Author Archives: Mary
Hello! I'm Mary, and it's great to see you dropped by. On this site I'll be using all the tips and tricks I learned guiding my oldest son through the toddler years. Hopefully you'll learn something new and helpful. As I am now a stay at home mom, I now make a living through purchases made through sites, such as Amazon.com, Diapers.com, Giggle (and more!) at no cost to you.
Last updated on March 11th, 2020 at 11:13 am
Your toddler is going to try and reach the counter or the faucet with or without the toddler step stool. That’s the next major achievement after walking. The grownup world means everything is out of reach for toddlers. It won’t, however, put them off from trying to climb onto anything to be at the same level as the adults. Instead of them pulling the kitchen chair and it topples onto them, you might as well make it easier for them with a step stool for children.
We’ve created a list of the best toddler step stool researching what is the most durable, safe, and practical for its use. Many step stools are light enough for your toddler to carry around, from reaching the toilet seat to helping mom prepare dinner at the kitchen table.
With rubberized feet and step, the Babybjörn Step Stool is one of the safest step stools for toddlers. The step stool won’t slip with its rubberized feet and your child’s feet won’t slip on the rubberized step. It is a functional step that helps toddlers reach the kitchen and bathroom counters without being in an adult’s way.
The toddler step stool is made from a PVC- and BPA-free plastic that is safe to use and may last for years. Its sturdy design ensures the step stool staying steady and not toppling over, even when your toddler is standing on their toes or trying out some dance moves. With the variety of nine colors, the stool may blend in with the décor of the room.
Children may easily pick up the stool with the high side gaps and cart it around to where they need the step stool.
The Graco 2 Step Transitions Step Stool is made from a plastic that is strong enough to hold toddlers, children and small adults that weigh up to 200 pounds. It won’t crack or break under stress.
A firm gripping rubber under the feet of the toddler step stool ensures that it won’t slide on the floor causing your child to lose their balance and fall.
Weighing only one pound, the step stool is light enough for your toddler to show their independence by carting it wherever they need it. Now they can explore anywhere and everywhere heights they couldn’t reach before.
Another benefit of the step stool is it’s easy to clean and is stain-resistant; the ideal step stool for potty-training. The dimensions of the lime green Graco stop stool is 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide. With two steps the child may reach heights that single step stools can’t. The wide step allows the toddler to stand safely on the step without it being too narrow.
The Little Partners Step Stool grows with your children, from toddlers to adults. With three positions, the step stool’s height adjusts from 8 inches at the bottom step to 15 inches height on the top level. The first step is high enough for toddlers to brush their teeth in the bathroom easily. The second step gives enough height for adults to reach the top shelf in the kitchen or garage.
The versatility of three steps allows for adjusting to any family member’s height according to what they want to reach. It has an astounding weight capacity of 250 pounds to accommodate all ages, from toddlers to adults. The rails provide a comfortable grip for family members who don’t like heights or toddlers to help them balance on the step.
With dimensions of 20 x 15 x 32 inches, the step stool creates a safe and sturdy step but could be cumbersome in smaller areas. With a choice of nine different colors, the toddler step stool is one of the best options on the list.
With the slight curve on the one side, the Tundras Kids Green Potty Step Stool is great for placing close to the toilet when potty training. It may feel like a more natural step for your toddler with the curved side against the toilet bowl.
The step stool also weighs only one pound so that your toddler can carry it from one place to the next without a parent’s help. Toddlers effortlessly carry the step stool with the two rings on each side. Highly portable, the step stool is made from durable material for longevity. Although it is one of the best potty step stools, your child may use it to reach kitchen counters and shelves they usually can’t reach. Now they can even be in the family photo with the extra height.
With the green-on-white design, the non-slip areas are marked at the bottom of the step stool and on the top of the step. The bright green dots may give your toddler the confidence to step on the stool without being afraid of a misstep.
It is a good step stool with its portability, price, and safety features.
With the Secure Home Dual Height Step Stool, even potty training can be done with style. The stylish white step stool blends with the bathroom and most other rooms. It is made from a sturdy plastic light enough for your toddler to carry from bathroom to kitchen to bedroom. Children and adult hands grip the slots in the sides to lift and carry the step stool.
Measuring 10.3 x 12.7 x 14 inches, the dual step stool, and supporting a maximum weight of 150 pounds, the step stool adapts as your children grow. The dual steps with a height of 10.3 inches enable toddlers to reach toilets and sinks, and older kids may access shelves that were too high for them.
Soft-grip steps prevent little feet from slipping as they climb onto the dual steps. A non-slip surface at the bottom of the step stool ensures no slipping on all types of floors. The slight curve and widening at the back toward the bottom improves stability and prevents the step stool tipping when a child steps on it.
Its hollow design creates a space you can use to store toys and items when in storage. The neutral colors blend in with home décor while its practical functionality help toddlers reach places they usually can’t without adult assistance.
The manufacturer deems its product as one of the best step stools for children, with their 90-day money-back guarantee.
The KidKraft Step Stool for children is one of the best step stools for toddlers to fifth-graders. With rounded open handles on the sides, children can carry the step stool without adult assistance. It weighs about 10 pounds, which may be too heavy for a two-year-old to carry it.
For a growing toddler who wants to be independent, the step stool may help them achieve their goal. Two steps reach a height of 14 inches. The first step is 6 inches off the ground, which is high enough for toddlers to reach countertops and be at eye level with older siblings. The second step may help elementary school kids reach the book or toy on the top shelf without asking for assistance.
When nobody is using it to step on, the step stool works as well as a seat. It may not be as comfortable as a lounge chair but is perfect for sitting while paging a picture book.
The step stool is made of wood with quality finishes. Although it is a robust step stool that may withstand toddler abuse, you may want to add non-slip tape for extra safety precautions.
If you have a small bathroom and you need to potty-train your two-year-old, then the Angels Kids Step Stool may be the perfect fit. The 5 inches height makes it ideal to step up to the toilet and for your toddler’s feet to rest on the step stool.
A small bathroom quickly becomes overcrowded. The size of the potty step stool prevents you from bumping into it when opening the bathroom door. You may safely enter without accidentally sliding the stool out from underneath your child.
The bright blue non-slip surface makes it safe for your toddler to stand on. The anti-slip grips at the bottom of the step stool prevent the step stool from moving, causing your child to fall. Two holes in the sides are large enough for little fingers to pick up the step stool and move it from the toilet to the bathroom sink.
If your toddler hates being on the floor when everyone is kitchen counter height, then the Little Partners Learning Tower is the top choice for your toddler to join the conversation. The learning tower step stool is made from durable wood that lifts your toddler safely high enough to help wash dishes, cooking, or other family activities.
Toddlers climb in and out of the step stool frame without help from siblings or parents. Once standing inside, the frame protects them from falling backward when losing balance. The step stool adjusts to four different heights to keep up with your growing children.
The platform is broad enough that two smaller kids may fit in the step stool at the same time. It is sturdy enough to withstand enthusiastic toddlers’ lively rough handling.
It is one of the best step stools that embrace parenting when toddlers want to help in the kitchen. Why not teach them at a young age to wash dishes; you’ll be thankful later.
If you’re looking for a basic step stool with a slip-resistant surface and bases, then the Bumbo Step Stool for a toddler is a great pick. The elephant foot design is not only cute but safe for your toddler to stand on. Just like an elephant stands solidly on the ground, the Bumbo step stool doesn’t skid on multiple surfaces. It is one of the best toddler step stools that won’t slide on a wet bathroom floor. Toddlers don’t stand still; the step stool won’t even slip with a wiggling toddler on standing on it.
The step stool is white with a colorful non-slip surface and slip-resistant parts on the base. The height of the step stool is ideal for potty training and to reach the bathroom sink. Your toddler may comfortably turn on the 11 x 15 inches wide step stool without losing their balance or slipping of the step. It is hollow, which makes it lightweight and portable, with the two carry slots on the sides of the step stool. The Bumbo step stool is one of the cheaper step stools that is within the price range of most buyers. If 7 inches isn’t high enough, the step stools are stackable and can also be nested
An orange Pterodactyl is painted on the storage lid of the Fantasy Fields Dinosaur Kingdom Step Stool. The top step of the dual step stool contains a storage compartment. It is designed for toddlers to safe keep their treasures. Two secure safety latches ensure that the lid closes slowly so that it doesn’t close on little fingers.
