My disclaimer is that I’m not really that savvy. The word “experienced” fits better but it makes the title way too long. In any case, have you ever wondered whether or not you’re really going to need that nifty new thing in the stores that seems to be the “it“ baby product of the century? I remember registering with my first and remembering that I wished I had brought a friend with me to tell me what I really needed. Well, you don’t have to because I’m introducing a new feature to the baby blog.
Amazon.com updates their “Movers and Shakers”, “Hot New Releases” and “Bestsellers” lists for baby products hourly. I can’t review products for you hourly, however, I will be adding my thoughts anytime there are enough hot new products to tell you about. I obviously haven’t tried out everything so if you have any expertise with a particular product and you loved it or hated it. . .feel free to add your comments below or tell others in our forum!
Cloud b Twilight Turtle Constellation Nightlight
What It Does: Apparently, this little nightlight is supposed to turn your baby’s room into a “starry sanctuary that comforts and calms children.”
My Thoughts: I do have to say that all of my children have been transfixed by things on the ceiling. However, in my experience fussy babies are calmed and soothed by their parents. Moderately fussy babies may be distracted by a “starry sanctuary”. So my advice is that if you want something cool to decorate your baby’s nursery with–go for it. If you are looking to buy something that will soothe your fussy baby and buy you a few extra hours of sleep–don’t bother.
Fisher Price Baby Papasan Cradle Swing
What It Does: I think this is the Cadillac of baby swings. It plays songs, and nature sounds, swings, has a toy bar. . .I’m not sure what it doesn’t have.
My Thoughts: Swings have always been incredibly helpful to me especially after my first child. I have to say too that swings that will hold a young infant and swings that will swing either forward and back or side to side are super duper. If you’re going to splurge on one item. . .this is the one I would splurge on.
What It Does: This is a vanilla scented octopus that plays tunes. Apparently it comes with a songbook too.
My Thoughts: Lamaze makes great toys. However, your newborn will not play with toys for several more months yet. In my experience, babies are just as easily entertained by an empty box and they could care less if its vanilla scented or plays music and they definitely won’t be needing that song book for awhile. If you have money to splurge–sure why not? Get the octotunes. Better yet, register for the octotunes and let someone else get it for you. But if you’re on a budget or really need other things, you can really, really skip this until your little one is older. I also have to say that generally, I steer towards toys that are more interactive. . .rather than ones that are designed to entertain. Tiring? Yes! But human interaction does so much more for your baby’s development than this octopus will!
Make sure to check back next week to see my thoughts on the top items from next week’s Amazon lists.