What to Expect the First Year
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (03 January, 1989)
list price: $13.95
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Editorial Review

Is our baby eating enough?Is this much crying normal? How do I knowwhen she is really sick? This hefty, 671-page guide to your baby's first year isbrought to you by the creators of the bestselling What to Expect When You'reExpecting. The three authors, all mothers themselves, are calm, clear,and encouraging as they tackle the first year of child-rearing, month by month.The easy-to-absorb, chronological format includes sections such as "WhatYour Baby May Be Doing," "What You Can Expect at This Month'sCheckups," "Feeding Your Baby This Month," "What You May BeConcerned About," and "What It's Important to Know."

Part Two addresses special concerns such as illness, first aid do's and don'ts,the low-birthweight baby, the adopted baby, becoming a father, and siblingrelationships. You'll also find discussions of breastfeeding and bottlefeeding,selecting a physician for the baby, diapers and clothing, safety, and many waysof stimulating the baby's development. The recipes for babies and toddlers inPart Three are useful, as are the recommended home remedies; charts on commonchildhood illnesses; height and weight; and the thorough index. (A particularstrength of the book is the authors' careful attention to diet and nutrition forboth mother and baby, incorporating the American Academy of Pediatrics' latestrecommendations on infant nutrition.) While some of the authors' perspectivesare controversial (such as whether to let your baby "cry it out" or not), thisbook remains one of the most comprehensive resources for new parents as theytoddle through their baby's first year. ... Read more

Reviews (260)

Too calloused for my families needs
Let me first state that every child is different and every household has different needs. One method of childrearing may work for one family and child but work horribly for the next.

This book did not fit well or feel right to my family at all. I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at most of the methods they advise. For example, they strongly advocate letting your child `cry it out' especially at night. I tried this and it was heart wrenching for my husband and I, not to mention extremely stressful for my son. We discarded that method very quickly. We now respond to my son's needs when he expresses them. This book gives a quiet undertone that if you pamper your child too much then you're going to end up with a spoilt brat. I say that's rubbish.

Also, this book strongly discourages co-sleeping, a method that works very well for my family. I'll be darned if I'm going to get up when my son wakes for a feeding, nurse him, lull him back to sleep, and then try to get myself settled for sleep. I can't tell you how much better our son and I slept when we decided to just put him in the bed with us. Yes, there are arguments on both sides stating pros and cons. You just need to be smart about it.

This book has a very patronizing tone leaving you feel like you need to rule over your child with an iron fist or you'll be left with a kid that walks all over you. Everything about this book felt very calloused and cruel.

The only redeeming aspect of this book is that it does serve as a good reference as far as developmental milestones. It's good for reference, and that's pretty much it.

I strongly advise parents to explore a vast array of books as well as going with their gut. One method that works for one baby may not work for another; every baby is different and has different needs. This book did not work for us. We found `The Baby Book' by Dr. Sears to fit the needs of our family much more appropriately.

make sure you get and review the 2nd edition, NOT the first
The problem with the previous reviewer's comments is that she's looking at the older edition of the book. THe 2nd edition, published in 2003 clearly states on page 437:

"The AAP recommends that breastfeeding continue for AT LEAST a full year and then for as long as baby and mother both want to keep it up..... Many women choose to continue nursing into the second year and beyond, and that's fine.... Older children who breastfeed are just as likely to be secure, happy, and independent as those who wean early."

PLUS -- there's an entire chapter dedicated to breastfeeding... with tons of reasons why it's a good thing. So I don't get why so many reviewers here keep on blasting this book for not being pro-breastfeeding.This book is so well balanced on so many issues -- like co-sleeping and baby wearing, etc. Looking at a ten year old version of the book that's been passed down from friend to friend and then REVIEWING it here -- instead of actually going out to the store or library to get the actual current book is unfair.

This book has been so helpful to me. As a first time parent, this book had all the answers I needed. Sure, I may not agree with everything in the book, but I'm intelligent enough to not take everything I read and treat it as gospel. I'm able to make my own decision when it comes to parenting, and not only does this book give me the tools to do that, but the authors even encourage that parents ultimately do what feels best to them.