The step stool is covered with hand-painted/carved designs by Teamson Design Corp. that exhibits a beautiful theme. If your toddler’s room is dinosaur décor, then the Dinosaur Kingdom step stool will be at home. For firefighting toddlers, there is the Little Fire Fighters step stool and for the adventurers the Sunny Safari step stool. Little girls may also like the Crackled Rose design.
The materials used are child-safe and CPSIA compliant. The paints are non-toxic and lead-free. The recycled, pressed wood step stool is sturdy for toddler use. The themes may inspire the imaginations of toddlers three-years and older to use the step stool, store their possession, and even pretend-play as they scramble onto the steps. Adding an extra 12 inches to their height, who knows what kind of treasures your children may discover on their adventures.
With three carry handles, two on the sides, and one in the front, it’s convenient for adults and children to move the step stool to another room or area.
There are some small parts may be a choking hazard to children younger than three-years-old.
Last updated on March 6th, 2020 at 12:57 pm
It’s our hope you’ll find the best and safest option for your toddler and choosing a pillow for a toddler may seem as simple as picking up the most appealing. However, you’re here so you must already understand picking the best toddler pillow involves more than the aesthetic quality.
One must know what to avoid and when it’s time to pick a pillow; the types and their advantages or disadvantages; how to fit a toddler pillow to decrease spinal impact and increase posture support; and the alignment of different sleeping positions. With this information in tow, you’re more capable of choosing a safer, better pillow.
The Little One’s Pillow is made from the best quality material that is the right size for a soothing nap or good night’s sleep. With over 56 years of experience manufacturing pillows, the family founded company, designed one of the best toddler pillows that are safe for your toddler.
After meticulous testing, the company concluded that a flatter pillow is healthier than a pillow that contains too much filling. With the input of top chiropractors and pediatricians, the pillow is designed to support the toddler’s head, neck, and spine.
A soft 100% organic cotton shell is chemically free, and GOTS certified. The cotton is woven in the USA. The high thread count and tight weave create a pillow that is soft to the touch and doesn’t require a pillowcase. It also keeps out impurities and makes the cover resistant.
To further enhance the safety precautions, the pillow is filled with a proprietary hypoallergenic polyester fiber, which is machine washable; it won’t become lumpy. The fiber isn’t treated with any chemicals and is Latex-free, Phthalate-free, BPA free, lead-free, and Formaldehyde free.
The pillow is one of the best toddler pillows that keeps its shape after machine washing. The manufacturers tested various organic and non-organic materials to supply a comfortable sleep experience that supports the head and neck without losing its form or becoming lumpy after a few washes. The cluster filling lasts about 3-5 years.
Age: 24 months and up
Size: 13 x3 x 18 inches
Materials: Polyester cluster fiber, organic cotton shell
Machine Washable: Yes
Made in the USA: Yes
With a 200-thread count, the Little Sleepy Head Toddler Pillow is designed to maximize comfort. Irrespective of your toddler’s sleeping position, the pillow provides proper support to their neck. The pillow isn’t too flat or too fluffy, which causes discomfort because the head is pushed upward or lower than the body.
The toddler pillow is the right size for traveling and for sleeping on long trips in the car on a plane. So, if your toddler becomes attached to their pillow, parents can effortlessly pack it with the rest of your kid’s stuff when visiting grandma, going to daycare, or on a road trip.
The polyester cluster fiber provides the soft plush feel. The outside cover may be scratchy against the skin of some children. A pillowcase may easily solve the scratchiness and keeps the pillow clean longer. Should you need to wash the pillow, you can machine wash it.
The Little Sleepy Toddler pillow is 100% allergy-free and has a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Age: 2+ years
Size: 13 x 18 x 4 inches
Materials: 100% cotton, premium polyester cluster fiber, 200-thread count fabric
Machine Washable: Yes
Made in the USA: Yes
Recommended by chiropractors, Dreamtown Kids Toddler Pillow, is an excellent pick for your toddler’s first pillow. The pillow is about 4 inches tall and filled with 8 ounces of soft, dense fiber that supports your toddler’s head and neck. The soft pillow cover, the toddler-sized pillow, and the filling density are made to give your child a comfortable sleep, which means a good night’s sleep for parents too.
Dreamtown Kids, LCC is a family-owned business that cares about the safety of their children and your children. Their toddler pillow is CPSC Certified, which means it was tested and approved for not containing any metals, toxin, or microbes. The materials come from textile mills that meet the Global Organic Textile certification standard.
The pillows are 100% hypoallergenic, mildew resistant, and mold resistant. All these tests provide a quality product that may help your toddler sleep better wherever they are at home, daycare, or grandmas.
Included in the package is a perfectly fitting pillowcase. The Dreamtown Toddler pillow and the pillowcase won’t shrink when washed in the washing machine. The manufacturer recommends using non-chlorine bleach, and Tumble drying with no heat may avoid clumping.
Age: 2+ years
Size: cut 14 x 19 x 4 inches but measures 12 x 16 x 4 inches when filled
Materials: Polycotton blend, synthetic pillow fill
Machine Washable: Yes
Made in the USA: Yes
The Outlast technology of the Sweat Tots Toddler Pillow has a moisture wicking features that may keep your toddler dry if they tend to sweat at night.
The Outlast Gold Certified fabric liner is placed on the pillow’s top side. It proactively avoids heat and moisture from building up; the technology absorbs the excess heat that radiates from your sweating toddler’s body. The stored heat is released or absorbed according to the toddler’s thermal needs throughout the night. Instead of sweating from the heat, and then chilling from the dampness, the technology ensures a consistent temperature throughout the night.
A 4 ounces poly-fiber filling ensures the correct neck alignment for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years. The natural toddler pillow height is two inches and could be compressed during sleep between ½ and 1 inch. Older children may prefer the Mid Loft pillow (#1 link) that is 3 inches high and compresses between 1-1 ½ inches.
The toddler pillow is filled with 100% hypoallergenic poly-fiber fill, which is machine washable. The pillow may be dried in a dryer so that it is ready for naptime. A double-stitching edging increases the durability and avoids loss of filling over time.
The firm, flat pillow, is safer when introducing your 18-month baby to a crib pillow. Experts deem it more reliable to reduce suffocation risks. Sweaty Tots hold a CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) and is CPSC certified.
Sleepy Tots is a family-owned business, and they offer a lifetime money-back guarantee or a replacement guarantee if you receive a faulty product.
Age: 1 ½ to 3 years
Size: 13 x 3 x 18 inches
Materials: 300 thread count, temperature regulating Outlast Gold fabric liner, 100% cotton sateen cover
Machine Washable: Yes and Dryer
Made in USA: Yes
If your toddler likes a soft pillow, then My Little North Star Toddler Pillow is one of the best toddler pillows to select. The 3.5 inches height isn’t as flat as some other kids’ pillows, but it isn’t too high that it doesn’t support your kid’s head and neck.
Organic cotton is one of the softest materials to touch. The pillow is made of 100% super-soft certified natural cotton shell for that extra soft feeling to snuggle and sleep. Organically grown and woven in the USA backs the company’s promise of a chemical-free pillow. Although the purchase includes a pillowcase, the pillow is soft to the touch that the pillowcase isn’t necessary. Some parents, however, prefer using a pillowcase to keep the pillow cleaner longer.
The specialized poly cluster fiber filling won’t become lumpy when machine washed but keeps its form. The filling is hypoallergenic, chemical-free with no pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, or flame retardants. A breathable design avoids mildew and mold forming. The pillow is machine washable and dryer friendly for a quick wash and dry so that the pillow is ready for bedtime.
The size of the toddler pillow is designed for toddlers from 2 years old to children aged 5 years. Despite the softness, the pillow supports your child’s head and neck during sleep in the toddler cot or during the transition phase to a bed.
Age: 2-5 years
Size: 13 x 3.5 x 18 inches
Materials: 100% Organic cotton shell, polyester cluster fiber
Machine Washable: Yes
Made in USA: Yes
The ClevaMama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow is one of the best toddler pillows for stomach sleepers and is scientifically proven to prevent Flat Head Syndrome. The memory foam protects your toddler’s head by adapting to its natural round shape creating a unique sleeping surface. It is the only pillow that is scientifically proven to reduce the pressure at the back of your baby’s head by 50%. Together with the University at Trinity College, Dublin, the company researched and developed the ClevaMama Toddler Pillow.
It is safe as the first-time pillow for toddlers one-year-old in the crib, cot, or on a bed. This is a hypoallergenic toddler pillow; the open cell structure is breathable and allergen-free. It is one of the best pillows for babies with allergies and asthma.
