo truly “moves like you do.” Only better.

The controls for the mamaRoo are on the base of the seat which, I’ve discovered, is very convenient. I can turn the mamaRoo on or off with my foot while holding the baby. Like the entire machine, the controls are very simple and straightforward while being modern and innovative.

Recline and Relax. The mamaRoo can recline to any position on its unique curved axis. We currently have the seat positioned nearly flat so Max is laying down. As he gets older we’ll move him more upright but for now (with no head control and all) it makes sense for him to be reclined.

When he’s older and sitting more upright, Max will also enjoy the three toys that hang above the seat. One side of the removable plush balls has black and white art and the other features colorful monsters. (The monsters fabrics, by the way, match the 4moms Reversible Infant Insert that you can use on the mamaRoo or other swings and seats.)

Plush. The mamaRoo Plush is an upgraded version of the original mamaRoo with a much softer fabric. The material is definitely an improvement over the original fabric and provide a very comfortable place for Max to relax. (If you have an original mamaRoo, you can “upgrade” it for use with another baby by using the Infant Insert which is also made of the Plush fabric.) So far we’ve gotten lucky and haven’t had any blow outs or diaper leaks on the mamaRoo, but if we did there’s no reason to worry. The seat unzips and can be cleaned in the washing machine.

Music and Noise. We haven’t experimented much with the white noise element of the mamaRoo yet, but there are five nature sounds to add to the experience for baby. If you want a little something different or more rockin’, the mamaRoo comes with an adapter to connect your MP3 player.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The mamaRoo comes complete with a lot of hype and so far it has lived up to our expectations. It truly is a great seat for Max that keeps him content and occupied, and it’s great for me because it’s a safe place for him when he needs a little sway action and I can’t carry or wear him. The Plush fabric is super comfortable and soft that makes me wish the mamaRoo came in my size.

Or Not to Buy… No doubt the mamaRoo is more expensive than the average baby swing. We have never had much luck with other baby swings, though, so for our money and experience this seems worth the investment.

Shop! The 4moms mamaRoo is $199 for the original seat and $239 for the Plush version. The mamaRoo is available directly from 4moms (including discount refurbished seats) and from our affiliates Magic Beans and Amazon.

Win! A 4moms mamaRoo!

How to Enter: Visit 4moms and tell us your favorite innovative baby product.

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

Giveaway ends April 6. Open to US residents only, no PO Boxes.

Thanks to 4moms for providing a sample and the giveaway prize.

Top 5 Essentials for New Mamas from Sheri Gurock of Magic Beans

by Kate on February 27th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Getting Ready for Baby

In 2004 while pregnant with her second child, Sheri Gurock and her husband Eli dreamt the idea of Magic Beans: A retail experience designed for kids and optimized for parents, a place that would balance the fresh and new with the tried and true. They were clearly on to something because 7 and a half years later Magic Beans has five retail locations and a booming online business at mbeans.com. Sheri is a leader in the baby and children’s product sphere – spotting trends, up and coming products and carrying only the best and most respected brands. We are honored to share Sheri’s picks for the Top 5 Essentials for New Moms.

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1. Car Seat

Most hospitals won’t even let you leave the building without showing your car seat. You want to get an infant car seat at least 4 weeks ahead of your due date and get it checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, who can make sure it is installed properly and teach you how to use it properly. Never buy a stroller because it matches your car seat. You’ll only use that car seat for a few months, but the stroller will be around for years. Instead, try to choose an infant car seat that is compatible with the stroller you like best. Keep in mind, not every car seat fits in every car, so double-check before making a final decision.

My favorite: Chicco Keyfit

2. Stroller

For the first few months after your baby arrives, your stroller is your lifeline in many regards. It’s your ticket out of the house, and isolation is the #1 enemy of a new mom. Choosing the right stroller is an imperfect science and more often than not, families need more than one stroller. That’s OK — it’s better to have two strollers that, between them, can take you anywhere you want to go than to have one stroller that can hardly take you around the block.

My favorite: Bugaboo Cameleon

3. Baby Carrier

Wearing your baby is a win-win. It’s great for the babies, who love the motion and snuggling, and it’s helpful for moms who sometimes need to have two hands free. There are many different types of carriers out there, but the most important decision factor should be the parent’s comfort. Babies can almost always adapt to any type of carrier if you give them a chance, but you don’t want to end the day with sore shoulders.

