Buckle up – it’s the law! And not just for you, either – babies in every state are required to be placed in a rear-facing car seat. So you have to juggle between convenience and safety (not to mention how it looks!). You look, you compare, and you search high and low. But you may never find one as good as Safety 1st ’s onBoard™ car seat.

OnBoard™ manages to combine functionality, safety, and a sweet, sophisticated look all into o ne affordable package. And Safety First is a well-known household name when it comes to baby items (I have more than several myself!)

The Good:

• Spacious – as baby sits comfortably snuggled inside, you rest assured knowing that he won’t soon outgrow the car seat.
• Leave behind base – keeping the base securely in place in the car means not only convenience, but peace of mind that fewer mistakes can be made in the buckling.
• EEP Foam – I call it the “super shock absorber stuff” and I can safely say my baby doesn’t know what it is, but he is very appreciative!

The Bad:

• Handle – not the easiest thing to move up and down, but I’ve only done it once; 99% of the time it stays up anyway.

With a superior name in baby care and a positive, strong record in safety, the Safety 1st onBoard™ car seat is a sound investment. Not only is it good for your little tykes, but parents will find the stay-in-car base and the knowledge of the child’s safety among the most important attributes.

Clue one: The soothing, subtle sound of the heartbeat

Clue two:Ambient, soft conversation sounds

Answer: The SoundSleep for Babies CD, from Sound Science

A lot of parents, especially frustrated ones, have tried products that say they’ll help soothe your baby. And then you turn it on. Far less from soothing, they seem to actually be bothering both you and the baby.

That’s not true with the SoundSleep for Babies CD. The very first time I used the product I was amazed. I put the CD in the player, hooked up the headphones (making sure the volume was appropriate), and put them on a fussy baby.

BAM – silence. A doe-eyed, blinking baby was calm. Maybe from the new experience of headphones, but something tells me it was the womb-like sounds quieted baby.

That’s right: womb-like! Muffled heartbeats (not Tale Tell Heart sounds like in some other products) and muted background conversations all helped baby calm.

Pros:

• Comprised of actual recordings from the womb, digitally enhanced
• Based on medical, scientific, and audio research
• Calms even the fussiest of babies quickly
• Plays for one hour
• Keeps baby asleep

Cons

• Unless the room is super quiet, I had to use headphones – otherwise, just playing them on a CD player, baby was uninterested

I am always skeptical about products that say they will quiet a baby fast – especially if they’re just going to play music and sounds. But the SoundSleep CD has proven me wrong (well, as far as this CD alone goes!). The CD has now become a mainstay in my household, keeping baby comfortable and asleep longer, making sure accidental loud noises are a thing of the past.

Note: The CD plays for an hour. It is suggested that you put the player on REPEAT, keeping the sounds going as long as you feel.

Sometimes a product comes along that isn’t quite one thing or another. Baby K’tan fits that description. Not quite a sling, not quite a wrap, the best way to label it is simple “carrier” – and what a unique carrier it is.

A lot of carriers have one or two good points to their designs, but the Baby K’tan is chock full of beneficial features.

Pros:

• Can be used from birth to 42 lbs – one of the only systems to carry that much
• Made completely of natural cotton making the carrier very breathable
• Ability to carry twins – the only carrier I’ve seen that is able to do this
• Comes in patterns for both moms and dads
• 8 possible positions for baby
  • Cradle
  • Hug
  • Explore
  • Adventure
  • Twins
  • Two-Hip
  • Hip
  • Back
  • Phone support

Neutral:

• Can take some practice, but with well written and video instructions, getting the hang of it does not take that long

Again we have a carrier with no cons (and only one neutral). That is why with today’s ever advancing products and product ideas, it is important to compare and see what works for you and your little one, or ones!

Of course, not all slings are appropriate for all families and parents. It is very important to find the right sling for you. Remember to ask to try the sling in-store to get a feel for what the sling is all about. If a sling you are interested is unavailable by you and you must purchase online, make sure you are well informed about the company’s return policy.

Note: use coupon code: GREATDAD for 15% discount on any orders at www.babyktan.com..

For babies between 8 and 32 lbs.

Continuing the reviews on infant carriers, today I will review the Infantino Front2Back Rider. I am sure it is no secret, after my last review, Infantino is a favorite brand of mine. And the Front2Back Rider is no exception.

Pros:

• Light weight
• Comfortable for both petite and larger people
• It is super to buckle and unbuckle
• Soft, memory-foam type straps assure comfort for the wearer
• Like the SlingRider, it has fantastic, breathable mesh to assure good airflow
• Extra storage pocket for keys or other small objects (think extra pacifier!)
• “Tidy Wraps” help contain excess straps

Cons:

• None

It is a rarity when a product truly has nothing under the Cons section, but this rider has managed to do just that. There is comfort to be found for everyone using the Front2Back Rider – with its soft straps (a big plus), breathable mesh for baby (and peace of mind for parent!) and adjustable sizing; I whole heartedly recommend this product.

