Thrifty Thursday: $5 Organic Baby Clothes

I bought a few winter outfits over the holidays at WalMart.  The baby Faded Glory stuff is $5 (some of it $4 on clearance).  They have khakis, jeans, long sleeve dress shirts and thermal shirts.  Don't go by the size info on the tag because it says they run small, but they actually run a size larger.  


My almost 12 month old son is 30" tall and about 25 pounds. The 12 month shirts fit him like a normal shirt and the 18 months are a little big.  I didn't try the 12 month pants because his cloth diapers are poofy, but the 18 month pants have a little growing room without being overwhelming even with disposables.  The 24 month pair of pants I bought him was so long (fit more like a 2t or 3t in other brands) that it needed serious hemming, and the waist is pretty big but not so much that they fall off with normal movement.  What partly threw me off was that most baby clothes shrink A LOT, but these didn't shrink that much.  Other pluses:  they're supposedly 70-100% organic cotton depending on the item, they aren't made in China.


The selection isn't huge, but you can't beat the price (especially for organic) if you're looking for a few basics for your baby's wardrobe that you'll be able to mix and match with other clothing.

Something New on Fridays!

Starting soon, Cool Mom's Blog will posting a baby product review on Fridays in a segment called The Friday Review.  Find out what products this first time mom loved, hated, and used the most to make figuring out what "stuff" you really need easier.

Cool Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

My baby's first Christmas is coming up and it's super exciting even though he, at 11 months, won't remember much of it.  He is, however, very much enjoying the lights, musicial decorations, and shiny objects that abound during the season.  Since his birthday follows right on the heels of the holidays, I've been doing a lot of research on gifts.  The focus of my search is toys that will be long-lasting (both as hand-me-downs and his length of interest in them), stimulating, safe, and as environmentally conscious as possible.  I've discovered a lot of great gifts that will be perfect for now and to keep in mind for the future.

And for those online shopping parents and grandparents out there, I highly recommend signing up for the free Amazon Mom program.  They don't tell you this when you sign up (so I was pleasantly surprised), but you get up to 1 year free of Amazon Prime benefits.  Even if you don't sign up for Amazon Mom, you can still get a free 1-month trial of Amazon Prime.  Amazon Prime is normally $75 a year, and it gives you free 2-day shipping on anything that qualifies toward free standard shipping without the program.  Get all your Christmas gifts delivered to your door with expedited shipping for free with no minimum purchase requirement!  Be warned, however - I have to say that free 2-day shipping is rather addictive...

Without further ado, here's a list of my favorite toys, many of which will be showing up under the tree and for his birthday this year and as he gets older.

For the wee ones (0-24 months)

Sophie the Giraffe by Vulli $18-$20

For the past 10 months since my son's birth, I have ignored this very adorable giraffe because I, like many others, felt this was more akin to an overpriced dog toy than a teether.  Curiosity finally got the best of me, and I clicked the link on an Amazon.com window shopping foray.  After all, with a 4.5 out of 5 star rating from almost 1000 reviewers, there had to be something to the hype.

For someone who teethes as ferociously as my son (I have many bruises, cuts, and bite marks from his attacks), it looks like Sophie just might be worth the $20.  The first thing I noticed was that Sophie is large for a teether at about 4"x7".  Personally, I think that's great because it means she's easy to hold, has plenty of surface area for biting, and won't get lost in the cracks of the couch or under the furniture if my son drops her.  When the teething phase is over, we might still get some use out of her as a conventional toy or bath time buddy because of her size.

She's made out of 100% natural rubber and food paint, so none of that made-in-China lead contamination to worry about and the rubber is phthalate and chemical free since it's plant-derived.   The rubber is very durable and long lasting.  Sophie squeaks when she's squeezed, so she provides aural stimulation for those babies (like mine) who love sounds.  The high contrast spots are great for younger babies to focus on, and the appendages, which are made of thicker rubber than the main body, are great for gnawing.  The legs are perfect for getting on the back gums when the 1 and 2 year molars come in, so she's a functional teether for infants and toddlers at any stage.  The bottom line is that Sophie is made to LAST and she's one of the safest teethers out there.