The Airflow fabric increases the air circulation and draws away moisture on a hot, humid night, creating the perfect environment for a good night’s rest. The ventilation holes and the breathable ClevaFoam increases the airflow and reduces heat retention.
Age: 1-3 years
Size: 8 x 2.4 x 21.6 inches
Materials: Lightweight ClevaFoam, AirFlow cover
Machine Washable: covers are
Pillow is Made in the USA: ?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for avoiding pillow use until a child is old enough to sleep in a bed. This is typically around eighteen months.
This might be obvious to you, but it isn’t to everyone. Therefore, I’ll come out and say it: Once a toddler is old enough to use their first pillow, avoid using pillows secondhand. Pillows received from adults contain dust mites, dirt, oil, and dead skin — all of which are risks for allergy-inducing symptoms.
Posture will inevitably affect your toddler’s health. Meanwhile, natural positioning affects circulation, breathing, and overall rest. Thus, it’s important to consider the impact of positioning and posture as your toddler rests. You want to avoid any sort of pillow that lacks support or props them too high.
To understand the types, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of six different types of pillows: fiber, down, latex, foam, memory foam, and contour.
Fiber pillows use synthetic fibers, typically. However, they may utilize gel fiber to simulate down or organic, such as wool. The cheaper the fiber pillow, the quicker it loses its support features. However, they are the most affordable option.
Down and feather pillows are often accused of stirring allergic reactions, but it’s far more likely the reaction comes from dust mites. Like all pillows, they do require routine cleaning. Aside from full-feather pillows breaking down and flattening, one-hundred percent feather is likely a poor choice for toddlers; feathers are notorious for sticking through coverings. In that case, down becomes a trustworthy choice.
Latex pillows tend to provide better head cushion and neck support, given proper loft, or thickness. They tend to resist allergens and wick away moisture but are difficult to clean. However, latex allergies are a real thing, though not rampantly common. Before exposing a toddler, have them checked for a latex allergy.
Foam pillows are notorious for retaining shape. Nevertheless, if they’re a cheaper foam, the support will disappear relatively quickly. It should also be taken into consideration foam absorbs heat. If you have chemical concerns, foam creation uses quite a bit that results in off-gassing.
Memory foam pillows molds to the body shape via weight-sensitive polyurethane. Their design relieves pressure on sensitive areas for even support. However, these, too, use many chemicals for the creation and restrict movement. If your toddler moves around during the night, they may experience soreness in the morning.
Contour pillows are foam or latex pillows shaped to cradle the head. They hold the same disadvantages as foam or latex, but also the same advantages with targeted support for the neck.
Before moving on to the next section, many pillows claim hypoallergenic material. While some are treated to resist or remove allergens, they aren’t impenetrable to mold and dust mites. They all need proper, routine cleaning.
As a toddler grows, their support needs change. The toddler’s neck may begin to thin and extend, bunching the pillow beneath and calling for a change in thickness or size. That said, while a toddler sleeps their position will also define which pillow best suits them.
If a toddler lies on their back, their pillow should be thinner and able to support the neck. Conversely, if they lie on their stomach their need for a pillow greatly diminishes. Children who lie on their stomach need their head positioned as naturally as possible without a pillow forcing an unnatural, or developing a preferred, turn.
In order to fit the pillow to your toddler’s neck and head while on their side, there’s a five-step process:
What this does is create a sort of imaginary edge to measure the height of your toddler’s pillow. A slanted or twisted line indicates the pillow may be too thick or thin for proper support.
The most important support a pillow can offer is in the alignment for the body. Hips should align to shoulders and shoulders to ears.
Doctors and chiropractors tend to suggest sleeping on the side. Sleeping on the left or right is generally better than the back or stomach. Still, some folk wisdom says the right side promotes open airways and better heart circulation. I’m not sure if it’s true or not, but since it doesn’t seem like following it will hurt me I’m giving it a shot.
Training toddlers to sleep on their side is ideal, but avoid forcing them into a position that will disrupt their sleep or cause discomfort. There are wedges made to help with this training period.
Keep in mind, few people sleep in the same position all night long. The body doesn’t smile kindly at being forced into a single position for hours on end, so your toddler’s pillow should reflect their dominant sleeping position while taking into account proper support throughout the night.
In the end, a great toddler pillow is one that creates an effortless sleeping state. Their neck should be supported, their head cradled, and their spine naturally aligned. The firmness, loft, and durability of the pillow should reflect their needs.
If they’re showing signs of allergies, the material considered becomes incredibly important. The most likely candidate is a pillow fill that’s easily cleaned and dried, but avoids absorbing moisture; harboring dust mites; and concealing mold. While support is important, the toddler’s overall safety and health are just as imperative to a final choice.
Finally, a toddler should be able to sleep throughout the night without waking aching or poorly rested. The ideal toddler pillow provides comfort and complete support — a win for the toddler and the parent.
Last updated on February 14th, 2020 at 11:58 am
Teaching safety to your kids at a young age may prevent nasty accidents and injuries as your children grow up. They fall off their bikes, scooters, skateboard, and the older they get, the more dangerous their wheels become. For your convenience, we’ve created a list of the best bike helmets for toddlers and babies.
You can’t start too young with teaching your child to wear a bike helmet. One of the best ways is taking them along as a passenger on a child bike seat or trailer. Be mindful, however, that at a too young age, your baby’s body may not be strong enough to carry the extra weight of a helmet
It’s taken 20 years of research, but we’ve FINALLY come up with a better helmet for protecting your tot from certain types of falls. The Giro Scamp has this technology – meaning you are giving your child the highest level of safety in a kid’s helmet available today.
Isn’t that the reason you buy a helmet in the first place?
The Giro Scamp is one of the best bike helmets for toddlers and infants with tiny heads. The Scamp MIPS Brain Protection System (BPS) protects your child’s head in specific impacts.
The Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) is a two-layer helmet to protect the brain by redirecting the force at when someone hits another surface at an angle. Since most falls occur at an angle, this safety feature is one you’ll hope to never use – but is great if your child needs it.
MIPS is something you’ll hope to never use – but you’ll be glad your helmet has it if your child gets in a crash.
The inner layer that rests on the child’s head is a low-friction liner. It is covered with an In-Mold Shell outer layer made from EPS material.
It is lightweight and fits small head sizes, which makes it ideal for babies and infants. The Roc Loc Jr. Fit System is designed to meet the shape and curvature of a child’s head for a comfortable fit. Adjust the helmet tension with the rubberized adjustment knob for a secure fitting. A pinch Guard buckle prevents pinching the child’s chin when buckling the chin strap.
With eight colorful designs with graphics, your toddler should find the bicycle helmet design that appeals to them. In-Mold bike helmets are generally lighter and provide better ventilation than traditional helmets. The Giro Scamp MIPS helmet has eight ventilation vents to keep a toddler’s head fresh and prevent unnecessary sweating under the helmet.
Head Sizes: X Small (17.75-19.25 inches), Small (19.25-20.75 inches)
Helmet Weight: 0,573 pounds
Materials: EPS, foam liner
CPSC+1 Certified: Yes, MIPS
Age: 4+ months
Features: MIPS, In-Mold construction, Flatback for bike or trailer, Dial-adjust fit, pinch-guard buckle, built-in visor, eight vents
Your young child will feel cool looking like the adults in this great helmet. The Bell Sidetrack Bike Helmet has the style of an adult mountain safety helmet, including a visor to keep your toddler’s eyes in the shade. The durable plastic snap-on visor is securely attached to the bike helmet. Your preschooler is going to feel like a big kid wearing this product on his head. The cool design is available in a variety of colors that could color coordinate with your kid’s bike.
Every toddler wants to look like “grown ups” – and with the Bell Sidetrack they can!
It is one of the best bike helmets for toddlers for fitting and adjusting the helmet on a toddler’s head. The updated Ergo-Fit (previously known as ErgoDial) is sleeker with an improved dial function you can operate with one hand. It is no longer necessary to push to turn the dial.
The dial adjusts the inside cradle for a better circumference fit. It makes sure the helmet fits the width of the head, which provides greater safety. With the overlapping sizes, it gives a broader choice for the right fit for your toddler and young children. It also doesn’t feel as bulky as the previous dial.
The No-Twist Tiri-Glides keeps the chin strap in position and flat, avoiding twisting and pain. The quick-adjust fasteners will have your young bikers off on their adventure in no time. Together with the Ergo-Fit, the safety helmet has a longer-lasting fit that may protect your child should they crash.
The inner foam core is merged with the in-mold construction of the outer layer.
