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BABYLAND — There are some essential products that most new parents look for, such as bottles, diapers, a stroller and a crib.
Come to think of it, these items aren't truly essential. From reading old family journals, I've learned that my grandmother slept in a shoebox for the first six months of her life.
Even if a baby product isn't essential, however, it might offer the ability to make life easier for you and more enjoyable for your baby. This review looks at several such items.
Blooming Baby Bath Lotus
PRICE: $39
GRADE: A
Blooming Bath's Baby Bath Lotus is shaped like a flower with four contoured petals that cradle your baby. You just plug your sink drain, set the Blooming Bath inside, and fill the water to the right level.
The Blooming Bath measures 33 inches across, including the 8-inch center pad. The petals have polyurethane foam inside that creates a plush surface to support your baby. The minky fabric is easily cleaned and, after wringing out excess water, you can toss the Blooming Bath in the dryer for 10 minutes or hang it up to dry.
This bath flower is ideal for newborns and babies up to 6 months old. When babies are ready to sit up by themselves in a larger bath, the Blooming Bath can also be used as a familiar support that helps them transition.
The Mommy Hook accessory clip
PRICE: $7
GRADE: A
Sometimes the most effective tools are also the most basic. Take The Mommy Hook, for instance. It's just an oversized clip. But when a busy parent is struggling with bags or personal items while shopping, it's the perfect way to free up your hands.
The Mommy Hook works on nearly all strollers and shopping carts. It's made with durable aluminum and has a foam grip to eliminate slippage. Once attached, it'll hold everything from diaper bags to purses to groceries.
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Baby on the way? Here are 9 stroller and baby carrier options you'll love
Getting from point A to point B can be a strenuous experience when you're toting kids, a diaper bag, and whatever other items the day calls for. This review looks at some great products that can help make your travels smoother (and safer).ezpz Happy Mats
PRICE: $24
GRADE: A
As long as there are toddlers, there will be messes at mealtimes. But the Happy Mat helps to minimize the splatters by suctioning to the table and eliminating the opportunity for bowls and plates to be turned into catapults.
With the Happy Mat's stable base, kids are better able to feed themselves. The three compartments hold individual portions and help to catch food that goes AWOL. Made from 100% silicone, these durable mats are a convenient way to make mealtime a little less chaotic. You can put them in the microwave or oven to heat food, then toss them in the dishwasher for cleanup.
Primo EuroBath
PRICE: $34
GRADE: A
Word on the street is that the Primo EuroBath is the largest baby bath you can buy (36" x 21" x 9"). But it still manages to provide snug support for little ones courtesy of the contoured reclining position for your baby's arms and back. As your child grows older and sits up, you can move them to the kiddie pool on the other side, where they still get some back support and the "baby stopper" is positioned between the legs to ensure they don't slip into the water.
Given the size of this tub, you're able to add more water and keep your baby warm during the bath. And there's a built-in plug for draining. The EuroBath is ideal for newborns and babies to 24 months old. For newborns, it's often nice to add a soft washcloth underneath their body to provide a cushion.
eufy Spaceview Pro Baby Monitor
PRICE: $169
GRADE: A
The Spaceview Pro Baby Monitor offers some excellent features that make it easier to keep an eye on your baby. The 720p livestream is among the best you'll ever see at that resolution level, while the 5-inch monitor display lets you see details that simply aren't discernible on smaller displays. And the night vision also outperforms the competition, with a crispness that almost makes you feel like a Navy SEAL on a covert mission (or perhaps that's just my own personal fantasy).
With its pan and tilt capabilities, the Spaceview Pro allows you to see your child's entire room. This comprehensive coverage is particularly nice when you're checking in on a toddler with mobility. Additional features include two-way audio, sound detection alerts, programmable lullabies, and a 1,000-foot wireless range.
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The summer may have come and gone, but there is still plenty of sunshine ahead. Here’s a quick look at five products that can make things more fun for your family at the pool, lake, beach, or just about any other body of water.Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker Deluxe
PRICE: Varies by retailer
GRADE: A-
Baby food can be expensive, and the One Step Food Maker Deluxe allows you to make your own with less effort than ever. Automatically steaming and blending your food, you can get 3½ cups of baby food in just 10-15 minutes. The consistency of the food is excellent, and your little one will be able to enjoy many of the same things you're serving to the rest of your family.
This system comes with three reusable food pouches (and filling funnels) so you can save your food for future use. Pears and bananas are often among the most beloved ingredients, but you can mix things up by tossing in sweet potatoes or avocados. You can also use the system for "grown-up food" such as steamed vegetables and hard-boiled eggs.
While this product is undeniably great, it missed out on an "A" grade because it occasionally struggles to puree some foods.
Miku Smart Baby Monitor
PRICE: Varies by retailer
GRADE: A
If you want to invest in a more comprehensive monitor for your baby, Miku's Smart Baby Monitor is among the best on the market. Billed as the "most accurate breathing and sleep monitor ever," it allows you to effortlessly track your child's movement, breathing and sleep patterns. And all this is done without any of the physical contact points or wearable devices you'd get with comparable monitors. Instead, the Smart Baby Monitor uses independent sensors to do all the work.
This monitor lets you share and download HD video and photos on your smartphone with no hidden subscription fees. Security can be an issue with some monitors, but the Smart Baby Monitor uses 256-bit encryption and two-factor authentication to lock things down.
Where the Smart Baby Monitor really shines is analytics. You can accurately track and graph your child's sleeping habits, providing insights that'll help you find the best ways to help them get solid sleep.