If you're still not convinced she's worth the investment, Sophie's friend Chan Pie Gnon, a smaller mushroom-shaped creature that comes in blue, pink, or yellow, is made to the same standards with equally great reviews for a fraction of the cost ($13.50).  For an even more economical choice, Vulli also makes a 2-pack of Vanilla Flavored Teething Rings ($9-$12).

Winkel by Manhattan Toys $10-$13

There's a plastic toy similar to this at the nursery where I attend church.  I haven't been able to figure out exactly what it is or who makes it, but my son is mesmerized by it every time he sees it.

The Winkel by Manhattan Toys looks like an even better option than the one at the nursery for many reasons.  Essentially a ball made of tangled, colorful loops, the Winkel is comprised of soft, bendable plastic that is great for teething and play that helps develop fine motor skills and spatial learning.  The bright colors are beautiful and will hold baby's attention with the many moveable parts.   For extra teething relief, the Winkel can be chilled in the refridgerator.  When baby gets older, roll the Winkel across the floor to encourage creeping, crawling, and cruising as he chases after it.








My First Blocks by Green Toys $18-$22





These beautifully colored blocks are soft and rounded for safe play with the youngest of children, but will probably get a few years of interest with stimulating, open-ended play.  The lightweight blocks are free of BPA, pthalates, PVC, and external coatings, and they are large enough and bright enough to be visible so they don't get stepped on by adults and will help make clean up easier.  Made in the USA from recycled plastic milk jugs, the Green Toys company helps reduce energy usage and greenhouse emissions with this earth friendly toy.  The packaging is also made of recycled material and printed with soy inks.

Pull-Along Snail by Plan Toys $15





This wonderful toy is colorful and made of organic, recycled rubber wood in Thailand.  The bright hues are attractive, and the snail body moves up and down when pulled.  There is no tipping factor with this cute snail because it will still move and roll if it accidentally gets placed upside down.  The curve of the wheels help the snail get back on it's "feet" when he's on his side.


Plan Toys also makes a Snake, Caterpillar, Puppy, Alligator, and many other earthly friendly toys for all ages (including tea sets, dolls, dollhouses, play food sets, toy vehicles, and more) created to "inspire children's imagination as well as promote physical and intellectual development" with "thoughtful design and age-appropriate challenges to stimulate children's creativity".  FYI Plan Toys has all of their products manufactured in Germany or Thailand and NOT China.






Baby Faith Videos $4-$15


This short series is hosted and narrated by Jodi Benson, the voice of Disney's Little Mermaid.  They are available in DVD and VHS for as low as $4 for a high quality used copy.  And I've seen used ones even lower than that when it's not so close to Christmas.

The puppets and visuals are very interesting and stimulating to my son, and the music is based on traditional hymnody and faith-based tunes.  In between musical interludes, Jodi Benson narrates the essential points of Bible stories and verses in ways that young children can understand and appreciate.  God Made Animals tells the story of Noah, God Made Music feature King David and expounds on a passage from Psalms, baby Moses is featured in God Made Babies, the story of Joseph is the focus God Made Families, God Made Me tells the story of the creation in Genesis, and the birth of Jesus is the emphasis of God Made Christmas.

My son has two of these (God Made Animals and God Made Music) and actually likes them better than Baby Einstein because there is a greater variety of stimuli (speaking, sounds, music, and visual scenes that are related to the theme and narration).  He gets excited when he sees us getting ready to play his videos, and responds to the reciting of lines from Baby Faith even when it's not playing.  He will definitely be getting more of these for Christmas and his birthday, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants another option to Baby Einstein, especially those who prefer a faith-based alternative.






