What fine motor skill can you expect from this busy, busy infant?

Crawling is either just around [...]]]> The Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo Is a Good Option

Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

What is it about the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo that might appeal to your baby now that she hit the four-month milestone? You can already tell that the swing, bouncer, play mat or baby gym no longer enthrall her.

Crawling is either just around the corner, or maybe he already is. What to do? Well, you might check out this Jumperoo. It’s not only top-rated, it’s also a bestselling one on Amazon.

Why does it earn this distinction? First let’s look at the features and then hear what actual users say about it. Then you can make your own decision.

Features of the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo

These features are sure to captivate your child from now till she reaches the manufacturers recommended height (about 32 inches), weight (about 25 pounds), or she tries to climb out.

• Toys at five locations provide ample incentive to develop eye-hand coordination by encouraging him to explore through reaching and grasping.
• A spinning lizard that makes a crinkly sound; a monkey swinging from a vine, a tiger that plays hide and seek, are just three of the animals sure to attract his attention.
• A motion sensor activates lights and sounds when she jumps or bounces.
• The bright colors and variety of textures stimulates visual discrimination and tactile senses.

These features appeal to parents, grandparents or other care givers:

• A padded seat that rotates 360 degrees gives him a change of scenery without your constantly having to make the adjustment for him.
• The seat also adjusts to three heights to accommodate the growing child.
• You have the option of activating a toy to give 4 minutes of variety.
• The measurements of the jumper are 32 inches wide by 37 inches deep.
• Quickly folds for moving to another room or take to grandma’s.

It does require three AA batteries.

Now, what do actual users have to say about the Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo?

One grandmother bought it for her granddaughter to use and likes that it breaks down for easy storage.

A “First Time Mommy” says that it takes her daughter hours to “turn around enough times to see all the activities.” She also likes that it was easy to put together. Even though her daughter’s feet didn’t touch the floor at first, she solved the problem by putting a small box under her feet.

Another mom raves that her son “lit up” when she first put him in it. A few times he even clung to the jumperoo he so didn’t want to leave it.

Still another user touts the secure seat that adjusts to three levels and especially likes it that her son is entertained while they cook.

This mom likes that the springs are covered so little fingers can’t get pinched. Fisher-Price went the extra measure by making the covering for the springs to look like jungle vines. The only thing she doesn’t like is that sometimes the sounds get a little much. But even with the sound turned off, her son still loves it.

You’ve read about all the features of the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumper and what others have said, one final thing you might do before making a final decision—let your baby try one out at a friend’s house, a church nursery, a mother’s day out program, even a store (if they will let you). That way you’ll know that you’ve made the best possible decision. Happy shopping!

There are actually two styles of jumpers – one you mount in a doorway; the other [...]]]> Tips for Selecting a Stationary Baby Jumper

The Stationary Baby Jumper allows your child to assume a vertical position. He’s tired of being on his back, tummy, or in a reclining position; and he’s just itching to get mobile.

There are actually two styles of jumpers – one you mount in a doorway; the other is stationary.

There are some major safety issues with the door mounted ones: clamps breaking or detaching from the bungee-type cord, babies bumping into door facings because either their vigorous jumping caused it or a sibling trying to swing them.

For this reason I would urge you to consider, instead, the stationary baby jumper. Your child should be able to use it up to 25 pounds or 30 to 32 inches in height.

So what should you look for in the stationary baby jumper?

• Look for one in which the cables are positioned at the corners and attaching to an independent low stand. This averts the possibility of the jumper tipping over or the baby crashing into the frame. This is a problem with those in which the seat is attached to an overhead frame with single overhead cable.
• See if it can be safely folded for storage or travel.
• Make sure the springs on the baby jumper are covered to avoid your baby getting accidentally pinched.
• Check to see if the seat can be adjusted. A plush seat aids comfort.
• Be vigilant with the toy trays on the stationary jumper. Make sure they are firmly attached and contain no small parts that your baby could ingest.