The bike helmet is available with or without MIPS. We’d recommend paying up for MIPS – it’s worth it.
Helmet Sizes: Universal Child 18.5-21.2 inches (47-54 cm), Universal Youth 19.6-22.4 inches (50-57 cm)
Helmet Weight: 0.66 pounds
Materials: Polycarbonate shell
CPSC+1 Certified: CPSC Bicycle, MIPS (optional)
Features: Removable snap-on visor, Ergo-Fit dial-adjust system, 15 vents
The Schwinn Infant Bike Helmet, with its playful theme, is one of the best choices for infants who start wearing a bike helmet for the first time. If you are wondering whether you should spend the money on a bike helmet for your 9-18-month old baby, then this is an excellent place to start.
A flat back ensures a comfortable ride on a trailer or child bike seat. The infant’s head isn’t forced forward but comfortable rests with the flat back design. The bike helmet isn’t suitable for babies under nine months. At nine months, your child’s neck is strong enough to hold their head. Kids under nine months may not yet be strong enough to carry a weight on their heads. Lightweight, the bike helmet won’t burden your child’s body with the extra weight; it cannot tolerate making it challenging to hold their head up.
This is a great first-time helmet for your young toddler – very comfortable in a bike trailer.
The colorful jungle theme may delight your infant. Another cute design is the elephant design…yes, you see pink elephants. The cute designs may appeal to boys and girls, and they will be thrilled to ride along with a parent. It’s not just a cute design but also made to protect your child’s head in the event of an accident. The lower molded shell and the extended rear coverage add extra protection.
It is a basic helmet that is ideal for a first bike helmet. The 360-degree internal padding system creates, and extra safety layer and a comfortable fit. A dial-adjust system fine-tunes the bike helmet for the best fit on your baby’s head. Six flow vents create air flowing inside the helmet to avoid unnecessary sweaty heads.
Helmet Sizes: 17.32-19.29 inches
Helmet Weight: 10.4 ounces
Materials: Lower molded shell
CPSC+1 Certified: Yes
Features: Dial-adjust system, flat back for trailers and bike seats extended rear coverage
This helmet is great for parents looking for high quality at a low price.
The Joovy Noodle bike helmet for toddlers and kids 1-4 years old is really well made. It has features that rival those of many higher-priced helmets.
The dial-adjust system is one of the most practical systems. The dial sits lower on the helmet, which allows for easy adjustments even on wriggling toddlers. A small pad attached to the rear of the dial-adjust system gives additional comfort and safety to the rear of the head.
It is one of the best bike helmets for toddlers who tend to sweat on those hot days. The sweat-wicking pad is high-quality sports performance material, and with 14 air vents, your kid’s head may stay dry during trike, bike, and other daring adventures. It’s a single pad that is more cumbersome for a toddler to tear out and loose.
Head circumference varies from child to child. Make sure your toddler’s head size will fit the helmet securely. Smaller kids may have to wait before they can wear their Joovy Noodle. The helmet with it’s pointed back is designed for toddlers riding a bike and isn’t suitable for child bike seats or trailers without a rear mesh panel that provides a comfortable space for the back of the helmet.
The dial adjust system on the Joovy Noodle is great – it’s really easy to get a good fit on your youngsters head.
Wider V-shaped straps may initially require some getting used to set in place. Once adjusted, the bike helmet stays on the child’s head.
The extended visor keeps the sun out of your toddler’s face and protects your child’s face against injuries when falling forward.
Helmet Sizes: S 18.5-20.5 inches, M 20.5-22 inches
Helmet Weight: 0.5 pounds
Materials: Hardshell with solid foam covered by a plastic shell
CPSC+1 Certified: Yes
Features: Dial-adjust system, wicking pads, rear pad attached to dial-adjust, bright colors
Are you tired of accidentally pinching your child’s neck when buckling the chin strap? Or do you have an older relative that helps out and has a hard time pinching those plastic buckles while your child is wiggling around?
Sometimes it’s ok to get a little nutty!
The Fidlock magnetic buckle avoids pinching your child’s skin when fitting the helmet chin strap. An elastic fit system ensures the bike helmet adjusts to your baby’s head as they grow. It stretches and adjusts and doesn’t get caught in your child’s hair like Velcro would. Once changed, you don’t need to re-adjust every time your baby gets on their bike.
If your baby likes style and you want to motivate them to wear a bike helmet, then the Nutcase Baby Nutty Bike Helmet could be a great choice. The stylish design may inspire your little one to start wearing helmets from a very young age.
The bike helmet is very lightweight so that your baby doesn’t have to carry additional weight on their heads, adding stress to their bodies. Flat-shaped at the back of the helmet ensures the baby’s head isn’t pushed forward on a bike seat or trailer.
With the Ergo-design, your baby learns from a young age to have the best bike posture. Front and back venting holes help keep your baby’s head fresh but aren’t as effective as other bike helmets for toddlers. The netting over the front vent holes protects your child from bee stings or insects flying into them.
Helmet Sizes: XX-Small 18.5-19.7 inches (47-50 cm)
Helmet Weight: 9.9 ounces
Materials: In-mold, EPS
CPSC+1 Certified: Yes, for bicycle helmets for 1-year and older
Features: Appealing design, Fidlock magnetic buckle, Ergo-design, vents, flat back for bike seats and trailers
As a parent, you want to keep your little one safe at all times. When it comes to toddlers, the possibilities for mishaps and falls are endless as they explore the world without care or caution. That’s why you have to do your best to protect them as well as you can-especially when they are learning how to ride a tricycle.
As with any product for children, you want to find the best toddler bike helmet to ensure that they are protected in case they fall while riding their tricycles.
Toddlers are little explorers who try to do anything and everything without thinking about the consequences. What this means is that while they try to learn how to ride a tricycle, there may be times when they do adventurous, and very crazy, things. While falls will always happen with toddlers, you can help to prevent dangerous results such as concussions and head injuries, by making sure that they are protected by a top-quality bike helmet.
When shopping for bike helmets, it’s important to look for helmets that are specifically made for toddlers. Some parents may try to buy children’s helmets that are adjustable hoping that they will fit their little one, but the size and shape of a toddler’s head with an older child is quite different and you may not get the perfect fit. When it comes to protective gear, the point is that it fits perfectly as this is how it will provide the utmost protection.
While you will probably be near your child the whole time and will hopefully never have to see them have a bad fall, if the unimaginable happens, you will want to make sure that their helmet can do the job of keeping their little head safe.
The best material for bike helmets is expanded polypropylene foam. This foam is a great material to look for in bike helmets because it has a recovery feature that helps to keep the helmet from being crushed. Another material that is protective is EPS foam, which while not as strong as expanded polypropylene, is commonly used in many helmets.
Something else that you want to keep in mind when purchasing a child helmet for your toddler is if it has a shell. This shell is supposed to work in a way that ensures that the helmet will skid should they fall on their head, which can be an important factor in protecting your child from a neck injury.
The best toddler helmet is one that combines all the top protective features in one helmet. After all, if you are going to spend time shopping for a toddler bike helmet to keep your little one safe, you want the very best.
To help you understand what a highly protective helmet should have, we have compiled the best features to look for, for optimal safety:
While some parents may like an adjustable kids helmet to ensure a good fit, it is important to be careful about them fitting right. Because some adjustable helmets are made to fit a broad range of sizes, it may mean that they aren’t the right fit for your little one, no matter how many times you may try to adjust it. It may also help if you take your toddler with you to shop so that you can be sure that it is comfortable and the right helmet fits – although they may put up a struggle before they let you put it on.
Tip: Try to find cute helmets with fun designs or characters which will make the experience of wearing a helmet more exciting.
When shopping for the best kid bike helmet for your child, it is important to remember these three most important factors:
Other features may be more about preference, such as magnetic closures or different styles, cute designs, or hardshell or in-mold construction. You can usually decide on these factors according to what you think works best for your child or even ask them what they prefer in the area of design and style (as long as YOU know that it will keep them safe).
Make sure to check with the Consumer Product Safety commission in your country to see if there are any recalls or other product warnings around a helmet design. Usually ones with issues are pulled from stores quickly, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
A child who wears a helmet is protected 100% more than one who doesn’t. As an adult, you may forget your helmet at home, but as any parent knows, toddlers are often clumsy and prone to accidents, so even if you have to spend a little more for a higher quality toddler bike helmet, you can rest assured that it will be worth it.
