Review: JumpStart.com

Author
Eric Cooper
Computer details: Inspiron M1530, Vista Home Premium, 32-bit Rarely are websites for children educational – and if they are, they grow old really fast.  I’ve been on my share of kid’s game sites, looking for something for my child to play (and learn at the same time – otherwise, we’ll just go outside, play, and get some good exercise!).  I’ve run into the typical Let’s-Raise-Virtual-Pets! type of websites and they’re not for my family.  They’re less learning and more product promotion, in the end (No, I don’t want to buy a $19.99 stuffed animal, magazine, or anything else just so my child can get something virtual and show off that he bought your product – my family is...

Review: Adobe Photoshop Elements 7

Author
Eric Cooper
You have a million photos taking up space on your hard drive, various CDs, and, heaven forbid, floppies. And, yes, you look through them – but what are you going to do with them? Like me, you will do nothing in particular with them other than keep them where they are and trot them out every so often to take a peek by yourself or with others. Then I received a copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements. And, like all laypeople, I was terrified, because frankly, I’m adept at using a computer, but Photoshopping pictures seemed way out of my league. Needless to say, I tried the program…and used it and used it and used it. I’ve used it now for a few months; I really wanted to get a feel for the program...

Review: Munchkin Mighty Grip Glass Bottle

Author
Eric Cooper
With the plethora of new glass bottles on the market you might look at the bottle and say to yourself “huh, I’ll just grab these and go” – but you need to look closer; not all glass bottles are created equal! The Munchkin Mighty Grip Glass Bottle (pictured above) is an excellent bottle to seriously consider if you are in the market for new bottles. And, if you’re like me and terrified of dropping one, a snug silicone sleeve can be purchased to protect it! Pros: BPA free Easy to clean Silcone sleeve is easy to remove and clean and just as easy to replace – all while keeping the bottle safe and secure from accidental drops or bumps. The glass on the sides are ribbed, giving the...

Review: Mutsy Stroller

Author
Eric Cooper
There are planes – and then there are private jets. There are cars – and then there are Bentleys. There are houses – and then there are mansions. There are strollers… And then there is Mutsy! Super chic, super sleek, and oh-so-indulgent, never before has there been such a posh stroller! European design is just one of the fantastic things about this wonderful stroller. Your little one will be the center of attention in this one-of-a-kind experience. Now, if I sound over excited, I am – simply put, The Mutsy Urban Next is just too cute for words and definitely a conversation starter! Pros: Amazingly smooth ride – large, easy-swivel tires make any terrain a snap (the stroller comes...

Review: Safety 1st (AKA Safety First) OnBoard Car Seat

Author
Eric Cooper
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...

Review: SoundSleep for Babies CD

Author
Eric Cooper
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...

Review: Baby K’tan Carrier

Author
Eric Cooper
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...

Review: Infantino’s Front2Back Rider

Author
Eric Cooper
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,...

Review: Bumkins All-in-One Cloth Diapers

Author
Eric Cooper
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,...

Review: Wee*Go Bottle by GoBabyLife

Author
Eric Cooper
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...
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