A Year of Fun Thanks to Fisher-Price! (with reviews)

This past year has been an amazing adventure thanks to Fisher-Price. At the start of the year, our daughter was only 4 months old and getting lots of use out of the Fisher-Price My Little Lamb™ Cradle ‘n Swing, My Little Snugabunny™ Bouncer, and just starting to explore the fun of the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo. Although we received them at the end of last year or the beginning of this year, these are the toys and baby gear that got this year off to a good start!

Here is a list of the toys and accessories that Fisher-Price has spoiled us with this year:
-Deluxe On The Go Diaper Backpack, which is our 'go-to' diaper bag! We love it's easy to locate pockets and all the room it provides! We use it all the time!
-Fisher-Price Stretch’Ems Onesies, which are great for taking your baby from one size to the next (and beyond!)
-My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘N’ Swing Review
-Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy Review (plus this review)
-Stand-Up Ballcano Review (plus this review)
-Luv U Zoo Jumperoo Review
-Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo -Laugh & Learn™ Fun With Friends™ Musical Table

Of all these toys, my daughter's favourite has definitely been the Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Puppy. Since day one, she has loved it! She loves pressing the buttons, using it as a walker, and she has just recently started riding forward on it...all by herself! I'm one proud mommy to see all the milestones she is meeting with this toy! One of the cutest things she enjoys doing with it is sitting on puppy's back and continuously pressing puppy's nose. We have a couple of Laugh & Learn Puppy toys, but this one is clearly her favourite. Whenever we ask, "Where is Puppy?", she brings us her Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy. It is clearly a hit and I'd definitely recommend it to family and friends as a great gift for 6-36 months!

Out of this list of toys, I have a few favourites. One item that I really loved was the My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N' Swing. I love the My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N' Swing because we got so much use out of it unexpectedly when we were at a loss at how to get Lyla to sleep. We thought she might be getting too old when one day we tried it and within minutes, she was fast asleep. This was a great relief for us. I'd recommend the My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N' Swing to all parents to be! This would make an excellent gift for any new or expected baby!

Thanks to Fisher-Price, I will be having the opportunity to make an expectant or new family's Christmas a little brighter thanks to the My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N' Swing that they have offered to donate to the charity of my choice. The charity I chose is called Baby Blessings and is local to the rural area that I live in. Baby Blessings is a religious based group that provides baby items (new or used) to local families who show a need. I am so happy that I'll be able to share the experience I've had with the My Little Snugabunny Cradle 'N' Swing with another local family. The main reason I chose this item is because I think it is a must-have item for new parents. It has been such a great option for us and one that both my daughter, my husband, and I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Another one of my favourites was the Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo. For those of you who follow my blog, or know me personally, know I LOVE Disney - I even had a wedding featuring several Disney aspects (from colours, to music, to hidden Mickey's!). I love this toy because it features a classic train with cute baby Disney characters and music that brings back memories of watching these movies as a child. This item was one I considered for many children on my list this year. If you love Disney and Fisher-Price, this is a must-have toy! Thanks to Fisher-Price, I'll have the chance to share this toy with one of the babies/toddlers on my list this Christmas!

This year has been filled with lots of fun thanks to Fisher-Price. We have enjoyed sharing all of these toys with Lyla! Some of them she has enjoyed and many she will continue to enjoy for years to come!

Are there any Fisher-Price toys that you will be giving to your son/daughter, or friends and family this Christmas?

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Ensuring your Toy Shopping is Right On Target!

It's that time of year again! It's time to gather your lists, check them twice, and figure out who has been naughty or nice! ;) Whether you are the type of person who loves Christmas shopping or cringes when it is time to head to the stores to shop for your little ones (the crowds don't' help!), there are some simple things you can do to make your experience fun and stress-free!

When it comes to my Christmas shopping, I'm usually a procrastinator. With a busy year like this one has been, it doesn't make matters any easier. This year I tried to get a bit better and do some early shopping (back in July), but realized once mid-November hit that I hadn't done much more than that. So this past week, I have been scurrying around, making lists, and starting my shopping before I'm too late!

