Gear Reviews
Keep Kids Busy When Out to Dinner
Fine family eateries have long known the art of successful family dining is often about letting the kids make art on the table. And, no, not the food variety. Many restaurants offer crayons and write-on menus but you never really know what you are in for when you dine out. Is there anything worse than a lame menu and those waxy crayons that break and don't work? What's up with the places that give you a yellow crayon and a menu photocopied onto green paper to color on. Do they really want to hear that tantrum?
Best to BYO and take matters into your own hands and keep this Doodles at Dinner Pad in the car somewhere. It's a whole stack of tear off placemats that promise to entertain. Not a lame one amongst them. Just be sure to pack some decent crayons to go with (we like this tin of high quality Stockmar crayons) and you may actually get to enjoy your own meal.
June 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, In Car Entertainment, Luggage & Travel Accessories, Travel Books | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Pimp My Ride: Sony Portable DVD Player
On our last road trip from Columbia, SC to Cincinnati, OH, we used my husband's laptop computer to play Baby Einstein movies for our son. Since my SUV does not have factory-installed DVD screens, we jimmy rigged a whole system using an A/C adapter, some rubber bands and wiring running all the way to the trunk, where the largest voltage connectors were located. It worked, but it wasn't pretty. So, what's a road tripping family to do? Go get a Sony DVP-FX820 portable DVD player from Dell, where it is being sold for $169.99 and free shipping!
With it's vibrant 800x480 resolution screen and long battery life (though not quite the 6 hours that Sony claims), this device is sure to keep everyone entertained on the road. The swivel screen and 2 headphone jacks make back seat sharing a little easier, and there is a car adapter for when the battery begins to run low.
This portable DVD player is sure to make a six hour trip feel shorter for you and your back seat wigglers!
June 30, 2008 in Gear Reviews, In Car Entertainment, Pimp My Ride | by Shani Gilchrist | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Ask the Stroller Gurus: Who Needs Air Tires on a Stroller?
Buying a stroller can be expensive and confusing. You want to make a good investment but it can be hard to find good advice about what your really need. We've asked Stroller Gurus Melissa and Jo of Let's Go Strolling to help us answer your questions.
Stroller Question: Why would I need a stroller with air tires if I don’t jog?
Stroller Gurus' Answer: This is one of the number one questions we hear from customers when we recommend any all-terrain stroller, whether a single or a double, that have large 12” air tires. Since it’s such a good question – we thought it was time to address it in writing.
Air tired strollers usually have two big advantages for most stroller users: 1)
- The air in the tires provides a natural level of suspension so that the ride, even over bumps, is smoother for both the rider and the pusher and
- Air tires are usually larger tires (10' or 12”) and bigger tires go over bumps better whether it is broken urban sidewalks and curbs or more off-road obstacles.
Many stroller users are looking for a full-featured stroller that they can push easily whether walking around their neighborhood, cruising the local mall, or on outdoor adventures (e.g., the Zoo, local parks). Oftentimes an all-terrain stroller can provide this full functionality and flexibility for parents who prefer to have one main stroller that takes them smoothly wherever their life does. The added benefit of course, is that if Mom or Dad does decide they want to do some light exercise with baby – the same stroller can stand up the rigors of power walking or light jogging. Of course if you expect to do more than light jogging with your stroller you might want to check out the BOB Revolution stroller which has 16” rear tires so your stroller will glide effortlessly during faster paced runs.
Currently many of the reversible seat strollers that are popular on the market (think Quinny Buzz and Valco RAD) also have two rear air tires but rubber front tires. These strollers provide many of the same benefits of the all-terrain strollers mentioned above but are better suited to urban terrain instead of rougher off-road territory since the front tires do not have air suspension and are smaller.
Many people searching for a double are also reluctant to take on the extra weight that accompanies double all-terrain strollers in the marketplace today. While it is valid concern for parents who do not want to be lifting a heavy double stroller, it is also important to understand the trade-offs involved. Many lightweight double strollers, when loaded down with the 60 pounds or more combined weight of two children, simply do not push well over bumps. The problem being that when you load a 20 lb stroller frame with triple its weight in children, it is no longer the stroller pushing the weight but the pusher who is bearing the brunt of pushing these children along. A high quality 35 pound all-terrain stroller however, while admittedly harder to lift, will glide effortlessly along even the roughest urban terrain loaded with the weight of two toddlers.
So in summary:
Air Tire advantages:
• Smoother push
• Better suspension
• Handles rougher terrain
• Is flexible enough for exercise/light jogging
Air Tire Disadvantages:
• Adds more weight to the stroller
• Air tires require regular maintenance to stay properly inflated and leak-free
Only you know how you intend to use your new ride and what trade-offs truly make sense for you. Understanding the wonderful attributes of a high-quality all-terrain stroller, however, might help you pick your perfect stroller as you determine which option is right for your family and lifestyle.
