Category: boy toys

Saban Brand-Bassador Program with Digimon Fusion

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

It’s never a dull moment around here with sicknesses and other real life craziness happening all day, every day.  That said, I’m excited for 2014 and all the newness it brings with it.  Of the great things upon the horizon, I have a few new partnerships lined up.  One of the coolest ones, though, is this one right here:

 

 

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This year, I was invited to be a Saban Brand-Bassador.  What does that mean exactly?  Essentially, as a brand advocate, I will share the latest and greatest about Saban Brands, which includes awesome properties like Power Rangers, Julius Jr., Paul Frank, Vortexx and one that I’m particularly excited about: the Popples.  Popples, people!  I can’t wait to find what’s in the pipeline for these great brands.

 

This month, we received our first mailing.  It was a Digimon Fusion themed package that gave us a fun primer on this new property that debuted on Nickelodeon and Nicktoons last fall.  Here’s our unboxing:

 

 

 

 

In its sixth season, Digimon Fusion can now be seen on the Vortexx on the CW, airing every Saturday at 10:30 am. From what we’ve seen, this is an exciting and action-packed cartoon geared to older kids and one that I hope to add to our post karate show line up.

 

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In our fun Digimon Fusion box, we had a chance to preview the fun new toys from Bandai. We received Greymon, which is a ferocious dinosaur-looking character.  The figures give kids a chance to replicated the DigiFusions that Mikey creates in the series.  The DigiFusion Figures features a ball and socket construction system, where kids can create their own combinations and even fuse multiple figures together.  The DigiFusion character reminds me so much of those old school toddler pop shapes, but for bigger kids.  Though the figures are geared to bigger kids, I loved that the 2 year old could play along and help create a character.  My older boy is in the action figure stage, so the DigiFusion Figure is a perfect fit.  

 

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A neat feature about the DigiFusion Figure is that it comes with a touch through technology card which will be placed on the Fusion Loader app and a sequence of numbers on the card in and an order that will activate the loader to call out the Digimon character on the card. These new toys will be available at major retailers starting in mid-February.

 

I’m super excited to be a part of the Saban Brand-Bassador program and can’t wait to divulge more information as we get it.  For now, be sure to check out Digimon Fusion on the Vortexx on Saturdays.  New episodes will return to Nicktoons on February 17.  Even better, there’s going to be an all day marathon with two new episodes at 9pm that day.

 

 

 

Full disclosure: I was not compensated though received promotional material to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Best Toddler Toys

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

There are so many wonderful toys for toddlers, I wanted to share just a few of our very favorites. With Christmas here, many of these were still available at my local Target, Apple Store and other toy store.

As I’ve said before, with Josh’s various delays, I view toys and play pattern very differently now. What was once a mediocre toy, I now find has so many great qualities for extended and open ended play. I appreciate the kinds of toys that encourage imaginative play and increase creative thought. We enjoy toys that use batteries, but not in an obtrusive, overstimulating way.

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1. Baa Baa Barn
Baa Baa Barn is, perhaps, the most play-ed with toy in our lineup of toddler toys. This barn play set from B. Toys features a jewel-toned set up and funky music. I love that there are so many nooks and crannies for toddlers to explore. The best feature of this unique farm-inspired play set, though, is the incorporation of interactive music. When an animal is placed on the barn floor, the song that’s played reflects the animal sounds. The little blue sax-playing raccoon has the funkiest beat that gets my almost two-year old grooving. Grab this awesome play set at Target.

2. Tiggly Shapes
I’m not very big into screen time with young tots; however, there are a few exceptions for my feelings on this. I appreciate when iPads or tablets reinforce educational play. Limited educational play via tablets have shown increased language skills and developmental progress in young children. While I am totally against using a tablet as a babysitter, I love that there are appcessory-type toys such as Tiggly Shapes that encourage this sort of educational play that I currently seek for my IE tot.
Tiggly Shapes combines tactile and digital play, merging play patterns to create a conducive learning experience for toddlers and preschoolers. With four interactive shapes, kids can explore shapes and objects on the iPad through several apps. The most recent app, in fact, is a Christmas-themed app that brings the season full circle. Pun intended.