When I start my shopping, I usually have an idea of what I'm looking to buy. I have specific criteria I usually follow, especially for my daughter, to make sure the toys I buy are developmentally appropriate. I do a lot of my shopping online (to avoid the craze in the stores and save a bit of money) but I do some in store to try and to try and keep some purchases local. Either way, I have a general idea of what I'm looking for going in, but figure out the exact item I'm going to buy once I'm online or in-store.  I am an planned impulsive shopper - 1/2 and 1/2!

If you are looking for some toy ideas for your little one's this Christmas that are developmentally appropriate and a whole lot of fun, be sure to check out Fisher-Price's Joy of Learning Playtime Guide. You'll also learn about fun playtime activities, playtips and other helpful information!

If you are using the Joy of Learning Playtime Guide to help you decide what to buy for all the little one's in your life, you'll notice that it is categorized into the 3 Pillars of Development. This makes it even easier for your little ones to expand on different developmental skills and for you to understand the toys you are buying and how they help your children. This will help you feel confident that the you are buying toys that are appropriate for your children and ones that they'll love!

Are there any special things you do when planning your Christmas toy shopping to ensure the toys you buy are age and developmentally appropriate, and a hit with your kids?

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Cruising with a family is possible, fun, and easy!

Tis the season. And no, not just doing your Christmas shopping! This is probably the time of year you are also busy planning your family vacation for somewhere nice and warm!  Who knows, you might even be planning on surprising your family with a cruise vacation on Christmas morning (I know I sure wouldn't mind that!).

If you have been following me on my blog, Twitter, Facebook, and/or Pinterest, you know that recently my family had the amazing opportunity to cruise the Western Caribbean on the Allure of the Seas thanks to Fisher-Price and Royal Caribbean.

This was our first time on a cruise and it gave us the chance to see that cruising as a family is possible, fun, and easy!  If you are planning your family vacation for next year, you'll definitely want to check out all the fun your whole family can have on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, thanks to great partnerships with companies like Fisher-Price. Stop by to read my article titled, Experiencing the Joy of Learning with Fisher-Price on Royal Caribbean.

In the next little while, I will be posting an article here on Everything Up Close outlining more about our experience. Not to spoil the read, but, it was amazing and I'd definitely do it again!

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

How-to: Successful Shopping for Toys this Holiday Season!

The holiday season is quickly approaching! That means if you haven't already, it is time to start researching the toys you will be buying for the holidays for your children and other friends and family!

Researching toys before you buy them is a great way to avoid disappointment later on! It is so helpful to learn from other moms and dads what toys their children enjoyed, any difficulties they had, and their personal thoughts on them! I have always been one to research nearly everything I buy and around the holidays it is no exception!

When you are planning for the holidays, keep this process in mind:
1) Research the hottest toys this season, keeping in mind your child's wish list. Thorough research and keeping in mind your child's interests will ensure both of you are happy on Christmas morning, and for months to come! Check out sites like Fisher-Price to read toy reviews from real parents!

2) Make a list of your top toy must-haves. Make sure to include a back-up list in case the toys you plan to buy are not available due to demand! If you are a procrastinator like me, this can easily become a reality inching up closer to Christmas. If you provide your child's wish list to other family members and friends, make sure that you have taken off the items you plan to purchase to avoid unnecessary duplicates!

3) Search online and in flyers (and catalogs) to find the best deal. Planning ahead will make holiday shopping faster, easier, less stressful, and can save you money! Websites like webSaver.ca may partner with well-known brands such as Fisher-Price to offer you great coupons to make your buying experience even better!

4) Gather your list of things to buy (and where to buy them), along with coupons, and head to the stores to take on the crowds! Remember to stick to your list and have fun!

Celebrate & Save with Fisher-Price this holiday season!  Make sure to check out webSaver.ca for a complete list of Fisher-Price/Mattel toy coupons. These coupons range from $5-$15 off and expire December 31, 2012, which makes them perfect for this holiday season! Make sure to plan ahead and order your coupons before these offers run out; this promotion is only available until November 30, 2012!

