One Twos & Threes

May/June 2008 Issue | Posted by Lori Hadacek Chaplin in Features

During the toddler years, milestones — like learning to walk, talk, potty train, imagine, play, and pray — seem like little miracles to parents. When Faith & Family asked me to take on the assignment of putting together this issue’s Toddler Guide, I was happy to do so, and I've spent the last year trying out products with the help of my personal tester — my own 2-year-old, Gemma. Enjoy these early years!

Playtime and Learning

Baby Rocking Horse

New from International Playthings is this soft, over-stuffed Baby Rocking Horse. It’s small enough for a 1-year-old, but sturdy enough — due to its anti-tip hardwood construction — to take the rock-ing of an older child (holds up to 50 pounds) without tipping. Our Gemma loves how huggable and colorful this horse is. We imagine that this is one toy that will be passed down to future children and grandchildren.

$99, from IntPlay.com

Bible Alphabet Building Blocks

These smooth, sturdy blocks sport letters, biblical characters, and symbols. The blocks have been tested and contain no lead or toxins. We particularly liked the large size
(1 3/4 inches) of these blocks — so there is no worry that the child will try to fit a block
inside her mouth. Since there are two complete sets of the alphabet, older toddlers can play matching games with the letters. We’d recommend the blocks for children 2 or older because their corners are not rounded.

$24.95, from CatholicChild.com

or (800) 363-2233.

Plan Toys Hammer Peg

Toddlers instinctively take up the hammer to pound the brightly colored pegs flat. Once the pegs are pounded in, the toy can be turned over to begin the game all over again. The Hammer Peg aids development of hand-eye coordination. Plan Toys uses wood that is not chemically treated, non-formaldehyde glue, and water-based colors that are safe; none of their products have been recalled. This toy is well-made and built to last. For ages 2 and up.

$8.99, from IQKids.net

Baby Farm Friends Bowling

Little ones can practice coordination and dexterity with Baby Farm Friends Bowling. The set of six plush, standing animal bowling pins and a chiming bowling ball have numerous play options. Older toddlers can set up the game for bowling or toss; younger toddlers will enjoy carrying and cuddling with the animal pins.

$16.38 from Amazon.com

Sand and Water Table

Our Gemma loves to play in water; I can’t wash dishes without her pushing a stool up to the sink to “help” me. So I wouldn’t have to fight for space at the sink, we set up the Sand and Water Table — using only water — in our kitchen in February. It was a hit with her, and I got my dishes cleaned up in record time. Designed for toddlers 18 months and older, this colorful table has two sink-like compartments to fill with sand and/or water. In the middle of the table is a variety of interchangeable funnels and pouring, spinning mills, a mini rake and shovel, and more. The table is collapsible and has a cover. The assembly directions say that the table takes
10 minutes to put together. We found
it wasn’t quite that easy, but worth the
effort.

$69.95, from OneStepAhead.com

or (800) 274-8440.

Bedtime Aids

Lambswool Youth Blanket

This soft, Merino wool blanket makes bedtime extra comfy for toddlers.
The Merino wool — which never feels itchy — helps the body keep a consistent temperature, so it can be used year-round. Features 1-inch shorn pile that is sewn into a fabric backing and best of all is machine washable.

$106 (36-inches by 60-inches), from

SnuggleWool.com or (866) 557-8576.

Cuddle Cub

When toddlers hug the Cuddle Cub, they feel a comforting heartbeat vibration to help lull them to sleep. There is also an option to set the cub to the continuous vibration setting, for constant motion. Our daughter loves how soft and cuddly this lightweight
bear is.

$34, (batteries included) from CloudB.com

or call (888) 4-CLOUDB.

Little Lamb Lullabies

“Little Lamb Lullabies” instrumental CD is a soothing collection of traditional lullabies and Catholic hymns to help lull
your toddler to sleep.
Includes “Brahms’ Lullaby,” “Kumbaya,” “Morning and Evening,” “Jesus Loves Me,”
“Immaculate Mary,” “Holy, Holy Holy,” “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman,” and more.

$14.95, LittleLambMusic.com

or (800) 231-1207.

