15 16 + 17 Month Favorites

As the months go on, it seems like Ethan's interests last a little longer and therefore, his toys get to stick around a little longer.  These last few months have been fun and challenging all at the same time.  While Ethan does enjoy toys, he's more likely to be found playing with things such as boxes, cable cords, makeup, the list goes on...

That being said, he LOVES to mimic us and based on the above, you would think we're huge cleaners.  Seriously...the kid LOVES to vacuum and sweep.  We have both toy vacuums above and like them for different reasons. The Dirt Devil makes the best sound and *bonus* it turns off after about thirty seconds.  The Dyson version is definitely cooler looking with the filtering beads and even has the suction capability, but the noise is pretty quiet {which would probably be a good thing for most parents!}.

Additionally, Ethan got this B. Toys broom set for Christmas and he loves sweeping around the kitchen.

Speaking of B. Toys, Ethan also loves this guitar.  It has three different settings and plays music as well as lets him key around on it.  Super cute!

Another hit these last few months is the shape sorting cube.  I don't know that this is the best one for beginners like Ethan, but he loves trying to fit the shapes in their accompanying slot.  I might suggest this or this for a younger toddler like Ethan.  Also, I should have included this in the set, but he LOVES his musical piggy bank for similar reasons.

To tap into his creative side, Ethan and I play with his Classic Doodler all the time.  Love that it's mess free!

And speaking of messes, Ethan loves these wipes.  He'll clean up his highchair tray after each meal...and then he'll make more messes just so he can clean them up.  They're also great for traveling!  Also great for traveling and entertaining during brushing is this cute toothbrush.  Ethan is pretty good about getting his teeth brushed each night, and this little cow toothbrush definitely helps to add to his excitement.

Last, Ethan's grandma got him these SUPER cute mini Nikes and Ethan just loves them.  Seriously, I can hardly stand mini versions of the adult version...it's too adorable for words.  And these seem like they offer lots of great support.  Win-win!

What are your kids loving these days?!

xo natasha

Thirteen + Fourteen Month Favorites

B. Wheeee-Is Cars: Ethan loves anything that rolls or makes noise and these do both.  These cars make a great clicking noise as they wind up and then move on their own.  Plus they're bright and soft(ish).  I've said it before and I'll say it again, we love B. Toys!
B. One Two Squeeze Blocks: I'm bringing these back from Ethan's 6 month favorites.  He now loves to build little towers {or have us build towers} and then knock them over.  He'll do it over and over and over again.
Pottery Barn Kids Blanket: Ethan has really taken to blankies lately and he especially loves this blanket.  It's even more special since it has his name and birthday monogramed on it.
Broom: Not necessarily a "toy" but Ethan friggin loves a broom.  He drags it all over the house with him.  Deinitely need to invest in a kid-size one for him.
Little Tikes Cozy Truck:  This is the gift that keeps on giving.  Ethan has loved this toy for several months now...he loves climbing in and out and honking the horn.  He's almost tall enough to start walking around in it on his own...but in the meantime, he loves being pushed around the house in it.
Little Tikes Gas 'n Go Mower: Also a hit, the mower is something he walks with and he loves pulling on all the handles, levers and pulleys.
Carter's Microfleece PJs: Last, we love fleece jammies now that the weather is cooling off...especially at night.  They're so warm and comfy and we don't have to worry as much about whether he's too cold at night.

What is your toddler loving right now?  We're always looking for new toys and gadgets to add to his ever-growing toy box!  ;)

xo natasha

Eleven + Twelve Month Favorites

Green Toys: We absolutely love Green Toys.  We were fortunate to add some new ones to our collection from Ethan's birthday.  Julie got us this adorable recycling truck.  Erinn got us the firetruck and Jane got us the flatbed truck.  Ethan is one lucky guy!  He loves crawling along with them...great entertainment and cute too!

Munchkin Silicon Spoons: I really really love these spoons...better than any others we've tries.  They're soft and flexible and easy to use.

OXO Tot Snack Cup: I mentioned this last week, but this is the best of the snack bowl options.  The lid screws on and the flats make it easy for him to grab his snacks. 

Big Red Barn Book: Ethan LOVES animals, and this is an adorable book to read to him before bedtime.  He loves pointing at the animals, especially the dogs and kitties.

Elefun Busy Ball Popper: Natalie got us this gem and Ethan loves it!  He will play with this for a good amount of time...never tiring of it.  

Radio Flyer Ultimate Comfort Wagon: I mentioned this a couple months back, but Ethan really loves being towed around in this version of the Radio Flyer.  Endless entertaiment!

Baby Einstein Touch and Feel Baby Animals: Ethan also loves petting and touching textures so this book (along with many others!) is a great option for learning more about animals.

