Category: gear

Burt’s Baby Bee Nourishing Lotion Touts New Formula

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Natural skin care and beauty care brand, Burt’s Bees, recently rolled out new versions of their popular Baby Bee Nourishing Lotions. The Original, Lavender and Fragrance Free formulas are pediatrician-tested, 99% natural and hypoallergenic.

In addition to being paraben-, phthalate- and petrochemical-free, part of the “new and improved”  equation is that the fragrances in the Baby Bee Nourishing Lotions are also 100% natural.

I like the thick, but non-greasy consistency of the Fragrance Free Baby Bee Nourishing Lotion. The combination of aloe, shea butter and other ingredients create a gentle moisturizer for the tiniest babies, but are just as effective for rough and tumble kids, such as my own. This is my new go-to baby lotion, and one that’s worth checking out.

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Quick Review: Vordak the Incomprehensible

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

One new book that I’m currently loving is Vordak the Incomprehensible: How to Grow Up and Rule the World.  Geared to tween-aged boys, Vordak hilariously highlights the most important How-Tos on becoming a supreme Supervillain.

In this 197-page tongue-and-cheek manual, Vordak speaks to his minions on important topics like perfecting the supervillain laugh (MUHAHAHA!), choosing the lair that’s right for you and how to spot your arch-nemesis.  Vordak is a funny read with brilliant graphics that channel the same sort of hijinx that one would find in a Phineas and Ferb episode.

Books That Make a Difference

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

In line for School Librarian Day today, I read a fantastic post over on one of my favorite sites, GeekMom.com.  The post features several books that inspired the authors when they were kids.

To understand what our kids are going through as they grow up, it helps to look back at the pivotal books that made a difference during our own formative years.

That post got me thinking: books, the actual physical hard copies, will forever remain an integral part of my life. My personal love for books and everything about the library—my school librarians, included—most definitely made me the person I am today.  My appetite to research, read, learn and write all stem back to my life-long love affair with books.  It was my grade school librarian who introduced me to the biography and non-fiction stacks in the library; and perhaps, the path that led me to journalism all together.

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Pat Bells Put Music at Kids’ Fingertips

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Colorful, beautiful and eye-catching, Pat Bells from PlayMe aren’t toys, but unique musical instruments that can be played with a slight tap of a wooden knob.  Each handbell in the 8-piece set is a different color of the spectrum, making it easy for kids to make their own music or follow song cards that feature notes with the corresponding bells’ colors.

Designed for kids ages 3 and up, the Pat Bells have been used in a variety of music education settings, including kids with special needs.  As opposed to traditional handbells, there are no handles to hold or mallets needed to strike, so Pat Bells are described as being “easy to play” for younger kids or who have low muscle tone or delayed motor skill development.

When I spotted these gorgeous bells at Toy Fair, I was immediately drawn in by the colors and striking design.  At $150, the bells may not find their way into personal music collections, but I’d love to see these in preschools, music classes and especially in the hands of music lovers of all ages.

Want to see the bells in action? I found a really great video on YouTube that gives a great demo.

Gag-Worthy and Gross: Dino Poop and Dr. Dreadful

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Happy April Fool’s Day, everyone.  I’m not one for pulling pranks, but I do enjoy laughing at clever gags—from a distance.

For April Fool’s Day, I thought I’d spotlight a few new toys that are sure to elicit a few gags and giggles for those who appreciate the gross factor.  And yes, these are real toys!

Dino Poop

Uncle Milton has a great lineup of new Dinosaur Train toys, but one that definitely caught my eye is Dino Poop.  This pliable dough that looks like, well, poop, lets kids discover what a dino had for lunch.

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Goodies and Gear: Opening Day

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Citi FieldIt’s that time of year again; it’s Opening Day, a day that celebrates the Boys’ of Summer’s reemergence from the offseason and time to play ball again. If your family is anything like ours, reality and kiddie shows are happily swapped for 6 months of  America’s Pastime streaming on the tv—that is, when we’re not outside enjoying the outdoors ourselves.