Unique Essentials Massage Oil

Sometimes toddlers need a little help to relax. Unique Essentials Massage Oil has two oils that will help prepare babies for sleep. A foot rub or a back rub with Balancing Baby Body & Massage Oil, which contains essential oils of chamomile and sage, helps an irritated baby to calm down and Calming Baby Body & Massage Oil, which contains a blend of chamomile and geranium, also aids relaxation. Unique Essentials was created by an at-home mother of four from Pennsylvania who developed the product after dermatologists were unable to treat her children’s eczema effectively. All of the products have a nice, subtle scent.

$18 each, from UniquEssential.com

Potty Training Help

Contoured Cushie Step-Up Potty

Contoured Cushie Step-Up Potty makes it easy for a toddler to climb up on the potty by herself. The soft-cushioned seat creates a smaller opening, so small bottoms feel secure. There is also a foot rest and handles for the child to hold on to. A small child or younger toddler will need help from a parent to get on the seat. Since the plastic is lightweight and not permanently attached to the toilet, (easily folds up to be stored after use) parents should always supervise bathroom visits.

$29.95, from OneStepAhead.com

or (800) 274-8440.

Baby Signs Potty Training Complete Starter Kit

Dr. Linda Acredolo and Dr. Susan Goodwyn, creators of Baby Signs, have designed a potty training program, Baby Signs Potty Training Complete Starter Kit, using sign language with the goal of having babies out of diapers by the time they reach the age of 2 (also can be used for older children). The kit comes with a Parent’s Guide, “All Aboard the Potty Train” DVD, a board book, reward stickers, and a conductor’s whistle that sounds like a milder version of a real train whistle. We found the Parent’s Guide not only enlightening, but an enjoyable read. The conductor’s whistle really helped make potty training fun for our daughter and reminded her of what she saw on the DVD.

$39.95, from BabySigns.com

or (800) 995-0226.

Caillou Potty Time

When our daughter, Gemma, was 23 months old, we started potty training. With a new baby due to arrive in four months, we didn’t want to have two in diapers. We found books about other children potty training have been a great encouragement to her. Caillou Potty Time, by Joceline Sanschagrin and illustrated by Pierre Brignaud, is one of her favorites. In Caillou Potty Time, his mommy buys him a new potty; and we see his eventual success in using it by himself. If the name Caillou sounds familiar, it’s because he has his own show on PBS.

$5.95, from Amazon.com

Mealtime

Baby Food Blender

Tribest Mason Jar Personal Blender is perfect for pureeing baby food and preparing healthy treats for toddlers. We use it to make smoothies, fruit sorbets, and what I call “healthy ice cream” (a mixture of plain yogurt, frozen fruit, fresh juice, and banana). The Mason jar adaptor makes it possible to blend food — in any size regular-mouthed Mason jar — and then store what isn’t used in the refrigerator. We especially liked that we didn’t have to stop and clean a bulky blending container between recipes, and we thought it pureed better than a food processor or conventional blender. The blender has other uses; it crushes ice and you can grind coffee with it without worrying about contaminating other food preparations because you use a different jar each time. Tribest Mason Jar Personal Blender comes with blending and grinding blades and several containers with matching lids.

$99, from PersonalBlender.com

or (888) 254-7336.

Kids Can Cook

The Toddler Cookbook by Annabel Karmel is such a visually pleasing cookbook that your toddler will not only want to help prepare the recipes, but will also enjoy looking at the pictures of other miniature chefs in action. Recipes include chicken satay skewers, corn quesadillas, peanut butter bears, mini lemon cheesecakes, and many more.

$8.79, from DK.com

Religious Development

My First Book About Mary

My First Book About Mary, written by Christine Virgina Orfeo, FSP, and
illustrated by Julia Mary Darrenkamp, FSP, tells
the story of the Blessed Mother’s life, provides a brief description of several Marian
apparitions, and includes a guide on how to say the Rosary. This is a good book to begin fostering Marian devotion in older toddlers.

$7.95, from Pauline.org

or (800) 836-9723.