Got a question for our stroller gurus? Email StrollerGurus@CarandCaboodle.com
June 4, 2008 in Editorial, Gear Reviews, Quick Picks, Strollers | by Melissa | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth Headset
Honestly, how many things do you tend to do at once while driving your car? For me, it's often the only time I can make calls, which can get awkward when I'm also messing with the dashboard controls and passing a snack back to my little guy. I used to have a Bluetooth headset to go with my BlackBerry, but it was uncomfortable and I couldn't always hear clearly, so I gave it the boot. However, being handsfree is still tops on my list.
This month Aliph came out with a new Jawbone headset which has extremely clear sound and a design that is ultra-cool. The company has patented a technology called NoiseAssassin(TM), which separates speech from background noise. This coupled with a Voice Activity Sensor, which is able to detect when a person is talking and separate their voice out, makes for a very clear call.
This version of the AliphJawbone is 50% smaller than it's predecessor, and is designed with a love of aesthetics in mind. There are no visible buttons, but rather a touch surface on the shield of the headset, and the buttons can be felt underneath.
The new Jawbone will help you to hear over the din of your children's chatter and help you to look like the most with-it mom in the carpool line. It retails for $139.00 at Cell Hut.
June 1, 2008 in Car Accessories, Gear Reviews | by Shani Gilchrist | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: bluetooth, headset
Are you Doing Enough to Save your Kids From Skin Cancer?
If you want to make using sunscreen on your kids a good daily habit, you need a lot of it. This giant pump dispenser of sunscreen from Dr. T's Supergoop is the perfect thing to leave out on a bathroom counter, on your boat or poolside. You're less likely to forget with the visual reminder and less likely to run out with the large size. Plus it's really great quality stuff. Read about the formula and how you can protect your kids at the Dr T's Supergoop Site.
May 19, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Avoiding the DVD Shuffle
You have your mommy-mobile tricked out for the family with surround sound, in-dash DVD with remote, wireless headphones, satellite radio, MP3 connections, the works. You feel like a pretty cool parent as you drive off with your carload... until you have to take a hard right turn and all of the DVDs, remotes, and other accessories go sliding and slashing across the dash, across the floor, into every cave and crook under the seats. Sound familiar? Try an entertainment organizer to contain the mess.
The High Road Entertainment Organizer ($12.99) from busywoman.com is currently on sale for 15% off. This organizer straps to the back of the seat and hold CDs or DVDs and a box of tissues (which we all know needs its own place in the car). These days, there are so many options when it comes to keeping our kids entertained on the road that it tends to create even more piles of "stuff". The High Road Entertainment Organizer helps to keep it all contained, so that when you open the door at your destination all of your DVDs and remotes don't come cascading out onto the pavement.
May 16, 2008 in Car Accessories, Clutter Control, Gear Reviews | by Shani Gilchrist | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: cd, dvd
BabiePlates Vanity Plates For Strollers
If you thought your LUVMYFAM vanity plates on the family car were cool, you are about to be put to shame by the BabiePlates on your kids' ride.
Made in Sweden, these reflective, personalized metallic plates are cooler. First of all because they look like European license plates, which we all know we wish we had. Who doesn't rubberneck at a Euro plate displayed stateside? Secondly, these plates are actually useful if you take your stroller to busy parks, theme parks, malls etc where someone else has the same model of stroller as yours. Imagine quickly finding your kids ride in the sea of strollers at Disneyland, for instance. Saves you the embarassment of having to explain to that other red Bugaboo pushing family that you were not in fact trying to steal one of their most precious posessions!
BabiePlates come with a variety of options including photos and flags. When your kids outgrow the stroller, they make an excellent door placard, and keepsake.
April 15, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Nature's Baby PU-All Conquers Mystery Odors
We all have the best of intentions of keeping our cars clean and odor free after kids. Really we do. We're not going to be like those people with mystery smells wafting around in the back.
Except one day it happens. That adorable four month old has an "incident" in the carseat and you swear you are never going to be able to drive with the windows rolled up ever again. Even in the freezing cold and pouring rain.
This is the time, my friend, to break out the PU All spray from Nature's Baby Organics. It's made from safe and nontoxic stuff that actually, magically, removes the bad smell from your car, your home, even the dreaded diaper pail. Don't ask me how it works! I just love that it does.
We're fond of the Vanilla Tangerine smell too - fresh and not overwhelming or chemically. Unlike the so called "new car smell" that they will try to sell you at the carwash.
Purchase PU-All from the Nature's Baby Site.
March 7, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: cleaning, non-toxic, organic
MrBNYC's Bags for the Booty in your Boot
Got a plethora of kid gear floating around in the trunk of your car? Contain all your "stuff" enthusiasm with one of these excellent Mega Totes from MrBnyc. They are perfect for coralling everything from baby gear to soccer equipment, to groceries. The bags themselves are super huge, super lightweight and keep your booty super organized to boot. These hold up to 150 lbs of family gear. Now that's some serious tote bag capacity.
March 6, 2008 in Car Accessories, Gear Reviews, Luggage & Travel Accessories | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: bags
A Little MomSpit Goes a Long Way in the Car
Messes happen. That's why we all need MomSpit in the car.