3. 1, 2, 3 Take Along Fire Station
With a portable fire station set up, foldable wall and lift to the relaxation room on the first floor, what’s not to love about Playmobil’s Take Along Fire Station? This set’s portability and fire station theme, combined with the chunkier pieces make it ideal for toddlers and preschoolers. I love that it encourages open-ended play, doesn’t require batteries and houses all of its own pieces in the station. Playmobil is a classic and well-loved brand in our house with the big boy, but this playlet is a welcomed addition for my curious toddler.

4. AB3’s
Another fabulous B. Toys products lands in our favorites of the season. This beautiful wooden alphabet and number toy features letters at the top and numbered figures at the bottom which can be spun over and over. The beautiful colors and wooden details make this abacus-like toy a must-keep for future generations, and as my husband described, it’s totally “heirloom-quality.” This would make a beautiful gift for a baby, just as it would for a preschooler. My own toddler loves to watch the numbers spin, but I personally look forward to helping him learn his AB3’s.

5. Roll and Learn Suitcase
VTech toys never seem to disappoint, and the same goes for this innovative rolling suitcase from VTech. From the intuitive buttons to removable travel inspired blocks, this rolling suitcase can be opened to house smaller toys. The suitcase, aptly, is toddler-sized and can be rolled or pushed around with ease. I love the interactive features of this case, which is similar to that familiar VTech toys interface. My only qualm with this toy, though, is that I would have loved to see the interior include a little more interactivity.

6. Bubble Guppies Rock n Roll Stage
A favorite for preschoolers, Bubble Guppies’ catchy songs can be recreated on their Rock n Roll Stage. The stage gives these lovable characters a platform to sing and dance, and encourages imaginative play for Bubble Guppies’ fans. I love that the characters slide around on this playset. The fun songs and cute Nickelodeon characters make this playset a must-have for ocean-loving and Bubble Guppies fans alike.

Trick or Treating with Moose Toys Trash Pack and Glitzi Globes

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Halloween has always been one of my most favorite times of year. The crisp, cool air, costumes, monsters—oh, and the treats!

With two younger guys, we love getting all into the Halloween fun. I’ve made the boys’ costumes the past two years, and even threw something together for myself too! We went as a Star Wars-themed group with Biggie as Luke Skywalker as an X-Wing Fighter Pilot, the babe as Wicket the Ewok and me as Leia. We had a blast with it, and I’ll always have the boys’ smiles and laughter from the Halloween festivities etched in my mind. Having missed out on two Halloweens in a row, this year made it that much more special.


And speaking of special, one of the Halloween events we enjoyed this year was our community’s trunk or treat. Trunk or treat was a fun way to connect with our lake friends while watching our costumed kids parade around the parking lot. And once again, we teamed up with Moose Toys to hand out some fabulous non-candy treats. As superfans of Trash Pack and a new adoration for Glitzi Globes, I’m not sure who was more excited about our treats.


In fact, as our box of treats arrived, I immediately posted a Vine of the uber cool Glitzi Globes. I’ve been collecting snowglobes for as long as I can remember, so the concept of being able to create tiny collectible globes almost blew my mind.

It turned out, the Glitzi Globe samples that we handed out at Trunk or Treat were quite the hit. Several friends came by not two or three times, but as many as five! I don’t blame them!

The tiny glittery globes that are put together with a few drops of water transform into cutesy collectibles. Glitzi Globes make a fun activity and if you’re like me, they make for a fun new obsession. Like the big kid I am, I have my eye on the Mega Dome Showcase. I just need a girl of my own to help me out with toys like these! Or, I can just get them for myself, ahem.

Trash Pack are definitely a mainstay as well, so it was equally awesome to hand out sample packs of those too. Both boys and girls had a fun time comparing characters. And best of all, after all the parties and candies and trick or treating the kids did this year to make up for last year, it was great knowing that we handed out non-candy treats that we know and love instead of adding to that sugar rush.

A big thanks to our friends at Moose Toys for helping us spread the fun for a very special Halloween.

Full disclosure:  we were provided with samples, but were not compensated for this post.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Developmental Toys for Toddlers

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

We’re toys (almost) all the time around here, but with baby’s ongoing therapies, my view of some toys have totally changed.  Being in the business of kid products for a few years now, what I once thought was a so-so toy, is now an excellent developmental tool.

