Minui's HandySitt portable high chair

Tired of a big bulky high chair taking up space in your dining room?

Then check out the Danish children's furniture maker minui's HandySitt portable high chair.

This little baby folds flat and can be stored in a closet or you can just leave it anchored to a chair at your table, like I do.

The HandySitt can be used for babies 6 month old all the way through 5 year olds who still need a little boost up to the table.

The seat is simple. It has sliding sidebars that adjust in length based on the chair back height. Those hook on the back of the chair. You anchor the seat with one strap around the bottom of the table chair. The seat part then folds down.

Maybe the best part: the seat strap that holds your tot in stays put on the seat. No having to buckle your little one up every time you sit down to eat. (You can get the optional 5 point harness if you'd rather though.) I love that feature, as does my two year old. She feels like a big girl in this chair and she acts like one too. She asks to sit in her chair now instead of crying when its time to have to buckle up in her old high chair.

Another bonus: it looks cool, sleek and eco-friendly. It comes in trendy, gender neutral colors: red, silver, or black on natural wood or metal. Minui's website says about its eco-construction: "Made with steel and FSC-certified birch, it uses only the materials it needs. All paint and varnish finishes are formaldehyde free, and the plastic guard contains no Phthalates. In other words, it can be safely licked clean by your toddler."

If you want to take it to a restaurant or grandma's house for the holidays, just fold the seat part flat and you're good to go. The HandySitt is lightweight so its easy to take wherever. But do note it doesn't fit on every table chair. Read about chair requirements to hold it HERE.

All in all, this is by far our favorite high chair for toddlers. I can't wait to try it with my younger baby to see how practical it is for him at the six months old stage of eating. I'll report back on how that goes in a few months.

Review: Munchkin's Jelly Bean Reversible Sling

Munchkin's Jelly Bean Reversible Sling is a good one to try if you want a sling-style carrier. It is reversible, so it's like getting too cool loking slings in one. Slings are among the simplist of all carriers. There are no buckes or hooks or any kind to figure out or strap on. Just slide across your body and insert baby. The downside for the Jelly Bean and all other slings, they're pretty much for one person and not for mom or dad to share the wearing - unless mom and dad are the same height and weight. The Jelly Bean is made of soft fabric in cool designs and works for babies newborn -who would lay down cuddled up in the sling- on up to 35 pounds who would sit up in the sling, like in the photo right.

Review: Baby Bjorn Synergy carrier

Baby Bjorn's Synergy carrier is an an upgraded version to the classic Baby Bjorn original carrier. I used the original caririer for a good year or two, almost daily and it still looks new. I love that kind of quality. The Synergy has that same quality plus is more comfortable on the back and is made of a breathable mesh material, which is great for hot summer days. The Synergy can be used for a newborn a minimum size of 8 pounds and 21 inches on up. It adjusts size as your baby grows, which makes for a great fit. This is the favorite carrier of my 1 month old baby.

Review: Ball Baby Carriers

A great wrap-type carrier that's Mom-made in the USA is Ball Baby Carriers. This kind is known as a mei tei style carrier. It's very comfortable and easy to use. I love to use this one while doing chores and both my girls enjoy being in it. Read more about Ball Baby Carriers and the mom who makes them in my story HERE.

Review: Sidekick Diaper Bag with baby carrier by Kemby

Sidekick Diaper Bag by Kemby is the most unique diaper bag I've ever come across. It is fantastic for shopping! It is a little odd to put on at first but once you get the hang of it, goes on super fast. Among the reasons I like the Sidekick: it's a diaper bag and a carrier in one, complete with a matching changing pad, wipes case, and insulated snack/bottle bag; it has lots of pockets for cell phones, keys, a wallet, and anything else you could need but it's not big and bulky! The Kemby website says its carriers are best for children who can sit up unaided with good head control through 35 pounds.

Review: Scootababy

Scootababy is the most comfortable side carrier I've worn. I was actually surprised by its softness and cushiness on my shoulder. The Scootababy is made with microfiber lining and a polar fleece shoulder strap. It is really easy to put on and both my girls liked being carried in it. This is a great carrier for getting stuff done around the house or shopping trips because you tot isn't right in front of you. That makes it easier to type on the computer and hold baby as I'm doing right now. Scootababys are recommended for babies five months old and up with a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds.