I highly recommend it!

I threw this book in the trash can... literally
I didn't want any other parents getting their hands on it.I have several issues with this book.Their view on breastfeeding is that you should wean at age one or you will have problems.Even the AAP and World Health Organization recommends that you breastfeed for at least two years and let your baby self-wean.Also, they repeatedly call parents who won't let their babies cry it out 'soft'.If my baby is crying, I'm going to her: enough said.Also, they give only negatives and no positives to co-sleeping.I really liked their pregnancy book, but this one is garbage and I got the Dr Sears 'The Baby Book' instead. ... Read more

Isbn: 0894805770
Subjects:  1. Care    2. Care and hygiene    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child rearing    5. Children    6. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    7. Infants    8. Infants & Toddlers - Infants   

What's Going on in There? : How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (03 October, 2000)
list price: $18.00 -- our price: $12.24
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Editorial Review

Though not for the impatient, What's Going on in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life will undoubtedly make you a better parent. It is thick, detailed, and scientific. But it is also accessible to parents who have the time and patience to immerse themselves in the latest research on brain development. And for those who do, the rewards can be great.

You'll understand the inner workings of the brain like never before. You'll learn the latest thinking on the nature vs. nurture question. You'll gain invaluable insights into the evolution of the senses, motor skills, social and emotional growth, memory, language, and intelligence. But most importantly, you'll understand--maybe for the first time--exactly how great your contribution as a parent can be to the development of your young child's brain. Written by Lise Eliot, Ph.D., a neurobiologist and mother of three, What's Going on in There? is an immensely intelligent labor of love. It is based on the author's own "odyssey of discovery" as she sought answers to questions about her own role in carrying, delivering, and parenting her children. --Kelley Smith ... Read more

Reviews (55)

Excellent Content, Poor Paper Quality
The book is an excellent read especially for first time parents. However, the book is put together very poorly and starts falling apart the minute you start reading it. The publisher "Bantam Books"needs to learn from their competitors how to publish quality books.

Good book but really bad binding
This is a well written and quite interesting book but I stopped reading it about half way through as it was falling apart in my hands. Pages break off from the book in groups of 10-20 as soon as you're done reading. The publisher should spend a bit more on glue I guess.

A classic...
I read this book, cover to cover and must say that I really enjoyed this book.The information is thorough, which is also one criticism I have which I'll discuss below, and interesting.I learned a lot about our baby and her development that I would have otherwise been unaware of.The author uses a small amount of humor to keep the reader engaged, and her passion in the topic comes through in the reading.However, a good portion of this book is quite technical which lends me to wonder why the publisher did not include little warnings (a la books for Dummies) that certain sections were highly technical and can be skipped if the person does not necessarily care about the elaborate process that a sound takes once it enters the ear of my baby.Sure some nights or days on the bus I might be interested in this, but other late nights, I'd rather skip over these sections and it would have been extremely helpful if they were labeled.This then could also have been done with sections that were advice oriented so the reader could mark the page for their partner to read.Overall a great book, but I felt that it could have been better organized. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553378252
Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Developmental - Child    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    5. Psychology    6. Family & Relationships / Child Development   

Infant Massage--Revised Edition : A Handbook for Loving Parents
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (31 October, 2000)
list price: $16.00 -- our price: $11.20
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Reviews (11)

Parents, Do Try This At Home
Have you ever touched a baby and had a happy response? Well this book will show you how to fine tune that touch. Once you can do this you will find there is nothing quite like seeing your baby glow with the love and attention he or she is recieving as you massage them.

Babys need a lot of care and this is one way you can both enjoy interacting. Not only does baby enjoy the sensations, but this is the best opportunity to learn your baby's personality. This is when they really open up, telling you through their large smiles, loud coos and some rather amazing wiggling, what they like and dislike, and most importantly, how much they love you.

While massaging our little boy (although my wife does most of it), I have found that there is more of a bond, and a feeling that this child really is a part of our life.