Last updated on May 7th, 2018 at 01:13 pm
Summer is just around the corner, and with the warmer weather comes trips to the beach. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your time at the beach more thouroughly:
It’s a hard balance – we go to the beach to enjoy the warmth of the sun and get away from the daily grind of homelife rules and routines. Yet if you don’t keep on your kids about sunscreen and covering up, you are asking for trouble. No one enjoys themselves when they are as red as a lobster!
I’m not going to lie – kids in general don’t like to have to have lotion put on at the beach. They’d rather be building sandcastles or rolling in the waves. But you owe it to them to keep them protected. The US EPA has a calculator to help you know the UV forecast for your area. Once you enter your zipcode, it will give you the recommended sunscreen protection needed for the day.
I used to find myself getting stressed out about an upcoming beach trip. There were so many things to keep track of – towels, chairs, toys, diaper bag, snacks – UGH! Put keeping an eye on the children from the parking lot to the beach, and there’s a lot of pressure.
I’ve now come to appreciate the simplicity of beach wagons. They help you to get all of your stuff from point A to the beach. You can pack all your supplies and kids into the wagon, and drag it down to the sand. Foldable ones are nice for storage. The best beach wagons for when you have kids are talked about in this article – it helped me make a choice. Hopefully you’ll find it helpful as well.
Kids need to be told the do’s and don’ts about beach safety. In general, you want to make sure that:
These are only a few quick tips. If you’d like more ideas, here are some resources I found:
I hope these ideas are helpful. If you have any additional tips or trips, please leave them in the comments below!
It's finally nap time and you sit on the couch to relax. You notice the pile of diapers in the corner that you were just too tired to take outside to the trash, and you decide it's maybe time get a diaper pail. But how do you pick the best diaper pail when there are so many options out there?
It's exhausting to think about, especially since you've already washed marker off of the living room walls for the third time today, unclogged the toilet after your toddler managed to flush the entire roll of toilet paper down, and cleaned up all of the pots and pans which were thrown around the kitchen. It's been a busy day and it's only 1:00 in the afternoon. Who wants to think about diaper pails when you should really be taking a nap?!
Never fear, we're here for you. Below you will find some helpful information which will hopefully assist you in your quest to find the best diaper pail for your toddler.
In short, they keep your house from smelling like used diapers!
If you don't know, a diaper pail is basically a receptacle that is specifically designed to collect soiled diapers until they are able to be taken care of. Some diaper pails are for cloth diapers only, while others can be used for either cloth or disposable diapers. Depending on the size of the pail and how many diapers your toddler goes through, these bins can sometimes collect up to a week's worth of diapers or more! Diaper pails were created as a convenience for parents of young children, and many say that a diaper pail is a must-have in their homes.
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As mentioned before, many parents would highly recommend using a diaper pail. However, there are others who believe a diaper pail is just a more expensive garbage can and would rather use a trash bin with a lid. There is no right or wrong method of collecting dirty diapers, and a regular garbage can would work just fine. However, there are some great benefits and advantages to using a diaper pail over a normal trash bin.
Okay, you are now sold on the need in your life for a diaper pail. Congrats! I'll give you the information you need to make a great selection. Keep in mind, there really is no "perfect" pail, so please don't spend hours researching this purchase. If a product ticks off these features, you are good to go:
It may seem like there is a lot to think about, but most of this is common sense.
When you boil it right down, you are looking for the best diaper pail you can find for one reason:
You want to keep poop-filled diapers in your house as long as possible without anyone being able to smell them.
So it makes sense that the pail does this job adequately, right?
Luckily, "Big Diaper Pail" industry isn't dumb either, and they know that odor control is entry stakes to get into this business. I won't bore you with the jargon, but in general if the diaper liner isn't torn or ripped, most pails will keep the smell in - and out of your house.
You will want to make sure the diaper pail has some form of odor control. This comes into play when you have a tear in the liner, or you go just a little too long without making a run to the trash. Whether it uses a scented liner, an air filter, or you manually add odor-fighting materials, make sure it's a method that you can live with.
I personally have used scented liners over the years. They tend to work fine, though I would be a properly-maintained carbon air-filter would do the job better. The only time I have noticed any smell was when the pail was full - which meant it was time to hit the garbage run anyway.
You are likely to be surprised when you start shopping for a pail at just how many different features there are available. Here's my recommendations for MUST-HAVE features:
1. Foot-Pedal. The foot pedal is essential. It allows you to operate the pail without hands - and considering you don't want to leave your child on the changing table by his or herself, you'll have a baby in one hand and a diaper in the other most of the time you are using it.
Trust me - you want a foot pedal.
2. Childproof lock. This might not seem very important, and at the beginning you will have no need for it. But as your infant grows into a toddler, you'll be happy you picked a pail with this feature.
Kids are curious. Imagine how enticing the diaper pail looks when they see you using it numerous times a day, and the diaper magically disappears into the plastic hole.
They will want a piece of that action.
The childproof locks are your defense from army men or dolls ending up inside, ripping the bag and leading to a smell-saster.
There are other features, mainly the height, what material it's made of or the color. While these are important, it will depend on your personal tastes. I'm a little taller, so I like a taller pail so I can use it without bending down as much.
I am going to go against some advice I've seen and tell you - get the largest capacity diaper pail you can. It's probably not for the reason you think though.
When you first bring your little bundle of joy home from the hospital, their used diapers will squish down to the size of an apple. At this point, you'll never even notice capacity issues because it will take a while to fill the bad-boy to the brim. So whether it holds 30 or 60 newborn diapers, you won't really care.
But your baby will get older. And Size 5 diapers are more like a mushy-softball in size.
At this point, you'll notice the capacity issue. If you get one with too little holding area, you and your significant other will be fighting over who has to empty the pail again.
And deep inside, a voice will say "Mary told me - why didn't I listen!?!"
Keep that voice at bay. Plan for the future and get a larger capacity diaper pail.
This capacity issue will really hit home if you end up having more than one child in diapers at a time. You might not think that is in your future, but if it's even a possibility GET A LARGE CAPACITY DIAPER DISPOSER!
The manufacturers of most diaper pails learned a great deal from Gillette. They rely on the razor/razor-blade model of selling a relatively-inexpensive razor/pail, and then making most of the profit off of the razor blade/liner.
In the long run, you'll spend multiple times of money on the liners than the pail itself. So before you hit buy on your favorite pail, check out how much the liners cost. See if you can use other brands of liners in the pail.
Some companies allow you to use any bag you have lying around in their system. I don't recommend this because of the smell issue, but it does give you an idea that the company isn't trying to lock you in.
There are legitimate reasons for a company wanting you to use thier bags. If you use poorly made ones, the bags might not hold the smell as well. Then the manufacturer will get blamed for a poorly-made pail. So it's not just about squeezing out more money.
Tip - buy your liners in bulk and you can usually save some money. It's not always the case though, so check the price. Amazon has a subscribe and save program that can be helpful here as well.
Diapers are just one of those things that inevitably come with a toddler. So, if you are looking for a solution for those piles of stinky diapers that your toddler produces, a diaper pail may be a great purchase for you. They will give those diapers a place to go, all while leaving your home smelling better and lessening your trips to the laundry room or dumpster out back. Using the information above, you should be able to find a diaper pail that suits all of your needs at the price that is right for you. The good news in all of this is that one day your toddler WILL grow out of the diaper phase, despite how far away that day may seem at the time. Until then, a diaper pail very well could help you enjoy those moments with your toddler a little more. The next time you are scrubbing permanent marker off of the wall, take a second to notice the absence of that "used diaper" smell. It may just change your life!
Last updated on May 7th, 2018 at 01:17 pm
Since raising a toddler can be overwhelming at times, it’s important to take time to step back and enjoy the experience. It is also essential to build fun into parenting; without it, the harder times can take a toll on your psyche.
It’s also essential for your young child’s development. Without having the happy times to fall back on, parents are less likely to be present during the time they spend with their children. This has been shown to have a negative effect on child emotional development.
Never fear! As a parent myself, I have a few tips and ideas I use to keep the spark in parenting. Most of these make the day-to-day life events of child-rearing more enjoyable. Some of them are to make your life easier - some are just fun to do - some are both. Keeping the mundane special will help keep you in the right frame of mind to truly enjoy the extraordinary moments that come by less frequently.
Some of these I’ve gotten from friends and family; some are from internet friends. If you have any other tips and tricks, please leave them in the comments section.
This idea from Kara at the HappyGoLuckyBlog was a big help when our oldest was having trouble falling asleep. When your child is afraid of the monsters in the dark, there's only so much a parent can do, right? I mean, there's no monster spray available you can give your child.