For the not so wee ones (1-4 years)

PlayMobil Sets $10-$300

These fun sets by PlayMobil spark the imagination with high quality figurines and scenes that will get years of use.  The 1.2.3. play sets, like the one pictured to the right, are designed specifically for the youngest toddlers (recommended for 18 months and up) with larger pieces and easy to use/assemble accessories.  The regular play sets are recommended for children 3 and up.  

You'll find everything from fairies, veterinarians, farmers, pirates, Roman centurions, helicopter pilots, and everything in between.  They even make a Nativity play set.  PlayMobil sets remind me of highly detailed lego people and scenes minus the tiny building pieces.  I really like that the characters are generic and not based on TV or overly sexualized stereotypes.  Since many of the sets are historical or academic in nature (medieval knights, Civil War soldiers, Roman Empire Era soldiers, ancient Egyptian families, archeologists, frontier era townspeople, skilled professionals, Cossack warriors, etc.), there is a lot of room for learning and open ended, creative play.

Although they sell most items in sets from basic to extravagantly complete, many of the figurines and accessories are available individually so that you can truly customize your child's play set and add pieces and related sets if your child shows a special interest.  Sets are anywhere between $10 and $300 depending on how elaborate they are.  Many of the smaller sets can be used as add ons to create a complete make believe world--imagine an Egyptian play set complete with pyramids, the Sphinx, mummies, treasure tombs, soldiers, chariots, and camel-riding tomb raiders, Egyptian townspeople, and you'll get what I mean.  Individual figurines, character sets, and accessories start around $3.  All the sets are compatible so you can even mix and match for the ultimate diversity.

Radio Flyer Trike $45-$65



Radio Flyer makes a few different models of ride-on tricycles for toddlers not quite old enough to manage pedals or a house-friendly indoor ride for bigger kids.

Pictured is the Classic Tiny Trike.  The solid wood body makes it very light (8 pounds) so even your 1 year old should be able to manage it, but the classic Radio Flyer style will maintain its cool factor even when your child is older (up to 6 years old according to Radio Flyer).  It's equipped with chrome handles, ergonomic grips, streamers, and ringing bell for extra fun.  It comes with a padded seat like a big kid bike, and the wide wheel base makes it stable and less prone to tipping.

For a more "grown up" look, Radio Flyer also makes the Scoot-About ($45), recommended for 1-3 year olds.  Still very lightweight at just under 10 pounds, the Scoot-About features Radio Flyer's signature steel-constructed body, functional steering, adjustable seat height, streamers, ringing bell, furniture-friendly front bumper, rubber tires for rough terrain, and a wide wheel base.  I think this one is going to have to make it to the birthday list for sure!

If you're looking for a more girly trike, the Trike n Trailer ($57) by The Little Little Toy Company offers soft colors in a sturdy wood-constructed, ride-on tricycle that comes complete with it's own trailer.

I'm also a little bit in love with the Radio Flyer wagons.  Their 3-in-1 Walker Wagon ($35), which has a 42-pound weight limit and can be used indoors and outdoors, converts into push cart, a ride-on, and a pull wagon.  The Classic Walker Wagon ($80) has the signature look of an all-terrain wagon with an all wood body and stiffer wheels so it doesn't roll out from newly initiated walkers.  The 32S All-Terrain Wagon and the Radio Flyer All-Terrain Cargo Wagon (both $100), which is slightly bigger, sport pnuematic tires for outdoor use and detachable, fully finished wood sides so babies and toddlers can ride in them without splinters.  These all-terrain wagons can be use a "coaches" or stuffed animal carriers but are rugged enough and large enough to use in the garden or for outdoor wagon rides.  Radio Flyer even makes a tiny wagon ($12) that's perfect for toddler play with the stuffed animals and makes a great gift basket for little boys.


Stork Craft Rocking Horse ($35-$45)





What child doesn't love a rocking horse?  This inexpensive, all wood model will gets years of play and make a nice heirloom for future generations.  The long runners prevent tipping, and the detailing of the eyes, harness, mane, and tail are adorable.  Multiple color options are available.


