Babies & Kids Blog

My daughter is almost 2, and she loves to pretend to cook like Mommy and Daddy.  Up until now we’ve been letting her clank around in the pots and pans we use, but recently we’ve decided to buy her a play kitchen.  I remember how much fun I had with my play kitchen when I was little.  First, I started checking out yard sales.  It turns out play kitchens are in such high demand they are almost impossible to snag!  So, I started looking online and I’ve found some adorable choices…

KidKraft Large Play Kitchen: $114.99

Oh, how I love this!  Why can’t I have a pink refrigerator for my real grown up kitchen?!  I love that it’s solidly built from wood and big enough for a few kids to play with at once.  Check out the pretend ice dispenser!

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Kitchen Play Center $224.89

Melissa and Doug are known for making toys that are extremely high quality and educational, and this is no exception.  I love how this kitchen looks so realistic down to the “magnets” on the fridge and the colorful “tile”.

Guidecraft Sunflower Play Kitchen $119.99

This one is smaller, but it’s plenty big for fun.  The sink is removable and holds water so kids can get a first taste of dish washing.

For Here or To Go Kitchen-Land of Nod: $35.00

This stovetop is great for travel or vacations at grandma’s house but what I really like about it is that it can be used on a counter or kitchen table so your child can cook along with you, and the it can be folded down and moved!  Very clever, and a bargain!

Guidecraft Play Natural Kitchen Center $184.80

I like this kitchen because it’s two sided so kids can play on either side and not run into each other.  The natural wood look is something you usually have to pay a lot more for too.

You may have noticed that I haven’t chosen anything plastic, and that’s because my personal preference is for wood.  I do want to share this one though, because I think it’s really unique and you get a LOT for the money:

Little Tikes Sizzle & Serve Kitchen: $169.99

It features a grill, a pot rack and an ice dispender that actually dispenses (plastic) ice!  It also can be configured in two different ways to fit your space.  Cool!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more toy kitchens.

Are you ready to put away the baby crib?  Have a second baby coming and need to evict your older child from their crib?

Deborah Lin-Dyken, pediatric sleep disorders expert says:

“There’s no set time when you have to replace your child’s crib with a regular or toddler bed, although most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 1/2 and 3 1/2.  It’s best to wait until your child is closer to 3, since many little ones just aren’t ready to make the transition.  Of course, you’ll need to move your toddler to a bed when he’s simply too big or too active to sleep in a crib anymore.  And once he’s potty-trained, he’ll need to be able to get out of bed to use the toilet.  Another reason parents make the switch to a bed is the impending arrival of another baby.  If this is your situation, make the switch at least six to eight weeks before you’re due.  You want your toddler well settled in his new bed before he sees the baby taking over “his” crib.”

Here are five fun and functional toddler beds:

Kidkraft Princess Toddler Bed: $104.23

Is this not the most precious bed ever?  Perfect for little princesses!  It is low to the ground so toddlers can easily get in and out.  A standard crib mattress fits the bed and bed rails help to keep them from rolling out.  Gold crowns and decorative painting make it something special!

DaVinci Sleigh Toddler Bed: $129.00

Classically styled, this bed comes in several colors including hard to find black.  The sturdy frame is made from New Zealand Radiata Pine and fits a standard crib mattress.

KidKraft Firefighter Bed: $109.95

KidKraft’s Firefighter series will make any boy or girl feel like a little hero!  The Fire Truck bed is brightly colored and has cool ladder cut-outs that also work as bed rails.  A special storage compartment is great for keeping a special bedtime story close at hand.  The silkscreened fire truck details really stand out.  Fits a standard size crib mattress.

Little Tikes Lightning McQueen Roadster Toddler Bed: $196.00

This is the toddler version of the hugely popular twin sized model!  Great for little fans of the movie!  The bed accepts a standard crib mattress.  Beds like this one make it easy to create a theme room for your toddler!