Review: Kokopax

Kokopax is the ultimate in framed backpack carriers. Pregnancy magazine named the Kokopax the best all around carrier in their March 2009 issue. And for good reason. While it's a framed carrier - it is uber lightweight and comfy. It is easy to load baby into and out of this carrier and comfy no matter if you're going on walks through the forest or downtown. It's so cool looking that people always ask me about this one. The Kokopax has a great pocket for storing keys and such and a cool toy ring so baby can play and be happy as a clam in his private chariot. This one accomadates babies for a long time too - 6 months to two years (or 35 pounds). The other big thing that stands out and seperates Kokopax from the pack - the easy loading kick stand feature. No need to juggle baby about trying to manuever everything just right. You put your little one in before loading this pack on your back. It's not recommended, but this feature allows you to take baby off and allow him to play happily in the pack as you, say, wait to be seated at a restaurant or wait at the airport. Total bonus!

Review: ERGO Baby Carriers

ERGO Baby Carriers are so versatile. You can wear your baby on your back, side or front. Once you figure out how to put the straps on with baby on your back by yourself (or if you have an assistant), it's so easy to use and even easy to turn baby from the back to the front and vice versa. It only takes a few tries to get comfortable with holding your baby with one hand while putting the straps on your shoulders for back carriers. In the front, baby can snuggle right in. You can even use the ERGO with a newborn baby in the front position!
ERGOs can be used as long as you want to carry your baby. They're recommended for up to 40 pounds, but their website says they've been tested to hold up to 90 pounds. I have worn my 31 pound toddler on my back in it with no problems (pre-preggo, of course). There's a ton of padding on the straps and waist of this carrier. It's really comfortable and I love the special tuck away sun shade -slash- sleeping hood to cover baby while she's sleeping... and she will sleep in this easily. ERGO's drawback, in the front position, baby can't face forward.

Review: Belle Baby Carriers

Belle Baby Carriers are among the very best of any type of baby wearing device for everything from hiking to running errands. My husband actually likes this one so much that he offered to wear our one year old all around Disneyland in this carrier last year. He said it actually made his back feel BETTER. I love it too. The Belle folds up really small adding to its greatness for on the go families. The drawbacks... this is a front-only carrier and is made for babies under 25 pounds. Read about the dad who invented the Belle HERE.

Best Fall jackets for babies and toddlers

 

Today is the first day of Fall! With the cool, crispy, delightful weather moving in, your tot is going to need something to keep the chill off. Here's a look at some of the coolest fall jackets for babies and toddlers...

Ambajam Yummy Latte Hoodie Jacket - The name really says it all about this jacket. It's deliciously snuggly. Perfect for hugging your little bear. The color makes it versatile so it goes with everything, which is good cause your tot's gonna wanna wear it all of the time and you'll want one in mommy-size! I do! It comes in sizes 6 months up to 2T.

Hand Picked Pumpkin'sreversible cotton hoodie jackets are customizable down to the buttons. The process itself is really fun. You pick colors, patterns, even button colors for the inside and outside of the little jacket. I did a blue and brown combo with cowboy and horses retro accent print. It is so cute and a fun item in my baby's wardrobe. Best yet, it is reversible so it's like having two cute jackets in one and you get to design both sides. Comes in sizes 3 months up to 4T.

Kushies snap front baby jacket - Snap front for easy ons and offs, this quilted jacket has a corduroy trim and comes in several gender neutral color options so you can use it for all your future kiddos too. It is lightweight yet keeps the cool air and wind out. Perfect for all your outdoor Autumn needs! Available in size 3 months up to 24 months.

Zutano makes several tot jackets that are perfect for fall for different occasions and/or style attitudes. Their classic baby peacoat (aka Zutano's Primary Terry Jacket) moves with your tot and made from soft terry. It comes in sizes 0-24 months and fits roomily. It can be used as both a dress coat and for everyday.
For a more casual look with extra warmth, check out Zutano's Cozie Reverse Barn Jacket with coordinating Fleece Jester Hat. The 18-24 month size in this one is way over-sized and easily fits my 3T daughter. The reversible nature adds to its practicality. Sizes are from 0-24 months.

Hatley's rain jackets are a fun choice for keeping the cool, wet Autumn weather at bay. They're lined with a soft cotton terry towel like material that gives them extra warmth. Several styles, like the new stars rain jacket, glow in the dark, making them extra fun to wear. Hatley's jackets all coordinate with boots and umbrellas too. They come in lots of boys, girls and gender neutral designs in size 2 to 7.

OrganicallyHatched.com's I Play raincoat is PVC-free, waterproof and lightweight. Added bonus, it fits over a backpack so make going to preschool on Fall's rainy days a breeze. If the weather clears up, it smooshes up to keep in the bottom of her little backpack. Or just keep it in the car for those sudden showers. They come in sizes for kids 18 months through 4 years old.