We just had another crazy week of doctors visits, therapists and tests, so I wanted to focus on positive aspects of our day: toys.  Toys always make things better, especially when “professionals” are constantly evaluating my sweet guy.

So, I thought I’d round up just a few of our favorite toys of the moment, particularly ones that I consider to have excellent developmental value for my boy with delays. Even though my guy is just about 20 months, most toys’ age designators round up around 18m, hence the photo’s title.  What’s so great about these toys is that they’re geared to kids of all abilities, which basically means, they can be found on “regular” toy shelves or specialty stores and online.

1.  Haba Walker WagonAs first time parents, my husband I invested in less toys, but instead procured quality, eco-friendly baby products.  From our crib to this wooden walker, I carefully researched each item that we welcomed into our home…and I’m so glad we did!  Six years later, we STILL use many of those products, including this amazing Walker Wagon from Haba.

Made of solid wood and touting storage in the back and fun seat in the front, Haba’s Walker Wagon is a sturdy walker and one that can carry toys or a sibling upfront.  Its solid construction makes it a heavy toy, one that’s not meant to be picked up, but instead, serve as a sturdy walker that can help early walkers to balance themselves.  I absolutely this thing and am so glad we opted for this one years ago, now that we have a late walker who needs a bit more reinforcement.

2. Happy Giddy Bowling Set

While the concept of bowling and toddlers may not align well, this Happy Giddy Bowling Set from Melissa and Doug engages would-be knee-high bowlers.  Along with the bright colors, M&D incorporates fun bug faces to engage curious tots, including my own.  We don’t own this set, however, the baby’s physical therapist uses the bowling set to encourage total body interaction—picking up, putting down, rolling— something that helps my late walker to build his core.

3. Tolo Electronic Cash Register

I am a huge fan of Tolo toys, specifically this cash register, which just so happens to be the only electronic toy on this list.  The main electronic feature of this great developmental toy is the noise it makes when a child swipes the mini credit card.  The cash register features Tolo’s primary colors and sturdy plastic construction, all assets that engage my toddler.  What makes this cash register stand apart, is that it’s small enough for a toddler to manipulate with their tiny fingers. It’s easy to operate, which also keeps my toddler engaged long enough to play a pretend game of grocery store with big brother.  Tolo has a great chart on their site that indicates the developmental skill that is used for each toy, which I LOVE!  Dexterity, hand-eye coordination, memory and color recognition are just a few skills that are encouraged when playing with the electronic cash register.

4. Scrambled Eggs Puzzle

This puzzle game from Reeves Toys is another toy that our physical therapist introduced to my toddler.  By incorporating colors and shapes to the interior of the eggs, this toy allows a toddler to handle each piece while figuring things out on their own.  I enjoy the overall concept of the puzzle that helps with cognitive and fine motor skills, I just wish the egg crate was easier to open and close for kids.

5. Sensory Balls from Hedstrom

I’m sure many of you have seen these balls, and probably own a few too.  What I like most about these balls is that they’re colorful and the tiny nobs give toddlers a better sense of grip, hand-eye coordination and color recognition. These sensory balls also allow toddlers to engage in independent play as well as co-play with friends.  Personally, I love the size of these sensory balls and tend to have two or three in the car or stroller to entertain the tot when we’re on the go.

6. Parum Pum Pum from B. Toys

This set is actually one of my favorite toys to give to one year olds for presents, but ironically, we don’t own it ourselves.  Instead, this is one toy that motivates my toddler to walk during his sessions with his physical therapist.  Like many tots, he loves music and banging on things, so this set capitalizes on both with the drum storage and drumsticks. The tambourine, bells and other fun instruments also keep him happy with their fun sounds.  The colors and bug faces, too, keep him on his toes.  What’s so great about this set, like many other B. Toys, Parum Pum Pum set is highly rated by Able Play, a rating system for children with special needs and disabilities.

I’d love to hear about any awesome toys that you and your kids love that also promote developmental skills.

Full disclosure:  samples were provided for the cash register and scrambled eggs.  For everything else, we bought on our own, or don’t actually own.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.  And please do not ever mistake my opinions for medical or child professional advice.

Reading Enrichment with Play-Doh and Star Wars

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

With school back in session, I wanted to share one of the many activities that we’ve been doing to sharpen and enhance Biggie’s reading skills.


