preschoolers – Page 5 – The Next Kid Thing

Portable and Huggable: Mobi TykeLight GloMate

September 29, 2009September 29, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Because of the husband’s job, sometimes we get to try out new products or test out samples that we wouldn’t otherwise have the chance. The TykeLight GloMate from Mobi is the latest cool gadget that we had the chance to try out, coincidentally on our most recent roadtrip.

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The TykeLight GloMate is a new take on the old school nightlights. This nightlight is rechargeable, portable and even huggable. On our 350 mile roadtrip back to our hometown, a trip that we take way too often, we try to find ways to entertain the toddler when he isn’t sleeping in the backseat. Since we haven’t succumbed to the car dvd player, toys and music are our savior. This time, right at sunset, we broke out the TykeLight GloMate and the little guy didn’t let go until we made our destination, hours after he’d fallen asleep. The soft, colorful glow was so comforting and never overpowering—a perfect complement to our bedtime routine.
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We have various other nightlights and sound machines that we’ve used since the baby days, but the TykeLight GloMate is the first that we can bring on roadtrips or snuggle with. As we speak, the kid is pretending it’s his own little baby and shushing it to “sleep.”

Bedtime can get rough, but having consistency at bedtime is key. The TykeLight GloMate is the perfect size for toddlers to tote to bed or on the go, yet ideal for bigger kids to use in their bedroom, too. The TykeLight GloMate glows blue, green, red, violet or cycle through the rainbow of colors. It can glow for 10 whopping hours per charge and features a 15-minute dimmer when the kid falls asleep.

Because of its functionality and portability, the TykeLight Glomate is one of my favorite kid gadgets to date. At just $20, I foresee the TykeLight GloMate becoming one of my go-to gifts for my new mom friends.

Bento Boxing it

September 24, 2009October 6, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With the kids back in school and the ongoing concern for childhood obesity, healthy eating habits, naturally, is a hot topic for many parents. One trend for packing lunches that’s flourishing in not only kids, but also adults, is the Bento Box. Japanese-style bento boxes have nesting compartments which is perfect for fresh fruits, veggies, pasta, last night’s leftovers—you name it. The compartments also serve as a built-in portion control system! Genius. As the popularity of Bento Boxes grows, as do the different varieties. Here are just a few of my favorites:

The Goodbyn

The Goodbyn is an awesome Bento Box that Brandy, a friend and NKT reader, first told me about a few months ago. And after hearing about it, it’s no surprise that I read about it in various places—it’s just that cool.

This Bento Box, designed by a mom, has six compartments, a lid and an 8.5 oz. drink cup. The animal-ish shaped boxes come in kid-friendly colors and even come with stickers that kids can use to personalize. The beauty of Bento Boxes is because of its compartments or nesting containers, it eliminates the usage of plastic baggies, and in this case, juice boxes. The Goodbyn, an eco-friendly and pretty sweet alternative to traditional lunchboxes, not only promotes healthier eating by controlling portions, but it’s also safer since it’s said to be Phthalate and BPA-free. It’s no wonder The Goodbyn is creating all that well-deserved buzz.

Zojirushi Mini Bento Box
I recently had the chance to check out the Zojirushi Mini Bento Box and I love it; it’s so cute and functional! This is one company that gets it right.

41IGc1oW65L._SS500_ We received an amazing Zojirushi electric skillet as a wedding/shower gift, and we love it. And so when I received this one at an event, I knew it would be just as great. The Mini Bento Box comes with 3 containers: 2 smaller plastic containers and 1 larger container with a twist off lid. The smaller containers would be ideal to hold leftovers, fruit, veggies and the like. The larger container looks like it’s meant to hold rice; I love that it also has a removable outer metal cup to keep it warm. The fabric bag is cute and very portable; it certainly wouldn’t take up much space in a bookbag. This set comes with a chopsticks and handy matching case, too. Like many Americans, I have no discipline when it comes to portion control, and so I will say that this mini bento box lives up to the “mini” part. It would be ideal for kids, especially since you can tuck things into the pockets in the fabric bag. For mamas who make their own baby food, this mini bento box would be perfect to store those cubes in! This Bento Box can be found at Amazon.

Bento Set in Black Sushi il_fullxfull.83560673

This Etsy find from Spacestitch was too cute not to mention. It encompasses elements of both of the above Bento Boxes, all rolled up into one.

