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. 

One of our kiddos little buddies has a pair of Simple doodles. We think he looks pretty darn dapper in them and have been looking for a sensible shoe for walking around the zoo. When it comes to eco-friendly footwear, these little kicks are at the top of our list. Constructed with suede leather uppers sourced from tanneries that have been eco-friend certified with  natural rubber toe caps protect uppers. Lined with organic cotton fleece for maximum comfort. Laces are easy to adjust and made from recycled PET polyester and natural latex, securing with a pull toggle easy for little hands. Natural non-marking rubber outsoles supply excellent traction. Plus, Simple uses 100% post-consumer paper pulp foot forms and has also reduced the stuffing used in packaging for less waste. Kudos. Available in gender specific colors, styles and sweet names. Sizes 4t-7t. $35.00, 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.

It’s so fun to take pictures at the zoo. Our tots love to check out all the animals through their lomolito camera and get a kick out of seeing their results in developed photos. We love lomo cameras and these lightweight single  or multiple use lomos include a shmancy color-gel flash filter apparatus that tints each and every shot with one of four colors for both day and night. Makes elephants and gorillas look really cool. Lomolitos are reloadable, too, so no throw away here. Excellent value. Instructions inside. $9.99, here.

Oh records, we love them. Crackling vinyl as the needle hits the record makes our hearts skip a beat. And the excitement of putting a 45 on the turntable for the first time when we were tykes is unforgettable. It’s great fun and we think something we need to share with the kiddos. This Crosley mini turntable is the perfect throwback to the days of simply enjoying music in an analog kind of way. The Mini comes complete with a 3 speed belt driven turntable that plays 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records and dynamic full range stereo speakers. And as far as looks go, this sweet turntable is gorgeous, perfectly vintage, lightweight and can be easily stored. Solid construction, manageable for small hands. Measures 14¼” x 4¾” x 8″. Perfect for the budding vinyl collector, the 3 and up set and the whole family. $79.95, here.