We have a number of the toys offered in the promotion in our house and Lyla loves them! If you are planning your child's wish list, make sure to check out my My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘N’ Swing Review, Laugh & Learn Stride-to-Ride Puppy Review, Stand-Up Ballcano Review, and the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo Review to see what we thought of these great Fisher-Price toys!

Our personal favourite is the Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo, which features a fun musical train with three of your favourite Disney Baby characters!  This great train offers musical fun (with hits from the movies) and hours of enjoyment for your little one!

Hopefully this is a great start or chance to re-organize your thoughts for this holiday's toy shopping! What tips do you have leading into the holiday shopping season?

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

 

Will travel - with toddler! #FisherPriceMoms

Since our daughter has been born, we have been doing a decent amount of traveling, whether it be by plane, car, or boat (in less than a week's time!). We can already tell that she is going to be quite the little jet-setter! Since my husband and I both love to travel, this is no surprise.

Over the past few weeks, we have been busy getting ready for a very exciting family first travel experience - A Royal Carribbean Allure of the Seas 7-day Cruise - thanks to Fisher-Price! 

Needless to say, we are excited...and I won't lie, a bit nervous too! This will not only be my daughter's first cruise (at only 14-months old, I'm a bit jealous I didn't get the opportunity sooner), but my husband's and my first cruise as well!

When traveling with a toddler, there are a few more things to consider than when it was just my husband and I traveling as a couple. Luckily, Fisher-Price has come up with a great resource to help make traveling with your children a bit easier on everyone!

Since our daughter is only 14-months old, not all of these points apply, but a number of them are very helpful for now, and in the future!  During our adventures with Lyla so far, we always focus on #5 - Bring a bit of home along, whether we are traveling near or far. Bringing familiar items along for the trip makes the new destination a bit less scary and A LOT more fun! It helps to remind your children of home and makes them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings. Items like your child's 'lovies' or 'stuffies' can even help make routines like bedtime a bit easier in your new space.

On this trip, we'll be making sure to pack a variety of Lyla's favourite toys to join us on our adventure! One Fisher-Price favourite that we'll be bringing along is the Laugh & Learn™ My Pretty Learning Purse™. This has been a toy that Lyla has really enjoyed playing with since we received it. She loves pushing the heart-shaped button on the front, opening and closing the bag, putting things in it and taking them out again, and playing with all the fun accessories.  Recently, this toy has allowed her to dabble in make-belief play, and I am sure it will be very fitting for this trip!


We are so thankful to our friends at Fisher-Price and we are looking forward to this experience of a lifetime!

Did you ever travel with your toddler? Where did you go? What tips do you have for parents traveling with young children?


Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Learning through play, thanks to Fisher-Price! (Reviews)

What is the one thing you loved to do most as a child? I'm sure most of you would answer 'play'! Play is such an important part of being a child and for a good reason - play is a fundamental part of learning! I love that companies like Fisher-Price make it possible to have fun and learn developmental skills at the same time.

This month, Lyla had the opportunity to try three new toys!  Here are her experiences...

Laugh & Learn - Stride-to-Ride Puppy
This toys fits right in with the other Laugh & Learn items by Fisher-Price that we have...and it features Puppy, whom Lyla has enjoyed having fun with many times before.  When I first saw this toy, I noticed that it was rather large and I wasn't sure how Lyla would react to Puppy's big head, but when I first introduced her, it was clear she loved it!

We love that this toy helps her meet so many of the 12 elements of enrichment, which help her to develop and grow!  In the Physical domain, we find that her using all 4 elements, sensory (experiencing sights & sounds of the toy), fine motor (putting the shapes into the shape sorter on the side of puppy), gross motor (getting on puppy's back for a ride or walking and pushing puppy when the toy is turned into a walker), and balance and coordination (learning how to get on and off of puppy and stay on while he is moving, with our help).  In the cognitive domain, Lyla is enhancing her curiosity and discovery (learning by pressing the different buttons, and seeing how different aspects of the toy work), thinking and problem solving (learning how and where different parts of the toy go - for example, finding that the shapes that she puts in the shape sorter end up in the puppy's belly), and academics (learning things such as colours, shapes, counting and more).

This toy has proven to be a lot of fun and something that she will enjoy for some time to come!

