Toddler Must Haves
Showing posts with label Toddler Must Haves. Show all posts

October Review Round Up

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October has flew by, I can't believe it's November already. Have a look at what we have been trying out below in our October Review Round Up.

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We haven't heard of Zoflora before so was keen to give it a try. Zoflora Disinfectant is a fragrant antibacterial house cleaning product which can kill 99.9% of bacteria around the home. Zoflora is concentrated so doesnt take up much space when storing.

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My First Pizza From Little Dish

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I am a big fan of Little Dish meals and more importantly little J is too. He has tried most of the meals now and little J does have his favourites including Alphabet Pasta Bolognese and Lasagne. I was so pleased when I heard that last month they have included My First Pizza from Little Dish to their product range.


Little J has been trying out My First Pizza and he loves them. The full range consists of three flavours. Margherita, Mini Meatballs & Veg and Pesto Chicken & Veg.

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Pampers Wonder Week

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The 1st October 2015 at 10am marks the launch of Pampers Wonder Week and I am really excited. You all know I like looking for deals and bargains and I am always happy to 'stock up' if the price is right. So when I heard about Pampers Wonder Week I was keen to find out more. Pampers are offering amazing savings for a whole seven days, with wonderful deals that shouldn't be missed.

Pampers Jumbo Pack
 I buy jumbo packs which can help save some pennies

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Thomas And Friends Remote Control Thomas

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Little J has become a fan of Thomas The Tank Engine over the past few months. We enjoyed a lovely day at Thomas Land last weekend and little J is also enjoying his new Thomas and Friends books so when we were given the chance to review Thomas - Remote Control Train we jumped at the chance.

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What's In Our Caboodle Everyday Changing Bag

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I know once our babies reach the toddler stage some Mummy's change their changing bag to maybe a character rucksack or something smaller. I prefer to still have a changing bag because I still need enough space to fit all his essentials. This week we have been trying out Caboodle Everyday Changing Bag and we love it. Firstly its not too big because some changing bags are so huge that they become impractical for a Mum on the go, but you can fit so much inside.

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Trunki Yondi Monkey Review

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I recently took part in a twitter party hosted by Britmums all about car journeys. Lots of people joined in with hints and tips on how to make car journeys with the kids more exciting and more comfortable.  As a family we travel up and down the country all the time so I did have some tips to share. I always like the boys to have a snooze especially if its a long journey as it passes the time. Big J is usually on his phone and little J loves the iPad but they both do relax.


When we were sent a Trunki Yondi Monkey to review I was convinced little J wouldn't be interested. The Trunki Yondi is a child's neck pillow He doesn't like things on him such as caps, sunglasses etc so I thought he might try and pull it off straight away but I was willing to give it a try. He always looks hunched over in his car seat and when he does fall asleep his head drops to his chest and it looks so uncomfortable. We are always reaching over and trying to prop his head back up.
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Keeping The Bathroom Tidy

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Little J has always been a water baby. He loves being in the water, playing in the water, swimming and taking a bath. Big J is the same they would both live in a pool if they could. Over the past few months, probably since Christmas little J has managed to gather a large collection of bath toys. He's got everything from boats to squirters. He absolutely loves each and every of of them and plays with them nightly but they have started to make the bathroom look cluttered. 

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Baby Tips - Sleep

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Last month I became an Aunty for the very first time, its so exciting. Baby A is absolutely gorgeous and I knew as soon as I saw my little nephew I would become all broody and want another baby. I love babies and I would have lots if I could but for now I am going to concentrate on being the best Aunty ever.
When you hold a new baby you can never remember your own being 'that small'. Little J looked huge compared to Baby A and it made me smile because it really wasn't that long ago that he was just a baby.
 