Here are some additional safety tips for a stationary baby jumper:

• Your baby needs to be closely supervised when he is in his stationary jumper.
• They should not be used near hazardous areas such as stairs, pools, or hot surfaces.
• Pitch the jumper if it is damaged.
• They work better and are safer when placed on a level surface indoors.

If you are thinking that this may contribute to her learning to walk, then you might want to choose a different product. Because jumpers are springy, they really don’t strengthen the thigh and back muscles that she needs in order crawl or walk.

At some point [...]]]> Check Out the Chicco DJ Baby Walker

Chicco DJ Baby Walker

What is it about the Chicco DJ Baby Walker that makes it a bestselling AND a top-rated product? Looking at the product features and finding out what actual users say about it is the best way to see why it earns this distinction.

At some point in your research, check out my buying guide for baby walkers. This gives you some good tips on what to check for before you buy.

Chicco Baby Walker features:

• The removable play tray features keyboard, drums, buttons, lights, sounds and rattles. This not only enriches gross motor skills, it appeals to the auditory, visual discrimination, and tactile senses.
• The seat is rounded and padded for comfort. Always a plus – you can remove it for washing!
• You can fold it compactly for storage or transport to Grandma’s.
• It has three adjustable height settings.
• The six friction strips are supposed to stop the walker any time your baby encounters steps or stairs.

Now let’s check with actual users of the Chicco Baby Walker:

One mother says “I just love that they are durable and easy to use, and easy to clean. This walker is great, the seat comes off so you can throw it in the washer, the top part that is used to play with comes off so you can put snacks or other toys there so they don’t have to play with the same thing over and over again. The bumper is pretty big which helps him not being able to reach for that many things. The rollers work great and never get caught on anything. It was pretty easy to put together, the chair part was a little hard, but anyone with some strength will be able to do it. It has brakes but I haven’t tested it on the stairs yet. Overall another great Chicco product well worth the money!”

A mother of twins lets us know that “I also like that the music tray comes off the walker to be used elsewhere. There are bumpers on the bottom so if you have a little traveler and he hits a different floor level, the bumpers help to stop the walker. I don’t think their foolproof – and all walkers can be unsafe – but they do work when my guys travel from the hard wood floor to an area rug. If I had one complaint it would be that the plastic wheels squeak sometimes but I haven’t looked into stopping the squeak. I’m sure there’s a way to do that. I have the blue Sea Dreams model and the colors are great; the walker looks stylish..”

Even Grandmas like it. This one says, “We are pleased with this purchase for our 9 month old grand-son. He immediately took to the sorting and is now holding on to the walker portion and walking. It has nice sound and is sturdy. We have both tile and wood floors and it hasn’t “gotten away” from him yet. The wheel base is wide enough where it doesn’t fall on him when he decides to sit. It has a good varity of noises to keep his interest. I will start checking out more Chicco toys.”

Yet another user relates, “I was skeptical to get her a walker but so glad that I purchased this. Not only is it a walker but also a great toy. She loves to put the objects through the slot that lights up and makes noise. There are also different shapes that you can put in the corresponding slots, but they don’t trigger the same noise/lighting up which was kinda disappointing. My only other complaint is that the walker wheels do not swivel and I have to keep adjusting it so that she goes straight. Despite those 2 things, I still gave it 5 stars based on the value of the product. It’s fairly cheap and has already amused her for hours and

The Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Center earned a top marks from a prominent magazine that researches and tests consumer products.

Let’s take a look at the features of this award-winning activity station:

Mobiles optimize the total sensory motor integration. They include sound, movement, and bright and/or contrasting colors. Since infants do not see clearly, your baby sees contrasting colors best.

Mobiles that are black and white offer the best contrast. Throw something red in the mix for a bit more [...]]]>

Mobiles Shopping Guidelines

Mobiles optimize the total sensory motor integration. They include sound, movement, and bright and/or contrasting colors. Since infants do not see clearly, your baby sees contrasting colors best.