My favorite: Stokke MyCarrier

4. Diaper Pail

Don’t laugh. Maybe those diapers won’t smell too bad at first, but give it just a month or two (or six) and I promise you’ll be thinking a lot about odor control in the nursery. Some diaper pails have custom liners you need to use, so you’re tethered to buying their refills. Other diaper pails use regular bags. But at the end of the day, the most important thing is how well it performs. You won’t mind buying inserts if it means the baby’s room doesn’t smell like poop.

My favorite: Diaper Dekor

5. Swaddle Blankets

Newborn babies arrive with a marked preference for tight spaces. This is why they sleep so well when they’re all swaddled up. A selection of swaddle blankets is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. If your baby “doesn’t like it” or breaks out of the swaddle, you probably just need to do it a little tighter. There are very few babies who really don’t sleep better when swaddled.

My favorite: Aden + Anais

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Shop Magic Beans online, of if you’re in the Boston area visit one of their five store locations. (Do it for me! I’m dying to shop the store in person.) Keep up with Magic Beans on Facebook and Twitter for valuable information, Facebook Friday giveaways and more.

4moms mamaRoo Plush

by Kate on February 15th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Getting Ready for Baby

I have been obsessed with the 4moms mamaRoo for years and have blogged about it many times. I was so bummed that my kids were too old to use this innovative product. I can honestly say that when I learned I was pregnant and started thinking about products I had to have this was first on my list. With all the work and running around that comes with two active preschoolers it simply won’t be possible to hold baby all the time so I know the mamaRoo will get hours (and hours) of use soothing and comforting my babe.

Meet the mamaRoo

In case you haven’t been reading forever (where have you been?), let me introduce the mamaRoo which has been in our Baby Shopping Guide for two years in a row. The mamaRoo is a baby seat / swing / bouncer that moves like you do.

We’ve never seen a parent vibrate like a bouncy seat or swing like a swing. But we’ve seen thousands of parents scoop their little ones up in their arms and bounce and sway. And that’s what the mamaRoo does. 

The mamaRoo has five unique motions that are designed to mimic movements familiar to baby. The seat can also recline to any position on the axis to find the perfect position for your little one.

The mamaRoo bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do when comforting their babies.

  • Car Ride: A figure eight on its side
  • KangaRoo: Lots of up-and-down, less side-to-side
  • Tree Swing: High on the sides, low in the middle
  • Rock-A-Bye: Low on the sides, high in the middle
  • Ocean Wave: Around in a big circle

mamaRoo Plush

We checked out the mamaRoo Plush at the ABC Kids Expo in the fall. The Plush is a softer plush fabric than the original mamaRoo in fun patterns. It costs slightly more than the original, but I really love the way the material feels and think it will be more gentle on baby’s skin. Practically speaking, the Plush cover is removable – with just an unzip and machine wash and the seat is as good as new.

While we won’t really be putting the mamaRoo to the baby test until our little one arrives in a few weeks (!), my daughter thinks the mamaRoo is perfect for her dolls. The Cabbage Patch Kid looks comfortable, no?

Shop! The 4moms MamaRoo is available from our affiliate Amazon. The Plush comes in four fun prints for $239 and the mamaRoo Original is available in four colors for $199. Keep up with 4moms on Facebook and Twitter.

Thanks to 4moms for providing a sample.

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance

by Kate on February 10th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Getting Ready for Baby

If I know anything about life with three kids it’s that it’s going to be… challenging. One of the things I worry about it having enough hands to tend to the needs of all three of my kids – each at a different stage in childhood with different needs. No doubt the baby will need the most hands-on attention, but there will be times when I can’t realistically carry or wear the baby so I know I need a sweet place for baby to relax. Enter the BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance.

BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance

In the BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance, your child’s movements are transformed into a fun and soothing rocking motion. The babysitter helps refine your child’s balance and motor skills while keeping your hands free.

The BABYBJÖRN BabySitter Balance has three positions: play, rest and sleep. It can also be folded into a compact transport mode, making it easy to pack or store when not in use.

Modern Bouncer

As an adult who, at one point in the not so distant past, had rid the house of all baby items, the design of the Babysitter Balance is appealing because it is so simple. There are no flashing lights or noises to entertain baby (or annoy me). Instead, the fun and natural rocking is created by the movement of your child. The result is a calm place for baby to chill, play or sleep.

The Balance provides proper ergonomic support for baby from birth, and it can support a child until about 29 pounds. So, once baby outgrows the bouncing phase, they have an awesome recliner for relaxation.

Stay tuned to see how our little one uses the Balance and how it fits into our life as a family of five!