I love the sushi print combined with the black contrasting fabric and pink ribbon, which gives it a modern and whimsical look. This set comes with a two-tiered plastic bento box, utensils, napkin, drawstring bag and elastic bands. This set looks like it would carry a lot more, making it perfect for moms and older kids. This Bento Box cannot be microwaved or put in the dishwasher, but its convenience and cute factor make up for that!

If you already do Bento Boxes, what are some of your meal ideas? I love how creative people get with lunches, so let’s hear ’em! For some great ideas check out: The Goodbyn blog; Hippomum’s photos; and Kideats Flickr Pool

Seriously, these people inspire me to get more creative and diverse with the kid’s meals. Hey, if it gets kids of all ages interested in eating/trying healthy foods, I’m all for it!

Back to School Must Have: Lovable Labels

September 21, 2009September 21, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

For most kids, school has been underway for a few weeks now. While most families have already satisfied their school supplies shopping list, there will always be those lingering must haves. Since our family vacation coincided with Labor Day and a lot of my energy was exerted into preparing for the trip leading up to my cousin’s wedding, I didn’t have a chance to do a Back to School Shopping Guide. And so this week, I will be featuring my Back to School Must Haves.

Moms and dads with kids in school and daycare know how pertinent it is to label every single item. My kid has lost entire outfits at daycare because I failed to label them! Well, thanks to Lovable Labels, we can set our Sharpies down since they’ve made labeling a breeze.

Lovable Labels kindly sent our family the Back to School Pack to review, and I’ve been on a labeling frenzy ever since. Even though my kid isn’t in school yet, as a family who is constantly on the go, The Back to School Pack is ideal for all of our labeling purposes. We received the black labels with a fun little dinosaur graphic that I adore. I labeled our playground toys with the slimline labels since we go to the park every day, and those toys can be exchanged with numerous little hands. The labels are durable, distinctive and pretty darn cute!
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Jenny McCarthy unveils Too Good

September 17, 2009September 17, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Jenny McCarthy is no stranger to vocalizing important topics, specifically ones that pertain to parenting. In line with her (and many parents’) belief to build and maintain a better environment for children, McCarthy will be launching a line of affordable, non-toxic infant & juvenile products. After reading on Twtitter that McCarthy was spotted at this week’s ABC Kids Expo in Vegas, it makes so much more sense. McCarthy, who has partnered with PEM, officially unveiled the line, Too Good, at the expo.

McCarthy’s line of kiddie products will include bedding, bath textiles, room decor, newborn gift sets, cleaning products, gluten-free food and beverages, and other categories.

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A recent article in Brandweek best described McCarthy’s efforts as a mom:

Jenny became an advocate for a holistic approach to child development after her son Evan was diagnosed with autism in 2005. She has been vocal about such causes as staggering immunizations, adhering to a gluten-free diet and eliminating chemicals in everyday products, such as lead paint in toys or BPA plastic in baby bottles.

McCarthy’s Too Good line is set for launch at mid-tier retailers next spring or summer.

I know many moms have read Jenny’s best selling books on motherhood, so I’m anxious to see these products for myself! I applaud Jenny for using her celebrity status as a platform to create a less toxic environment for all of our kids—and for making it affordable. Be on the look out for Too Good by Jenny.

Smart & Silky: kid friendly hand sanitizer

September 15, 2009September 15, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Nothing can replace good old fashioned hand-washing, but in this day in age where the H1N1 virus still looms, with the kids back in school and the upcoming flu season, it’s important as ever to emphasize illness-prevention.

Just in time for prime kiddie germ season, Smart & Silky and Kids Smart & Silky Foaming Hand Sanitizers is set to hit the shelves. Smart & Silky is alcohol-free, hypoallergenic and is not flammable or poisonous, making it ideal for kids.

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TMBG to release Here Comes Science

August 31, 2009September 1, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In addition to the usual parenting responsibilities , if there’s anything I want to do for the kid, it’s to fill his life with cool experiences and great music. I know I may write about new products every day, but truly, nothing quite compares to intangible goodies such as, a love for music.