Mobiles that are black and white offer the best contrast. Throw something red in the mix for a bit more color. Add movement and sound to catch her attention and you have a toy sure to enhance you infant’s learning.

In addition to the sensory motor aspect, you are concerned about safety and ease of installation. The best source of information about safety and recalls is the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Tiny Love Sweet Island Dreams Mobile With multidimensional movement and tranquil music, the TINY LOVE Sweet Island Dreams Mobile entertains your baby and encourages important developmental skills. The green mobile arm ... read more

Sorting products by Store Name

	Tiny Love Sweet Island Dreams Mobile With multidimensional movement and tranquil music, the TINY LOVE Sweet Island Dreams Mobile entertains your more...		$37.00
	Tiny Love Take Along Mobile, Animal Friends more...		$20.29
	Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile Birth & up. This mobile is eye catching with high contrast graphic pictures in bright more...		$25.48
	Fisher-Price Rainforest Peek-A-Boo Leaves Musical Mobile more...		$31.00
	Fisher-Price Precious Planet 2-in-1 Projection Mobile Designed for use from birth up to five months, the Fisher-Price Precious Planet Two-in-One Projection more...		$49.50
	Tiny Love Tiny Princess Mobile more...		$49.99
	Animals Wooden Ceiling Mobile Colorful and fun mobile with animals and a warm bright sun. Will keep your baby more...		$23.95
	Tiny Love Classic Mobile more...		$39.95

Searching the web for the best product deals...

Related Products You May Like

	Tiny Love Take Along Mobile, Animal Friends
	Tiny Love Take-Along Arch, Sunny Stroll
	Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
	Fisher-Price Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse Blue
	Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies and Lights Deluxe Gym

General safety guidelines for mobiles include:

• Manufactured later than 2007
• Follow manufacturers directions for installation
• Check fastening elements (screws, etc.) for security and proper position
• String securely fastened and no longer than 7 inches
• Be SURE to register the mobile with the manufacturer
• MAKE SURE the child cannot grasp or pull it.

There was a massive recall of many baby and children’s products in 2007. That’s the reason for the first guideline above. So one manufactured after that year is best.

Mobiles to Enhance

However, if you find a mobile you like and it fits your criteria as an excellent way to enhance your baby’s sensory motor development, log onto the CPSC web site and search by manufacturer or product to verify there is no recall.

Safety is the first concern for any toy you purchase. For valuable free information on toy safety and proper toy cleaning, please visit the Ultimate Toy Safety resource, MadeSafeToys.org

Once your baby sits by himself,  just put it away. He’s on to other toys.

I’ll be adding more information and giving several suggestions for mobiles that enhances her initial learning experience.

You won’t want to miss when the information when it’s available. To insure you get it “hot off the press,” just click on the Orange RSS button, you’ll be notified when additional information is added.

A shopping guide for books? Yes! As a teacher of the visually impaired, I learned much about how important this is. But, you say, my child isn’t visually impaired so what difference does it make? What I learned in working with the visually impaired actually enhances the development of normally [...]]]>

Book Shopping Guide?

A shopping guide for books? Yes! As a teacher of the visually impaired, I learned much about how important this is. But, you say, my child isn’t visually impaired so what difference does it make? What I learned in working with the visually impaired actually enhances the development of normally sighted children.

So what do we look for when selecting a book for the infant?

• Durability
• Font size
• Number of words on a page
• Pictures
• Colors

An In Depth Look at Book Features

Durability…Board books offer the best durability, as she begins to develop those fine motor skills. They have to withstand little fingers tugging on the pages, mouthing and being tugged about.

Cloth or plastic ones, along with durability, can be washed. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions and any attachment before plopping the cloth one in the washer. It is a bit more difficult to turn the pages in board books…but that’s not enough to not buy one.

Font Size…Most of the time this is not an issue. Generally, font size in textbooks up to through the third grade is adequate—even for children whose vision was somewhat impaired. Just make sure the type is bold, clear, crisp.