Because of his late September birthday, we redshirted our five year old and thus, I’ve been vigilant about bridging the transition to Kindergarten. I have much to say about redshirting and transitional kindergarten in general, but I’ll save that for another day. Today, it’s all about Play-Doh and Star Wars.

Reading enrichment comes in many forms, but for one rainy afternoon, we paired Play-Doh and Star Wars to engage in a hands-on reading activity that just happened to focus on Biggie’s favorite characters. I let J flip through one of his favorite books right now, which is a DK Readers Level One book called Who Saved the Galaxy? by Catherine Saunders. Since he’s not quite reading fluidly on his own, I love the fact that this book has characters he loves and can decipher words with graphic help. Not to mention, it’s a well known tactic that familiar characters engage beginning readers. In our case, my beginning reader is most interested in things like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, space and Star Wars.


For this project, we used Play-Doh’s new Ultimate Rainbow Pack. The wide range of colors makes this activity fun since the novelty of new colors and variety keeps J interested in the task at hand. Once he picked his colors, he used various cutters to cut out letters for characters like Luke Skywalker.


We moved on to other characters and even picked colors that matched the characters color scheme; yellow and brown complemented C 3P0 quite perfectly!

To change it up, we decided to roll letters, which also works on those fine motor skills, and is important for proper writing utensil handling. By rolling the letters, I found that it was a great way to better understand letter formation since he had to manipulate pieces to form the letters.


Our most favorite part of this project was making a model of R2D2. This project was a fun way to work together to create something we both like! To work further on those fine motor skills, I let J cut out the tiny buttons that make up R2D2’s robotic exterior. I helped J to make the formation of R2D2 himself, but allowed him to make the final touches of all the pieces.


By pairing Play-Doh and Star Wars, not only were we able to keep occupied and have fun on a rainy afternoon, but we made Play-Doh educational by twisting it into a reading activity. Play-Doh isn’t the cleanest activity, so I’d suggest using Glad Press and Seal for easy clean up. To make Play-Doh an educational activity on our own, just grab your favorite book, pull words and play away. The more accessories, colors and words, the better!

I’m so sure teachers do activities like this in school, but for us at home, it’s a great way to sharpen reading skills and express creativity by bringing our favorite characters to life via Play-Doh and Vine!

Full disclosure:  we were provided with a sample of Play-Doh, but we used our own creativity for this fun project.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Battling Trashies: Thoughts on UFT Ultimate Fighting Trashies

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

We’ve been playing with all sorts of fun new toys this spring, but one toy that has seen quite a bit of playtime for several seasons is the Trash Pack.  I’ve talked about how Trashies have been innundating our home since last year, but with new seasons, brings new toys.  Moose Toys recently introduced the Ultimate Fighting Trashies, or UFT for short.  UFT is exactly as it sounds: they’re battling Trashies, complete with ring and launchers.

My first impression of this latest take on the Trash Pack line of toys: fun, quirky and cool way to further engage kids into the world of Trashies.  I’m a big fan of the kid-powered launchers and the affordable pricepoint of the UFT set and add-ons.  Having grown up in the age of Garbage Pail Kids, I would have never anticipated that my own kid would be obsessing over his own version of trash.  Despite the fact that I’m constantly finding Trashies in every nook of the playroom, I do like these tiny toys and their collectible factor.

My dislikes about this set, I wish it came with a pair of launchers and while we’re at it, a way to organize all of these tiny pieces from the set.

Biggie and I gave the ring and several of our Trashies a try, and we’ve been battling ever since.

Check out our video that we filmed a few weeks ago.

You can find Trash Pack toys, accessories and UFT at major retailers such as TRU and Target.

Full disclosure:  we were provided a UFT set to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

TimetoPlayMag.com Debuts Price Comparison Tool; Doc McStuffins is the IT Toy

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Ok, so, we haven’t even had a chance to cook our Thanksgiving dinners yet, much less digest this holiday, but ready or not, the holiday shopping season is underway.  I have my lists penciled in, but nothing firm quite yet, not to mention, we’re still finalizing our Holiday Gift Guide with quite a few last minute submissions.