Ethan definitely gets more fun as we he gets older and interacts with his toys more.  We are really getting into books right now, which is fun. 

What are your little ones into around this age?

xo natasha

Nine and Ten Month Favorites

I'm a little behind on our favorites from the last couple of months but wanted to make sure I got this out to you, even if it is a little late.  The months all seem to blend together these days, but these are the stand out favorites from month nine and ten.

Happy Puffs
Now that Ethan has his little toofers, he loves eating more solid foods.  The puffs are great, especially the sweet potato flavor, and Ethan goes crazy over them.  It's great hand-mouth coordination practice, helps get his chewing skills in order {though they melt in your mouth in mere seconds} and are a great distraction.  Think dinners out at restaurants or picnics at the park.  We love these things!
Happy Munchies 
Another new favorite is the munchies.  These are even better for biting and chewing and are also a great distraction...see a pattern here?
Freshly Picked Moccassins
There are many imitators but nothing beats the original.  I really can't say enough great things about Freshly Picked moccs.  They stay on Ethan's feet and are SO cute.  And I have to send lots of props to Susan, the owner/creator.  She is beyond generous with her company...always hosting giveaways to her readers.  They're worth every dollar too.
Swing
Now that the weather is warming up, we're taking advantage of being outside as much as possible.  This swing is great and cheap too!  
Activity Table
A must have for the baby who pulls up and wants something to do while he's standing.  We started out using the table without the legs and Ethan loved it.  Now he pulls up on it all the time and will start bouncing {his version of dancing} to the music.  So cute.
Outdoor Blanket
This is such a genius idea...a waterproof blanket that folds up up to a little bag!  It's great for the beach and park and super easy to clean too.  We love it!
Sippy Cup
I'm not particularly sold on this version of the sippy cup...I can't tell if Ethan is able to actually sucking water up or just chewing on it.  But it's cute right?  I'm hoping to start weaning Ethan off the bottle around his one year birthday...so any recommendations on sippy cups that work for your little one are welcome!

xo natasha

Seven + Eight Month Favorites

lion | keys | teethers | shopping cart cover | stroller | walker

Now that Ethan is almost 9 months old, I thought I'd update you on his favorite items from the past two months.

Ethan loves his lion!  He sleeps with him every night.  I adore the Jelly Cat brand of stuffed animals and want to add more to E's collection.

Another favorite brand of mine is B. Toys.  They're available at Target and seem to be win every time we purchase something new.  These keys are particularly great because they have real metal teeth and make lots of sound.

We've had two teeth pop through in the last month and these teethers have been life savers.  Even though Ethan often bites on these from the wrong end {which make him gag!} he loves holding them and massaging his gums with the rubber end.

Now that Ethan has become stronger and more aware of his surroundings, he's absolutely loving his time out of the car seat.  This shopping cart cover is awesome!  Not only is it adorable, but super soft and functional for when we go shopping or out to eat.

I can't say enough great things about the BOB stroller.  It's such a smooth ride and does terrific in off roading situations {believe me, I've tested it!}.  It's easy to travel with as well, which I think is a real plus.

Last, Ethan is also loving the independence of getting around in a walker.  This one is great because it lights up and makes sound.

What are some of your favorites at 7 and 8 months?  Any items I should keep an eye out for as we enter the 9th month?

xo natasha   

Six Month Favorites

Oh how fun the six month mark is!  We've got food and toys galore!  Here's the breakdown:

OXO Tot Sprout Chair: We love this highchair.  It comes in tons of fun colors and is easy to clean up.  Plus it's a great modern style that can grow with baby!

B. Toys Zany Zoo: Seriously, such an adorable toy and so fun for baby.  I love how sturdy and solid the quality is and baby loves all the fun, interactive aspects.  I know Ethan will love it more and more as he gets older.

Boogie Wipes: These wipes are amazing...they really grab the boogies while being gentle on the nose.

Fisher-Price Walker: I love me some sax and this toy has some great tunes and is great for Ethan now as he sits and will become even more engaging as he learns to walk.

Sassy Simple Fascination Station: This is a great toy for the highchair tray.  It sticks right on and has fun sounds and gadgets for baby to play with.

Earth's Best Oatmeal: We skipped the baby rice and went straight to baby oatmeal.  Ethan really enjoyed it mixed with a little breastmilk.

Ella's Kitchen Baby Food: There are tons of food pouch options out there, but Ethan really likes this brand.  They're all organic and have interesting mixtures of fruits and veggies.

Boon Bath Tub Appliques : Bath time is our favorite time and these little appliques are super fun.  Ethan usually ends up chewing on them for the most part, but they stick on the bath walls too!

B. One Two Squeeze Blocks: Another fun chew toy...these blocks are great for squeezing, stacking and more!

xo natasha