No, not the real thing, silly. That would be gross. The next best thing. MomSpit in a bottle. This magical foaming cleanser restores something akin to cleanliness and freshness with nary a sink in sight.It comes in scents like Fig and Green Tea. Ahhhh, isn't that nice?
MomSpit in the bottle is alcohol free and claims to even kill germs. Use it on little faces, hands and even dirty birdy feet before that icky-sticky lands all over the backseat.
Check out the MomSpit site for more info and where to purchase.
March 4, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: cleaning
Two New Products from Uppa Baby for Families on the Go
In the world of strollers, the UppaBaby Vista is one of my favorites. I'm looking forward to using one of these top stroller performers whilst out strolling with my new baby. And with the addition of the Uppa Baby Piggy Back Ride Along Board my three year old son can still come with on longer walks, and catch a ride if needed. The ride on board is nice looking and made from an attractive natural wood. It flips up and out of the way when not in use and does not impede the stroller fold in any way.
I'm also loving Uppa's Baby Bubble. 
This lightweight pop-up cover fits on most infant carseats and shields baby from sun, wind, rain, dust, bugs and the prying eyes and sticky fingers of all the other kids at my son's preschool. If I were a celeb, it would be a great paparazzi foiler as well. Much more reliable than a draped blanket and a cinch to use and store, and quite cheap to boot ($19.95) this one is a mommy must have.
February 10, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: car seats, strollers, uppa baby
Wander Wear Helps Keep Kids Safe
It's every parent's nightmare and can happen in an instant. You stoop to tie your shoe and your three year old sees someone walk by with a balloon and poof! They're off!
With 7 out of 10 kids experiencing public separation from a parent or guardian at some point, it's fairly likely that even the most conscientious of parents will experience that lost child panic at some time or another. Which is why Wander Wear was created. Wander Wear makes a line of products for easy kid identification in crowded places and publishes books and literature that help educate kids and parents about what to do in case they are separated. I especially like their clip on kid tags for days when we are going to be someplace large and crowded, like Disneyland. The tags provide a specific and highly visual place for you to write your cell phone number, so that you and your child can be quickly reunited in case of separation.Their brightly colored tees and baseball caps also make it easy to quickly visually locate your child in a crowd.
Wander Wear items are sold separately or in family packs.
February 6, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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Ali's Picks: Clek Booster Seats - Think Small
Small backseats, reluctant toddlers, riding in cabs--these are just a few of the reasons you'll love the Clek Olli Booster Seat.
Sure, it looks cool, but its low-profile, backless design is about more than just looks. It's worlds smaller than your average booster, which matters for three important reasons.
One, if you have a small backseat or are trying to fit more than one car seat, the Olli won't take up as much room. Two, it has a more grown-up feel, making it a much easier sell to the toddler who is ready to be done with car seats. And three, it's super portable, making it really the only practical option for cabs and mass transit. (Really, can you picture hailing a cab with a fussy toddler and a full-size booster in tow?)
Booster seats are the law--but that doesn't mean they have to be a nuisance. The Clek Olli is the perfect blend of safety, simplicity, and style!
Clek Booster Seat | $95 at giggle.com
Ali's Picks is contributed by Ali Wing, founder of modern baby retailer, giggle, where she and her staff help new parents "navigate the glut of choices and find only what they need, when they need it." We look forward to Ali's recommendations where her selections are not just eye candy but also practical and functional in design.
February 5, 2008 in Car Accessories, Gear Reviews | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (0)
Tags: ali's picks, booster seat, car seats, clek, giggle
Adiri Baby Bottles Travel Well, Even Upside Down
Here's a new twist on the baby bottle. The Adiri Natural Nurser baby bottle. It's fabulously functional and more healthful for your kids as well. These bottles are super easy to fill (from the bottom), easy to clean, and free of harmful chemicals like phtalates and bisphenol-a. The entire nipple and dome of the bottle are soft and shaped similar to the breast and therefore breast fed babies are more receptive to using these. I love how few parts these bottles have. They are sleek and streamlined and seem to travel really well. And it does not hurt that they look fabulous too.
Available at The Right Start store for $12.99
January 25, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Swiss Strolli Rider Turns Your Single Stroller into an Occasional Double
Love your single stroller and feel like you don't want to find room for a double stroller in your trunk when the new baby arrives? Need to find room for a third child on your double?
If you have an active toddler or young child who needs to hitch a ride on occasion, check out the Swiss Strolli Rider ($115). This easy to add on attachment does not interrupt your stride and is a fun and easy way for little kids to roll with your baby.Sitting on the bike seat and holding on to the handlebars may be easier for some young children than riding standing on a board style attachment.
Purchase the Strolli-Rider from Happy Stroller.
January 23, 2008 in Baby Gear, Gear Reviews | by Ciaran Blumenfeld | Permalink | Comments (0)
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In Development: Virtual Cable In-Car Navigation Draws a Red Line
How about an in-car navigation tool that draws a red line on your windshield display showing the route to your destination. Start-up company, Virtual Cable, hopes to help keep your eyes on the road and offer an option to listening to the voice directions. [via SwissMiss]
January 21, 2008 in Gear Reviews | by Robert | Permalink | Comments (0)
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