With snow in our forecast, it may not be the most ideal weather for this time of year, but that’s not to say we can’t celebrate Spring and Opening Day with some of the latest and greatest in baseball fun for the kids.

This morning, while I was reading the news online, I was pretty disappointed to read about the decline in kids playing baseball over on WSJ.  To be quite honest, despite what the studies show, you’d never know there was a decline from the plethora of great toys and gear that are aimed to share the love of the game.

Here are just a few of my baseball picks in honor of Opening Day:

Melissa and Doug All Star Sports Fill and Spill

Baby can’t throw or catch quite yet, but Melissa and Doug’s All Star Sports Fill and Spill helps to familiarize tiny fingers with ball shapes.  Each of the four balls rattle, jingle or crinkle and are suitable for 6 months and up.

Grand Slam Baseball from Step 2


Spotted at Toy Fair last month, Step 2’s Grand Slam Baseball is an electronic auto-pitch machine that encourages hand-eye coordination, not to mention, promotes outdoor play. Geared to the smaller baseball fans, Grand Slam Baseball gets kids fielding balls and a chance to work on their swing.

EA Sweet Spot Baseball Bat


For the bigger kids, EA’s Sweet Spot Bat incorporates a little crowd cheer every time the batter hits or holds the ball in that sweet spot.  Ideal for beginners, it features a soft bat, and helps the rookies to refine their accuracy and hand-eye coordination.

SKLZ Sweet Spot Youth Training Bat


Beyond the tee-ball phase, SKLZ makes the top-rated Sweet Spot Youth Training Bat.  The training bat features an all-wood barrel and handle, as well as a fiberglass rod, and provides instant feedback and “stings” if hit too far off.
Looking for training tools for entry-level players? SKLZ Hit-A-Way Jr. is something that I’m going to check out for batting practice and hand-eye coordination for our not-quite Tee Ball-aged little guy.

Sports Illustrated Kids: All Access


And to better understand and appreciate America’s Pastime, Sports Illustrated Kids has a new book that delves into the inner sanctum of baseball.  Sports Illustrated Kids: All Access grants readers a behind-the-scenes look into cool findings, including favorite stadiums, the story behind the Green Monster and something that I want to know more about: Lousisville Slugger’s journey from big trees to the big leagues.

Go Mets!

And Speaking of behind the scenes look at baseball, did you miss our family’s adventure at Citi Field last season?  If you’ve been reading NKT for awhile now, you must already know that we’re Mets fans–in good times and in bad.

It’s always been my husband’s dream to sit in our beloved Mets’ Clubhouse, and thanks to a fun media invite, we had the chance to learn more about the Mets’ new stadium.  Be sure to see where our exclusive behind the scenes tour took us at our beloved (and sometimes beleaguered) Mets’ CitiField.

Citi Field Tour

Hooray for a new season!  And yes, even for us Mets fans, it’s a brand new ball game!

Retro, Fun Gift Idea: Hank & Jojo Baby Tube Socks

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

I’m convinced our house is where pairs of socks come to lose each other.  Nevertheless, I appreciate fun socks, most notably for the kid and as gifts for my friends’ kids.

And behold! I spotted these fun socks at the Brooklyn Baby Expo a few weeks ago.  Retro, sustainable and functional, these tube socks from Hank & Jojo are now on my must-have list.

Hank & Jojo tube socks recall the socks from our own childhood, but instead of the bold spectrum of super-tall knee-hi socks, Hank & Jojo’s soft socks for the wee ones are made from bamboo and feature subtle colors, free of AZO dyes.

Ideal for baby shower gifts, Hank & Jojo socks come in baby and kid sizes and are packaged in an adorable recyclable box that can later be used as a lunchbox.

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Baby tube socks not your thing? Check out this adorable “Green is the New Black” organic onesie. Hank & Jojo tube socks can be found online and at sites like Uncommon Goods.

