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• Babble Review: Belle Baby Carrier

  You don't live in Brooklyn and not see a million baby-wearing options. I recently spotted someone sporting a cool-looking Belle Baby Carrier, so I thought I'd give it a spin myself. It's recommended for babies 10 to 25 pounds, works with the baby facing front or back, and comes in attractive color combos. For those green-fiends, there's also an organic version, the Belle Pure. And not to forget the celebrity name-check, Julia Roberts has been spotted wearing a Belle. Pros: Read More... Posted Aug 20 2008, 03:38 PM by Erin Behan with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: baby carriers, Babble Review, babywearing, elb, belle baby carrier

• Therapure Fights Back-to-School Cooties

  Perhaps you’re like us and have lived through previous winters of germy discontent and want to get ahead of the curve this cold and flu season. While pulling your entire family out of school (and the office) is the perfect solution, back in the real world you’re going to be rubbing elbows with every spore, virus and microbe in your area. One way to limit the numbers of microorganisms floating around your family’s air space . . . Read More... Posted Aug 15 2008, 12:05 PM by editors with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: Babble Review, back to school, allergies, dust, air purifier, pet dander, air filter, cold and flu, therapure ionic pro

• The Babble Review: Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake DVD

  Taking a break from the (sometimes) mind-numbing confines of Nick Jr. and Noggin can be a good thing, and if you've got a little girl who is deep in the throws of princess mania, you might want to check this out. Prima Princessa Presents Swan Lake is a DVD aimed squarely at these little girls, and does something that I wasn't expecting. It doesn't try to teach ballet, nor does it present a professional performance of Swan Lake without explaining what is going on. What it does do quite well is convey the beauty and fun of ballet (and the classical music it is based on) without boring the kids watching it. Read More... Posted Aug 04 2008, 09:15 AM by moderndaydad with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: music, Babble Review, princess, movie, dvd, movies, mdd, princesses, tchaikovsky, classical music, swan lake, prima princessa

• The Babble Review: Soft Buggy Cup from Think King

  Honestly, what's more American than a cup holder? Some strollers come with cup holders, and others (like my un-American Bubagoo Frog) don't. The Soft Buggy Cup from Think King is a portable cup holder that you can use for much more than beverages in many more places than your stroller. But it works pretty well holding your drink while you're at the mall with the kids too. My full review is after the jump. Read More... Posted Jul 25 2008, 09:02 AM by moderndaydad with | with no comments Filed under: furniture, bunk beds, Babble Review, cup holder, bugaboo frog, bugaboo, scooters, bicycles, mdd, mesh, think king, drink holder, soft buggy cup, top bunk, buggy cup, bunk bed, wheelchairs, bunk

• Babble Review: Scootababy

  I've been waiting for months to try out the Scootababy carrier. My little one decided that after about two weeks old, slings were not for him. And so we've been left with the Bjorn, which serves its purpose but tires the back, and the Ergo, which is great for longer trips but is a little hot in the summer. The hip carrier turns out to be a perfect medium between the two and Scootababy's is an easy-to-use, well-designed version. The details: Read More... Posted Jul 08 2008, 09:55 AM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: baby carriers, carriers, Babble Review, baby wearing, scootababy, hip carriers

• The Babble Review: Petunia Pickle Bottom Serenity Sling

  I had originally planned on reviewing this (and other) baby slings myself, with the help of my baby. Turns out that little Devin hates slings, *hates* them. Will tolerate the Bjorn (outward facing only) and Ergo, but start to even set him in a tight sling and he'll cry bloody murder--luckily I wasn't so into the attachment parenting thing. So, I enlisted a friend, writer and fellow new mommy, Leah Clarkson, to review a new Petunia Picklebottom sling. Her review follows. Read More... Posted Jun 05 2008, 09:10 AM by Erin Behan with | with no comments Filed under: slings, carriers, petunia pickle bottom, Babble Review, baby wearing, wraps, baby holder

