As I switched on the quiet whhhiiiirrrrr of the white noise machine Mr. Pickle’s thumps and yells instantly became background noise. Plum closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
I have my own white noise machine, Plum is a light sleeper, Pickle is loud, and our house is small. I don’t know why it took me so long to get her her own white noise machine. She has slept better, and longer with it. (Of course, the ear tubes and her age could have something to do with that, too.) Add that magical machine to my list of favorite baby things!
What follows is a partial list of my didn’t-want-them/didn’t-know-I’d-need-them/had-no-idea-how-much-I’d-love-them items for newborns/infants/toddlers.
Dohm-DS Dual Speed Sound Conditioner by Marpac
There are cuter ones, but I love this white noise machine. It creates a whoosh of air, so there are no strange electronic loops. You can change the tone and speed (volume). It is very portable and does exactly what it is advertised to do. The only negative? No bells, whistles, music, lights if that’s what you’re looking for.
Carter’s One-Piece Microfleece Zip-Up Sleeper
Cozy, comfy and inexpensive. I love these. We have all sorts of one-piece sleepers and these are my favorites. When you’re doing a squirmy-wailing-middle-of-the-night diaper change the zipper is a lifesaver – who decided 15 snaps was a good idea? These wash well and my little ones seem to think they’re great. Thank you Carter’s! The only negative? Pickle has big feet, and sometimes his feet outgrew the sleepers before the rest of him did. Also, they aren’t ideal during potty training.
The Happy Frog mobile by Flensted
I like old-fashioned mobiles. I don’t want big fluffy, chunky animals, music, plastic. I like airy, elegant, whimsical, floating mobiles. I like mobiles that dance, and balance. Thankfully, I found Flensted mobiles. LOVE. I’m considering getting more of them – like the bunnies (BUNNIES!), or the cycling elephants (CYCLEPHANTS!). I want to put funky Danish mobiles all over my house. The negatives? A little expensive for paper and wire, and sometimes I fear the mobile will get wound up up up when the ceiling fan is on and it circles in same direction over and over and over.
“That’s Not My Donkey…” by Fiona Watt and Usborne Publishing
It is hard to find books for little bitty ones. Attention spans are short and there are much more exciting things to do, like eating things they should not, sticking fingers in outlets, and tormenting the cat. However, the “That’s Not My…” series by Usborne has proven to be a huge hit among my under-2 set. They are short, sweet, tactile, and colorful. Negatives? My husband and I disagree about the appropriate emphasis. Is it, “That’s not my donkey, its tummy is too squashy” or “That’s not my donkey, its tummy is too squashy“? Also, is “squashy” a word?
Giveaway! Post a comment here and be in the running for two Usborne books and two Carter’s Microfleece sleepers! Winner will be chosen at random, and can specify age and size of recipient(s). (No, you don’t have to have kids/grandkids to win! These make great shower gifts, or donations!) (Update: ends at noon EST on 1/22/13!)
Note: I don’t know anyone at Marpac, Carter’s, Flensted or Usborne. I just think these baby-related items are great.
Love reading your blog!!
In kidspeak, squashy is most definitely a word!
Thanks for the great tips! I was looking for some good under 2 books.
I also love old-fashioned mobiles. If only I didn’t have kids, I might have time to make my own. But then I wouldn’t need one. Hmm. I’d like to try the Usborne books, though… have heard good things from others about them.
I love all your posts Cate! So useful/helpful/wise/entertaining…the list could go on and on forever!
Cate! I love reading your blog. Keep the stories and experiences coming. You make me smile and when I’m having a rough day or just need a good laugh. Love it!
Fanastic recos, we love the Carter’s sleepers! Also I’ve been looking for a good, affordable sound machine (do you know some are priced in the $200 range?!!?). Keep up the great work!
We love Carter’s fleece PJs, the only kid my kids wear and my son adores the Usborne books. We have close to 10 of them!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I was just considering the sanity of 15 snaps on a sleeper last night as I was trying to figure out the snaps where the legs meet the body with one eye open!
A great blog? Check! With a giveaway?! Impossible! Are you going to figure out how to cover it in chocolate next?!
Oh man, we love books! And sleepers, of course.
Not sure if it’s still open like it says above, but I’ll still comment.
I love Usborne books, the pictures are always so colorful.
Great post. I also love Carter’s pjs, but I had not previously heard of the Usborne books.
Great post, and awesome giveaway!
Oh, how kind of you! Carter’s has some great stuff…and I really like sleepers for the little ones too. I’d love to be entered for my niece and nephew.
-lauren
Great post, love baby product recos! My nephew only used Carter’s sleepers as a baby, and I’m sure my sister will be using them for my niece (due in one month, hooray!) I hadn’t heard of the Usborne books, but am all too familiar with the very short attention span at reading time, and will definitely look into these.
Thanks for the giveaway!
would love to win this! thanks!
Great giveaway!! We adore Carter’s PJs around here, too!!
We adore Carter’s PJs around here, too!!
thank you for the opportunity. My little guy is 2 and still loves the thats not my tractor book