Kidkraft Nantucket Bed: $80.00

Low to the ground for safety, this bed is simple and fresh looking.  It fits a regular crib mattress and is solidly build from MDF and has a non-toxic finish.  It’s very attractive, even down to the affordable price!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable toddler beds.
Discounts on Da Vinci kids’ beds and KidKraft kids’ beds.

It’s that time of year—when parents everywhere open the windows, put away the Wii, and tell their kids in no uncertain terms:  “It’s a beautiful day!  Go outside and play!”  My mom used to lock the doors behind us until approximately dinner time.  Times have changed!  Even so, fun is still to be had and here are some great outdoor toys to keep your kids busy:

Crayola 3D Giant Chalk Set: $11.99

This is the must have chalk set for kids this year.  Every kid I know wants this!  The chalk set comes special chalk and 3-D glasses.  When worn, the glasses make the sidewalk designs pop out in 3-D.  Very cool.  Plus, it all washes off with water.

Banzai Wiggling Water Sprinkler: $14.99

Fun for all ages!  The sprinkler has an extra long hose and 15 wiggly sprayers.  Water your lawn and entertain your kids at the same time!

Little Tikes Auto Pitch Batting Trainer: $24.98

For beginners this is a standard easy T-ball set.  It can change into an automatic pitch-up machine or kids whose skills are a little more developed.  Push the foot switch to release five time-delayed balls.  It plays a sound to tell your child the ball is coming.  Great for developing muscle coordination and motor skills and so fun too!

Wham-O Slip‘N Slide Double Wave Rider: $19.00

The Double Wave Rider lets two kids slide at once.  Perfect for hot summer days.  Kids can race each other or take it slow and enjoy the cool water.  The slide is huge: 16 feet long!  It is sure to bring lots of laughs!

Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set: $22.84

This one is for the little people!  Toddlers love this basketball set.  You can keep it indoors too!  It’s great for developing motor skills.

Intex Sun Shade Pool: $19.99

This pool keeps baby shaded.  Made for babies, but big enough for pre-school aged children too.  The extra wide walls make it more comfortable.  So fun for baby, and mighty nice for mama too:  put your feet in, and sit back with some cold lemonade while baby splashes away!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable outdoor toys.
Discounts on sports toys.

Isn’t it funny how simple this little play set looks to us now, but when we were little this was like “so cool!”  When we were the ages 1-4 exactly, our little imaginations could run wild with this thing. It includes a hideout to escape from dragons, a crawl tunnel to sneak up on villains, a slide, a rock wall and a working steering wheel to coast back to see their “people” after victory.

Little Tikes Climb and Slide Castle: $ 59.99 Now: $53.99

*Use coupon code meijerhalf at checkout and save 50% off standard ground shipping!

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more outdoor toys.
Discounts on Little Tikes toys.

The weather this weekend was nice and breezy.  It’s about that time to take the kiddies out for some outdoor play and/or relaxing.  Here are some great kids’ outdoor furniture sets on sale: 

Naturally Playful Picnic Table with Umbrella: $69.99 Now: $62.99

Doesn’t this table remind you of a mini version of the tables at In N’ Out?

Little Tikes: Sand & Water Fun Factory: $49.99 Now: $44.99

Little Tikes: Climb & Slide Castle: $74.99 Now: $58.49

Little Tikes: Swing Along Castle: $109.99 Now: $89.99

For more kids’ outdoor furniture click here.

Now that the weather is nice & not freezing…it’s time to get the kiddies out for some exercise!  Here are some great sports & outdoor toys on sale:

Little Tikes: Dora & Diego Sand & Water Adventure:

$59.99 Now: $52.99

Big Driver Golf Club Set:

$139.99 Now: $107.76

Playhut 3-in-1 Sports Arcade: $25.00 Now: $19.97

Nursery Folding Trampoline: $135.99 Now: $79.95

Disney Princess: Magic Hideaway Playhut Tent:

$25.00 Now: $19.97

Little Tikes: Whirly Bounce Rider: $79.99 Now: $71.99

Megaland Playhut Tent: $70.00 Now: $49.97

For more sports & outdoor toys click here.

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