For a plush rocking horse option, Tek Nek's "Rock N' Ride"Pony ($35-$40) comes in many colors including pink.  The soft, plush body is cuddly and the runners feature a no slip foot grip.  The Rock N' Ride Pony also moves its mouth to talk, sing, and whinny.









Magna-Tiles $20-$120





Recommended for age 3 and up, this fun take on blocks and Legos features unbreakable tiles with magnetic sides for amazing 3-D building possibilities.  Available in traditional and clear tiles, most of the pieces are large enough that some have said even their infants like to join in the fun although the pieces have corners that are not the most baby-friendly.  The magnetic pieces stick together for fast, easy clean up, storage, and organization.


Choose sets from 32 pieces up to 100+.  Other sets like the Working Trucks allow your child to build their own functioning transportation creations.  Edushape makes a Foam Version that may work better for younger builders.

Top 5 Humidifiers

The Dilemma


Discovered on last week that it's time to get a new humidifier.  We have a Vicks Cool Mist, which is an evaporative model.  It really wasn't that great after the first month or so.  It's expensive to operate as it needs a wicking filter every month or so depending on your water($9-12 unless there's a sale).  While the cleaning cartridge (demineralizer) is optional, it seems based on my experience without it that you really do need it, but the good news about the cleaning cartridge is that the Protec PC1 cartridge is reusable for up to 30 days as long as it is allowed to dry out so that one can potentially be a really good value as long as you don't forget and throw it away.  In addition to evaporative humidifiers not being as efficient or effective at raising the humidity, the Vicks 1 Gallon Cool Mist is hard to clean because the reservoir has an off-centered, bottleneck opening which makes it impossible to scrub the film and buildup that isn't immediately adjacent.  A smell developed a few weeks ago, and I couldn't figure out where it was coming from.  I totally took it apart and found that the inside of the motor housing was filthy from sucking in air and perhaps growing mold but I couldn't tell for sure without opening it.  Of course, the housing isn't removable.  I was able to clean it with a can of compressed air and a day in the sun, all is well.  The smell is gone and everything is back to normal, but I never want to deal with that again.

The humidifier was a gift, and I always planned to replace with a better one because I wanted one that made less waste (little to no filter/cartridge replacements) and was easier to do a thorough cleaning on, and I prefer one that can do both cool and warm mist because there are times when warm mist is more effective but for every day use cool mist is usually preferred. 

Anyway, I thought I'd share my humidifier research since it's the time of year when a lot of people need them.  These are the top 5 I've found for function, noise level, low maintenance, and sterility with sterility and low maintenance being my most desired traits.  All of them are easy to find at the usual places (drug stores, Amazon, Walmart, Target, Diapers.com, etc.) except the Coway, my top choice.  The price listed is the cheapest I found online for each humidifier.

The Research

1) Coway MHS-E5010 (aka Coway HC WJ ONYX) - $125 at www.newbidet.com

From what I've found, this is the proverbial Cadillac of humidifiers.  This dual mist warm/cold ultrasonic humidifer has a 5-stage purification process that ensures the cleanest air and water is being released from the machine and produces the finest mist of all the humidifiers I looked at.  The tank and tray implement nano silver technology to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and microbes.  The air intake is also lined with nano silver to purify the air as it enters the humidifer.  You can fill the tank from openings in the top and bottom of the tank so you don't have to turn it upside down, and it makes it easier to clean since you have access from both sides.  If this isn't enough, it also has various settings including sleep mode, child mode, health mode, and sanitization mode so you have a setting for every need that should arise.  It is a fairly compact model, with a 1.3 gallon tank.  The description says this lasts 12 hours, which is probably an understatement because other one-gallon tanks usually last 18-24 hours.  This is probably the water usage on the warm setting.  Either way, it's more than enough to get through a night's sleep, and it's best to replace the water in every humidifier daily for sanitation purposes.  In short, this humidifier does more than most that cost even twice as much.  When my budget allows, this is the one I'll be getting.  For more detailed information, click the Amazon or NewBidet.com links. 

