Keeping 'em Busy
Raise your hand if you can name one day this Summer you knew wasn't going to be either rainy or overcast? I can't remember anymore. I've recently learned to have a "go-to" item in case my daughter has to pass time by indoors. Here are my latest top five, ranging in age:
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether
This is for the baby under 1. It is more engaging than a regular teething ring or pacifier, and other moms I spoke with swear by it, too! It's made in France from 100% natural rubber and food paint and also BPA-free. It makes a sound when squeezed, and, at 7 inches tall, you don't have to worry about it getting lost, or eaten. While a bit pricey ($20+), this one will really last.
Fisher Price Doodle Pro
This draw-and-erase product is a neat travel alternative to crayons and paper. I'd get the biggest one possible for lap use (and car trips!), since this is how your kid will use it most. Plus, you can get one with characters on it like the Wonder Pets and Barbie. Recommended "for 3+ years," but my daughter has been drawing/learning letters on it since 18 months. As long as you watch your toddler with the "pen", it can work well for practice.
Muji Mini Colored Pencils
I just found these last week in the new MUJI Japanese store on 40th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York. I was pleasantly surpised to find this dull cylinder filled with 36 short "golf" colored pencils - perfect for little hands at a restaurant (just make sure your toddler is ready to safely use pencils - and you watch him if necessary). When traveling, these offer more color variety, less mess and a more organized carry solution than crayons.
Leap Frog Letter Factory DVD
This was made in 2003, but when a child therapist suggested it to me, I had to give it a try. What an enjoyable DVD. 35 minutes really entertains as the characters go through each letter and its "personality" based on its sound. After a few times, not only was I humming "every letter makes a sound..." (okay it gets annoying after 6 times), but my daughter knew her alphabet in no time. This DVD leads into the next one, Word Factory, which combines letters.
Lillian Vernon Bee Hive Counting Toy
Not sure what it is about bees, but kids love their image on anything (I guess until they get stung). Think it starts with their bzzz sound. This is a great toy for 1 year through toddler; it has a soft texture and strong colors, and each bee squeaks when you squeeze it. Your child learns dexterity and counting by sticking each numbered one into its respective hole in the hive.
Keeping 'em Busy
Raise your hand if you can name one day this Summer you knew wasn't going to be either rainy or overcast? I can't remember anymore. I've recently learned to have a "go-to" item in case my daughter has to pass time by indoors. Here are my latest top five, ranging in age:
Vulli Sophie the Giraffe Teether
This is for the baby under 1. It is more engaging than a regular teething ring or pacifier, and other moms I spoke with swear by it, too! It's made in France from 100% natural rubber and food paint and also BPA-free. It makes a sound when squeezed, and, at 7 inches tall, you don't have to worry about it getting lost, or eaten. While a bit pricey ($20+), this one will really last.
Fisher Price Doodle Pro
This draw-and-erase product is a neat travel alternative to crayons and paper. I'd get the biggest one possible for lap use (and car trips!), since this is how your kid will use it most. Plus, you can get one with characters on it like the Wonder Pets and Barbie. Recommended "for 3+ years," but my daughter has been drawing/learning letters on it since 18 months. As long as you watch your toddler with the "pen", it can work well for practice.
Muji Mini Colored Pencils
I just found these last week in the new MUJI Japanese store on 40th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York. I was pleasantly surpised to find this dull cylinder filled with 36 short "golf" colored pencils - perfect for little hands at a restaurant (just make sure your toddler is ready to safely use pencils - and you watch him if necessary). When traveling, these offer more color variety, less mess and a more organized carry solution than crayons.
Leap Frog Letter Factory DVD
This was made in 2003, but when a child therapist suggested it to me, I had to give it a try. What an enjoyable DVD. 35 minutes really entertains as the characters go through each letter and its "personality" based on its sound. After a few times, not only was I humming "every letter makes a sound..." (okay it gets annoying after 6 times), but my daughter knew her alphabet in no time. This DVD leads into the next one, Word Factory, which combines letters.
Lillian Vernon Bee Hive Counting Toy
Not sure what it is about bees, but kids love their image on anything (I guess until they get stung). Think it starts with their bzzz sound. This is a great toy for 1 year through toddler; it has a soft texture and strong colors, and each bee squeaks when you squeeze it. Your child learns dexterity and counting by sticking each numbered one into its respective hole in the hive.