Bummis & Bamboozle diaper reviews

Bummis
The Bummis Whisper Wrap comes in several cute prints and plain white (if you'd prefer). This wrap is "a state of the art Aplix-closing cover made from a super resistant waterproof laminate sandwiched between two layers of a soft polyester knit," according to Bummis.com.The Super Whisper Wrap is very sturdy and does a great job of holding in liquid. It fits nicely with the Bamboozle or with just a prefold if you prefer. I personally like to use this one as a potty trainer with just an insert for my older daughter.
Bummis is very particular about washing instructions for their diaps and covers. You can find those HERE as well as specific recommendations on detergents to use HERE. Even if you don't use Bummis, their info on detergent residue is really helpful in understanding how to get the most out of your cloth diapers so they perform the best!


I also would recommend Bummi's regular Whisper Pant. I bought several of these on sale at my local cloth diaper retailer and I really love how easy they are to use. They're also great to use in potty training because you can just add in a liner and they can be pulled up and down. They run quite large, so order a size smaller than you might normally opt for. More info on those HERE.



The Bamboozle diaper is made from four layers of super soft 90% bamboo fiber. That and its super absorbency are big sellers for this luxurious feeling diap. It has an insert attached at one end so you can fold it for extra absorbency in the area boys or girls need the most. Poop also falls off of the Bamboozle easily and it has yet to get stained, despite several attempts by my daughters to give it their all.

Bamboozle diapers need to be washed at least twice before initial wear and up to ten times before maximum absorbency is reached. You can find out more about the special care instructions HERE. Though honestly, I follow the same washing rules for all of my diapers. This one is not any harder or easier.

More info on Bummis Whisper Wrap and Bamboozle diapers at bummis.com

*This review is from my original article in my parenting column at Examiner.com

Dad diaper gear

DadGear Diaper Vest

Something for the proud papas today... diaper gear for Dads. Pops wants to do his part taking care of the little ones, but when it comes to gear to do so, it's harder to find. But there is some pretty cool stuff targeting dads (but great for mom's too).
Many dads refuse to leave the house carrying a diaper bag that looks like a purse, and why should he? There's several much more dad-friendly options out there.

JJ Cole Logic Bag

We have the JJ Cole Logic Bag. It comes in a couple colors. I love to use it because it's so streamlined. My husband likes it because he says it's easy to carry around, doesn't hurt his back to carry, plus looks much more manly than other diaper bags without being too bulky. He also likes the insulated water bottle holder. The logic bag also has multiple zippered pouches to store the essentials, from ointments and rattles to keys, credit cards, and phone. I use this bag frequently as well.
Another cool option... the DadGear Diaper Vest. Perfect for fall and winter especially, but practical throughout the year. This bad boy will hold the same amount of goodies as a traditional diaper bag. But you'd never know it to look at it. It costs in the $80 range but you'll probably get your money's worth in the first month. And who says mommy can't wear it too!

DadGear Messenger Bag

DadGear also makes this cool messenger style bag. The DadGear Graphics Messenger comes in several styles, but I think this one with flames is the hippest of them all. Old pops will look anything but with this slung over his shoulder.

Organic Cotton Baby Toy by Under the Nile

Get baby to love her fruits and veggies with the fun organic toys from Under the Nile. I recently came across this product line while browsing thru green toys online. So glad I did. They're pretty reasonably priced, good for the enviro, and safe for baby!
My fav, the cute little grape teether toy (about $6). You can dip the bottom few grapes in water and freeze them for added soothing for teething tots.

Bumbo Baby Seats

No, that's not a typo, I didn't mean to write Dumbo. I'm talking about the colorful, soft, and ever so useful
Bumbo Baby Seat. I bought mine about two years ago and it still looks brand new, despite using it with both of my girls. They come in a variety of colors and cost about $40.
These chairs are great for feeding babies (at least three months old). I also like to use mine as a seat for baby in the bathroom as I get ready or what have you. They help babies build their back muscles so they can sit unaided sooner. Both my girls started sitting up a month earlier than the milestones say they should. I attribute that to using the Bumbo.
The Bumbo is one of the must-have items every new mom should put on her registry or wish list. You can reuse them for every child and because they are super durable you can resell them on eBay or at a local resale shop when you kids outgrown them (though my two year old thinks it's fun to sit in the Bumbo and watch a DVD every once and a while).
Warning: Never leave baby unattended in the Bumbo and don't put the Bumbo on a table or other elevated surface. Babies (especially with skinny legs) can fall out or tip the Bumbo over. These were actually recalled several months ago to add warning stickers that say just that. But there was never a defect in the product, which clearly stated this in its instructions all along.

Teething Toys

Teethers are practical toys to help baby get thru teething. Who knew this must-have for babies had so many cool variations!

HABA Bear Teether

1. Teething Rings By Haba ($9.99-$17.09) German-made wooden teething rings made with 100% non-toxic water based stains. Available in a variety of designs from bears to flowers. These are super cool looking, safe, and innovative! I've previously mentioned how much I like HABA's products. Can't say it enough!