2) Germ Guardian H1500 Ultrasonic Humidifier - $100 

If you don't want one with all the bells and whistles but still want some nice features, need one to fit a smaller budget, or are more comfortable with analog rather than digital controls, the Germ Guardian is for you.  You still get the dual warm and cool mist, a tank that lasts ups 20 hours, a low water indicator, and nano silver cleaning, in a filterless and silent machine.  Germ Guardian has a great reputation and a 3 year warranty to back up their products and makes a number of products for improving the sanitation in your home including toothbrush sterilizers, air purifiers, and uv light sterilizers.  For more money, they make digital models and humidifiers with more features like variable mist control, adjustable spray, and humidity auto-adjustment.  Or for as low as $48, they also have a table top model that humidifies your personal space and can be used beside your bed and on your office desk for short-distance humidification that doesn't alter a whole room's humidity.

3) Sunpentown SPT SU-4010 Dual Mist Humidifier with Ion Exchange Filter - $75

This very slim model is equipped with warm and cool mist, adjustable split nozzle for bi-directional mist control, overheat protection, and it's own cleaning brush.  The water tank lasts about 10 hours on high in the warm setting, which uses 90 watts, and 12 hours on the highest cool setting, which is 43 watts.  While this is not a filterless model, the filter it uses (SPT ION F-4010) only needs replacing every six months or so.  And the filter does double duty to demineralize the water in addition to removing particulates.  The one downside is that because it's so thin, it can tip over easily if pets or children can reach it.  Make sure to keep it out of reach of curious little hands and paws.

4) Vicks UV 99.999% Germ Free Humidifier - $68

This warm mist model features dual water tanks that function independently of each other, so one side empties before the other which allows you to refill it without having to shut off the machine.  The smaller tanks are easier to handle during refills and cleaning.  No filter is required on this one, but a demineralizer like the Protec cleaning cartridge or Honeywell mineral absorption pad are recommended.  A special UV chamber kills 99.999% of all bacteria, mold, and spores so the water vapors released are about as sterile as it gets.  This machine also has adjustable humidity and mist output settings that you can customize to suit your needs.  Since this is a warm mist model, however, users must take care to not let the unit run dry or it will boil itself out.  Some reviewers have complained that the UV chamber leaks very bright light.  Because of the temperature necessary to create the steam mist, the UV chamber seems superfluous.  A UV cool mist model like this Honeywell would make more sense, but I haven't seen one with good reviews and all the models I saw require filters.  People in general seem to like this Vicks model though.

5) Crane Cool Mist Humidifier - $30-45

For an inexpensive, no fuss humidifier with consistently good ratings, the road stops here.  Cranes are dependable, easy to use, and easy to maintain.  No filters are required, but you may want to use a dimineralizer especially if your water is hard.  These models are cool mist only and come in other colors besides the typical blue and white fair.  For the little ones, they make the line of Adorable 1 Gallon Humidifiers in cute animal shapes, and they even make Sponge Bob and Thomas the Train humidifiers.  If you want the extra antibacterial protection with less expensive humidifiers, you can use Protec Cleaning Cartridges which are actually reusable for 30 days as long as they are allowed to dry out between uses.  A 2-pack is perfect for this because you can take the wet one out during your weekly or biweekly tank maintenance and put the dry one in when you refill the tank.  There are also chemical additives that are supposedly safe for use in cool mist humidifiers like Holmes Bacteriostat but I would stay away from them as they have pretty serious warnings about contact with skin and accidental ingestion.