Oh yes there is! Take an old spray bottle, slap some monster stickers on it, write Monster Spray on the side (or get stickers if you are ambitious like Kara) and you have just given your child a tool in the war on nighttime sleep problems. The way we used it was to spray the room - ESPECIALLY under the bed - after the brushing-of-the-teeth and p.j. rituals were completed.
Since I'm not the most crafty of mom's, I'll spare you a picture of my design. Kara's is much nicer. However, my utilitarian spray worked well enough to get my kid (and my husband and I) sleeping through the night again after only two nights.
Image Credit: HappyGoLuckyBlog.com
If I think back to my childhood, eating a popsicle on a warm summer day is a real good memory. I'm sure there's some people out there that would disagree, but I general I think most of us have positive memories of popsciles.
Our parents...eh...probably not.
Because as a parent, you are the janitor of your home. While popsicles are fun, they can also be messy as they drip all over your youngsters hand. Once the mess hits the hand, it's going everywhere else, which can ruin what should be the joy of watching your child enjoy the summer day.
That's why I love this fun parenting idea so much. It's simple and effective. My mom told me about this, but I think it's been around for awhile. I found this picture on Pinterest. You simply take a cupcake wrapper and poke a hole through the middle with the popsicle stick. When your kid is done eating, throw the whole thing out.
Credit: Pinterest
It won't help with the inevitable dropped frozen treat, but hey - that's part of the fun of childhood too. Go get them another one - they won't be young forever!
When I first heard of this idea, all I could think of was "who in their right mind would try strapping a shower cap onto a baby?" And if it were a normal, older adult cap, that would be insane.
But it's not.
Also good for summer sprinkler fun.
As you can see in the picture, these caps are more like sunvisors that form a water-tight seal to keep water and soap out of your precious toddler's eyes. They are inexpensive and can spare your child the pain of soapy eye syndrome. If you've ever gotten soap in your child's eye, you know that their pain is your pain as well.
You can find these shower caps at Amazon or other retail stores. I think it's worth it to give up coffee for a day or two to make sure bath time is the bonding experience it should be, rather than something both you and your child dread.
If you have locks on your bathroom or children's bedroom door, there will be a day where your toddler starts playing with it. Eventually, he or she will accidentally lock themselves in. Depending on the type of door handles you have, this will lead to a minor inconvenience all the way up to full-blown crisis.
There is a readily available solution. The first time I saw this, I felt like Homer Simpson. DOAH!
It's really simple - how hadn't I thought of this before. One simply puts each end of a rubber band around the door handle, and twists them a bit to add more tension over the door latch. Kudos to my friend Nate for letting me know about it. You'll need to try different size rubber bands to get the right fit for your particular door. Our new house had pretty strong door springs so we needed to add tape under the rubber band to give it a little more oomph. You can see it in the following picture.
The Tooth Fairy is one of the blessings of childhood. I mean, all you need to do is breathe, grow enough to kick out a tooth, and the money comes rolling on in
This next hack will make turn the whole experience "up to 11" in Spinal Tap style:
(See Mike, I could work in a Spinal Tap reference. Buurrrrn!) Anywhooo...
You'll need some glue, some glitter, or some glitter glue. My guess is supplies won't be a problem if you have a daughter.
Take a dollar bill (or a five - I'm not judging), and make a tooth pattern on the currency with the glue. Sprinkle the glitter over the top, let draw, shake off . Voila, depending on your artistic skills you'll end up with something like the following picture:
Additionally, your kids will also think the tooth fairy is even awesomer.
As your child begins to walk and eventually haul around outside with shoes, you'll discover an unpleasant fact:
Kids shoes can really stink.
Most kids shoes don't breathe very well, and kids love to play outdoors. when they shoes get wet, your lil' bundle of joy starts churning out more foot bacteria which thrives on that moist environment. That generally leave you with two problems - wet shoes, and stinky shoes.
This next bit of advice takes care of both issues. Take a kid sock, fill it up 3/4 with rice (uncooked), 1/8 with salt, and 1/8 with baking soda. Don't worry how precise you are with the amounts. The rice and salt help with moisture, and the baking soda helps with the smell.
By the way, this works just as well with your own athletic footwear.
7. Ketchup & Mustard UNDER The Hotdog (Also Read This Book)
Simple, easy, no mess - if you put the condiment UNDER the hotdog on the bun, you've lowered your Ketchup-To-Pants disaster chance by over 50%. (It's science, dangit).
I got this one out of a book given to me by a good friend. And now, I'm ordering you to read it.
"Honey," you are thinking,"when do I have time to read a book?"
I hear ya. But this book will save you time and aggravation. If you've read this far, you will absolutely love the time saving/anger-reducing tips Asha has shared. Available on Kindle or paperback, it's really a great value.
I hope you thought these were helpful. Please leave any other tips and tricks you can think of in the comments. I can't wait to hear about them!
Last updated on June 5th, 2017 at 08:50 am
The time has finally come - you think. Your child is showing signs of tiring of diapers. While that is awesome, that's means it is time to find the best potty training seat for your son or daughter.
Before we take a look at some great choices in training chairs and seat, their is the question of whether your child is ready or not to make the leap out of diapers. Most kids between the ages of 22 to 30 months are ready to be initiated, but it also depends upon the individual child. The gender of the child is also a factor as boys tend to require a longer period of time compared to girls. You should start potty training when your toddler starts showing signs of readiness. These signs may include:
While opting for potty training, you need to select the best type of seat for your kid. Usually there are two types of potty training seats: standalone potty seats with removable bowls or small sized seats which can be fixed on the existing toilet. In this article we will go through some of the highly reviewed potty seats to help you toilet train your little one.
This removable potty seat can be fitted on the existing toilet seat. Attaching this potty seat securely for your toddler is very easy, as you just have to place it on the toilet seat and it sets in place. It's really convenient - setup takes no time at all,
Since this toilet training seat comes fitted with a snap-in baking soda deodorizing disc there's an added layer of protection from stinky odors.. You can easily clean this potty seat as there is no collecting bowl in this model. This makes cleanup easy - any little accients are just washed off the seat, and the waste goes straight into the toilet. You just flush.
This model is appropriate for standard toilet seats and is designed to accommodate both genders. The contours of this seat are designed to effectively hold the child in place while on the seat. Easy grip handles are provided for stability and non-slip edges keep the seat from moving while in use. You can find this seat at Amazon or your local big box retailer.
The Munchkin Secure Comfort Potty Seat is quite appropriate for toddlers of either gender. The front piece is specially designed for boys so urine goes into the toilet seat rather than all over the floor.
This unisex, standalone potty seat is a great choice for potty training your child. This seat is designed to fit in with the existing décor of your bathroom. The removable bowl fitted in the potty is removable and quick and easy to clean. The high back of this potty trainer is designed to provide extra comfort for the lower back and to your child stable while using it. Summer Infant Lil' Loo Potty, White and Teal measures 14.5 x 14 x 12 inches and is suitable for children weighing up to 33 Lbs. This potty training set is currently available for under $20.
The Summer Infant Lil' Loo Potty is comparatively higher and wider at the seat as compared to other models of the same category, which makes it quite perfect for the bigger toddlers who weigh up to 33 lbs.
This trainer seat is designed for ease of potty training and can be used with your existing round or elongated standard toilet seat. You do not have to snap this seat on your toilet seat as it comes with small parts that prevent it from sliding if your child is a squirmer. The built-in pee-guard safeguards your surroundings from accidental sprays. The widely spaced handles and small hole of this seat allows even the small sized children to use this toilet seat without any danger of slipping in. The First Years Soft Grip Trainer Seat is currently available in a multitude of colors or even Disney character themes.
It is quite easy to keep things simple with the Soft Grip Trainer Seat as it is designed for an easy potty training experience for your child with the required comfort and security.
This certified frustration-free standalone potty trainer can be used as either a fixed bowl potty seat or as a potty trainer on your existing toilet seat. This Fisher-Price product is designed to be more deluxe as compared to their other existing potty training models. The standalone feature of this potty trainer is the flushing action. This action includes lighting up of the water tank and is accompanied with a water flushing sound and a cheery yay to reward success and build confidence. The removable potty ring can be used separately on the existing toilet seat, which helps children move from trainer potty set to the real one. Fisher-Price Potty Training, Learn-to-Flush is a little more expensive than the stand-alone seat cover, but you do get more value for the dollar.
