A Car Seat Swing? Nice!

Graco SnugGlider Infant Car Seat Swing Frame - $ 49.95
From: Wise Innovations, Inc.

Mom Time: Hopefully Many Happy Hours of Baby Sleep
Age: Birth - 12 Months (approx.)
Necessity Scale: Must Have

Ahhh, now here's a smart idea! We all know babies love love love swinging themselves to blissful oblivion and that automatic swings are really a perfect busy-mom device. I can't tell you how much "putting to sleep" time I've saved by gently snuggling Baby X into her swing and letting nature take its course.

This gizmo, however, seems to be even more convenient because a car seat can click right into position. The official description says it was designed because:

"Moms told Graco that their baby is content and sleeping in their car seat on the drive home from visits or errands. When baby is brought into the house and removed from the car seat they sometimes start crying and want that car ride to continue. The Graco SnugGlider will provide the perfect place for baby to have that car drive simulation." - Yep, that sounds about right.

Although the swing itself doesn't seem to come with as many swing speeds as many others (this one has two and the one I have, for example, has eight...But I always wondered just how necessary an eight speed swing was anyway...), it still comes with music, vibration, and nature sounds. This model wins hands down for portability and convenience though!

Also, as far as I can tell, you don't specifically need a Graco brand car seat for it to work, any Infant SafeSeat car seat will do. Overall, very cool product that could be a lifesaver for parents who travel a lot and who can't always arrange activities around defined "nap times."

Do you have one of these? Post a Comment and let us know!

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Ever Feed Baby in the Bumbo?

Bumbo Tray for Bumbo Baby Sitter High Chair Seat Cushions
MOM TIME: 3 Minutes - Easier Clean Up!
AGE: 3 Months - 1 Year
NECESSITY SCALE: Want It!

I know, the title sounds wrong doesn't it? (Or maybe it's just me who has a warped sense of humor! You're right, it's me...Anyway...) But really, do you ever feed your baby in the Bumbo chair? I know I've already mentioned this chair before because I love it sooo much. You can therefore imagine my excitement when I recently came across this smart attachment...a feeding tray! I guess a lot of other moms have discovered how much easier it is to feed their kids in this rather than a high chair.

I like the fact that I can just pop it on and off to clean, because as of now my daughter makes quite a mess all over the seat itself when I'm trying to feed her...cracker mush, baby food smears. I'm sure you know just what I mean.

So, here's the Bumbo answer to all that. Yey! It keeps their hands where you can see them, and is good for putting a toy or two on the tray for them to play with instead of constantly going after the food-filled spoon...Nice idea Bumbo People.

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Perfect for Small Rooms

Scandinavian Child Cariboo Classic Changing Table - Mahogany Changing Tables

MOM TIME: 0 - But May Help Your Sanity (A place for everything, and everything in its place!)
AGE: Birth and Up
NECESSITY SCALE: Need It!

BONUS: Can Be Used To Store Toys After Babies Are Potty-Trained

Hmmm, was someone not exactly planned? Not enough room in your apartment or house for a "real" nursery? Eh, it's a baby for goodness sakes! They don't need that many things, but having somewhere to change their stinky diapers is probably a good idea, for both the baby and your sanity.

That's why I'm particularly fond of this little table. Unlike most changing tables, which are great because you can organize everything into neat rows and drawers but take up a large section of any room, this compact changer is perfect to squeeze into a corner. Depending on your situation, it may even fit nicely in your bathroom...and if not, then your living room or bedroom as well.

I'm warning you, this model is on the pricey side! It's made of mahogany wood, is imported, and is considered very stylish. However, the idea is there, and you may be able to find something a bit cheaper if you scout around. Still, I love this piece anyway...and since it can be used for other things, it may be worth the investment.

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Bumbo Seat - Thank the Gods for This!

Bumbo Baby Seat - Blue

MOM TIME: 15 - 1.5 Hours
AGE: 3 Months - 1 Year
NECESSITY SCALE: Need It!

Hands down one of the best baby inventions ever. I kid you not! This ergonomically designed baby seat has come in so handy since Baby X could hold her head up! Unlike most baby containers, this one has no straps...but they still can't get wiggle themselves out of it no matter how hard they try.

I would pop Baby X in this thing, put one of those U shaped pillows around her with toys on top, and go about my business without worry. Of course I'd stay close by and check on her. But the point is she could sit there and play, long before she could actually sit up on her own, without me having to be the one holding her up.

Often I used it when I was doing required reading (I studied online), writing, or just needed a block of time to get something accomplished. As Baby X got older I used this chair instead of a high-chair to feed her. I guess she liked it more because it was less confining.

Overall, this is one baby item I would not want to live without. It lasts for quite a long time (up to a year...as you know that's a lot in Baby Time), is durable, safe, and babies really like the feeling of sitting up on their own. Plus, the older they get, the longer they seem to contentedly play in the chair. If it made me this happy, I'm sure other mothers would appreciate the periods of freedom it afforded me!

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Ummm, Yeah, Warm Wipes...

Warm Glow Wipe Warmer
MOM TIME: 0 - But May Lead To Less Diaper Change Crying!
AGE: Birth and Up
NECESSITY SCALE: Want It

At first I laughed, then I was pensive, and now I just don't know what to think. Is it really necessary to warm up the baby wipes before they touch your oh-so-precious little one's behind? Shouldn't they learn to deal with a tiny bit of discomfort if they're going to survive this life?! Surely a momentary chill won't kill them, making this product rather, um, ridiculous?