I started thinking back to the first few days we brought little J home. He was such a good baby and was never any trouble at all really. He was such a routined baby right from the start, he loved his sleep. Thinking back I know that made the first few months so much easier than we could ever of hoped for. 
 When we had big J almost 13 years ago now we didn't really have a clue what we were doing. He had no routine really and because we were working, trying to save for a house we used to try and squeeze in as much time as possible so we didn't miss out seeing him. 
Looking back now it was a tough time with very little sleep but we did okay and he did grow out of it eventually. 
I think being a parent for the second time you do learn from your mistakes and we made sure with little J that we were well prepared.
Here are a few things we used. Although he was a perfect little sleeper I'm sure these helped get him in to a routine and have full nights sleep .

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Our February Monthly Review Round Up

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I know February is only a short month but I just feel like its flew by so quickly. It doesn't seem like a month ago since I was writing my January Review Round Up. This month we have been trying out some products that I hope you will like as much as we do.
Top of our review roundup this month is something we were all very excited about. We had the chance to have a listen to Justin Fletcher - Just Party before it is released. We are huge fans of Justin and have been since big J was little. I can't believe just how great he is with the kids and he has so many shows on cbeebies - little J loves him.
So last week we popped Justins album on in the car and all four of us couldn't help but sing along. The first track Just Party is a new track and it is really fun and little J loves it. He spins around the room dancing to it. Its a real get up and dance party track.
I wasn't too sure whether Justin would be any good singing Let It Go but he does a pretty good job. 
The highlight was The Macarena were Justin has changed the words to sing about getting ready for a party. Its catchy and its lots of fun. 
Overall the album is really good. There are 19 tracks in total and we didn't skip one. Its had us all singing along and little J has been dancing all week.
The album is definitely one for Justin fans, the kids will love it.
Just Party is available to buy from March 2nd or you can preorder now HERE
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I'm not a big fan of giving little J a bath, I do it if I absolutely have to otherwise its Daddy's job. I panic if little J starts to stand up incase he slips and although he's having fun splashing around and pretending to swim I am having a panic attack incase he goes under the water for too long. Also I have the worst judgement on how hot/cold the bath should be. I am more than happy sitting in a cool bath myself but sometimes I make it just that little bit too cold for little J. 
This month we have being trying out the very cute Brother Max Ray Bath and Room Thermometer. It does exactly what it says in the title. Ray displays the temperature of both the bath or room on its LCD screen display. 
The ideal temperature for a bath is 37 degrees and if Ray reaches a temperature of 39 degrees the display blinks HOT
As a room thermometer the ideal temp is 19 degrees. Ray displays both ideal temperatures on his display for your information.
Little J loves Ray in the water and will swish him about so he doubles a bath toy too, well he does for us anyway.
For more information on Ray and the other products available from Brother Max you can click here to visit their website.
I have teamed up with Brother Max to offer my readers the chance to win a Ray Bath and Room Digital Thermometer so make sure you check out my competitions page HERE.
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We were sent a My Buddy Box to try out this month and I can honestly say I love it. More and more shops are now charging for carrier bags and whilst I don't mind paying the odd few pence for a bag, it just annoys me that I always forget to bring one of the hundreds I have at home. I do try and recycle the carrier bags and use them again but I am rubbish at remembering to keep a few in the car.
On a recent shopping trip I brought the My Buddy Box and popped it in the car. It folds up to the size of a folder or small laptop case but when you open it, its a huge big box. Perfect for popping in your shopping.
It can be used for loads of things really but for me its going to stay in the car and stop me from bringing home more carrier bags that I don't need.
To find out more about My Buddy Box you can visit the website here.
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With Mother's Day approaching I thought I would include this beautiful heart shaped photo frame as a gift idea. 
The frame can hold 7 photographs, 3 hold size 3x3ins photographs and 4 hold 3x2.5ins photographs.
The heart design just makes it extra special and it would be perfect to fill the frame with special memories, maybe photos of the children or grandchildren.
This would make a perfect present for any Mummy out there. 
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*we were sent the above items to try, all thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own*
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Our January Monthly Review Round Up

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So January has come to an end and I am looking forward to February. I love February because its only a short month, the children have half term and its the month of love with Valentines Day on the 14th. 
I managed to read a book this month which I am shocked about really because over the last few months I just haven't had the time to do anything for myself really.
Jo Jo Moyes - Paris for one
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Justafit - The Perfect Sleepsuit For Little J