Inside you will find not only how to massage an infant, but lots of information about the importance of an early relationshp with your child, and how times have changed and people are finally becomming aware that their baby doesn't just need physical care, but emotional and spiritual care as well.

We got this book because we heard that infant massage helps gassy babies, not only by helping to release the gas, but also easing tension in both you and the baby. After a week or two of practicing, the results were real. Not only is he generally feeling better, but he really looks foward to his massages.

My only regret is in not knowing about this book when my little girl was a small baby. But as they say, it is never to late, and she is now massaged on a semi-regular basis, thoughrouly enjoying it, (although at this age they are much more easily tickled).

Do I recomend this book? Highly. I think american culture needs more books like this that place a real value on human interaction, and how to cultivate it.

Excellent book on the topic
Teaches you how to best use massage on your tiny baby. Helps you feel more comfortable and confident at a time when you feel like you're all thumbs. The illustrations are very helpful. I'd also recommend: The No-Cry Sleep Solution and The Happiest Baby on the Block.

Very helpful book!
Both an informational and instructional book.This book gave me a good understanding about the theory and history of infant massage.It also explained thouroughly the technique and benefits of preforming infant massage.Madeline and I have gained many enjoyable and memorable hours of massage from this book. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553380567
Sales Rank: 4264
Subjects:  1. Family & Relationships    2. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    3. Family/Marriage    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Health - General    6. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    7. Massage & Reflexotherapy    8. Massage for infants    9. Parenting - General    10. Family & Relationships / Infants & Toddlers   

Baby Bjorn Original Carrier: City Black
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product
list price: $89.99 -- our price: $84.99
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Editorial Review

While a tad more expensive than most other baby carriers, BabyBjörn carriers offer parents some wonderful design features thatmake it well worth the extra money. By allowing you to hold your babysnugly against your chest, the carrier promotes a sense of comfort andcloseness between a parent and a child. It also allows you to maintaineye contact with and talk to your little one during trips to the store,walks around the house, and short hikes (for both mom and dad). Thecarrier's other big advantage is that it frees up both your hands whileyou carry your infant. The black carrier consists of a large triangularfront piece that supports baby's head and body, along with a set ofthick padded straps that are worn like a shoulder-and-waist harness.Newborns and smaller babies should always ride rear-facing in thecarrier, while older babies who can hold their heads upright unassistedcan ride forward-facing and enjoy the view ahead of them. Made ofmachine-washable 100 percent cotton, the carrier can be easily adjustedfrom the front for your baby's size. Although the carrier has beentested for use with babies who weigh from 8 to 25 pounds, some parentsfound that the carrier became uncomfortable to wear and placed a lot ofstrain on the lower back when it was used to carry a child weighingmore than 20 pounds. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Features

• Can be worn while breastfeeding
• Machine washable, 100 percent cotton
• Tested for 8 to 25 pounds
• Promotes bonding and closeness
• Size adjustable

Reviews (483)

Worth the Money
The Baby Bjorn is great...very secure and comfortable...Both my husband and I wear it...We use it frequently and the baby seems to enjoy it...It's great that you have both hands free!

look at discount store
I found this at Marshalls for $59.99.They had original and XL staps.

Well made, but kids grow out of it quickly
I really liked this carrier, however, unless you plan on using it ALOT when the baby is small, you won't get your money's worth.My son was too big for this by 3 months.By the time I decided to take him out of the house, he barely fit in it.It might be a better idea to get a cheaper carrier. ... Read more

Asin: B000059XOD
Subjects:  1. Gear    2. Soft Carrier   

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (29 January, 2002)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $11.16
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Editorial Review

