Real Mom Reviews
InchBug Orbit Labels
When your child attends a play date, nursery or day care, chances are you’ll find other kids with the same sippy cup or snack container. InchBug labels are personalized with a name and are elastic so they can orbit your containers and let you identify your child’s item on sight. These are much easier than labels or permanent markers. They even feature your child’s name in Braille, so it’s an extra learning opportunity! From $8.95, www.InchBug.com
Chewbeads
I had to stop wearing most of my jewelry when my son started teething because everything went in his mouth. When I found out about Chewbeads, I was so excited—these necklaces and bracelets are designed to go in Baby’s mouth. It’s important for moms to feel fashionable—and even pregnant mamas will appreciate the pop of color one of these pieces adds to an outfit! From $14.50, www.Chewbeads.com
Early Lingo Language Learning DVD Series
Children learn foreign languages best in the first five years of life, but it can be hard to work in a learning routine. These DVDs feature simple stories and phrases to learn, and both of my kids love them! They ask me for “the monkey movie” and have started repeating words in French. Available in six languages, each series is approximately 210 minutes long and features more than 450 words and phrases. $19.99 per disc or $99.99 for a full series, www.EarlyLingo.com
Belly Armor Baby Blanket
Pregnant moms have a lot to worry about, and radiation is something that we all experience daily from cell phones, laptops, iPads and other devices. Since technology is not going away, set your mind at ease and protect your baby bump with a Radiashield Chic or Luxe Baby Blanket. They are 99.9 percent effective at shielding everyday radiation. $69, www.BellyArmor.com
Mr. Beams Stick Anywhere Night Light
We have gone through our share of night lights. Toddlers have curious fingers, so a lot of our plugged-in lights have met a quick demise. This LED light can be affixed to any surface and is battery powered. It senses motion from 15 feet away and saves exhausted parents from bumping into furniture. It’s also a soft enough light to keep wakeful babies in a sleepy state in the middle of the night. $29.99 for two, www.MrBeams.com
Hands-Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford
I am guilty of spending more time than necessary staring at a smart phone screen. It’s hard to disconnect in our technological culture! This book is not so much about giving parenting advice, but is a reminder to unplug and keep our eyes on the things that matter the most—our kids. Each chapter includes weekly challenges to inspire intentional living. $12, www.Amazon.com
Where Is Baby? By Kathryn O. Gailbrath
Before I had kids, I worked at a library, so we read books a lot. This title features baby animals in their natural habitats, and the illustrations by John Butler are stunning. The story features common animals like rabbits, robins and deer, but also includes more unique creatures like ostriches, river otters and bats. It is simply beautiful! $13, www.Amazon.com
Julie McKinley is a stay-at-home mom of a 3-year-old son and 1-year-old daughter. Keeping up with her kids is a full-time job, so she is always on the lookout for innovative baby products that make life a little easier! In between snuggles and diaper changes, she blogs at www.DirectorJewels.com.