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When big J was little we had a terrible time getting clothes to fit him. It was fine if we bought separates but buying a tracksuit or pyjamas was a nightmare. He was always a larger size on top than he was on the bottoms. He had a longer top half and shorter legs. It really was hard because pyjamas in particular use to be so long we would end up having to roll them up around the waist and turn then up at the bottom too. Little J definitely takes after his big brother and its already becoming a problem when buying pyjamas. We recently have been trying out Justafit sleepsuit by Infasense and its perfect for our little monkey.
We have been trying out age 2-3 now little J is only 22 months but its a perfect fit up top. It buttons up the front and while he is sat playing it isn't popping open or gaping. Now the legs are a little long, as I said earlier he is only short from waist to toe. 
The Justafit sleep suit is perfect for little ones like my little J because no matter how long the legs are you can easily adjust the length by using the velcro straps. 
The velcro which is around the ankle is fastened to keep the sleepsuit legs in place. This reduces the risk of little J tripping over and it also shows me that there is still plenty of room for him to grow into it so he should get plenty of wear. 
There is also velcro around the wrist too which is perfect for little ones who find the sleeves of their clothes get in the way while playing and eating.
I love little J in sleepsuit's and he always looks very comfortable whilst sleeping, playing and walking around. 
The Justafit sleep suit comes in five colours and the sizes range from 6 months - 3 years. You can buy online by clicking HERE 




*we were sent a justafit sleep suit in return for a honest review. All thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*
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Getting Cosy With Gro

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I'm not quite sure why we never used a sleeping bag with big J when he was little. It is almost 13 years ago now so I don't know whether they were not available to buy or maybe we just missed them amongst the madness and craziness that comes with having your first baby. Little J however was a different story we knew about sleeping bags before he was born as a friend had recommended we get one. He has slept in one ever since he was born and not only does he enjoy snuggling into it each night, its part of his routine. Little J has been getting cosy in a travel Grobag over Winter and its been perfect for late evenings out over the Christmas.


 Its very unusual for us to be out and about around bedtime as little J loves his routine but over the Christmas the routine went out the window and there was a lot of late night shopping and evenings out. Little J loves his sleep and would drift off in the car on the way home. The travel version of the Grobag was prefect for such occasions because of the travel opening at the back allowing a 5 point harness to fit through. We were able to pop him into his sleeping bag before our journey, fasten him securely in his car seat. It was just as easy to then remove him from the car seat then into his cot if he was asleep. 

We were sent an 18-36 months sleeping bag and I was really happy with the room little J has to spread his legs and move around. He is quite tall for a 21 month old but there is plenty of room for him to grow.


Even when not using it as a travel Grobag it is just the same as a normal Grobag which can be used in the cot as the travel opening just closes with velcro.

The Up and Away Travel Grobag is available in 2.5, 1.0 and 0.5 tog and in sizes 0-6, 6-18 and 18-36 months.

100% woven cotton with a two way zip at the front.

Easy access travel opening.

Machine washable and can be tumble dried on low heat.

There are lots of designs to choose from  and you can view them over on Grobag website.



*we were sent a Travel Grobag in return for a full honest review - all thoughts, opinions and photos above are our own*
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Mummy Takes The Reins

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Last month I posted that little J had finally took his first steps. It's took a long time to get him up on his feet and now that he is he doesn't want to stop. He is walking everywhere and he is just so quick. When we are out and about he just wants to be out the pram all the time. When we try and get him in the pram he arches his back or goes as stiff as a board and its impossible to get him in. I can understand why he doesn't want to go in the pram now, he has this new skill and he just wants to show it off. I am so glad Trunki sent us a Toddlepak to review recently, it was perfect timing.
The Toddlepak has been just what we needed when out and about. We were sent the orange Toddlepak which has a cute monkey design. 
On a recent visit to very busy and crowded shopping centre we decided to try it out.
Its design fits from the front. Its very easy to adjust the shoulder and waist by using the clip. It fitted securely around little J both with and without his thick winter coat.