With that said, shopping, no doubt, takes a bit of planning.  Just in time for the holiday shopping season, my friends at TimetoPlayMag.com have just debuted their new price comparison tool which provides users with live pricing details of the hottest toys and games.  For bargain hunters, online shoppers and even those braving the Black Friday/Gray Thursday sales, this tool is geared to make shopping for the best deal seamless and more efficient. This tool tracks product inventory and prices at five major retailers, updating information in real-time.

At a recent lunch I hosted, toy industry expert and TimetoPlayMag.com Editor-in-Chief, Jim Silver, reminded us that their web resource offers thorough reviews and information on toys and playthings and not selling toys, underscoring the difference between their site’s price comparison tool and online shopping outlet tools.

When asked which toy will be the hard-to-find toy this year, Jim mentioned that Just Play’s Doc McStuffins Time for Your Checkup Doll will be the one. Not all retailers ordered this doll as of a few months ago, so expect there to be a shortage, making her hard to find.  The show is wildly popular—my five-year-old boy loves this show.  Jim made the parallel that Doc McStuffins is like Pixar’s Toy Story, but for preschoolers. This show that focuses on a little girl who is a “toy doctor” to all of her toys is both catchy and cute. Knowing this info I had to take a screenshot of this doll and the price comparison tool.  And sure enough, the doll (which I adore btw) is not currently available at Target and out of stock at two other retailers. As of right now, Doc McStuffins is at Toys R Us and WalMart in-store.  I clicked on both stores and it appeared that neither retailer offered the doll online.  So, I can only assume Doc McStuffins is available at the store.

My friends have been searching for this doll since they came out.  Word of the wise, if you see her on the shelf and know a DocMcStuffins fan, grab her!

I’ve yet to decide whether or not I’ll hit the sales tomorrow or Friday, but on the hunt for a few deals on toys for my nephews, I’m totally loving the locator on TimetoPlayMag.com’s price comparison tool. The less driving for the best deals makes for a happy, albeit exhausted shopper.  I think this feature is a brilliant complement to an already comprehensive site for all things toys.  A small business supporter, I hope to see the small toy stores included in the future.

Full disclosure:  I am a TTP Parent Panelist and I contribute a monthly blog post to TimetoPlayMag.com.  I hosted a lunch with several of my blogging friends recently as part of my TTPPP duties.  As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.

Savoring Sweet Suite 2012

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

What do you get when you mix toys, Times Square, tons of treats and girl time?  Well, that would be Sweet Suite 2012, which preceded BlogHer in NYC.  Hosted by The Big Toy Book, the third installation of this hot ticket party was held at the Lodge in the Viacom Building, home to MTV and Nickelodeon—the sweetest venue yet.
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Sweet Suite wasn’t all fun and games, it was about socializing and seeing many of my blogging friends, some of whom I only get to see once a year.  But as for the fun and games? Yeah, The Big Toy Book assembled some of the best names in toys, books and games.

Of all the fabulous brands at the event, here’s just a sampling of the goodies that caught my eye:

LeapFrog LapPad 2
Unfortunately, I missed LeapFrog’s holiday preview because baby was in the hospital. So, it was fun getting a good look at the LeapPad 2, LeapFrog’s hard-to-get tablet.

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Among the many fun features, I particularly loved that the LeapPad 2 has a faster processor, more memory, as well as front and back cameras. Mark my words, this WILL sell out again for the holidays. If you see it and need it, I’d suggest you buy it. It’s highly rated and constantly in demand!

Alex Toys
I’ve been a long-time admirer of Alex Toys, specifically their craft and activity sets.  While their little hands line of puzzles  and arts and crafts will be on our Christmas list this year, I had SUCH a blast crafting at their table.
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I made a few bracelets, headbands and necklaces.  Their area was the most crowded because of all the fun happenings.  I even spotted Jill of Scary Mommy fame in the mix! I love me some Jill!

XBox Kinect
As a family who games together, Xbox has been on our ongoing want list. We already own two video game consoles, but have been waiting for just the right time to invest in the Kinect.  We already know all about the Xbox’s fun family factor, and how everyone can join in the fun without having to pick up a controller.  Since we’ve been eyeing and studying the system as far back as when it was still referred to Project Natal, I’ve enjoyed seeing their lineup of games and console features grow.  And as huge Sesame Street fans and supporters, I loved hearing that they’re introducing 2-way TV experiences with Sesame Street and National Geographic.  I’m thinking our time is near!