Stand-Up Ballcano
Before I had kids, I loved buying toys for other children in my life toys that had balls. What child doesn't have a ball with balls?! Yes, pun intended!  This toy is an interesting variation of similar toys with balls that are on the market. And, it is one that my husband will out-rightly say that he enjoys - he loves the music especially, in comparison to most other children's toys.

Lyla is still learning and discovering with this toy. She seems to enjoy the sensory opportunities in the Physical enrichment activities that this toy offers, for example, listening to the music as the balls bounce over the sides of the centre area or watching the flashing lights. This toy also allows her to use fine motor skills, such as catching the balls and putting them back in the containment area, as well as spinning the rattle.

As Lyla gets older, I imagine that this is a toy that she will continue to enjoy playing with.

Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo  
Given that I am a huge fan of Disney, this toy was a great surprise and a very welcomed addition to our toy collection for Lyla!  This toy is absolutely adorable and the baby Disney characters are too cute!

I love that this toy allows Lyla to work on developing many of her developmental milestones. Even though this toy has sounds, which is great for sensory development, we often forget to turn on the sounds and Lyla has just as much fun (although I do love the Disney tunes). Some of the cognitive skills that I've noticed Lyla discovering with this toy include curiosity and discovery through just playing with the toy and learning what different parts do (for example, the arms and legs of each of the characters move and that the train moves because it has wheels.). Or, thinking and problem solving; she is discovering that the train has different pieces and to make the train move all together, they have to be latched a certain way. She is also discovering that some of the animals are bigger than the others and fit in some train cars better than the others; this is also an academic skill.

Trains are classic and one that can be fun for years and years to come. We are so happy to have the Amazing Animals Sing-Along Choo Choo as part of our toy collection!

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Choosing Toys for Your Children

Choosing toys for your children isn't always easy. There are many things that you probably take into account when purchasing new toys. This article will cover some of the things I consider and my routine when shopping for new toys for my daughter. I encourage you to take part and answer these questions too!

1. How do you determine what toys to purchase for your child? 
The first question I ask myself when choosing a new toy for my daughter is, 'how will this toy help her learn and grow?'. In other words, 'Which aspects of this toy will help her achieve social, cognitive, and physical developmental milestones for her age?'

Other things that I consider when making my final decision on whether to purchase a toy often involve things such as, 'will my daughter enjoy playing with this toy?', 'is the toy safe?' (e.g. no choking hazards, etc.), 'will this toy stand up to the test of time?', 'where was this toy made?', 'what materials was this toy made from?', and 'is the toy easy to clean and maintain?'. I find myself using a mental scale to determine how important each aspect is to me - those mental scales determine whether or not the toy makes it into my shopping cart.

2. What resources do you use to help in your decisions?
Most of the knowledge that I use when choosing toys comes from my university education, where I learned a lot about early childhood development. I also use my intuition and draw from my past experiences, whether it be from working as a childcare worker or my daughter's experience with previous toys.

Since I spend a fair amount of time online, I learn a lot about new and suitable toys through social media and other blogs. Occasionally, I turn to sites like Fisher-Price.ca to help me discover toys that are age appropriate or meet various developmental milestones.

The 12 Elements of Enrichment from the Fisher-Price Joy of Learning Playtime Guide.

When I'm not quite sure which toys are most appropriate, I pay attention to the manufacturer's suggested age range.

3. Do you usually plan ahead of time or do you go to the store and look through the shelves?
I love to browse! But, when I'm shopping with the plan of purchasing new toys, I often have something in mind. Before heading to the store, I often do research online to determine the types of toys I'm looking for, the brands I'm going to be considering, and where I can get the best deal. My impulse buys for my daughter are usually books or clothing.


What are your answers to these questions? 
What tips do you have for purchasing new toys?

Disclosure: I am a Fisher-Price Play Ambassador and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Summer Fun!

We are so excited that it is finally summertime! This summer is special because it is the 1st summer that Lyla has a chance to explore, learn, and enjoy it! 

The past few summers have been busy and my husband and I didn't have much of a chance to enjoy them. This year we are trying to make up for it and it's great because we get to enjoy it with Lyla and teach her about all the fun summer has to offer!