The last thing new parents can find time for is quiet reading, so manyhelpful books on infant care rely on bullet points and a "let's get to thepoint" writing style. Tracy Hogg, a neonatal nurse, teacher, and mother of two,uses these techniques to good effect in Secrets of the Baby Whisperer.Focusing on newborns and their parents, her simple programs are a blend ofintelligent intuition and methods based on years of experience. The first halfof the book is devoted to E.A.S.Y--her name for creating a structured dailyroutine for you and your baby that makes the most of your baby's awake times andalso leaves time just for you. These concepts aren't designed to force yourbundle of joy into not following her body's needs, but rather to create afeasible middle ground between total rigidity and on-demand food and sleep (andno time for mom to shower). If it still strikes you as too regimented, keepreading. The author makes room for differences in personal style and includesshort quizzes to determine whether you're a "planner" or a "winger", and whatlevel of daily structure you are likely to find helpful. In the same chapter,she identifies five general temperaments of infants, how to get an accurate feelfor yours, and what methods of care are likely to be the most effective for histemperament. Her statement that babies prefer routine is backed up by researchfrom the University of Denver. While most of the book relies on anecdotes to getthe points across, Hogg does find room to back up some of her statements withquotes from various researchers and institutions. Included at the end of thebook are assurances that E.A.S.Y. can be followed even with a colicky baby orone who's been ruling the roost for the first few months. Frustrated parentsmight like to read the last page first: "all the baby-whispering advice in theworld is useless unless you're having a good time being a parent" is anexcellent reminder to enjoy this time with all of its ups and downs. --JillLightner ... Read more

Reviews (403)

Silly, silly book!!!
I borrowed this book from a friend, and I found it to be just rediculous!My biggest gripe with this book is that the author calls herself a lactation consultant, then seems to ignore many scientific facts about breastfeeding.

First she seems to discount all of the differences between breastfeeding and formula feeding.I dont fault women who choose to formula feed because that is their choice, but lets not kid ourselves here.breast milk is best, and there is no way around that.The author never seems to explain the good things about breastfeeding, only the difficult aspects of it.This part of the book acutally made me feel angry, because I felt she was almost discouraging women from doing it.Sure its difficult at first, but most things worth doing in life are.I also found some points very deceptive.At one point she says that while breastfeeding helps a woman get back to her pre-baby weight, she has to keep on 5-10 pounds to ensure the baby is getting enough nutrition.That is crazy!!No doctor or lactation consultant I have seen has told me to keep on extra wieght; just to take in more calories.In fact, I was back to my original weight after 6 weeks (thanks to breastfeeidng alone, i made no other effort whatsoever), and my baby is in the 95th percentile for her weight.

Another aspect of this book that I found silly was that the author tells us to "Envision yourself drawing a circle around your baby...his personal space...Never enter your baby's circle of respect without asking permission, tellling him why you want to come in and what you're doing."I think that pretty much sums up how silly and rediculous this book is.I would probably use the word "new-age" to describe some of these teachings.Im glad I just borrowed it and didnt pay for it myself.

What a Load
This book is nothing more than a return to Fifteenth-century - okay, I'll be generous: pre-Victorian-era-- childrearing methods with its almost perverse and way over-the-top fascination with toilets, waste products and premature training of babies-- who the author evidently feels strongly ought to be molded and manipulated by adults from a very early age or else. This book is more than likely to create a generation of extremely hostile adults --and why anyone would want that is beyond comprehension-- and is hence socially irresponsible to sing its praises.
It's a crying shame that over one-hundred years after the discovery of child pscyhology and psychoanalysis, whose child-victims of such repressive/perverted, adult-dominated Victorian-era childrearing methods provided Freud and others with the clinical setting needed to discover the world of infants and very young children that was hostile to their true needs and to be blunt, bad for their healthy development, should now tout books like Baby Whisperer to young parents looking for reassurance and bonafide information with which to raise their children the healthiest (emotionally and physically) way possible. We need not yank parents looking for answers back to the 14th century (or even the Victorian era.) Instead, we need to get the word out about books by genuine nurturing expertslike Sheila Kitzinger, Jeannine Parvati Baker, Rahima Baldwin Dancy, Suzanne Arms and Ina May Gaskin--These are women who have done their homework and are qualified to write and speak on childbearing and childrearing issues. Why not suggest to young parents-to-be look at A.S Neill's Summerhill School where he explains about believing in The Child. Read Alice Miller's Thou Shalt Not Be Aware and other fine books that incisively question the status-quo of psycholanalytic theory and practiceand yet honor the early explorer Sigmund Freud for beginning the investigation into what lies below the surface of the human psyche. But above all, please don't recommend The Baby Whisperer to parents who have any concern for the feelings, needs and healthy development of their (or anyone else's for that matter) children. No qualified childrearing professional or author will take such a book seriously nor positively.