• Babble Crashes the Hollywood Baby Shower

  Designer hospital gowns, silver and gold pacifiers, these items and more could be found at the Boom Boom Room’s Hollywood Baby Shower this week in New York City. “Life & Style Expert” Jayneoni Moore throws kid parties with gift suites for celebrity parents before the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. This week she hit NYC for the network upfront’s (where TV people see what’s coming in the fall season). Free celebrity-endorsed baby mittens and nursing couture were flying off the trade show tables so fast it made you wonder if there wasn’t a recession going on.  Babble went to the scene to show you what the rich and famous get in those gift bags. - April Peveteaux Most Outrageous: $950 Bassinet from Lulla Smith Two words: JLo’s Nursery. The people who put together the crib and the bedding for little Max and Emme set up a replica for everyone to adore. Lulla Smith luxury baby linens are stunningly over the top. But even though it might be nice to live so opulently, who puts so much silk next to a spitter-upper? That and a crazy ginormous bow apparently don't scare JLo, Courtney Cox or Katie Holmes.   Read More... Posted May 19 2008, 09:34 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: robeez, Babble Review, scholastic, green, celebrity baby, katie holmes, Hollywood Baby Shower, Boom Boom Room, lulla smith, tomtote, yak, Courtney Cox, J Lo, seven smooches, jayneoni moore, shokay kids, suri, max and emme

• The Babble Review: Handpicked Pumpkin

  Want to fool your playgroup into thinking you have a secret life as a designer? Put your kid into a Handpicked Pumpkin ensemble – stat! The jumper shown above is of their own making, but you can also log on and create your very own outfit. How it works: Pick an item of kiddo clothing, choose the size and then customize via fabric choice (we like the retro yippee and hot dot brown). The cuteness is in the details, whether those details are hidden snaps and pockets or a mix and match hot mess.  – April Peveteaux   Get crafty at Handpicked Pumpkin. Posted Apr 16 2008, 04:08 PM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, baby clothes, customized clothing, hot mess, Handpicked Pumpkin

• The Babble Review: Baby Chaleco Bib

  For any of you who dress up your baby for a night of fine dining then promptly cover their duds with an unsightly bib, Baby Chaleco has an absorbent and stylish offering for you. The shirt-bib, or bib-shirt, is also an all-over solution for your 24/7 drooler. The boy bib (pictured above) harkens back to an earlier, more velour-friendly time. Personally, if I were to shell out for the Chaleco, I would put it on my baby and pretend it was an outfit, whether we were dining and/or spitting or not. – April Peveteaux Get it from Baby Chaleco. Posted Apr 16 2008, 10:41 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: bibs, Babble Review, baby clothes, velour, drooler, Baby Chaleco, dining with baby

• The Babble Review: Elmo's Potty Time

  Yes, I hoped that potty-training would be as easy as plopping my toddler in front of a DVD. No, apparently, it is not.  But if you’re looking for ways to explain the number one and number two, Elmo is your monster. Elmo’s Potty Time is forty-five minutes of your traditional Sesame-like sketches including appearances by Gordon, Grover and Prairie Dawn. There are constant reassurances by the cast that you are growing up now and you will eventually learn how to add this new trick to your repertoire. While learning embarrassing information about Elmo . . . Read More... Posted Apr 14 2008, 02:09 PM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, Sesame Street, potty training, Elmo, Kids DVDs, elmo's potty time

• The Babble Review: Wish Come True

  While Jen over at Strollerderby was mourning the loss of the Weebles, I was lucky enough to get my hands on a We Wobble with sound, aka Wish Come True by Friends With You.  With names like Buddy Chubb and Mr. TTT these little guys may give off the Japanese toy import vibe, but they are made right here in the USA by Strangeco.   The Wish Come True is two-pronged entertainment: For the older kids there is a secret online contest wherein your adventurous grade-schooler wins real-world prizes. For the littlest ones there is the cute factor. In addition to the not-falling-down aspect, these colorful little fellas make a pleasant jingle (hence, ‘with sound’) as your tot runs around with them. And they will, as the little bulbous bodies are perfectly sized for toddler hands. In fact, our tester grabbed two and ran off, refusing to unhand them for another twenty-four hours. All of this entertainment for under ten bucks…now that’s retro.  - April Peveteaux   Ages 18 months and up.   Get it from Friends With You. Posted Apr 03 2008, 04:53 PM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, kids toys, Japanese toys, Kid Robot, strangeco, wish come true, friends with you, weeble wobbles

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Quinny Curbb

  Quinny Curbb – $79.95   Another masculine entry into the baby carrier gang, the Quinny Curbb is made by those same people who brought you the stylish strollers from across the pond. This soft hip carrier is primarily for your larger baby that can hold his head up and will enjoy the sidecar ride, but not too big as the weight limit tops out at 20 lbs. So this carrier should be used for very specific toting. Since there isn’t any neck support for baby, you shouldn’t take this carrier out during nap time, or on a very long trek where he will inevitably get sleepy and flop about. Read More... Posted Feb 10 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, Babble Review, wrap, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Bjorn, Quinny Curbb, man carrier