Milo Books

Author Lisa Umina’s Milo book
series gives children the message that they can talk to God “anytime, anywhere, about anything.” In Milo With
a Halo, Milo the polar bear is looking for a friend and finds God. In Milo Moments, Milo offers a short reflection on each page. In Umina’s latest book, Milo and the Green Wagon, we see how a discarded green wagon motivates Milo to help the poor. The books are aimed at older toddlers and children, but will be enjoyed by babies 2 and up because of the attractive illustrations.

$9.99 to $12.44, from Amazon.com

Faith-Filled Friends

Two at-home mothers created Faith-Filled Friends to inspire virtue in children (ages 3 and older). A portion of the proceeds from each doll is donated to a Catholic charity that represents the same virtue. For example, the Our Lady of Guadalupe doll represents the virtue of respect, so a percentage of the sale of this doll is donated to Good Counsel Homes of New York, a private Catholic agency that provides shelter for homeless pregnant women. Other dolls to choose from include Pope John Paul II, St. Thére` se, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Bernadette.

$16.95, from SaintDolls.com

or (760) 535-9845.

Clothes

One Step Ahead Sandals

We liked these sandals because they’re both easy to put on and they’re adjustable in two places — at the back of the heel and top of the foot. They also have non-slip, flexible soles and they’re very lightweight. The sandals run a little small, so order a half size larger. Comes in Sand or Bark colors, sizes 5-10.

$24.95, from OneStepAhead.com

or (800) 274-8440.

Dr. Seuss Tees & Bodysuits

Dr. Seuss Short Sleeve Vintage Tees & Bodysuits please our little fashion diva and us because they’re
not only adorable, but made of soft, durable, heavy cotton. These tees and bodysuits run big, so order one size smaller.

$14.95 (tee), $17.95 (bodysuit), from

Bumkins.com or (866) 286-5467.

Little Luxuries

The Baby Traveller Deluxe

The Baby Traveller Deluxe can
be held briefcase-style, worn over the shoulder, or as a backpack, and it can
be attached to a stroller. The machine-washable bag opens up into a changing mat, roomy enough for a toddler, and includes many pockets for storing — including a special one for soiled diapers.

$79.95, from

RegalLager.com

KidCo Safety Gates

KidCo has gates for blocking off large spaces, for stairways (top and bottom), doorways, and fireplaces. We found their gates easy to install, nice looking (steel covered with white non-toxic coating), and sturdy.
All it takes is one hand to release the gate latch and open it.

$46.15 to 64.99, from Amazon.com

MeToo Chair

We clamped the MeToo Chair to
our countertop (it has C-clamps) and stored the bulky high chair — we may never use a high chair again for future children.

The MeToo Chair has a lightweight aluminum frame with washable nylon fabric that holds up to 40 pounds. It comes in three colors: red, black, and navy.

$49.95, from RegalLager.com

Without Saying a Word

“Signing Time” DVD Series and “Baby Signing Time” DVD Series help children ages
3-36 months learn American Sign Language through song and daily routine — bath time, bed time, trips out,
and more.

“Learning ASL is supposed to help with early language development, but these DVDs with the images of children and the upbeat, original songs are just plain fun to watch and listen to. And what mother doesn’t want to be able to tell her toddler ‘No!’ ‘Stop!’ and ‘Wait!’ from across the room without saying a word?” said Danielle Bean, Faith & Family’s senior editor.

Over 20
different
volumes,

$19.99 per
30-minute DVD,

at SigningTime.com

Teach Respect

“The Mass kit is geared for ages 3 and up, but we started our 2-year-old with his older brothers because they were doing it and he didn’t want to
be left out,” says Maryan Vander Woude, a contributing writer to Faith & Family. “The Mass kit has taught him all the names of the sacred vessels — which is key when you are trying to keep him focused at Mass!” The Miniature Mass Kit for Children includes a lesson plan book
and activity sheets, a brass
chalice, paten, crucifix,
snuffer, set of four
bells, match tray,
censer, cruets, a glass
finger bowl, and more.

$67, from OurFathersHouse.biz

or (206) 725-0461.

Comments (0) | Filed under food, shopping, sleep, toddlers
 Print Article   Email a Friend   

Post a Comment

By submitting this form, you give Faith And Family Magazine permission to publish this comment. Comments will be published at our discretion, and may be edited for clarity and length. For best formatting, please limit your response to one paragraph and don't hit "enter" to force line breaks.