Warning: The advice in this book may hurt your milk supply !
If you intend to breastfeed, you should be warned that following the feeding advice given in this book could cause you to have serious problems with your milk supply.The author is openly against feeding on demand, even for newborns, and recommends that mothers start to space feedings out and offer only pacifiers between scheduled feedings when the baby is only one day old.Breastfeeding is designed by nature to be an on-demand system, and a mother's milk supply is stimulated by a newborn's desire to nurse frequently.Forcing a newborn to space out breast feedings short-circuits nature's system for establishing a mother's milk supply, and this can lead to a serious supply shortage.Another reason not to follow any breastfeeding advice from this author is that she does not seem to believe that breastfeeding offers any significant advantages over formula feeding, and leans heavily toward formula supplementation frequently being necessary...these are red flags that this person is neither supportive or knowledgeable about breastfeeding, and her advice is suspect. There may be some value in her recommendation to follow a routine of wake up, eat, do some activity, then sleep, and to have a consistent daily routine in a baby's environment. But her breastfeeding advice may be harmful, and her bias against ever sharing sleep with your baby both go against how nature intended babies to be cared for.As alternatives to this book, I recommend The Baby Book by Sears, The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Pantley, Good Nights by Gordon, and Baby Matters by Palmer. ... Read more

Isbn: 0345440900
Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family/Marriage    5. Infants    6. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    7. Parent and infant    8. Parenting - General    9. Family & Relationships / Parenting   

Baby Play (Gymboree)
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (April, 2001)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
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Reviews (26)

Great book for parents or grandparents!
With colorful pictures and brief directions, this book gives some great basic (and cheap!) ideas to help stimulate your baby mentally and physically. While a lot of the ideas in the book are common, there are many that aren't commonly thought of.

Fabulous!!
This book gives you lots of ideas for playing with your infant right from the beginning.It is fabulous for first time parents and makes a great baby shower gift.I used it in conjunction with the Wee Exercise DVD (by LeBlanc and Barnes) and found the two together to be a great combination!!Either one alone is fabulous as well!Enjoy!!

Creative Ideas for Maximum Loving, Minimal Equipment
I am always on the look out for books that can help busy parents come up with creative ways to engage their babies in simple ways that may make a lasting contribution both in their loving relationship as well as help the baby's development over time.

This title does both nicely with colorful, inspiring illustrations as well.

Especially valued as well is the authors intentionally chose activities that are loosely structured, don't require purchase of special stuff and create the context for a lot of loving interaction between the baby and parrent.

Even as a creative parent, I run out of new ideas and love finding new techniques in one place, as Gymboree lays out here. ... Read more

Isbn: 0865734348
Sales Rank: 2177
Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child Development    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    7. Childcare    8. Parenting   

Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 June, 1998)
list price: $20.00
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Editorial Review

It's Sunday after dark. Your baby is sick, hurt, or acting strangely, and the doctor won't be in until tomorrow. How can you find out what to do when your healthcare professionals are unreachable? You may only need to go as far as your bookshelf. The revised edition of Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (the American Academy of Pediatrics' reference book for infancy through preschool), provides a wealth of authoritative child-care information in an easy-to-use format.

The first half of this hefty text serves as a comprehensive parenting manual, and includes a month-by-month guide to the first year, nutritional information, basic care instructions, and physical, emotional, and social developmental milestones for children up to 5 years old. While the American Academy of Pediatrics represents the mainstream child-rearing philosophies embraced by thousands of baby doctors, it does not reflect the entire gamut of child-rearing theory. (There's no discussion, for instance, of breast-feeding past the first year or co-sleeping.) The second half of the book includes a thorough, easy-to-navigate emergency first-aid section, plus detailed information about childhood illnesses, immunization schedules and side effects, and family structures, as well as a discussion of behavioral issues. Caring for Your Baby and Young Child is useful, sensible, and carefully researched, and makes a trustworthy addition to any parent's bookshelf. --Ericka Lutz ... Read more