Shop! The BABYBJÖRN Babysitter Balance is available in several versions: the classic (pictured above, which we’ll use with baby), Balance Air with a mess fabric, Balance Organic made with organic cotton and Balance Retro featuring unique nostalgic colors. The suggested retail price is about $180 but prices start around $132 on our affiliate  Amazon.

Thanks to BABYBJÖRN for providing a sample.

Joovy Room Playard {Review}

by Kate on February 8th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, On the Go, Reviews

A few weeks ago I shared a photo of the Joovy Room Playard with the following caption: Here’s baby’s nursery!

The baby will be sharing our room for several months until we move so for all intents and purposes, the Joovy Room was the extent baby’s nursery. We’ve since acquired an actual wooden crib, but I have to tell you the Joovy Room has everything we need to serve as a small, organized space for a baby. The Joovy Room Playard sets the bar very high for playard travel cribs.

Meet the Joovy Room

The Joovy Room has elevated the playard to a new level. This premier, full-feature nursery center is a bassinet, changing station and playard, all in one. The Joovy Room has exceptional good looks while offering supreme functionality. Parents love its convenience and multi-purpose usability.

Room Playard Details

  • Playard Weight: 34 lbs.
  • Playard Dimension Folded: 10.5″ x 15″ x 31″
  • Playard Dimensions Unfolded: 34″H x 35.5″ W x 49″L
  • Playard Minimum Age: Birth
  • Playard Maximum Height: 35″
  • Bassinett Maximum Weight: 15 lbs.
  • Parent Organizer Maximum Weight: 9 lbs.

Joovy Room Review

The Joovy Room Playard is a full-feature travel crib that has everything you need to create a mobile baby nursery. The Room is a good size without being overbearing or dominating the space its in. It unfolds and folds easily and you can arrange for the Room to be used as a bassinet. Unlike other playard bassinets I’ve used, the Room has a very sturdy support system when in bassinet mode, including metal braces that supper the length of the mattress. The official bassinet maximum weight is 15 pounds, but I have to admit that my kids have tested this by climbing in the thing by themselves. I’m happy to report my 42 pound 5 year old didn’t break the thing when he climbed in to “play baby.” But, seriously, that is NOT recommended.

One of the best features of the Room is the attached parent organizer with 9 compartments for storing baby essentials. There are six large pockets on the end and three smaller containers on the top of the organizer for smaller must haves. In addition, there’s are storage pockets on the end of the Room near the changing table. Honestly, when we got a wooden crib to use in our room I was disappointed to lose all the storage and organization the Room offers.

The changing table is VERY sturdy. Far more stable and secure than other playard changing tables I’ve used. It holds up to 25 pounds and includes a belt to secure your child. The changing table secures on three sides of the playard, which creates a very stable surface, but it means that you can’t remove it casually when you’re not changing a diaper. The Room is large enough that you still have plenty of access to baby sleeping in the bassinet but it would be nice to be able to fold the changing table out of the way when not in use.

The Room has a built-in nightlight and music system which plays sweet nursery tunes. Or, you can plug in your MP3 player and soothe baby with your favorite tunes. The playard moves easily on two wheels and comes with a very nice travel case.

We’ve moved the Room to a common family area where it will serve as a bassinet for day time naps, a place to set baby out of the reach of curious siblings and a convenient place to change baby. I know we’ll get a lot of use out of it when baby arrives and look forward to having a safe place for baby to rest.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Room is a great Playard and Mobile Crib. I absolutely love the clean, modern look of the Room and the parent-friendly features like tons of storage and a safe and secure place to change baby. The Room has impressive safety features and feels far more sturdy – from the bassinet to the changing table – than comparable products. We give the Joovy Room an enthusiastic two thumbs up.

Or Not to Buy… The only inconvenient feature of the Room is that the changing table doesn’t easily move when not in use, blocking access to the bassinet. (Of course, this fact is also part of what makes the changing table so sturdy.)

Shop! The Joovy Room is available in Black, Blueberry and Orangie for $270. Its on sale directly from Joovy and also our affiliate Amazon. Make sure you follow Joovy on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up with the latest product information.

Thanks to Joovy for providing a sample.

Aura Weavers Swaddle Blankets {Discount & Giveaway}

by Kate on January 27th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Getting Ready for Baby, Giveaways

Over the next month (or two?) I’ll be sharing information about some of the products we’ll be using in our home with the baby when it arrives. After baby is here I’ll follow up with a post about our real life experience using the product. The first goodie in the “Getting Ready for Baby” series is a new company who makes muslin swaddling blanket.