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Exposure to great music can be attributed to nurturing even the littlest music lover’s discerning ear. I especially love it when music groups that I like go the kiddie route. With the Ting Tings and the Roots at the top of our playlist, it’s hard to not mention the smart and quirky, and perhaps one of the most well known rock groups to cross over into the kiddie genre: They Might be Giants. And giants they are!
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Kidz haz cheezburger: Play-Doh Burger Builder

August 28, 2009August 28, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Play-Doh has cooked up some new items, specifically, some new food sets, some of which are set to roll out this fall. With school starting up for many, the unofficial end of summer might be imminent, but the kids can BBQ all year round with the Play-Doh Burger Builder. With the Burger Builder, kids can press, knead and “cook” up their own burgers and all the “fixins” (That’s how they say it back home) How ever they might like their burgers—lettuce, tomato, pickles, fries on the side—the possibilities are endless with the Play-Doh Burger Builder.

Play-Doh Burger Builder

We had the chance to check out this latest set, which, like all of its timeless playsets, the Play-Doh Burger is entertaining for boys and girls. Even with the various pieces, it’s easy put together and take apart. It comes with five small canisters of Play-Doh, and the cool looking molds. Even with all the glorious electronics out on the market, there’s nothing like good old fashioned play with classic toys that encourage creativity. I love that the allure of Play-Doh will never get old. Anyone remember the Fun Factory?

The sets are recommended for kids 3 and up, but in my opinion, I’d push that age range to whenever kids “get it.” I know some parents might think of Play-Doh, as one of “those” toys, but really, if the kids get it, then it’s much more fun for everyone.

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The Play-Doh Burger Builder can be found at toys stores and will retail for $15.99.

In addition to the new Burger Builder set, Play-Doh has rolled out the Spaghetti Factory where, you guessed it: kids can create a spectrum of noodles, meatballs and even shrimp. And for all all the budding Star Wars Fans, keep your eyes out for the R2-D2 playset.

But, Happy Friday, I’ve got the Play-Doh Burger Builder playset for one of you!

Want it?
Just tell me any of the items that you can make with the Burger Builder!

Share this giveaway for extra entries. Please comment below for each entry! This giveaway ends on 9/18.

Listen up: Where the Wild Things Are soundtrack

August 24, 2009August 24, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic, “Where the Wild Things” continues to create buzz. This time, there’s been some rumblings of the highly anticipated movie’s soundtrack. wild

Specifically, what caught MY attention is the fact that the Karen O, the frontlady of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, is just one of the many rockstars that will be featured on the soundtrack. According to Rolling Stone, the soundtrack will also feature:

Karen O’s YYYs bandmates Brian Chase and Nick Zinner along with Tristan Bechet (Services), Bradford Cox (Deerhunter), Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age, The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs), Aaron Hemphill (Liars), Greg Kurstin (The Bird and the Bee), Jack Lawrence (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs, The Greenhornes), Oscar Michel (Gris Gris), Imaad Wasif (New Folk Implosion, Alaska). An untrained children’s choir contributes to the songs and soundscapes.

The soundtrack will be released on September 29th and first single “All Is Love” will come out August 25th digitally.

Where the Wild Things is gearing up to not only be a movie to be seen, but also to be heard! In case you haven’t seen the trailer, be sure to check it out!

I just love that one of my favorite books ever is being made into a movie by one of my favorite directors and writers! I seriously can’t wait for this one!

Spotted: Chalk Cloth Placemat

August 21, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

At an event yesterday, I spotted a display with some super cool eating and entertaining ideas for kids. One of them, the Flower Power Chalk Cloth Placemat from Chicks & Chickadees, I thought, would be perfect for families that are always on the go like us.

The placemat, which is chalk cloth oilcloth on one side and laminated cotton on the other side, can be easily folded and rolled to shove into a diaper bag or stroller. In addition to using at home or in restaurants, I think this would be perfect to have onhand for the bus, trains and in a few weeks for us, the airplane. The Chalk Cloth Placemat is a fun, reusable alternative to coloring books/crayons and the plastic and throw away placemats for kids.
The 12 X 17 in. Chalk Cloth placemat from Chicks & Chickadees is the same size as a standard placemat and comes in designs for kids of all ages. My only complaint though: I’d love to see more gender-neutral designs!

Hula Star Swimwear

August 19, 2009 by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With school shopping on so many to do lists, it’s inevitable that summer is winding down. But for our family, our summer vacation is right around the corner. Lucky us, we’ve been able to take advantage of summer clearance sales to not only stock up for next year, but also for a few new duds for our trip to Hawaii. And of course, I’m always searching for NKT goodies, too!