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Zolowear

  Zolowear Sling - $78 - 138   For you Over the Shoulder Baby Holder-haters out there, Zolowear offers a modified ring sling with a very modern look. This sling still has the one shoulder carry with all of the cradle, front, hip and back carry positions (and more) that similar models offer, but also brings some new technology to the table. While I loved testing the organic and sustainable model in berry, (very fall/winter appropriate) the model I was most curious about was the one I could take to the pool.   Zolowear offers a sunscreen sling with breathable mesh called Solarveil, seen here - Read More... Posted Feb 09 2008, 10:06 AM by editors with | with 1 comment(s) Filed under: carriers, Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Over the shoulder baby holder, wraps, Zolowear, ring slings

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: ERGObaby

  ERGObaby Carrier – $92 The ERGO carrier was first recommended to me by another urban-dweller who swore the weight distribution to the hips and shoulders was much better for women and their aching backs. Whether science is on the side of the ERGO or it just was a better carrier for me personally, it made a huge difference when my daughter grew out of that easy-to-carry stage, yet I still needed to get about town on foot. This softer and floppier cousin to the Björn is still useful now that I have a two-year-old as the most efficient way of carrying her short distances in a hurry, and I’m confident the padding on the shoulder straps contributes to that comfort. The weight max is 40 lbs on the ERGO, (higher than most carriers) and even at this weight, it is still simple to move the kiddo in and out of the carrier without assistance (although I did have difficulty with the back position, however, another tester did not). Read More... Posted Feb 08 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with 9 comment(s) Filed under: slings, carriers, Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, ERGO, Bjorn, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Moby & MetroWrap - Giveaway!

  Moby Wrap - $40 to $45 & MetroWrap - $79 to $129 The Moby and the MetroWrap are strikingly similar in style and usage and they both claim to carry babies from birth to toddlerhood. Having used and tested both, I can say that I have absolutely no preference. Both are made of a wide piece of fabric that goes over your back, around your shoulders and your waist, using both shoulders and back for support. While these wraps may look complicated, after reading the instructions and taking each of them for a test-run, they are actually quite intuitive and become second nature quickly - assuming you don’t mind getting dressed in another layer, as sometimes it felt as if I were donning choir robes. Read More... Posted Feb 07 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, carriers, Babble Review, giveaway, babywearing, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Moby Wrap, MetroWrap, wraps

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: BabyBjörn Synergy

  BabyBjörn Synergy – $149 The gold standard in carriers, the Björn is also the ‘manliest’ baby carrier, which is perhaps reason enough to buy it; to guarantee equal opportunity baby schlepping. The Björn was our first choice when our baby hit the eight lb. requirement. Admittedly it took a few practice tries to make sure we were connecting all the buckles in the correct place and getting the strap length just right. But after we got it together, the Björn was the least nerve-wracking to use for a neurotic new parent concerned about missing a crucial tie or snap that would certainly cause the baby to fall to the ground at an inappropriate time, most likely in the subway. Read More... Posted Feb 05 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: slings, Babble Review, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, ERGO, Bjorn

• 7 Days of Baby Carriers: Oopa Baby Silk Sling

  Whether you’re a believer in the bonding powers of babywearing or just looking for an easy way to get around town without the bulk of a stroller, there are a number of different baby carriers and slings on the market. One of which, will certainly be the perfect fit for you and your tot. From the traditional to the latest and strangest, Babble has road-tested these tiny transportation devices and are reporting the results here, in 7 Days of Carriers. Be sure and read every day of carriers, as we will have a fantastic carrier giveaway this week!   Oopa Baby Silk Sling -  $119 to $298 By far the most luxurious baby sling in the bunch, Oopa Baby slings are like wearing a high-end fashion accessory, in fact one of our testers received compliments on her style with every outing, quite the post-pregnancy boost. The intricately designed silk sling also had people exclaiming that her daughter looked like a “little Princess”. Read More... Posted Feb 04 2008, 10:05 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: slings, Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Baby Carriers, Oopa Baby Silk Sling

• The Babble Review: BOB The Screentime Controller

  If you're looking to limit the amount of time your children spend on any one electronic device (like a video game machine, television or computer) without fighting them about it all the time, BOB from Hopscotch Technology might be something you should check out. The idea is simple - control the power to the device and you can control how much your kid can use it. My full review is after the jump. Read More... Posted Jan 31 2008, 12:54 PM by moderndaydad with | with no comments Filed under: television, computer, Babble Review, video games, gadgets, video, Hopscotch Technology, video game, power, BOB, mdd