US News and World Report: “Can I Afford a Baby?”

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

“Can I Afford a Baby?”  That’s a loaded question, right?

I know we asked ourselves this very question a few years ago, and maybe you’ve done the same.  A new article in US News and World Report asks this question and uncovers several important points to consider.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is $12,000 for the first year alone (for middle-income couples earning between $56,700 and $98,000).

So that’s where our money’s been going!

Even though I don’t focus just on baby products on NKT, as a mom and writer in the baby-rearing stage, when I decided to start NKT I considered my personal interests and the ongoing growth of this niche.  I knew baby and kid gear was a sector where the story well wouldn’t run dry any time soon.

In light of the economic disparity that was going on two years ago when I started, research showed that parents were and still are spending beaucoup bucks on our kids.

And despite the recent recession, the baby products industry continues to grow at a steady clip: Market research firm Mintel estimates it’s now a $9.8 billion industry.

Aptly titled, “Can I Afford a Baby” and filed in the finance section, this US News and World Report article outlines several important points that all new parents should consider such as, some of the itemized expenses one could expect in the first year, hidden costs (I wish someone would have told us about the cost of out of network hospitals and emergency procedures!), common mistakes and more.

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Interview with Seth McMahill: Pokemon Black Version and White Version

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Pokemon Black Version and Pokemon White Version, both released earlier this month, have reported record sales as well as positive reviews.  PCMag.com reported:

According to publisher Nintendo, both versions have sold over 1 million units since their March 6 launch. The record was previously held by “Pokemon Diamond” and “Pokemon Pearl,” which came out in 2007 with a combined sales total of 780,000 units in one day.


And the gaming blog Joystiq said the latest additions to the Pokemon lineup:

represent the very best that the franchise has to offer: An endearing cast of monsters and trainers, addictive collection mechanics, a 40-plus hour single-player campaign and a bevy of bolstered multiplayer functions.

And though I’ve yet to check them out firsthand, I did, however, have a chance to chat with Pokemon expert, Seth McMahill.  See what McMahill has to say about the latest Pokemon titles.

I’m back and some quick thoughts on DisneySMMoms

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

As with every trip or major event where I have limited internet access (or time for that matter,) I always plan to schedule posts in my absence. Eh, next time. A vacation wouldn’t have as much value if I was constantly plugged in…or at least I think so.

The conference part of our trip was incredible…as in, one of best conference experience I’ve had to date. Professionally, I’ve been to my fair share of conferences, but in the professional blogging realm, I’ve only attended BlogHer.  My DisneySMMoms experience surpassed my own expectations.

In any field, conferences are an invaluable resource to consume and share knowledge. In most cases, the backdrop is often an added extra, but in DisneySMMom’s case, the celebration part was an integral part to this specific conference experience. One day was devoted to keynote speakers while the other days were devoted to experiencing and learning about the institution that is Disney.

It’ll take me a few days to completely wrap up my thoughts about DisneySMMoms, but I thought I’d at least end my non-blogging week with a post or two. So, my most important takeaways from the event include the following from featured speakers or individuals involved in the success of celebrating the power of moms in social media.

  • Chris Brogan, President of Human Business Works and social media rockstar, reached out to the moms in attendance and urged us to raise everyone up, instead of bringing each other down. While he may have been directed that advice to mom bloggers, I personally think it’s safe to say that this piece of advice applies to all parents—myself included.  This is something I’ve become quite conscientious about and hope to work on judging others, something that seems to happen too much and too often.
  • Good Enough is Good Enough Rene Syler, former cohost of CBS’ The Early Show and author of Good Enough Mother, shared raw emotions about her life’s experiences, including her mastectomy and getting fired from her job.  Syler spoke candidly about her expansive broadcast journalism career and how at one time, she couldn’t imagine her life without it, but now, she couldn’t imagine her life with it.  Her keynote spoke volumes for me and her mantra, Good Enough is Good Enough hits so close to home—for so many of us.