On the other hand (this was the pensive part), I enjoy unnecessary luxury items now and then. Who doesn't like going to a fancy hotel and having a *gasp* towel warmer! It's really the same thing, and I adore the experience of wrapping myself up in a hot towel just after a shower. So why shouldn't Baby X be introduced to those things that make life not only bearable, but actually pleasant?

Also, I hate when it's cold outside and my toilet seat is freezing (especially in the middle of the night)! I understand why some babies start to cry when they are changed...

At last I've decided that while I might not go out and buy one of these straight away myself, I certainly would never refuse it as a gift!

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Fun with Letters? Yep!

Edutile Blocks - A, B, C

MOM TIME: Up To 1 Hour + Peace of Mind with Softer Floor
AGE: Birth - 7 Years
NECESSITY SCALE - Want It!

Seriously now Mischievous Moms, this is one of the hippest ways to decorate your kid's room. Yes, it's really a "toy," but as a "rug" it makes the floor an entertainment magnet without you having to do anything at all!

Firstly, the colors are not so bright that you're revolted. Second(ly?), it's made of a foam-like material that can make your otherwise dangerous hard tile floors nice and squishy. That's right, I see the wheels in your head turning...A squishy, safer floor means you can relax for a moment and take your eyes off of them for a whole FIVE seconds! Thirdly, it's easy to clean if something spills (if!), and it's easily removed and stored away for when you've invited the snobby in-laws to dinner. Finally, it's obviously educational.

Let's go through the benefits by age.

• Birth-4 Months, just a cool nursery floor.
• 4 Months - Crawling, great for rolling over, and over, and over.
• Crawling - Walking, don't have to worry about them bashing their heads when they fall.
• Walking - 7 Years, play times, learning the alphabet times, & general merry making.

Overall, not something you really need, sure you could live without it - but for the amount and different types of use you'll get out of it, why not buy one?

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Floor Activity Mats - Need It!

Activitot Tropical Isle

MOM TIME: 10-50 Minutes
AGE: 1-8 Months
NECESSITY SCALE: Need It!

Floor activity mats are a bit like crib mobiles, they're supposed to entertain wee-ones with brightly colored things dangling in their faces or just out of their reach. From an adult's perspective, neither of those options sound like much fun.

Do you like having things dangling in your face? Probably not! You'd probably try to swat it away, or tear it to pieces...And that's exactly what your tiny tot will try to do as well! Except, well, they LIKE it. Crazy, I know!

In fact, all that batting and swatting is great for their development (hand-eye coordination, muscle tone, brain activity, etc.). Trust me, when they're beating all their friends at PlayStation 7 in a few years, they'll thank you for giving them this jump on the competition.

So, depending on just how involved your infant gets with one of these, they could entertain themselves for quite a while! And you don't have to feel guilty while going about your other business, because it's good for them.

Drawbacks: Some babies don't seem all that interested in their environment until around 3 months, and this can only be used until they start to crawl (7-10 months about), so your baby may only use this for a few months.

Is it worth it for that little amount of time? It depends on how much you think your time is worth...After all, an hour of happy time for them is an hour of productive time for you! Do the math!

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Portable Bassinet - Super Cool Mom

MOM TIME: ??
AGE: Birth-6 Months
NECESSITY SCALE: Want It!

Just imagine how super cool you'd feel with one of these portable and convertible bassinets. Now I know what you're thinking, why on Earth would any reasonable person buy this? First of all, it's really only good until your little creepy crawler starts to, er, crawl...or even roll over for that matter.

But although it seems slightly impractical, it's still really nifty and has that certain Mommy-On-The-Go appeal that we all love. Plus, look how happy the baby seems...no crying or fussing, pure contentment!

Back to Reality - There are a couple reasons why this travel bed would be a great buy. Think GIFT. If you know a woman who Seems To Have Everything and is ready to pop out a Seems To Have Everything Baby, then this would surely do the trick at her baby shower.

Or, if you're a new Mom who really does have to travel a lot, even from one house or hotel to another, this bassinet may be well worth the price...Lucky you! While the rest of us want it for its Super Cool Appeal, you actually need it, making you...a Super Cool Mom!

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Baby Bjorn Front Carrier - An Essential

Baby Bjorn Original Carrier - City Black

MOM TIME: 20 Minutes - 3 Hours
AGE: Birth - 9 Months
NECESSITY SCALE: Impossible to Live Without!

Infant carriers are one of those things that have always existed for a reason! Whether it's a simple cloth wrapping or an ultra-cool carrier like the Bjorn, mothering can not be successfully accomplished without one.

From the time Baby X was born, I used this carrier non-stop. When she was extremely tiny, I put her to face inward toward my chest and was able to go about my day with relative ease (I said relative ease...I was still a walking zombie from sleep deprivation, but at least this way I had both hands free to catch myself before I fell over)! She, on the other hand, was able to sleep in the carrier whenever she wanted, regardless of what I was up to.

As she grew older and wanted to see more than just her food supply, I turned her to face out, which proved to be a wonderful source of entertainment while I did things such as buy groceries. Carrying her like this was stimulating for her, and very freeing for me.

Eventually though this type of carrying became increasingly painful on my back, so it was time to graduate to a back carrier instead.

But for those first 9 months, this gizmo was worth its weight in platinum!

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