Number of words on a page…For the newborn, they don’t even need any words. One or two at the most. As he matures, he’ll have the patience for you to read more words.

Pictures…Look for those with simple bold, lines, or photos. Children generally respond better to photos. Start with books that have only one or two pictures on a page. As you point out the pictures encourage her to make sounds. This promotes language development.

Colors…Pictures only need 2-4 bold, basic colors initially. Photos might have more colors. Begin with pictures that spotlight just one item…just a sheep, or a car, for instance.

Harking back to my days as a teacher of the visually impaired, my best suggestion is: avoid visual clutter, or business, at least initially.

As infant learning toys, books truly do integrate the sensory motor development. They encourage visual perception, language, tactile,  and fine and gross motor development .

That’s what I thought, too. In fact I hesitated to tackle these two senses because, frankly, I didn’t think there were many toys that could [...]]]> Smell And Taste In The Newborn?

Gifts to enrich the smell and taste in the newborn?! You’ve got to be kidding. You even ask, “How can you even know this?”

That’s what I thought, too. In fact I hesitated to tackle these two senses because, frankly, I didn’t think there were many toys that could enhance their development. Well, there aren’t, but there are lots of activities. Maybe not so many activities for the newborn, but definitely as they get older.

But was I ever surprised by just how much odors and tastes DO affect the child! As I did more research, I learned that they are even affected before they’re born.

SMELL

According to David B. Chamberlain, Ph.D. in The Fetal Senses: A Classical View, research now shows that the baby’s system for smelling in utero is much more complex than originally thought.

How can they detect odor in utero? They do so in two ways: through the amniotic fluid and through the placenta.

Again referring to Dr. Chamberlain, the nose develops between 11 and 15 weeks of gestation. So the amniotic fluid, in which the baby lives, bathes not only the baby’s olfactory cavity, the area responsible for smell, but also the oral and pharyngeal cavities, the areas responsible for swallowing. Thus the baby smells and swallow it.

The placenta carries products of the mother’s diet. That may explain why your baby reacts to certain foods you eat.

All of this before he is even born!!

So what odors do they detect after birth?

• They distinguish their own mother’s scent, as opposed to other women’s, and prefer it. It also has a soothing effect after a stressful situation…like shots.
• Vanilla also seems to have a soothing effect, according to an article by Dr. Maureen Williams. And in a scientific study published in Pediatrics, vanilla had a beneficial effect in premature infants.
• Sweet and non-sweet odors. They prefer sweet ones.
• Strong odors—they turn away from those.

TASTE

Just as babies are able to smell and taste before birth, they can do the same in utero. Taste buds appear on the baby’s tongue by the 12th week of pregnancy. Tests in utero show that they seem to prefer sweet ones to bitter and sour ones by swallowing more with sweet ones. So they really are born with a pretty well-developed sense of taste and definitely have preferences.

Generally, pediatricians don’t begin solid food until about four to six months.

HOWEVER, the first indication of food allergies DOES appear in these first three months.

Food Allergies

For whatever reason, some newborns do not receive enough nourishment from breast milk so they may have to supplement with formula. Some newborns cannot tolerate regular formula, mainly due to the cows’ milk ingredient of lactose.

One of our twins had to use a soy formula. And our granddaughter also developed an intolerance for cows’ milk. She was placed on soy, but before she turned two, she had developed a moderate allergy toward that. She now drinks rice milk.

When she kept getting colds and throwing up, her pediatrician did a blood test and discovered she had moderate allergies for milk, eggs, wheat (not gluten per se) and soy.

Your pediatrician will be able to help you determine whether this is the case or not. Note any signs of lactose sensitivity and relate them to the baby’s doctor.

Signs of Lactose Sensitivity:

• Family history of lactose sensitivity
• Skin manifestations of rash, hives, eczema around forehead.
• Vomiting.
• Gassiness, fussiness, or colicky.
• Changes in stools.
• Fluctuating weight.
• Stuffy nose.