When our second tot outgrew her Britax infant car seat, we did some research and decided on a Safety First Complete Air Convertible car seat because of its air protective technology. The air protect cushions were created to divert side impact injuries if we were to get in that type of accident. and  the placement of Air Protect™ Technology  at each side of the kiddo’s head, diverts crash forces away from a child’s head, the most vulnerable place in a side impact crash. We’ve ultimately felt our tot has been safer in this seat and have traveled long distances without worry, but there are a few things we might change. As our wee one is growing we realize that though the protective cushions may get frustrating for the 1+ set, especially as they get more active in their car seat. The problem is that kids can’t see peripherally, only straight ahead, not sure how we would change it except to make it adjustable, but that probably defeats the purpose. Perfect for tots from 5-40 pounds as a rear-facing infant car seat and from 22-50 lbs. as a forward-facing toddler car seat. With up-front harness adjustment and one click LATCH system. On the whole we would highly recommend this car seat, just don’t know what we’ll do when our tot gets a little bit older and wants to see what’s going on next to her. From $167.26, here.

We reviewed the bilibo mini last year as one of the best multi-use toys we’d seen to date. A bath toy and beyond, our tots have loved them, so we thought we’d feature the mini’s big sibling for its versatility, style and function. The original Bilibo is more than just a new way for kiddos to sit. Its unique form sets it apart from other seats because Bilibo can be used for so many other things. As a rocker, a table, a step stool, a helmet, or when stacked with another Bilibo it makes a perfect sphere to hide treasures in. Our only concern about the Bilibo is its price point. It seems a bit cost prohibitive. And for a design so simple, yet award winning, it may be swiftly overlooked by frugal parents. Look for it second hand.  $30.00, here.

We don’t generally review or entertain the idea of promoting anything constructed from plastic, but in this case, we’re closing our eyes and doing it. Upon the arrival of our second babe, we were given a Fisher Price swing and um, we’ve used it ever since. In fact, we can’t really imagine what our lives would be like without a swing. Here’s how we justify. First of all, ours was handed down to us and will likely continue its function as a bona fide babe soother for another kiddo’s family, until it breaks. We’re recycling at the very least here by keeping this swing out of the landfill, for the time being. We like the dwell studio for Target swing. It’s pretty attractive as swings go, equipped with a 3-point harness for safety. And kiddo loves staring at the sweet elephant mobile and listening to its soothing sounds. Perfect for 1-9 months or up to 25 lbs. Measures 40.5 ” x 6.0 “. $139.99, here.

From the earliest days of parenthood, we’ve often dug through our own music stash for sweet songs to soothe our babes. Our youngest tot was born right around the time that Beach House’s Devotion was released and we’ve listened to it on loop for almost two years now. We seriously can’t believe we can still stomach it, but it really is the album of sleep at this cleeo & bea mama’s house, and works like a charm every time. The music is reminiscent of 90s Mazzy Star and we love this collection, their second release, because it’s pretty and dreamlike. We still don’t know any of the lyrics because they blend in so nicely with the music, but the babes love being soothed to sleep by the dreamy organ and swirling guitar. Favorite songs include “Gila” and “D.A.R.L.I.N.G”. Great stuff, highly recommended. $12.99, here. 

We looked high and low for the perfect double stroller when baby number two was on her way. We knew we needed a double stroller for big trips out on the town and for going to the zoo. Having a single Bob revolution with our first kiddo, we assumed we’d get the duallie, but when we took it for a test drive, it just felt too cumbersome. After some thorough investigative work and a trial run, we were smitten with the City Mini Double Stroller by Baby Jogger. While it’s not perfect and we’re not sure such a thing exists, here’s a short list of our likes. This stroller is light weight (only 26lbs), maneuverability is great (we can hold onto a walking tot and push with one hand), it fits through all doors we’ve tried and down grocery check-out lines, we can walk on crowded city sidewalks, and the canopies actually go all the way down and cover our babes. And, get this, you don’t have to have both canopies down at the same time (which is one feature we absolutely love). Plus, if you’re like us, you know it’s important to be able to  see how the little one’s are doing and make sure they’re not putting snacks up their noses or taking off their darn shoes for the umpteenth time. Seats completely recline, which is nice for sleeping. We just wish it had more storage space and a drink console, but we’ll live, because the BJCMDS makes life  much easier when on the go. $399.99, here.

Our kiddos love to listen to music when they’re falling to sleep. It soothes, blocks background noises from dog and has worked on the fussiest of babes in our families. We owe a lot to our Memorex iMove boom box. It’s nothing fancy in the world of iPod docks, but it has worked consistently for two years with no problems and we love its portability. We actually brought it to the hospital when our first kiddo was born and living up to its name it moves throughout the house and yard on a daily basis. The iMove is equipped with AM/FM radio, runs on both AC and battery power. Includes white backlit LCD display, auxiliary input for connecting MP3 players and other audio devices, and a wireless remote for covert ops after the wee one has drifted off to sleep. Excellent value. Measures 16″ x 8″ x 6″. From $38.45, here.