Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller, Scarlet Red

With a family of 5 and lots of luggage, bringing our full sized stroller with us on vacation was definitely out of the question. After doing some research we decided to get the Kolcraft Cloud Umbrella Stroller. Some of the selling points that got our attention were:

* Higher weight limit of 40 pounds
* 3-point safety harness
* Extended Canopy and rear hood
* Parent cup holder and storage basket
* Cool climate roll up seat cover for increased circulation in warmer weather
* Weighs only 11.31 pounds and takes up little space
* Easy fold umbrella stroller design

When we first used the stroller it was very windy out so the extended canopy really helped keep the wind off of Victory. The 3- point harness is nice but doesn't prevent Victory from leaning forward, I would have preferred a 5-point harness. The parent cup holder (for my dunkin donuts coffee of course) and storage basket are really great, instead of carrying a huge diaper bag I would just take a couple of diapers, wipes, snacks and throw them in there for easy accessibility afterwards. This stroller does serve it's purpose, however after folding it up the canopy became bent in the middle which can be prevented by removing the canopy beforehand. Overall I think this umbrella stroller is well built and will hold up with years of use. Victory and I give it 4 stars considering all of the extras and the low price.

Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Magical Musical Mirror

The Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Magical Musical Mirror is a fun baby sized educational vanity toy that I know your little princess will love. Victory's had hers since the end of December and it keeps her entertained minutes at  a time which is great considering she is quite the explorer and does not like staying in one place to long. The recommended ages are 6 - 36 months and it does require 3 AA Batteries which are included. Victory likes the music, lights and powder puff the most. She also gets a kick out of looking at herself in the mirror. All of the pieces have storage places on-board the vanity which is great but doesn't prevent Victory from hiding the accessories around the house which in the end just adds to the fun as we go exploring the house on all fours in search of them. Victory and I give this toy 5 stars and recommend it to all princesses but of course little princes are also welcome to join in on the fun.

Prince Lionheart BebePOD Flex Plus- Kiwi Green

The Prince Lionheart BebePOD Flex Plus is an awesome addition to any home that has a little one. Victory has used it since she was only 3 months old and couldn't sit up unassisted. It comes with a removable tray and cute toy and can be used on the floor or attached to a dining room/kitchen chair to be used as a booster seat. She is now 9 months old  weighs 18 pounds and uses it mostly as a booster seat when we are away from home. The reusable place mat is cute but doesn't really work, it sticks up versus being snug and I am not a big fan of it's material. Something sturdier and snugger would be a better choice for a place mat, however the chair itself is very good quality. I like how the BebePOD securely attaches itself to chairs of all sizes. I would have liked if the straps where removable somehow as they are white and babies tend to be messy eaters however they do not and have to be spot cleaned. Victory will continue to use it until she outgrows it. Overall the chair has more pros than cons and Victory and I would definitely recommend it. We give it 4 stars!

Nuk Lil' Trainer Tableware Set

The Nuk Lil' Trainer Tableware Set seemed like the perfect buy if only it was baby proof. The plate comes with a detachable rim, suction base, spoon and fork. I do like the the rounded tips on the fork, they really do protect my lil ones mouth. This product is ok when it sticks to the table but Victory found a way to detach it being the reason for the 3 out of 5 star rating. I would recommend this product for a child that's old enough to understand that throwing the plate across the room just isn't cool although I think Victory would disagree with me as she seems to have a ball doing so. Below is some pics and a video, these where taken before she discovered that the plate would be best if used as a frisbee.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                   

                               

 

                                                                                                                                                                                           

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car

The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car is one of the coolest toys ever. Victory loves to press all the buttons, open/close the door and listen to the songs. She has not yet mastered the shapes and ball play but then again she is only 9 months old. She mostly plays on the inside and stays entertained for quite a few minutes at a time which in my book is excellent because at that age it is hard to keep little ones engaged in any activity too long. This car is stationary and has no bottom allowing the child to sit directly on the floor which is why I have Victory's car parked on a mat. She sometimes manages to move the car while sitting on the inside by pushing on the dashboard with her feet contributing to the fun. This is a very sturdy toy that is great for babies 6 months and up that are able to sit unassisted. Your little one will love to have it parked in their playroom so be sure to get them their very own Crawl Around Car. Victory can't wait to share it with her friends at her next play date.

Little Tikes Activity Garden

The Little Tikes Activity Garden is a great toy for ages 6 months and up. It has all kinds of gadgets that will keep your little one entertained. I personally like the removable take along phone which enables the child to have fun on the go. The slide is more of a crawl through space and not big enough to actually "slide" and Victory is on the petite side. The cool thing about it is that you can build it any way you want so it doesn't have to remain enclosed and can be used opened as a two sided play center. The small shapes and balls seem to always get lost but with little ones that is to be expected. Victory likes to open/close the door, look through the telescope and play with the tap-a-tune piano. It's def not as big as I thought it would be and could be a bit sturdier but overall it is a great toy. Victory gave this activity center 4 out of 5 stars and would recommend this product to her little friends.

Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon 2700

The Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon model 2700 is one of the most cost effective 2 in 1 wagon on the market. This wagon supports up to 200 pounds quite nicely. We tested it out by placing Victory 18 pounds on one side and Jaden my 70 pound 7 year old on the other side. We find that the wagon is easier to steer when Jaden sits on the side opposite the handle. There are 4 cup holders that are great for juice boxes and kiddie juices as well as two 3 point seat belts. I would have liked the wagon to have at least 1 adult cup holder on the outside separate from the kiddie ones but no biggie. The recommended start age is 1 1/2 years old but Victory decided at last minute that the wagon was her new ride and wasn't about to give it up. This wagon doubles as a flatbed which can be used to carry 1 child, toys, or even small sports equipment or as a 2 seater, which is my fave way to use it. The plastic is very sturdy and the color is a really nice fire engine red. The wheels feel like durable rubber and are pretty silent. As far as putting it together is concerned I give all the credit to my almost 13 year old. She is quite the builder and put it together within 45 minutes with minimal help. The handle folds down making it easy to throw this wagon in the back of our Kia Rondo. I can't wait till it's gets warmer out so we can take Victory's convertible for a spin at the park ; ) Victory definitely gives this wagon her stamp of approval.

Tomy GumDrop Pacifier Sanitizer Product Review

This sanitizer is simple, convenient and affordable. It provides a quick and easy way to sanitize both pacifiers and nipples. I love that it is portable and allows me to just throw it in my bag when going on vacation or to visit my in-laws in NY. Victory is exclusively breastfed however I like to give her a bottle of expressed milk here and there and find that this sanitizer works extremely well at sanitizing the nipples from my disposable drop in bottles. One thing that I would suggest would be a fill to line for the water or even a small 8 ml measuring tool to go with the sanitizer. I personally just throw the sanitizer on my digital scale set to ml and just measure the water that way. Victory thinks this is a great buy and thanks First Years for coming up with such a great product. No more dirty or dingy pacifiers for Victory ; )