1- Apple peeler/corer/cutter
2- Summer Infant Gate
3- Phil and Ted's Sport Stroller
I love my stroller! It was a pre-baby gift from my dad and step-mom, and I had researched strollers like crazy before deciding on this one. I wanted something that I could use for my daughter alone, but that could also convert to a double for when I have a daycare child or when I have my second baby. I also have to climb over snowbanks with the stroller during daycare hours to get to bus stops, playgroups, etc. so I needed a 3-wheel sport model. This one was perfect! The second seat is a small flat piece when it is not in use and you would never know it is also a double stroller. The front wheel could lock to allow for jogging or getting through thick heavy snow or even sand. The handle bar adjusts so it works very comfortably for both me and my husband. It could recline for nap times (though not as far with the doubles kit in it) and it also can be a travel system with our Graco safeseat carseat- AMAZING! When it is being used as a single stroller, the under stroller storage isn't too bad either. As far as a double stroller goes, it is pretty small. It folds very compactly.
There are a few drawbacks to the stroller, but I think the benefits outweigh the cons. It is tricky to unfold. The tires are not the strongest. We have had to replace ours a few times. However, I contacted the company and they sent me new wheels even though it is no longer under warranty. So, I am impressed with their customer service. All the accessories are sold separately (ie- doubles's kit, rain cover, travel system adapter, etc). They are pricey. The stroller itself, is not cheap, though. I will have to replace the hood since one of the wires is poking through. They sell all the individual parts on their website, so at least it will be easy to replace. Also, when there is a second child in the stroller, there is very little storage room since their feet go in the under-stroller basket.
But overall, we have gotten so much use out of this stroller. I use it every day for daycare in the rain, snow, and heat. It has travelled through forests, over grass, through mud, puddles, and even stairs. It really gets you through any challenging terrain. I have used it on the city bus, and on cruise ships (it doesn't fit through cabin doors, but it is fine everywhere else on the ship and off. It also folds small enough to fit in the stateroom closet to store when not in use.)
I would totally recommend this stroller to others!
My daughter (back) and nephew (front) going for a walk
Serenity relaxing in the stroller while we explore the Mayan ruins in Mexico
4- Slap-Chop
I have an 18 month old little girl without any teeth. She's too old for baby foods, and she can't properly chew raw veggies, hard fruits, meats, etc. This is the best thing ever. I can make just one snack and stick Serenity's portion in the slap-chop and its small enough for her to eat without choking! Awesome!
It isn't super-easy to clean, though. But, I still love it!
5- Walking Rope
I first saw something similar to this on "Jon and Kate plus 8" and I thought it was amazing! I had to get one! I finally found one that was perfect. We use it with the older kids (2 years and up). They each have their own animal and know where to stand in line. It holds up against the elements and is comfortable to hold. I totally recommend this to anyone with 4-12 kids in their care.
The link listed is the American site: Lakeshore. I went through their sister-site: Wintergreen which is Canadian. I was just having problems locating the item on their website.
6- Sensory Bin
This simple plastic storage bin has gotten so much use in our house! All sorts of things go into the sensory bin. The kids get so excited when they see it coming out! All you need is an under-the-bed storage bin that is short and wide. Fill it with anything that the kids can safely play with!
7- Play Kitchen
Any play kitchen will provide hours of entertainment from toddlerhood
8- Laugh and Learn Playhouse
This is a simple idea. Its a door! The door opens and closes. It has a doorbell, a light switch, and all sorts of fancy bells and whistles that make noise. The kids all LOVE it! It surprisingly entertains my 1 year old just as much as the 7 year old I watch!
9- Angel Care Monitor
This gave us a huge piece of mind. There is a sensor pad that sits under the baby's mattress which senses movement of any kind. It is so sensitive that it can detect the smallest little breaths. It went off once or twice when Serenity was little (She was very little at 5 lbs 9oz) when she stopped breathing. We were able to go pick her up right away when this happened and she started breathing right away again. It allowed us to sleep easy, and that is priceless! The receiver is also noise-free. It only turns on when there is noise in the room, otherwise it is silent. No static! There is a little metronome that ticks (either out loud or silently) as you child breathes. It helps the extra paranoid parents like me to see it ticking away in the night.
The drawbacks of this product are the false alarms. They happen more often now since Sera moves around the crib a lot. If she is on the far side of it, occasionally it cant detect her movement. I would take a few false alarms any day, though, to catch the true ones. One other thing about it, is it's lifespan. The receiver doesn't seem to last longer then the 1 year warranty. I have heard other people say that theirs broke right after a year as well. I have contacted the company to see if they could replace it. Ill update and let you know how that goes.
10- Ice cube Trays
This seems like the simplest of things. But, I get so much use out of my ice cube trays, and I am not using them for making ice! I use them for sensory play, to freeze baby food, to create soup chillers, for counting exercises, sorting activities, as food dishes for toddlers, and all sorts of other things.