• The Babble Review: Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner

  We don't tend to write much about books here, but this one is such a huge hit in my house these days I can't ignore it. Skippyjon Jones is a wonderful story about a Siamese kitten with an over-active imagination. Read More... Posted Jan 29 2008, 05:16 PM by moderndaydad with | with 3 comment(s) Filed under: Books, book, Babble Review, gifts, Skippyjon Jones, mdd

• 7 Days of Bath Toys: Gowi Funny Baby Bath Buckets

  Gowi Funny Baby Bath Buckets - $15   Oh, the simplicity of a bucket. These cute sand and water versions from Gowi kept one of our tester babies occupied much longer than other toys with all the bells and whistles. The pouring, the scooping, the pouring again. . .While one of our editors had these on hand so we could put them through the paces, we’ve found them difficult to track down to purchase. So if you can’t find these cute little versions for your little one, any old cup or bucket will do. - April Peveteaux   Ages 6 months and up.   Buy it from BabyCenter. Posted Jan 11 2008, 10:34 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, 7 Days of Bath Toys, sand and water bucket, Gowi funny baby bath buckets

• 7 Days of Bath Toys: Gone Fishin' by Rich Frog

  Gone Fishin’ by Rich Frog - $12.95   Rich Frog gives you a fishing pole and three fishees so your child can take aim and get their first lesson in luring them in with this Gone Fishin’ bath toy. The animals being stalked can even be regionally specific as you can choose the pond or ocean version depending on where your child’s fishing expedition is to take place. Read More... Posted Jan 10 2008, 10:34 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Toys, Babble Review, 7 Days of Bath Toys, Rich Frog Gone Fishin', fishing in the tub, Aquatic creatures

• 7 Days of Bath Toys: Alex Toys RubaDub Paint in the Tub

  Alex Toys RubaDub Paint in the Tub - $10.30 A little plastic hand is the palette and the soapy paints that go inside allow your bath time Picasso to go to town on your tub. The paints can be a little watery and therefore not likely to be used for actual figure drawing for the advanced artist, but they are great fun for the toddler set who are just realizing they can create a colorful mess without anyone gasping as they get too close to the furniture. Read More... Posted Jan 09 2008, 10:34 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, giveaway, 7 Days of Bath Toys, RubaDub Paint in the Tub, Alex Toys, bath crayons, bath paints

• 7 Days of Bath Toys: Sassy Floating Car Wash

  Sassy Floating Car Wash - $14.99 Sassy has thought of everything but the attendant in this floating car wash and that makes this one of those toys that’s almost as fun for you as it is for your kiddo. Your vehicles on the road all have different exciting extras; one car has holes to create a sprinkler system, the truck has a dipper, and the other car is a squirter. The autos convoy over the roadway. . . Read More... Posted Jan 08 2008, 10:34 AM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: cars, Babble Review, sassy, 7 Days of Bath Toys, Floating Car Wash

• 7 Days of Bath Toys: Munchkin Baby Bath Turtles

  Whether you have a champion splasher or you have to drag your tot kicking and screaming into the water, bath toys always make hygiene more palatable for the little bather in your house. Babble has tested toys from the simple to the much too complicated and we are bringing you seven days of options to tempt your toddler into the water. Be sure to check in with 7 Days of Bath Toys every day, because it’s Christmas all year round here at Babble, and we will have a giveaway! Munchkin Baby Bath Turtles - $12.99 Turtles seem to be a constant bath time companion for the smallest in your family of bathers, and you can’t get much cuter than these little guys with magnetic butts. Read More... Posted Jan 07 2008, 10:28 AM by editors with | with 2 comment(s) Filed under: Babble Review, giveaway, turtles, Munchkin, 7 Days of Bath Toys

• The Babble Review: Kushies Magnetic Stacking Acrobats

  The Stacrobats passed the kid test as soon as my toddler unzipped the case, got a good look and breathlessly declared, “I like toys!” Kushies passes the adult test by making safe and award-winning products for babies and bigger kids for the past 50 years. Their bright and bouncy toys from the Zolo line are always a visual pleaser and the magnetic stacking acrobats are super cute as they get tossed about the room, on the dog, in the crib. . . Read More... Posted Jan 03 2008, 02:35 PM by editors with | with no comments Filed under: Babble Review, safe toys, Zolo Magnetic Stacking Acrobats, circus, Kushies Stacrobats