Once we were up and running we just grabbed on to the rein and let little J wander around. There are two adjustments on the reins. It can be used as a training rein or a leading rein. 
We went to try the training rein but decided not. As you can see from above you have more control but we just left it the way it was set up and it was fine as a leading rein. 
Little J always tries to let go of my hand when we are put and about so I think he just loved the independence the Toddlepak gave him. I obviously didn't need to hold his hand whilst he was wearing it so he had complete freedom - or so he thought!!!
There are a seven colours available in the Toddlepak range and each colour is represented by an different animal. To view the collection please visit Trunki 


*we were sent a trunk Toddlepak to review. All thoughts and opinions are our own*
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Tesco Loves Toddler Range

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Little J has been trying out some of the Tesco Loves Toddler Range recently. When it arrived I was drawn to the bright colours and animal pictures. Very cute and very appealing to toddlers.
We were sent a variety of items including
Easy Scoop Plate

This for me was just a perfect design for little J. The rim around the edge meant he could push his food towards the side using the cutlery set (see below) and scoop it up. We had very little mess to which was a bonus.
Easy Hold Cutlery

Little J still uses a plastic spoon and we hadn't introduced a fork yet but I let him have a go at the both of these and they were great. They are quite light but with a nice chunky easy to grip handle. He can feed himself with a spoon already but he hasn't mastered the fork yet.. but he will in time.
Easy Grip Sipper

Little J has used a bottle like this before and if I am honest we had to stop because it would leak everywhere if he tipped it or left it on the side. This however is different as it has a valve inside which prevents spills so perfect for my little J who likes to tip the bottle upside down.

Snack Box

Again this is another that is perfect for us. I actually have so many boxes but I use them all the time. They are just perfect for days out or a visit to friends and family. The box isn't to big either so great for just a sandwich or snack. It will hold the cutlery set too.
Catch It All Bib

We have something very similar to this already but its made of material (like an apron) rather than plastic. The design is so cute and bright but for little J I thought it was a little too young. He also really doesn't like anything round his neck while he is eating we have to hold him down to get his bib on. He wasn't keen on the plastic feel around his neck.
Finished off using some Tesco Loves Toddler Apple scented wipes.
As you will see from the photographs the Tesco Loves Toddler Range comes in variety of colours and designs.
You can view more details around each product by visiting HERE


*we were sent the selection of tesco loves toddler range for a review. All thoughts above are our own*
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No More Stinky Smells

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When little J was born I was actually overwhelmed with what you can buy for babies these days. It was so long since we had big J that I actually forgot how much stuff a little one needs. On top of all the 'must haves' we did get a little carried away with buying stuff we didn't actually need. 
Not once did it cross my mind to buy a nappy bin. I'm not sure why but I didn't actually think we would need one. Since having one for just a week I realised that a) We did need one and b) We should have got one from day one.
We were given the chance to review the Tomee Tippee Nappy Disposal System and like I said I had never thought we needed one so I wanted to give it a go.
The nappy bin comes in two new colours, pink and blue and are exclusive to Mothercare. I chose blue for my monkey.
When it arrived it was smaller than I imagined and was a nice soft baby blue. It was already set up and ready to use in the box but I'm not sure whether all bins come like that. If not there was a step by step guide on how to get it ready and it does seem quite easy to fit the nappy bag refill. I will need to refer back to it when its time to refill the nappy sacks.
So its not rocket science really what the nappy disposal system does, basically your little one does a stinky and you pop it in the bin. It is however quite clever so let me explain.
You pop the nappy in the bin which is lined with a nappy sack.
Once the nappy is in the bin you need to twist the outside wheel which is grey with a little handle to grasp.

As you twist in a clockwise direction you will see the nappy sack start to close with the nappy inside.

Once you have have turned the wheel clockwise in a 360 degree turn the sack should be completely closed.

Then all you need to do is close the lid. This then pushes the nappy and sack down in the bin.