Of course, not all slings are appropriate for all families and parents. It is very important to find the right sling for you. Remember to ask to try the sling in-store to get a feel for what the sling is all about. If a sling you are interested is unavailable by you and you must purchase online, make sure you are well informed about the company’s return policy.

While discussing baby products with a friend of mine, he stated that he found out about some great baby products only after they were relevant and needed. I find that to be true, as well, and such a pity!

The All-in-One cloth diapers from Bumkins are one of those products. Created and designed in the USA, by moms, Bumkins are free of PVC, phthalates, and vinyl. Outside, soft polyester keeps supple through the life of the diaper. Inside, you’ll find six layers of 100% luxurious flannel, creating a diapering system that is super absorbent, but also promotes good airflow.

Of course, you are probably thinking: I need a diaper service, disposables are easier, reusable diapers are not as absorbent, or you are not ready to have to deal with a diaper pad, outer layer, and pins or snaps.

Those ideas – all in the past! Bumkins are easily washed (no rinsing required for urine, minimal rinsing required for solids), they are easy to maneuver and use (not to mention end up being less expensive over the long run), and the flannel padding soaks up everything, leaving baby dry (extra inserts available for times when normal response times may be delayed, like during a trip). And being All-in-Ones, there is no assembly; baby wears them just like a disposable!

Pros:

• PVC-, phthalates-, and vinyl-free
• Durable and soft outer shell, six supple layers of flannel inside
• Easy to wash
• Easy to use
• Absorbent
• Nice, wide Velcro tabs keep diaper secure
• Made in the USA

Cons:

• Bulkier than disposable diapers
• Some may find the initial investment off putting despite long-run savings

If you are in the market for reusable diapers, Bumkins are definitely worth your time. Even if you are not, buy a few and try them out. After the “test run,” see which one is better for you and your baby. With softness both inside and out, super absorbent flannel, and secure Velcro tabs, chances are, you will stick with the reusable. And the Earth will thank you!

You have heard about it.

You have seen the letters.

You know it is bad for baby.

But what it is?

BPA stands for Bisphenol A and is found in some plastic baby bottles. Although the safety of using BPA in containers has been in question since the early 1900’s, some bottles still contain the compound. But the tide is turning; glass baby bottles have found new life and a promise of a much safer meal for your little one.

When I was first asked to review the product, I was hesitant – I am as clumsy as they come and the last thing I need is a glass bottle with soapy hands, or frankly, just a glass bottle and my normal hands.

GoBabyLife must have thought about this with their WeeGo – their heavy-duty (read: nice and thick) glass bottles are enrobed in a deliciously sleek silicone sleeve. This protects the bottle from breaking and also from knocking against each other. Best of all, the bottle and sleeve can be boiled or put in the dishwasher together – no need to put on a take off!

Pros:

• BPA free
• Phthalate free
• PVC free
• Polycarbonate free
• Easy to clean and use – the silicone sleeve makes for excellent grip for you or baby!

Cons:

• None

If you are looking for a set of nice, strong glass bottles – these are it, look no further. You will feel much better knowing that you are feeding your baby with only what was intended and nothing more.  You will also feel better knowing that they won’t go crashing to the floor!

Everyone looks for a good stroller – everyone. The stroller is a typical mainstay when travelling with a baby, at the mall or further from home. Before the stroller, and rarely in the Western World, everyone else was using slings or other devices to carry baby on the body – there is even Egyptian artwork from the age of the Pharaohs depicting use of slings!

So when did the stroller come about? The prototypes of today’s modern strollers are built on the first baby carriages and perambulators (prams) of Victorian England. Now, whether going out for a walk around the park or for slightly more extended travel plans, moving along with baby is never easier on body.

Today, I have the pleasure of reviewing the Onyx Stroller.

The first thing you will notice is the lightweight aluminum frame. I thought “I don’t know – this doesn’t seem sturdy” but it turned out I was wrong – once completely put together, the stroller feels as sturdy as other, heavier strollers.

Once baby is in the stroller, that is when the fun begins! Have a glance at the pros and cons below to get a better picture of everything the Onyx Stroller has to offer.