This potty trainer is quite a good purchase as it can be used to gradually move your kid from standalone potty trainer to the standard one. The water twirl incorporated in this design allows familiarizes toddlers with the flushing operation present in the actual ones.
If we compare all the models of standalone and small sized potty training seats, then Fisher-Price Potty Training, Learn-to-Flush is the best potty training product out there as it can be used as a standalone potty seat as well as a small seat potty trainer for your standard toilet seat.
The second place for a perfect potty trainer goes to Summer Infant Lil' Loo Potty because of the quality of material used in its production and its great price for the value.
If we compare the two small sized potty training seats mentioned above, then the Munchkin Secure Comfort Potty Seat is quite a bargain and an appropriate choice because of its unique feature of snap-in deodorizer.
Last updated on August 28th, 2019 at 03:53 pm
Potty training pants are an essential part of the gear required for potty training toddlers. This product is required when kids transition from diapers to underpants at around the age of eighteen months to three and half years as they start showing control of bladder and bowel movements.
A majority of parents opt for cloth training pants as opposed to paper diapers and plastic training pants as the former are friendly to the skin and can be reused after a spin in the washing machine.
These pants are quite easy to use and can save a lot of money while keeping the skin of your toddler dry and comfortable. Compared to absorbent diapers, cloth training pants allow the toddler to feel the wetness which is an essential part of the potty training process.
The best cloth training pants come with a soft elastic waistband which allows toddlers to easily pull the pants up and down, thus making potty trips several times in a day much easier.
In this article we will go through some of the best cloth training pants to help you find the best fit for your little one.
Gerber has been a trusted name in baby care for nearly 100 years. In general, I often use Gerber products as the benchmark against which I judge other brands. It hasn't burned me personally yet.
These trainer pants are designed to provide basic potty training for toddlers. The center panel comes with a built-in layer of combed cotton and an absorbent layer of blended cotton, which contains fifty percent polyester. These pants have the capacity to absorb small accidental leaks and are inexpensive enough that you can buy several. The soft elastic waistband allows easy removal and provides increased comfort around the waist.
These pants are quite durable and you can use them multiple times as they are machine washable and can be tumble dried to make them ready for reuse. Gerber Training Pants (6-pairs) are available in three different sizes and colors including white and blue for boys and pink for girls. This package of six pairs of trainer pants which should get you from one wash cycle to another.
Gerber Training Pants (6-pairs) are designed for toddlers who are ready to transition from disposable diapers to cloth training pants. Gerber is a recognized brand for potty training of toddlers.
This training pant is designed to imitate real underwear and comes with snap-in feel wet inserts that absorb urine and provide the required wet feeling so that toddlers can identify the need to change their underpants. The inserts are quite attractive with different cartoon characters printed on them. The outer part is made of soft and stretchable cotton while the inner waterproof zone is designed for accommodating wet inserts.
You can opt for as many inserts as you like; generally 6 to 9 inserts are recommended for one kid. If light urine soils the insert but does not reach the pants, then remove the soiled insert, snap a new one on and the pants are ready to be reused. Potty Training Kit, Bubblegum is available in the three different sizes and six colors. Each package includes one pair of pants and three removable inserts.
Best Bottom Potty Training Kit, Bubblegum, Large are designed to look like real underwear, which appeals to toddlers. The removable inserts allow you to use the same pair of pants again and again until it is too soiled to be reused, thus saving time and money.
Thesefour-pack water resistant training pants are manufactured using 100 percent cotton. All the pants are brightly colored to make potty training more fun-filled for your loved one. These pants come fitted with 100 percent polyester inner lining and a waterproof layer to control accidental leaks.
The comfortable binding around the waistband prevents accidental pinching of the skin and makes it quite easy for kids to use. Seams are built with care- that can be a problem with some brands.
Luvable Friends 3-Pack Water Resistant Training Pants are soft and adorable, which make them perfect for potty training. The elastic binding on the waistband and leg openings come with a waterproof layering inside the pants to provide extra protection against accidental wetting.
These pants are quite easy to use. The design of Super Undies is based on the popular cloth pocket diapers. These pants are fitted with micro-fiber to absorb the maximum amount of wetness. An extra pocket which runs from front to the back allows the use of Step-up inserts for extra protection.
Even though these pants are completely waterproof, they still retain some wetness so that your toddler feels the out of the soiled pants. These pants help your kid easily transition from diapers to potty training pants as they are designed just like real underwear.
The extra large size of the pocket of these pants allows for the use of multiple inserts for added absorbency. It is suitable for toddlers with a waist size ranging from 18 to 21 inches and is recommended for children 2 to 5 years. Of course, that will depend on your child's size more than age.
Super Undies Pull-On Training Pants are designed in such a way that the wet zone is completely waterproof with stretchable side tabs so that your kid can easily put them on and off. Their water proof design and ease of usage makes them perfect for potty training.
All of the cloth training pants reviewed in this article have their own unique features and designs. If you are looking out for a name brand pair of training pants for your kid then the Gerber Training Pants (6-pairs) are the best option because of their competitive price range and the quality of materials used in the manufacturing of the product.
Another good option is Luvable Friends 3-Pack Water Resistant Training Pants as they are usually reasonably priced. If you are looking for potty training pants with inserts, then you should opt for Super Undies Pull-On Training Pants as the extra-large pocket provided in these pants allow you to use multiple inserts for extra absorption.
If you have questions or if you've used any of these products, leave a note in the comments.
Last updated on June 5th, 2017 at 11:03 am
When toddlers reach the age of twenty to thirty months, they may start showing signs that they are ready to start potty training. This means it’s time to look for the best potty seat for your kid so that you can start the potty training process. This exercise will not only provide a sense of achievement for your little one, but it will also benefit you by providing relief from having to frequently change wet diapers.
Before opting for any potty seat, you must find one that is the correct size, comfortable in design and made of strong materials. Instead of opting for a standalone potty seat, you can choose a small sized potty seat that can be used with your existing standard toilet seat. Using this seat is just like using an adult toilet; your kid will feel big like other members of the family, thus creating less fuss and more interest.
Some of the best products in this category are discussed in this article to help you find the best potty seat for your toddler.
This potty seat is a perfectly designed as the size of the hole is perfect for the small bottom of a toddler and its nonslip edges keep it stable, even when used on different types of toilet seats. The soft side handles provided with this potty seat help kids to stabilize and position themselves in a comfortable position.
The angle provided in the front of this seat prevents unwanted mess, especially in the case of a male user. The extra side shield provides relief from splattering, while the smooth outer surface makes cleaning of this product quite easy. The flat base of this potty trainer allows convenient storage as you can store it in an upright position anywhere you like.
OXO Tot Sit Right Potty Seat with Stand Right Base is made of smooth one-piece plastic, which makes cleaning easy. The simple design and color of this potty seat blends easily with any bathroom décor, making you happy,
This potty seat is quite irresistible for kids due to the presence of their favorite cartoon character, Mickey Mouse. In addition to the aesthetic sense related with this potty seat, it is quite easy to use as you just have to place it on the toilet seat.
You can easily clean this potty seat as there is no collecting bowl used in this model. All the waste goes straight into the toilet and you can just flush it afterward. This model is appropriate for standard toilet seats and is designed to accommodate both genders.
The contours of this seat are designed to effectively hold the child in place while on the seat. Easy grip handles are provided for stability and non-slipping edges keep the seat from moving while in use.
With the Mickey Mouse cartoon character imprinted on it, this soft potty seat with handles is quite irresistible to kids as well as parents.
BABYBJORN is a brand name known around the world for quality and style. As much as a potty seat can be stylish, it shows in this product.
This baby toilet seat is designed to be easy to use. The ergonomic design of this seat helps the user maintain comfortable posture as it does not have any sharp edges or ridges. The contoured curve on the backside of the seat helps toddlers get on and off without too much effort. The opening of this seat is sized accurately in order to help the toddler wipe without being too big to allow the child to slip through it.
The adjustable dial makes this seat compatible with all types of toilet seats. The lower side of trainer comes with a soft rubber edge and adjustable wings to secure it properly on the toilet seat. You can easily wash this seat with hot water and the handle provided on the back side allows easy storage.
Toddlers need to feel comfortable using the toilet. The Babybjorn Toilet Trainer is designed to do exactly that. There is a version in White/Red - it's a little harder to find for sale so if it interests you, keep an eye out for it.
I've included this seat mainly for those of you who need to travel frequently where space is a premium. I want to be clear - this is not a great seat for day-to-day use. Because it folds up it isn't as sturdy as a one-piece seat. That said, it does do a decent job when you are out in public - say at a library, museum, etc.
