Guest Reviews

Featured Book of the Day
From time to time we are asked to review products, apps, etc.  We only agree to the ones that fit in our wheelhouse and we review them honestly.  Feel free to send us requests to review your product.  We will never recommend something we would not use...
  • Our review for the Kidloland app can be found here.
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We had the opportunity to read and review "My Big Tree" by Maria Ashworth.

We liked My Big Tree story quite a bit. Our 20 month old son is a huge fan of animals (has many books, games, etc. with animals), so this book was perfect for him.  He was more into the animals since he is still learning to count. We have a family dog that our son loves. So the dog on the pages was a distraction (though many things are for our son) but he was a welcomed distraction. I thought the illustrations were terrific. They were clear, simple and helped tell the story. This book is appropriate for a child who is learning to count and in the early stages of learning about animals and family interactions. Many of the children’s stories are focused more on teaching academics than providing a good wholesome message about friends and family. I found My Big Tree to be able to do both quite seamlessly. Though we tend to read mostly Dr. Seuss books I’d still like to read more books like My Big Tree. I’d definitely buy and recommend more books from this children’s author.
We know what it is like to research and find products and services that suit your family's needs.  We obviously cannot cover every product available.  Below is a growing list of some of the products we have tried with varying levels of success.  Please feel free to share your hits and misses as well. 

Hits

  • Dr. Brown's Soft Spout Transition Cup.  Both of our boys loved this cup!  Durable and easy to clean.  
  • Cheerios.  This is the snack that saves lives.  All children love them and a ziplock sandwich bag full transports easily. Still if you find yourself running out, it is readily available. 
  • Muslin Blanket.  This is a soft, comforting, versatile blanket.  It can be used to wrap your baby up for nap time or put over the stroller to keep the sun out of their eyes. 
  • mamaRoo.  This baby swing was a gift from above.  Early on it helped our son sleep safely while he was rocked and enjoyed some tunes from the Dave Matthews Band.
  • Baby Bargains.  Excellent book for information and deals on must have products. 
  • Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age 5.  This book is written by the American Academy of Pediatrics and was recommended to us by our pediatrician, Dr. Beny Rub.  It is a treasure trove of information and has proved quite useful for us.  
  • Lawn Countertop Drying Rack.  Every parent knows, or learns quickly, that your infant uses a lot of bottles, cups, plates, etc on a daily basis.  So having somewhere to dry them without hassle becomes important so they are ready for the next use.  This drying rack is easy to use, durable and easy to clean.
  • Instacart.  Leaving the house with a newborn is a privilege, not a right.  Instacart allows you to shop at Whole Foods, Publix, Winn-Dixie, and Costco in between feedings and changing diapers.  And best of all, you can schedule an hour window for your delivery to arrive.  And if you click to register with the link provided here, we both can save a few bucks on your next order.
  • The First Years Toddler Tub.  This tub is inexpensive, lightweight, and durable.  It fit in our sink perfectly and worked in the bathtub just as well.  
  • Dropcam.  We tried many different cameras in varying price points.  While the Dropcam is not cheap, you get what you pay for.  You can set this up easily, see clearly, hear well and record if you want as well.  The mobile app is user friendly as well.  
  • Mighty Clean Disposable Placemats.  These were a great find.  No need to worry about your child putting his food on a dirty table ever again.  
  • Little Tikes Cook 'N Grow BBQ Grill.  Amazing find!  Inexpensive (not cheap quality) and very easy to put together.
  • ​Boogie Wipes.  No parent likes to see their child sick, but these are a soft and gentle way to keep their runny noses clean.  
  • Kidloland.  This a fun, entertaining and easy to use app for children.  Children have fun while learning.  
  • Illumibowl.  No need to miss the toilet or blind yourself turning on the lights for a late night bathroom emergency.

Misses

  • Wipes Warmer.  This is not specific to one brand as the whole concept falls short because by the time the wipes warm up you will have finished wiping your child's bottom and have the new diaper on. 
  • Steam Guard Microwave Sterilizer.  I understand the concept of the sterilizer and it is good in theory.  But it is not practical when you are using multiple bottles and items per day.  This sterilizer did not hold enough bottles and I would still have to dry by hand or air dry everything I put one, once I could touch it after it cooled down that is.  
  • Ergobaby.  The idea of being able to carry your child on your chest and actually have free hands is appealing.  That is until you realize that all you are doing is shoving your child into a hot, sweaty and uncomfortable bag to carry around on your chest.
  • Foscam.  Our home is quite tech savvy.  This camera, while fairly inexpensive, is extremely difficult to set up and it is not user friendly.  Many better options on the market.  
  • OXO Tot Grape Cutter.  Good concept, poor execution.  Results are grape mush, not grape slices.
  • Primo Viaggio Convertible Car Seat.  This seat is supposed to keep our son cooler in the hot car and be a bit more open than other similar car seats.  The only problem was that when it was installed (rear facing because of his age) his legs would never fit.  Yes, he is tall for his age but he would have barely fit as an infant.  
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