The Longevity (aka How to Get the Most out of your Humidifier)

With all humidifiers, you'll get the best performance with regular maintenance.  It is recommended to change to empty the reservoirs, rinse, and refill with fresh water every day.  If you use tap water, you may need or want to use cleaning cartridges to prevent mineral buildups.  You should soak the tank and basin or tray weekly with a white vinegar solution (Crane recommends 1/2 gallon water and 2 tablespoons vinegar) for 20-30 minutes to disinfect and remove deposits.  Some recommend a bleach solution, but I prefer to use less harsh treatments.  When not in use (end of season storage, vacations, etc.), the humidifier should be cleaned with the vinegar (or bleach) solution and allowed to air dry completely.  If you use a humidifier with a filter or cartridge, follow the manufacturer's directions to prevent odors, mold, mildew, and bacterial growth.  Most filter and cartridge media should be replaced monthly unless otherwise specified.  Regardless of what the life expectancy is for your humidifier filter, always change it when it becomes discolored or full.

Hyland's Teething Tablet Recall

Standard Homeopathic Company has initiated a voluntary recall on their teething tablets with the following UPC codes:

1. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75041
2. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 250 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75042
3. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75066
4. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 50 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75044
5. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 145 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75121
6. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, Clip Strip 6x125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 35109

The decision was made after the FDA investigated their facilities due to a few "adverse" reports.  The findings were inconclusive, but a few aspects of the manufacturing process were identified that could be improved in order to ensure more uniform dosages in the teething tablets.  Standard Homeopathic Company is working closely with the FDA to implement these changes and is confident that their teething tablets are still a safe choice for infants and toddlers.

Questions and concerns may be directed to Mary C. Borneman, 424-224-4135, mborneman@hylands.com.

Source:  http://www.hylands.com/news/hylands-teething-recall.php

The First Years MiSwivel Feeding Chair Review

Purchased the MiSwivel Feeding Chair by The First Years a few weeks ago, and I have to say that I'm loving it.  It lives up to its claims about being a chair that can go from birth to 4 years old.  My son turned 8 months a few days ago, and I wish I had known about this chair sooner.  We definitely could have used it.  Everything about is so simple to use, install, and adjust that I didn't even have to read the manual!

Alternate side of "Dot to Dot" pattern, and fits well
under the table for comfortable use as a booster.

Why I Chose It


I was looking at few different options including the Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair, another model that attaches to dining chairs, and a few traditional style high chairs.  I ultimately chose this because it was was less expensive than high chairs with the features I wanted (washable cover, sturdy, etc.) but had more features than the Fisher Price which doesn't swivel, has fewer recline positions, doesn't fit under most dining tables because the arms are too tall, and doesn't convert into a low back booster seat.

Overall, it was the best value I could find for my needs because it was the most versatile and had the most features for the least money.  It is a little smaller than the Fisher-Price chair, so it may not last quite as long.  But the smaller size is what makes it work well as a booster seat and as a travel high chair.  The Fisher-Price would not have really worked for me as a booster because the arms wouldn't fit under my or my parents' dining table, so my son would be too far from the table to eat comfortably and without making a mess on the floor.

Dishwasher Safe

Features I Love

• Economical seat can be used as an infant chair, feeding chair, booster seat, and travel high chair.
• The cover is reversible, easily removable, and machine washer safe.  It actually came out better after washing because it was softer (I use Charlie's Soap...it does that!) and the inner padded became fluffier.
• Reclines from 45˚-90˚.  I don't use this feature that much, but I would have used it a lot if I had gotten it when he was a newborn.  It is very easy to use the recline, the seat slides smoothly into position and locks securely.
• 180˚ swivel.  This is really nice because our chairs are heavy, solid wood formal dining chairs and they can be cumbersome to pull out from the table.  You can swivel the chair to the side and get your child out without moving the chair.  The pivot is smooth, able to be used with one hand with some practice, and locks securely into position.
• Dishwasher safe tray with removable, snap on shield.  It's like having 2 trays!  Use the shield at breakfast and the main tray is still clean for the next meal.  The smiley face imprint on the shield is a nice touch.
• Fits well under the table so it can be used without the tray for a larger eating/playing area.  This is particularly useful for me because I can let my son play with his toys while the family is eating and he still gets to interact with us.
• The straps that secure the feeding chair are very long.  They fit around our large dining chairs with plenty of extra left over, so the chair can be safely attached to any chair without problems.  No worries when you take it with you to visit the grandparents or decide to use it at a restaurant.
• Harness converts easily from 5-point harness to 3-point lap belt.  There are 2 shoulder heights to choose from.
• Converting from high chair mode to booster mode is a snap...literally.  The high back snaps into place when you need it (see video demo below).
• It's a compact, space-saving solution that also travels well, especially in booster mode.