Since we moved at the end of Spring, this is our first summer in our new house. We are spending time outside enjoying the beautiful but extremely hot weather. We have been using the baby swing on our play structure, playing on the grass, teaching Lyla about plants and gardening, and working on setting up our new pool for an escape from the heat. Lyla although hesitant about some outdoor exploring in the beginning (grass was particularly scary for her), she has warmed up to the idea and now loves playing outside!

Lyla enjoying a walk in the stroller.

Luckily, my husband has some time off this summer, which has been a great opportunity to spend more time as a family, away from all the busy pressures of regular life (work, etc.). We have been taking day trips to explore our new rural municipality and local provincial parks, as well as a few longer trips. We have also made a couple of trips to various beaches, and done a bit of geocaching and camping! We had the chance to camp with our daughter for the first time in an Otentik (located in Manitoba's National Park, Riding Mountain), which was a great way to ease into camping with a baby.  Since my husband and I met, we loved camping each and every year and we were excited to finally share this with Lyla. It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience for all of us!

Lyla's first time at the beach.

I am enjoying each and every day spending time as a family and enjoying the great outdoors; I will definitely be sad when summer is over. 

How are you spending time with your family this summer?

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Check out my new posts on FisherPricePlay!

I just published a couple of review posts on the FisherPricePlay.ca website. Check them out here:

My Little Snugabunny Cradle ‘N’ Swing Review
&
Laugh & Learn™ Fun With Friends™ Musical Table Review


Plus, make sure to check out FisherPricePlay.ca each month for great new content from the Fisher-Price Play Panel!

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

On: Being a Mom and Mother's Day

For those of you who are Moms (or parents in general), you know that it is the one job that you are actively on call for 24/7/365.  It is the most important job you'll ever have, as well as the most demanding, but the most rewarding! 

Before I was a Mom, I could imagine how being a mother would be but looking back, I realize that I never really fully understood it.  Because of this I've told my own Mom and Mother-in-law that I think, you can't truly appreciate Mother's Day (or Father's Day) before being a Mother (or a Father); you know as a child how it is important from your perspective but it is impossible to grasp how important it is from the parent's perspective.  Last year I was wished a Happy Mother's Day because I was pregnant, and I totally appreciated it because growing a baby is a lot of work! But, this year, being a Mom just meant so much more...I got it!

To me this Mother's Day was so special because, well, it was my first official Mother's Day! It was the first Mother's Day that I could reflect on being a Mom to the most amazing little girl for the past 9+ months of her life.  It was the first Mother's Day that I could look at, kiss, and cuddle my little girl. This, was the highlight of my day; just being with my daughter all day was so special.  It is so nice to have one dedicated day each year that you can spend with your children and your family.

Now, for the recap of my first Mother's Day....this year we had a busy day of Mother's Day activities. My day started off with a little bit of extra sleep throughout the night...Lyla seemed to somehow know that sleeping a bit more would be much appreciated! We decided to have lunch at Pineridge Hollow (which also happens to be where my husband and I got married) with me, my daughter, my husband, my Mom, and my Dad.  It was a great time for conversation and enjoying my daughter...the life of the party!  After a lovely afternoon, we drove out to my Mother-in-law's house for a BBQ with my husband's side of the family.  It was so great to spend the whole day with my daughter and the rest of my family!

My husband, my daughter Lyla, and me.

What I am looking most forward to for the next Mother's Day (and every subsequent Mother's Day) is once again spending the day with my daughter and the other people in my life that mean so much to me.  Also, each new Mother's Day is an opportunity to see how much my child has grown in the past year and remember all the special moments that we shared.

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.
 

Have you been following me?

...over on the FisherPricePlay.ca site that is. I've been contributing along with the rest of the Fisher-Price Moms to bring you great new content each month. Check out some of my most recent articles:

- Spring has Sprung
- Learning How-to Organize (and re-organize) your Children’s Toys!
- Finding Alternatives to Technology this Winter (not very season appropriate, but, a great article to give you ideas for days you need to spend indoors - e.g. storm days). 

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Celebrate & Save with Fisher-Price!