When you open the lid again a new fresh nappy sack is waiting for the next nappy.

I thought the nappy would just fall to the bottom of the bin but it doesn't it hangs onto the fresh nappy sack and so on. It reminds me of a string of sausages. 

The nappy bin came with a free refill which is just a cartridge which like I said earlier seems easy to fit.

So that's it. Very simple but very useful and easy to use. 

There is a  list of key features on the website HERE but a few points to mention are

The system holds 28 nappies at any one time (based on size 1). I can't imagine letting it fill up with that many nappies though.

The system comes with a nappy cassette pre loaded.

The Blue and Pink version are exclusive to Mothercare at the moment and are currently priced at £15.50 although it does say original RRP is £31 so if you are wanting to buy one I would suggest sooner rather than later as the price may go back up. This does include two refills.

For more information you can visit Tommee Tippee HERE

I am really pleased with the nappy disposal system. It has saved me going back and forth to the bin and there has been no nasty smells lingering since we have been using it so I would definitely give it a Mummy2Monkeys thumbs up.

*we were sent the nappy disposal system to review in return for a honest review. all the thoughts and opinions above are my own*
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Mummy 2 Monkeys takes the Pampers #BritainsDriestNappy test

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Its been over 12 years since we bought our very first pack of nappies for big J. We honestly had no idea what brand to choose but based on popularity and a brand we recognised we chose Pampers. We continued to use Pampers right the way through until big J was potty trained. For us Pampers was the best brand ever as big J never got a sore bottom or nappy rash.
 
When little J came along 11 years later it was obvious we would choose Pampers and again we will continue to use them throughout. We have never had any problems with Pampers at all and *touch wood* little J has never had a sore bottom.
 
There are a few varieties of Pampers available but we have always chose Simply Dry or Baby Dry. They just sound like the best option because you want your baby to be dry and comfortable.
 
I recently found out that actually Pampers Active Fit is the UK's driest nappy and I have been asked to take the #BritainsDriestNappy challenge.
 
Anyone can take part all you will need is the following.
 
1 Active Fit nappy
150 ml of tap water inside a baby bottle or cup
A piece of tissue paper or kitchen roll
1 stop watch
1 pair of scissors
 
I also had my scientist assistant, big J to help out.
 
Firstly big J opened the nappy as if he was putting it on little J. Almost like a bowl shape. Big J has only changed little J's nappy a few times so I was surprised he knew what to do ;)
 
He poured the water onto the nappy. 150ml is a on average 2-3 wee's which is normally the amount a baby wee's before you think about changing a nappy.
 
Once the water had gone on to the nappy he set the timer for 1 minute and 30 seconds. We watched the nappy as it absorbed all the water although 150mls didn't seem a lot, the nappy did become quite full.
 
It seemed like forever until 1 minute and 30 seconds was over. How strange when you are watching time it goes very slow. 
 
Big J put kitchen roll on to the nappy and applied pressure as if little J was sat on it.
 
He lifted it off and we checked the kitchen roll for wet patches but it was dry and we also felt the nappy and it was completely dry. 
 
So the next part was to see how it works. This is were the scissors come in. Now I wouldn't fancy doing this next part with a nappy full of wee so if you are going to do this test make sure you use water.
 
Big J cut the nappy open across the middle.
 

Inside are absorbent micro pearls that absorbed the water to form a gel which then locks the water away protecting for up to 12 hours. These little pearls can hold up to 30 times their own weight so up to 3 small bottles of milk.
 
Am I convinced?
 
Like I said before we have always used Pampers so I know first hand how good the brand is. I love the fact that this test proves that my little J's bottom isn't damp at any time in between changes. 
 
I have never bought Active Fit so that's something for us to consider on our next nappy shop, but as long as little J is in nappies Pampers will always be our brand.
 
 
This post is an entry for #BritainsDriestNappy trial sponsored by Pampers. Learn more at facebook.com/PampersUKIre
 
 
I was asked to take part in the #BritainsDriestNappy challenge thanks to britmums and provide an honest review*
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