Reviews (89)

Mother of Twins Gives it 4 thumbs up
I was a first time mother when my twins were born almost 4 years ago. I got this book free after saving up Huggies UPC with an offer they had at the time.Since then I can not tell you the amount of times we have looked at this book for advice or "home doctoring" We actaully keep it in the medicine cabinet. Now I have 2 friends who are about to be first time moms and I am purchasing one for each of them. It talks about everything from how much to feed baby and when, to syptoms of childhood illness and when a rash is more then just a rash! Great resourse for any parent with "how are we going to take care of this baby when it comes home" thoughts.

Great book, but save your money and get it for free....
I got this book, along with a ton of coupons for free items, after joining the Publix Baby Club!

Serious inaccuracies!
I am a neonatologist (physician specializing in the intensive care of critically ill newborns, including premature infants), and was dismayed to read serious misinformation in the section on heart murmurs. The book states that heart murmurs in the newborn period are usually pathological, and need to be evaluated by a pediatric cardiologist (heart specialist). In reality, at least 50 percent of newborns have heart murmurs, and the vast majority of these are normal. The infant heart beats fast, and the quickly moving blood makes turbulence and noise as it flows through the heart structures and through small blood vessels. This noise can be heard with a stethoscope, and is called a murmur. These murmurs can last for days, weeks or months. Only infrequently is the murmur the result of a heart problem. An experienced pediatrician can usually tell the difference and, if there is any question, a baby can be evaluated by cardiology. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) is the definitive test to evaluate whether a murmur is normal or not. Most babies who are referred to cardiologists are found to be normal. The book goes further to say that even if tests are normal, the baby will be seen by cardiology repeatedly to make sure things are really fine. This is nonsense.
My sister recently had a baby. I heard a murmur when examining the baby, but it was clearly a normal murmur. She read this book and was quite worried by what she read, and I had to reassure her again that the murmur was benign and the book was wrong. I can imagine that many other parents have worried needlessly as a result of this misinformation.
If this degree of medical error is indicative of the rest of the book (which I have not read), then I would avoid this book completely. In any case, it is clear that insufficient effort was made to ensure correctness of the material prior to publication. ... Read more

Isbn: 0553379623
Subjects:  1. Care    2. Child Care    3. Child Care/Parenting    4. Child development    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Infants    7. Infants & Toddlers - Infants    8. Parenting - General    9. Family & Relationships / Child Care   

Mommy & Me Ac Tivity Mat
Average Customer Review:
Toy

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Reviews (31)

Average play mat
My baby used this and enjoyed it until about 5 mos...when he was able to knock the whole thing down with this body.I wish I would have bought a play mat that was more stable and with more interesting toys.However, he did enjoy the musical aspect of the hanging toys.It was just ok, but I would not buy it again.

Cute activity mat for baby
This is a cute mat for a baby but it doesn't entertain them for very long. My daughter has used this mat since she was born and she has liked it but now that she is 5 months old the toys bore her. The music is too short and I had to buy additional toys to keep her interested. It is easy to clean (I just throw it in the washer and then hang dry it), easy to store (it folds up into a bag), and a great item to travel with (it takes up little room in the car).
Overall it is a good toy and it has some good qualities.

My daughter loves it...can't live without!!
I think this has to be the best present we received.My daughter has used it since she was 2 months old.Even before she could reach out and grab the toys she loved just looking at them and hearing the sounds they make.Now that she's almost 5 months old, she loves putting them in her mouth, and making the toys make the sounds herself.Its truly a great activity mat.Whats nice about this one is that its all cloth and is flexible and can be moved around very easily.I've seen others with some hard plastic pieces, etc I like this one much better.The bright bold colors have kept her attention as well.This is a MUST HAVE. ... Read more

Asin: B0000683AZ
Sales Rank: 7793
Subjects:  1. Baby and Infant    2. Toddler    3. Activity    4. Outdoor Play    5. Gyms   