By using this folding potty, you can ensure the safety of your kid even while using the public toilet as this seat does not allow any direct contact between the toilet seat and your kid’s bottom.
The built-in handles provide the user with an option of secure and comfortable sitting. The rubber pads under the seat fix it securely to the toilet seat and extended overhangs provide the required stability. The four hinges are designed to avoid accidental pinching of the skin. Due to its foldable design, this potty seat is very easy to store when not in use. You can even carry it in your travel bag.
As there are not many foldable potty seat models on the market, for now this is the best solution in my opinion. Anyone looking for a portable and easy to carry potty seat for their little one should be happy with this product. Just understand it's not the same as a one-piece seat.
Considering all the features of the potty seats reviewed in this article, the Babybjorn Toilet Trainer, White/Black is the best choice due to its ergonomic design and quality of materials used in its manufacturing. You can use this potty seat for a longer period of time as compared to other cheaper products.
The second option in this category goes to OXO Tot Sit Right Potty Seat with Stand Right Base due to its perfect design and size for a comfortable experience.
If you are planning to travel a lot with your little one, then you should opt for the PRIMO Folding Potty with Handles, White granite as it is compactly designed and you can even carry it in a small diaper bag.
Last updated on June 5th, 2017 at 01:17 pm
I'm not going to lie: it was painful.
Sitting through HOURS of toilet training videos is not a fun way to spend a weekend. There's only so many songs about 'The Potty' you can hear before starting to lose your mind. And while there are some training videos that are well-done and get the message across in a fun way, there are some that are just downright disturbing.
Luckily for you, I've taken the time to watch and review whatever potty training videos I could get my hands on. I also had my own toddler chime in whenever they were around and interested enough to comment on the video. Funny aside: near the end of day one, my son asked me with concern in his voice if I was having trouble with the potty.
Let me begin by saying this isn't an exhaustive list. I'm sure if you went to the Library of Congress you could find many more DVD's full of animated toilet delight. But I'm a parent - and a pretty busy one at that. And this is a hobby for me, so I went down to the library and checked out whatever videos that were available. I also had a couple around the house that are in our employ, so I added them to the mix. I ended up throwing out the worst videos - no need to waste your time with me making fun of a video. As you'll see, there's something for everyone available. I'd first see if your library has any of these available to see if the video works for your child before buying them - though all of these videos are under $20 as of the time of this review.
The Magic Bowl is one of the most innovative toilet training aids I have come across. It's also really weird. However, every video is weird, so I'm not holding that against this contender. It was created by a doctor as a way to help children through the whole training process.
This video discusses issues not raised in other videos - like constipation, or the difficulty in learning to "aim" for boys. It also conveys empathy in a very strong manner. The characters actually seem to care about you the viewer, and your potty training struggles. It handles accidents and practicing in a very empathetic manner.
Do note: there are no potty chairs in this video, only "big" toilets. This is a plus to some; a negative to others. There are also diapers present, though not too much for my liking (unlike some videos).
There's also a good helping of cause and effect - for example the characters need to leave the zoo when one of the characters wets his last diaper. If your child is higher on the emotionally developed scale, I think they'd get into this video.
That said, it's visually strange. The production quality is well done. On one level it reminded me of a G-Rated "South Park" Episode. Songs like "Poopy Drop" and a touching moment where the anthropomorphic toilet smiles after being shot in the eye with Sammy Jo's urine stood out enough to make me take notice, but you'll find your own gems inside. The music is catchy - great for your kids. Not so much for you when you are humming and reliving this mild fever dream in your head.
Potty Power For Boys And Girls is more of a "traditional" potty training video. I got this one from a friend that swears by it, having had great success using it with their toddler. The child actors all seem to be in the 3-4 year old range, which I think is a good thing because younger children can identify with them yet still look up to their older counterparts.
This "big kid" theme plays out often in the video. The "baby" vs "big kid" difference is illustrated many times - crib versus bed, spoon fed versus eating ice cream on their own are two examples. Toilet paper is introduced in this manner - babies get wet wipes while big kids use toilet paper. (I guess this might be a problem is you use a bidet, but then again you are probably used to having the world stacked against you already if you fall into this camp.) Potty chairs are discussed in this production as just one of the many different sizes toilets can come in.
Music and songs are a staple of Potty Power as well. Some seemed to be more aimed at girls than boys, but there are plenty gender-neutral as well. The songs are simple and catchy (hooray!), which is good from a training perspective.
I didn't like the video production quality. Having been produced in the mid 2000's I can cut them a little slack, but it made my eyes bleed a bit on an HD screen. The lead adult actress is a bit perky for my taste; I could imagine it would grate on me after multiple re-watchings.
You love snails? You do? How about English accents? Well, have I got a video for you!
This DVD caught be off guard - I actually liked it. Sure, it is all about cheesy animation, but the content of the video was good. It takes a straight-forward approach to potty training - going over everything in step-by-step detail. There's even a "potty steps map" which I could see being a big hit with those just embarking on the journey.
Potty Adventure makes sure to convey in a friendly manner the idea that training can take time. They employ quite a bit of repetition to help with the steps, but I wasn't bored watching it. It also handled to localization issue - we all have different "pet" names for urine and feces. Most videos refer to this as "pee/poop" but in some areas that's not the dominant nomenclature. (Please don't ask me how I know this. I JUST DO, okay?)
Now, one holdup I had with the video was the issue of the Returning Diaper. There's a school of thought I somewhat subscribe to that we don't want to make the diaper seem any more exciting than it is to a child. We are trying to get out of that trap, aren't we? So in most videos, the diaper either disappears early or isn't a focus of the film.
In this video, the diaper comes roaring back in the near-closing of the movie. I guess the idea is to waive buh-bye at your diapers, but I can see a younger child (most likely the beginner this flick is tailored to) not getting the concept that the diaper was just stopping by to say goodbye. I know how difficult this process is, and if for no other reason than superstition I don't want a diaper upsetting my potty training apple-cart at the last minute.
The diaper thing might not bother you - or maybe you just have a thing for snails. If that's the case, feel free to go with Potty Adventure. You can definitely do worse in the quality department.
We have one of the newer videos on the potty scene. Potty Time introduces signing (aka sign language) into the realm. This would obviously be very helpful if your child is less verbal or perhaps at the earlier edge of the potty training spectrum. For example, if you decided to start training your child well before the age of two, this might be a good hook to help in the process.
My son happened to walk by as this video was on, and immediately was mesmerized by the children doing a sign "song". He also enjoyed the Hopkins the Frog character immensely. To each their own, I guess.
The video covers all the bases of toilets, listening to your body, hygiene, accidents - the things we need to get across while training our toddlers. It also does a good job in expressing the idea its good to celebrate our successes, just as it's ok to make mistakes as we are learning.
On the flip side, it felt short - it was under thirty minutes running time which isn't particularly small, but it felt like it ran by quick. Come to think of it, I should probably bump up the rating just on that criteria alone - all these videos feel looooong after seeing them the hundredth time.
I did think it was odd that you never had a visualization of a kid going onto a potty in the entire video. I guess they figure most kids will get that from their parents,but still it's standard fare in most of these other videos.
These two animations seemed to be paired up with one another. They are separate videos catering to Princess and Pirate lovers respectively. They play up the theme well - the pirate video has songs with plenty of "arrgs" in them for example. The grammar was pirate level - I could see the grammar nazis among us having a hissy fit when they hear their kid repeating over and over a song about "washing your hands good".
However, the copies I had weren't very good quality. The dubbing of voices weren't in time with the animation, and I had to actually turn off the Potty Princess video since the quality was giving me a headache.
My guess is this means kids will eat it right up, since it's been my experience that video quality has zero impact on whether a kid likes it or not. However, for your own sanity, stay away.
Now here's the rub - what a parent likes isn't necessarily what your kid will like and react favorably to. For example,I hate Elmo. Yeah, sue me.
But I know there are tons of kids out there that identify and love the red freak. And if my child were one of those kids, you bet I'd bite the bullet and play that video as long as I needed to get my toddler diaper-free.
What I hoped to accomplish here was to give you some insight into videos to try FIRST - ones that might be tolerable to hear over and over, as their songs embed into your brain. But if your child has a favorite character and that media conglomerate makes a training video - by all means go for it.
If you have a video you really like that I didn't mention, please let me know in the comments. I'm finally getting some more free time so I plan on keeping this site regularly up-to-date now. Good luck in your potty training adventure!
Last updated on June 5th, 2017 at 02:09 pm