Charm It

Charm It by High Intencity was, by far, one of my favorites.  These cute charm bracelets lured me in with nostalgia and their collectibility.
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Ideal for the tween set, these charm bracelets are fun and funky. Browsing at all the adorable Kawaii-looking charms, channeled my inner girlie girl and reminded me of the plastic charm necklaces we used to collect in grade school.  I miss my roller skate charm with that tiny bell.  I can’t wait to check out even more of these charms at The Gap and Nordstrom.

But beyond checking out fabulous toys and games, the highlight was definitely sitting down with the girls and chatting over Pinkberry.  I may have had two servings because it was so delicious but, hey, life is too short not to savor the sweets.

Master Moves Mickey Flash Mob in Times Square

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Together with 4,000+ other women bloggers, we descended upon NYC to chat all things blogging, network, and in some cases, interact with brands of all sizes at BlogHer12. And because I write mainly about products and services geared to kids, I had a chance to meet up with friends and reps in the kid space. My time wasn’t just spent talking toys, it was spent dancing, too!

With its recent release of Master Moves Mickey, Mattel orchestrated a pretty cool flash mob in Times Square. Professional kid dancers, as well as adult dancers convened with bloggers like me to shout “Mickey, Mickey” while pop and locking for an unsuspecting audience.

I loved how the pro dancers truly made the sequence come to life, especially in such a short time frame. It was so cool to witness a flash mob of this scale come together and admire all of the dancers, especially the kids and the breakdancers. My friend, Eddy of Dancing Hotdogs and Daddy Uprising, hung out in the back but contributed our spins and shouts! Regardless of my inability to dance like the pros, it was super fun.

Master Moves Mickey, aka M3, was one of Biggie’s favorite toys that we saw at a recent Holiday Disney preview, so it was super cool that I was invited to participate in such a unique promo. As my friend said, now we can cross that off of our bucket list.

Review of Master Moves Mickey to come, as well as other fun toys from BlogHer 12!

Master Moves Mickey is available in stores now and retails for $69.99

Baby Days: Nighttime Changing Routine

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

The baby days continue to consume me, both personally and work-wise. After an informative afternoon with famed pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp. I was inspired to share our nighttime changing routine, one of my favorite times of the day…for more reasons than the obvious! Find out how we incorporate Stokke, Under the Nile, Badger, CJ’s BUTTer and Fisher Price into our nighttime changing routine.

Earlier this week, I enjoyed a lovely lunch with the amazing Dr. Harvey Karp of Happiest Baby on the Block. I learned so much during the candid conversation over lunch at the book publisher’s NYC office discussing his latest book on sleep. (post to come) And now, with our baby right at 4 months, naturally, there are so many changes going on. He’s turned the corner on sleep, his eating habits are more predictable and his behavior is all around fun.

As a second time mom and mom of a preschooler and infant, I’ve found that the one of the hardest aspects of motherhood is finding balance. Yesterday, for example, finding time to balance the four year old, four month old AND write in between was complicated, to put it nicely. The four year old, like most preschoolers, demanded my attention. The baby sat so quietly for most of the day, but it was the big kid who tested my patience as I tried to make deadlines. Ultimately, something gives, and every time it’s the writing…but, such is life.

And since the baby didn’t get nearly as much attention, I’m SO grateful for our nighttime routine. It’s that one time of day when it’s just baby and me, and we’re both awake, happy and usually relaxed. So, while big bro hangs with daddy, it’s just us for 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted quality time–if we’re lucky.

There’s so many elements that contribute to how fun this can be, but here’s what we’re doing right now:

1. Badger Nighty Night Balm
I can’t get enough of Badger Balm. Truly. I was first introduced to these products via Healthy Child Healthy World. The Bug Balm was the first product we used and now, swear by. And so, when my husband brought home several sample of other balms, I immediately fell in love with even more Badger Balms that I didn’t even know existed! The organic Nighty Nighty Balm is, should I say it, the bomb. In lieu of lotion at night, I use this balm, which has a soft, but wax-like consistency, to give the baby a little post-bath massage. What a life, right? I use this time to help him exercise and stretch those chubberific legs, soothe his arms and then softly massage his chest and back. His coos and smiley face is enough to keep this in my routine. The balm moisturizes well and smells unbelievable. You think the baby smell is awesome? Just add this to the mix. There’s no synthetic fragrances, just chamomile, a little lavender and more. So sweet.