Contoured Changing Pad
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (04 October, 2003)
-- our price: $21.99
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Editorial Review

The design of this pad makes a changing table a lot safer for awiggly baby. About 1.5 inches thick in the middle, it rises to fully4.25 inches high at the sides, making it almost impossible to roll off.There's also the standard nylon strap (with plastic snap-togetherbuckle) across the middle. Two securing tabs mean the pad can be nailedor screwed in place on a changing table made of wood or a similarmaterial. The bottom surface of the pad is stiffened with an interiorboard and foam-covered on the outside so that it's nonslip. The topsurface, quilted in a rose pattern, can be wiped clean. --RichardFarr ... Read more

Features

• Securing tabs
• Deeply concave shape for safety
• Wipe-clean surface
• Integral nylon strap
• Nonslip base

Reviews (199)

Best investment
This one is a bit more thicker than the other one changing pad and it was well worth it for $2 difference although I can't say for sure that my baby won't like the other one.As for this one, my baby likes it so much that he rather sleep in this instead of his crib.

This one has the screws to nail to the dresser altho I never used that since the pad doesn't slide.Just don't leave the baby alone on there.

I bought the Terry cover although it was slightly small.The feel is awful but there's not another choice so I bought some extra large burp cloth to place it under the butt area.So far it has worked really well since stain doesn't stick on the burp cloth as to the Terry cover.I probably would buy some king pillow cases to see if that fits better.

Why aren't measurements listed?
Often measurements aren't listed for products on this site.Aside from the height, there are no other measurements listed.How does Amazon expect consumers to make decisions based on a small picture and the editorial review?I feel like they are treating us like we are stupid.

Very nice
This a very nice changing pad.My changing table came with a silly pad and this one is way better.And it looks pretty if bare (while your cover is in the wash) ... Read more

Asin: B000056HK2
Subjects:  1. Diaper Supplies    2. Changing Pads   

Sound N Light W/dual Recv'r
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product

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Editorial Review

This thoughtfully designed Sounds 'n' Lights Monitor provides two distinct advantages over the traditional single-receiver monitor: it comes with two receivers so parents and caretakers can listen in on baby from more than one location in the house at the same time, and the variable light displays on both receivers make it possible for you to monitor the noise coming from baby's room visually, without actually hearing it. Along with a power-indicator light, the monitor is equipped with two separate channels and both receivers can be powered by the included AC adaptors, or 9-volt batteries when you want to move the receivers away from an electrical outlet. The Sounds 'n' Lights Monitor comes with a one-year limited warranty and three AC adaptors, but you will have to purchase the two 9-volt batteries separately if you plan on using the receivers away from an outlet. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Reviews (252)

Very Good Monitor for Price
I love this monitor.The dual receivers are great for a multiple level home.I have never had problems with the noise except in outlets that make everything hum (sometimes the problem is within the electrical of your home, not the monitor itself.)In response to the poor reviews, I think the product must have been defective and it is a shame she couldn't take it back.We have left ours on 24/7 since my 20 month old was born and never had a problem.I also loved that I could hear my daughter breathing when SIDS was an issue I was concerned about.
Also, just make sure the monitor and the receivers are on the same channel or else you won't hear anything.

VERY Sensitive
This monitor is great - I can hear my daughter BREATHING through it.But it does tend to get a static-like hum, which is kind of annoying.

I am not crazy about the lights - when I am trying to fall sleep, they flash for even the slightest sound, which is also a bit annoying.

They're good monitors, though - I'd still recommend them!It's great to be able to have one in the bedroom and one downstairs!