About Aura Weavers

Aura Weavers was created by Shilpi Desai after her first child was born two years ago. She says, “I wanted all newbie and seasoned moms to find the same happiness I found with muslin – and that’s how Aura Weavers was born. I believe swaddling is an art. Just like a painting is imperfect without the right colors, swaddling is ineffective without the right fabric.”

The special weave of the Aura Weavers muslin blanket has a natural stretch perfect for a cozy swaddle.The muslin keeps a child warm during cool weather and cool during warm weather. The soft weave of muslin, the purest form of cotton, soothes and calms, creating an aura of happiness for your baby.

Aura Weavers Muslin Swaddling Blankets

My baby’s set of Aura Weavers blankets are washed, folded and waiting for baby in the dresser. The blankets measure a generous 47 inches by 47 inches. As you can see, the blankets have bright and fun designs – some more appropriate for a girl and some for a boy. I love the fun Fashion Fiesta set we have waiting for baby, which includes an elephant print and graphic print in bright oranges and greens, as well as a plain white blanket.

As I mentioned in my Newborn Essentials post on BabyCenter, I think swaddling blankets are a must have. It’s clear that because of their breathability muslin blankets are great for swaddling baby to provide comfort and (hopefully) encourage sleep, but the lightweight blankets serve lots of purposes from nursing cover to stroller blanket to a clean place to lay and play.

Shop! Aura Weavers muslin swaddle blankets are sold in set of 2 for $29.99 and set of 3 for $39.99. We are excited to share an exclusive 15% off coupon code: save with code AURAMAMA. Aura Weavers are also available on Amazon where they’re eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping (discount not eligible on Amazon).

Win! A Set of Muslin Swaddling Blankets from Aura Weavers!

How to Enter: Visit Aura Weavers and leave a comment here with your favorite set of blankets.

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

Giveaway ends February 10. Open to US residents only.

Thanks to Aura Weavers for providing a sample and giveaway prizes. As always, opinions are my own.

Mimijumi Very Hungry Baby Bottle {Review}

by Malia on January 20th, 2012  |  5 Comments  |  Baby, Reviews

The first months of baby’s life EVERYthing revolves around baby’s eating. When will she eat, what will she eat, and dear goodness will she take a bottle when I need her to? For breastfeeding mamas, feedings can be a crazy balance of preventing nipple confusion by waiting until baby is established on the breast, but not waiting too long and ending up with a baby who refuses anything but the real deal. It’s nice to have a bottle that helps reduce this stress. Mimijumi Very Hungry bottles are designed to be the perfect compliment to breastfeeding and ease the transition to bottle.

Mimijumi

mimijumi, LLC based in Nashville, TN is a design driven company that specializes in simple, safe and natural products for the modern family. Through the design and production of infant care essentials, mimijumi products are made for both baby and parent to create the most natural experience possible.

This design is based on the psychological dynamics of feeding/soothing items as transitional objects. The benefits of breastfeeding are well known, but breastfeeding is not always practical in today’s society. Created with input from Designers, Mothers, Nurses, Physicians, and Lactation Experts, mimijumi’s first product the Very Hungry bottle was conceived as a natural, modern and stylish complement to breastfeeding.

Very Hungry Bottle

Mimijumi’s first product the Very Hungry Bottle has a nipple that truly resembles a breast and is designed to require baby to latch to express milk, like the breast. The nipple is a single piece, made of medical/food-grade silicone and vented to minimize gas or colic. The bottle has a wide opening, making it easy to clean. The colorful red base is non-skid to help keep the bottle from sliding around and matches the cap. The bottle is dishwasher safe and free of BPA and phthaltes.

Baby Kate was content to eat from the Mimijumi the other day when I went to a doctor’s appointment and preferred not to nurse. My children like to eat so much that we haven’t had to deal with the challenge of breast to bottle transition, so I can’t really speak to the effectiveness of the bottle for picky babies. It really does resemble a breast so I think it would be a great option for a baby having issues with this transition.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… The Mimijumi bottle is a great option for breastfeeding moms looking to minimize nipple confusion and for families dealing with a picky baby. The bold colors and unique styling make this a bottle that will be noticed.

Or Not to Buy… My one complaint about this bottle (and a lot of bottles) is that there’s nowhere to put the lid while you are using the bottle. I will drop almost anything not physically attached to me onto the floor. I would love if the lid clicked onto the bottom of the bottle or came with a little gnome who held the lid whenever I needed. (What, a helper gnome is too much to ask for?)

Shop! The Mimijumi Very Hungry Bottle is available on-line from Amazon for $14.99 or from thenewmomshop.com.

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