2. Changing Table: Stokke Care
This solid wood changing table from Stokke was our Christmas and Birthday present from my inlaws. While this beautiful piece of furniture deserves its own post, I’ll highlight what makes this such an integral part of our routine.
The first time around, we were city parents who were starved for space. We shrugged off the need for a dedicated changing table and opted for just a changing pad that we threw anywhere to do the job. After over two years of changing anywhere and everywhere our backs ached and that changing pad was practically crumbling for so much usage and handling.

So, this time around, when we were asked what we needed, we said nothing…EXCEPT a changing table. So, why the Care? Aside from the fact that it matches our Stokke Sleepi System, it’s multifunctional and grows with the baby like several of Stokke’s other products. After the diaper-changing days, the Care can be turned into a desk. (I know, right?)  The Care changing table boasts a lot of storage space and is compatible to various heights–perfect for taller parents. (Our backs are thanking us this time around!) The side compartments are just as convenient as the storage baskets that sit atop two shelves. As a cloth diaperer, the storage area is ample for my stash, as well as our bountiful inventory of baby toiletries and acoutrements. This is my most used baby staple, and one that I’m thrilled will truly grow with us!

3. CJ’s BUTTer
Heh. I said butt. Ok, got that out… So, both of my children much like other members of my immediate family, have extremely sensitive skin. Finding a diaper rash cream or ointment that REALLY works and doesn’t use toxins or harmful chemicals can be next to impossible. Burt’s Bees is my usual go-to diaper cream; in fact, the big kid was fond of eating it when my back was turned. Unfortunately, Burt’s Bees isn’t cloth diaper friendly. Thankfully, with cloth diapering, we don’t see too much diaper rash or irritation, but it’s when we switch over to disposables when we’re on the go or on laundry days, the irritation sometimes arises. CJ’s BUTTer which I’ve always seen on cloth diapering sites as a great option for diaper ointment, was sent to me as a sample in a Bluum Box. It was love after first swipe. The ingredients are all natural, it’s made with love by a small company, it works well and can be used beyond diaper rash (for black/mixed hair to separate locks? who knew!) It moisturizes and seals the irritated areas and I love that it contains essential oils. CJ’s BUTTer is my new go-to for diaper ointment.

5. Hooded Bath Towel: Under the Nile
This thick, luscious hooded baby towel is made from organic Eygptian cotton and you can totally tell. It’s both soft and durable and surpasses the quality and texture of the thin baby towels we received from the big kid’s baby shower. We have tons of baby towels, but honestly? This Under the Nile towel is the one I grab every time.  And bonus, my photographer friend, Maegan Dougherty, who has photographed our family many times pre-baby #2, shot some pics for Under the Nile’s clothing line, which can be seen on the front page.  Nice, right?

5. Fisher Price Giggle Gang
Another stuffed toy and one that laughs? Ha! Yes…but this one is too cute to pass up. It’s just a round, vibrant plush toy that giggles when you press it’s belly and it’s contagious and chewable! I have a video review of these guys coming up, but I couldn’t not include him on here because we keep Fuzzy on our changing table to distract Mr. Squirmy baby. Laughs all around!

6. Badger Baby Oil
For our first kid’s baby shower, I received several containers of baby oil. I honestly had no idea what to use it for, so I never really used it. This time around I find myself using it as often as I can. I use it in diaper wipe solution, for dry skin patches and most often after bath on baby’s scalp to help avoid cradle cap. I use just a tiny drop and it works so well. I’ve read articles that say to AVOID using oils on the baby’s head, but alas, this is something I still do and have no issues whatsoever. With with calendula and chamomile, the Badger Baby Oil smells so lovely, I love using it at night to complement the Nighty Night balm. Bonus: I love to include it in so many of my baby shower gift baskets because it not only lasts forever, but it’s a great alternative to the more questionable products in the baby aisle.

There are so many products out there, and many more that we use, but these few just so happen to be the ones we use in our current routine. All of them are fun, sustainable and worthy of sharing!

Full disclosure: the changing table was a gift from family, but all of the other products were either items in a swag bag, samples from a company for review or samples obtained from my husband’s employer, which has no direct affiliation with NKT. As always, all opinions on NKT are mine.