A great monitor
This is an excellent monitor.I love the dual receivers and the light up function.If I am in the shower or in another situation where noise is involved, I don't have to worry about hearing my baby cry.I just put the receiver somewhere in my field of vision and the lights will alert me if she cries.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QJ02

Symphony Animal Mobile
Average Customer Review:
Baby Product (04 October, 2003)

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Editorial Review

A wide array of colors, spinning spirals, interesting shapes,and sliding beads, along with a trio of wacky animal characters, makethis Symphony Animal Mobile one of the most interesting and visuallystimulating mobiles on the market. Bright, eye-catching colors surroundthe mobile's three animal characters: a wacky, big-eyed bird, a monkey, and a bright green frog. Powered by three AA batteries (not included),the mobile is designed for babies from birth to 5 months of age andcomes with a detachable pushbutton music box that offers melodies fromthree different classical composers. You can play each classical tuneindividually, or set the music box to play 15 minutes of continuousclassical music. --Chris Burns ... Read more

Features

• Music box with easy-push buttons detaches for long-term use
• Easy attachment mechanism fits most cribs
• Classical music to provide relaxation, stimulation, and cognitive development
• 3 different types of movement and motion to stimulate developing senses
• Electronic music box with 3 classical selections of 15 minutes each

Reviews (546)

Great Mobile But it SQUEAKS!!!
This is a great mobile for your child, my son has loved it since day 1 and still loves it at 8 months old.But I have returned 2 ofthem because the motor squeaks and even my sister-in-law in South Africa has it and hers squeaks too!So make sure you try it out first, makes a terrible sound!Would highly recommend but make sure youkeep the receipt!

YEY!
I too bought the "nursery themed" mobile for $40, and I wouldnt have minded the price if it were half interesting or if it worked!

My three month old has had this for about a week and LOVES it. Theres a frog, a monkey, and a bird, (I've been seeing him concentrating on the monkey though). The colors are bright and vibrant (a big WOW in the nursery) but it works! IT will play for a good 10-15 minutes, so obviously its not a wind-up. It can play a variety of music (not just Brahms Lulabye!) and it really is entertaining/soothing.

There really isn't much to say about it other than its wonderful! Now why cant they make mothers happy, a matching mobile that works just like this one!!

Love this mobile!
I registered for this mobile after reading reviews & have never regretted it.My daughter absolutely loves it still - sometimes when she was really fussy, I would turn it on & by the time it was through with a cycle, she would be asleep (a lifesaver early on!).She still gets excited when she sees them just being above her (the animals on it are cute & colorful). ... Read more

Asin: B00005BX8Z
Subjects:  1. Nursery    2. Nursery Décor    3. Mobiles    4. Nursery Decor   

Kick N learn Piano
Average Customer Review:
Toy
list price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

Parents who responded to piano lessons by kicking the instrument mayappreciate this toy as much as a baby will. Two ties hang it from the side ofthe crib, five "keys" on the soft cover conceal five buttons, and colored shapesabove each "key" light up when they are hit or kicked. In one mode, the five"keys" play individually, like piano keys; in another, they play a medley of 10tunes; in a third, they sound out animal names, numbers, and other concepts thatare keyed to the pattern on the cover. The Kick 'n' Learn Piano includes anon/off switch, auto off, and high/low volume control. Requires three AAbatteries. --Richard Farr ... Read more

Reviews (116)

Good for the younger end of the age range
We got this as a shower gift.When my daughter was about three months old we would sit her up in the boppy seat in her crib and let her kick at the keys.She enjoyed the sounds and the music and it was part of her daily routine until she was about five months old.Then she started to get a little bored with it and started using her hands to make the noise.Finally she stopped playing with it all together by the time she was six months. Over all it's a nice toy.I liked the noises that it made and the music wasn't too bad, though after a while the same songs got to me.However, she has toys with more annoying songs, so I wouldn't let that stop me from buying it.

Good
I think that this is a great toy because it gives babies a chance to have fun, hear interesting sounds, and learn piano!!!:)

Excellent toy that grows w/ your child
I read a great review about this product in Parents so I had to check it out for myself. My daughter who was 4 months at the time I purchased this, absolutely loves this toy. It has 3 different levels of interaction: music, animal noises, and counting/alphabet. She will wake up in the middle of the night and start kicking away, and if it's turned off - she'll actually get mad that the music doesn't come on! I initially thought the price was a bit high for a "crib toy" but it's worth every penny!! ... Read more

Asin: B00005N9YI
Subjects:  1. Activity    2. Baby Toys    3. Crib Toys    4. Musical    5. Pianos    6. Learning