2. Organic Cotton Grapes by Under the Nile ($5.90)
Get baby to eat her fruits, or at least munch on them. Can be dipped in water and frozen for ultimate teething relief. And they’re organic. Other fruit and veggie teether designs available too. (I featured this one in a separate post a few days ago.)
3. Raz-berry Teether by Razbaby ($5.99)
Made of non-toxic 100% medical grade silicone. This is a teether and a pacifier with little textured bumps to soothe gums. Available in red or blue.
4. Luv N Care Cool-Sicles by Nuby $7.99
These are best frozen for added comfort for sore gums. Made of nontoxic purICE Gel which stays cold longer than other types of teethers. Come in four cute designs - elephant, alligator, clown, chicken.
5. Combi Training Teethers($4.95-$5.99)
Combi has a different model teether for each stage of baby’s teething needs. All models are made to stimulate gums, teeth, tongue, lips and help baby transition between stages.

4 months: Combi Training Teether - Stage 1
6 months: Combi Training Teether - Stage 2
8 Months: Combi Training Teether - Stage 3

Wooden Tot Toys

Haba Clutching Toy: Bonita

Haba Clutching Toy: Ping Pong

It seems like there are so many recalls of kids toys that it's kind of scary to let your little ones put anything in their mouth. But I have found a safe solution: HABA toys.

These German-made toys are cool looking and made with non-toxic stains. Not to mention they keep kids busy with their cool designs. (Did I mention they were cool. lol).
They have products for every kid stage from teether toys to "grocery" items to pacifier chains.
Lots of these are going on our wish list!

Foogo Straw Bottles

Knowing we'd be in the car for long stretches without breaks, we brought along Foogo Straw Bottles on our recent road trip to California. (You can read about the trip HERE.) These bottles boast that they keep liquids cool and fresh for up to 12 hours. They didn't disappoint. We put Ellerie's (10 months old) formula in hers. Ava had watered down apple juice. Both girls liked the containers. Ava (2 years old) found it easy to push the button to open the pop top too.
They advertise as leak-proof and they mostly are. But the tiny print on the packaging insert reveals that they aren't truly leak proof unless the lid is closed. Still, we didn't have a problem, even when Ellerie routinely threw hers onto the floor.
They are a overpriced at $18 a pop. But they are stylish, practical, made from safe stainless steel (ie, without BPA), and good for both of my girls despite their age difference. Plus, they seem sturdy so we should have these for many a road trip to come.

HABA Clutching Toy Beetle

Ellerie with the Beetle Trixie clutch toy

As babies reach the six to nine month age range they start needing to grab at everything in sight. My daughter Ellerie (10 months old) is no exception. She paws and nibbles at just about anything from my hair to shoes... unless she has a nice little toy she's interested in.
Enter: HABA's new Beetle Clutching toys. They come in boy (Anton) and girl (Trixie) versions, though either are really gender neutral, in my opinion.

Anton

Trixie

We have Trixie. She's made of a soft but firm foam covered in cotton/polyester to HABA's and the EU standards. This toy is really like a fancy tag toy, which is fabulous because I've never met a baby who didn't like a good tag to chew on. She's also super cute kind of like a cross between a flower (when you fold up the layers to play peek a boo, which is a BIG hit) and a friendly bug. Ellerie particularly like to chew on the little wings that make crinkly noises when she scrunches them. In addition to the crinkling noise, Trixie also is a rattle, so it's a good grow with you toy to buy for a younger baby as well.
Trixie and Anton are brand new to the market. They retail for about $12 each.

Podee

What's that contraption that Ellerie is sucking on in this photo? Lots of people ask me just that everyday!
It's a Podee ($9). It has been hands down THE best baby feeding product I’ve bought. It allows my daughter to suck down her formula while I do the dishes, run errands, check email, or stroll her to the park. Check it out at: www.podee.com
You can buy them at Babies R Us.
(I submitted a proposal to write an article on this and other fav feeding products for babble.com. I'll let you know if it gets published so you can check it out!)

Sound machine

Hey ladies, I just got a great find! A new sound machine for Elle's room (now that she is in her own room). It is the best one I've ever gotten and the CHEAPEST!!!!! I am really impressed.
Its the Conair Sound Therapy Sound Machine. It was about $15 at Walmart. It has 10 different sounds and they are great! I love the songbirds one it has a babbling brook in the background. Elle fell asleep in under two minutes to it!
I am so impressed I'm going to go buy another one for Ava! Its way better than the one she has and it cost half as much at least! (LINK to Ava's old machine)
Can you tell I'm excited?