Things That Could Be Improved

• It's probably fine, but I wish the seat were a little bit bigger.  My son will be able to use it for a while, but I'm concerned it might be snug before my son reaches 4 years old.  The part that concerns me is the raised guard in the crotch area that keeps the child from slipping out of the chair.
• Could be made of sturdier plastic, but it is by no means flimsy.
• The shoulder harness could definitely be softer or could come with harness covers.  The webbing used for the harness is stiff and sometimes cuts into my son's neck if he's in an extra wiggly mood.  But he'll soon outgrow the need for the shoulder portion of the harness and it won't be an issue any more.

The crotch guard may eventually be snug, and the
chair itself might be a tight fit later on.  My son is
currently 8 months and 23 pounds.

Versatile Functions


Besides the obvious, it's convenient place to put him while the rest of the family is eating dinner.  We put all his toys in front of him, and it allows him to interact with us during meal times without having to hold him.  For younger babies, I can see this being a very comfortable and useful alternative to a bassinet, swing, or baby papasan.  In full recline, it seems like it would be very comfortable for newborns.  It sits up higher than the swings and papasan chair so your infant has a better view and is closer to you, and it's easier to see out of than a bassinet.  If I had purchased this chair sooner, I would have used it as a place to put him while I was cooking or washing his bottles and other kitchen-related chores.  If you have back troubles, the recline is perfect for bottle feeding to give you a break.  It's also the perfect angle for introducing first foods to 4 and 5 month olds who can't sit up well or get tired easily.

I haven't used it for eating out or traveling yet, but I'm looking forward to taking it along with me as a more sanitary option to restaurant high chairs and booster.  It fits easily in the trunk, especially since the high back snaps off and quickly reattaches when you're ready for it or can be left at home for an even more compact travel feeding chair.  If you don't have a full vehicle, it can be placed in one of the seats or even the floor board if it's in booster mode.

Overall, I think this is a great feeding chair and very affordable alternative to a high chair, especially since it has so many more uses.  When I purchased mine, it was on sale for $45 from Amazon, and I got free shipping.  I usually see it for $45-60.  Since he'll most likely be tall enough to sit at the table without it by the time he outgrows it, it's a great value because I won't need to buy a separate booster.  Because I won't be buying an extra baby item and all the packaging that goes with it, I'm actually creating less post-consumer waste too!

To see a demo and all the features in action, check out this video:

Thrifty Thursday: Free Samples for Baby and You

My first post all month!  It's hard to believe how crazy life has been, but it looks like things are slowing down a bit for the time being.

For new parents who aren't sure what to get or seasoned veterans curious about new baby products, today's Thrifty Thursday post features websites where you can sign up to receive coupons and free samples.  The websites are all free to join.

PlanningFamily.com - Get free samples and coupons delivered to your home.  You choose which brands and products interest you, so you can be sure you'll get coupons and samples you'll actually use.

FreeMania.net - Sign up for the newsletter for free baby samples, t-shirts, products for moms, coupons, and sales.

All-Free-Samples.com - Find free samples for babies, kids, parents, and caregivers.  You can request the individual samples that interest you.

FreeBabyStuffOnline.com - Links to samples, coupons, contests, and giveaways.

MySavings.com - Free samples, products, magazine subscriptions and more.  You can find offers for the US, Canada, Great Britain, and more.

BabiesOnline.com - Get free diaper samples, magazine trials and subscriptions, formula and baby food coupons/samples, and more.