Pros:

• Complete with a 5-point harness designed for security
• Easy-to-adjust reclining seat assures that baby is as comfortable as possible
• Smooth maneuvering with swivel wheels
• Trouble-free locking and unlocking wheels
• Sturdy
• Really comfortable handles for the one pushing
• Holds Graco Snugride car seats
• Allowed to be taken on an airplane, as it fits in the overhead compartment

Cons:

• Canopy can sometimes insufficient if seat is reclined at certain angles

All in all, the Onyx Stroller is a safe, reliable stroller with plenty of perks – both for the little one and for the driver! It is clear to see that the designers kept baby in mind when building this stroller – and it shows. Even if only used for airline travel, the Onyx Stroller is a good investment.

The Cloud B Sea Turtle is a fun addition to the nighttime routine. My kids say it helps them get to sleep because is has a soothing light. I like it because it turns their entire room into a planetarium, with choices of blue or green stars (and a moon). Stargazing has always been a special time for me with the kids and, while they can’t always figure out what I’m pointing at, they like the time lying on the grass staring up at the sky with daddy and talking about ’stuff.’ While the Cloud B Sea Turtle, and it’s other endangered animal constellation brothers, can’t replace that experience, it reminds of good times we’ve had and to come. The lights turn off after 45 minutes, which is usually long after they’ve fallen asleep.

Bottles? check!  Diapers? check!  Sling? uh-oh!

Unlike a few years ago, today you see many a parent wearing their little one – the sling is back and they are popping up all over the place. With so many to choose from, where you do you even begin? Right here! This review will focus on the Infantino SlingRider.

Never before could I believe that a sling could be so comfortable for both parent and child – but Infantino has proved me wrong.

For baby, the sling is wide, so that they are comfortable and not crushed in by both sides, while the opening is elastic – creating a nice, semi-closed top that easy to open. Inside where baby is comfortable, there is a swaddling harness, which means older infants (not newborns, who prefer an extra tight blanket swaddle) are able to be securely fastened into the sling. For my newborn, I swaddle him tightly and just place him on top of the extra soft swaddling harness. Very supple, extra breathable mesh around the head means that air is freely exchanged, eliminating stale air for baby to re-breathe. I find the mesh an extra nice feature and of very fine quality.

For parent, the sling is super easy to put on – just slip over your head and onto your non-dominate shoulder. The strap/harness that sits on your shoulder and goes across your back is well-padded and comfortable, even after hours of wear. The fastener is a favorite feature of mine – the end of the fabric has a clip which assures that even at its most slack, the sling is safe and secure. There’s also a compartment by baby’s feet (on the outside of the sling) to store a cell phone, extra bottle, or whatever else you might need on the go.

Pros:

• Comfortable for both baby and wearer
• Wider than other slings, but safe as well
• Convenient swaddling harness
• Breathable mesh
• Secure fastener
• Extra storage

Cons:

• Because of the thick and soft straps, adjusting size is not 1-2-3 simple, but may take a few moments to adjust

All in all, I would whole-heartedly recommend the Infantino SlingRider. From the comfort factor of both parties, to the knowledge that baby is secure and safe, this sling is a must try, if not a must buy.

Of course, not all slings are appropriate for all families and parents. It is very important to find the right sling for you. Remember to ask to try the sling in-store to get a feel for what the sling is all about. If a sling you are interested is unavailable by you and you must purchase online, make sure you are well informed about the company’s return policy.

The Renaissance of the Sling is in full effect and with many, many brands available, which ones are worth your money – and your time? Through the next few reviews, I will focus mainly on the ins and outs of various slings – pros and cons from both a parent’s point of view as well as my perceived pros and cons from my child’s point of view. Today we focus on the popular HotSlings.

So, with newborn in arm, I tried the HotSlings over a couple of days. With the informative DVD and step-by-step picture instructions there was no way I could do anything wrong and it left my mind at ease about dropping baby! I practiced putting it on and taking it off to make sure I had a fluid motion.

While, in the end, the
HotSlings is not my cup of tea, I can see its benefits for those who it does work for.

A note on picking your size and tip on using the Hotslings should keep you in good stead: it is imperative make sure you buy the correct size, not only for your comfort, but for your child’s safety and avoid overly baggy/loose clothing which may bunch and bundle under the shoulder area if user is not careful.

Pros:

• Contemporary design
• Keeps baby extra snug
• Ability to hold baby or toddler a minimum of 3 different ways

Cons:

• Price

Slings are so individual – each one and every company has a different feel and style. What is good for one, another family will dislike. The HotSling is a popular choice – it comes in 9 different sizes (from Petite to 3X), many choices between fashionable designs, and comes with an informative DVD which helps anyone become a HotSlings master.

While this sling is not my cup of tea, I can see its benefits for those families it works for. A crucial component to find the right sling is to ask to try them out in-store to see what you think of that particular model. If the sling is unavailable near you and you have to buy one online, make sure you know the company’s return policy.