For the past few weeks, it hasn't been hard to notice that Spring is here! Some days (in Manitoba at least), it has almost felt like Summer! For many people the change in season means many things. For most...Spring cleaning. And, with Spring cleaning often comes the realization that your children are growing (much to fast) and need a few new toys to help them have fun, discover, and learn.

This Spring, Fisher-Price is helping you re-stock your playroom with some great Fisher-Price products, with their Celebrate & Save Promotion! You'll be able to save on everything from baby gear to preschool toys. So, get ready for up to $90 in savings, thanks to Fisher-Price!

Here's a sneak peek at a few of the savings you'll have the chance to enjoy:
-Feature Snugabunny Swing - $20 off any Fisher-Price swing priced at $130 or more
-Ocean Wonders Aquarium - $10 off (check out my review on the FisherPricePlay website)
-Fisher-Price Fisher-Price® Laugh & LearnTM Dance & Play Puppy - $10 off (check out my review on the FisherPricePlay website)
-Little People - $5 off any Little People items with combined value of $25 or more
-Thomas - $5 off any Thomas items with combined value of $25 or more

If you shop at Toys R Us or Zellers, you will find an 8-page booklet with a total of 8 great coupons available in store. If you are subscribed to Today's Parent or if you like to pick up your copy in store, you'll also find all these coupons inside. To find a complete list of savings and to order your coupons (on the webSaver website) visit: https://websaver.ca/en_ca/portal/mattel/.

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Experiencing the Joys with Fisher-Price

Over the past year, I was given the opportunity to work closely with Fisher-Price as a member of the Fisher-Price Playpanel. I'm excited that I will be continuing to work with this throughout this year as well. So far, it has been such a rewarding experience and a great chance to explore new topics to share with my readers on Everything Up Close and on FisherPricePlay.ca. Plus, my daughter (and my husband and me) have had the opportunity to use and review a number of Fisher-Price products. This post will explore some of ours and our daughter's favourites! 

My Little Lamb™ Cradle ‘n Swing 
The My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing is the very first product we had a chance to try out with our daughter.  We had heard a lot of great things about infant swings and were told by family and friends that it was a 'must-have' item!  After using it for the past 6+ months, I have to say...I can't agree more!  In the first few days, we started to use the swing as an opportunity to give our daughter some sun time, to help her get over a bit of jaundice that she had.  After that, we continued to use the swing for many of our daughter's naps...in the early weeks anyways.  Now, at 6.5 months, Lyla is having a lot of fun exploring the attachable play center and trying to catch the little lambs, stars, and moon on the mobile.  It has been a lot of fun seeing her grow and now, interact with the My Little Lamb Cradle 'n Swing. 

Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™
One of our other Fisher-Price favourites has been the Luv U Zoo Jumperoo.  Before having a baby, I had always loved using the jumper-type products with the children I babysat.  I had the opportunity to try a number of different ones, which was great because it allowed me to discover what I liked and what I didn't like.  I never liked the ones that hung from a door frame since I always worried it'd come loose and land on the baby's head...and I wasn't crazy about the ones the are all one piece and the legs go up and down, since I thought they didn't allow for allow of free movement by babies.  The Luv U Zoo has been the perfect solution for us.

I love the construction of it because it makes me feel a lot safer!  Since the spring isn't suspended over my daughter's head, I don't have to worry about it falling on her.  Plus, the design of the Jumperoo allows for a whole lot of jumping, turning, and exploring.  We started using the Jumperoo with our daughter when she had good neck control (just shy of 4 months).  Since that time, we have been able to see her change and learn so much with the help of the Jumperoo.  It is definitely our go-to toy and a favourite of Lyla's.  It has so many features that allow her to stay active and learn, which I love.

Luv U Zoo™ Snuggle Cub Soother Mobile™
Another item we've loved having the chance to review is the Luv U Zoo Snuggle Cub Soother Mobile.  We have been using this one from very early on and it is another item that has really allowed us to see so much growth in Lyla!  In the early days, we used this mobile as a method of helping our baby girl get to sleep during nap times.  She always seemed to enjoy the music and the mobile seemed to be hypnotic for her.  Most of the time, it was very effective.  As our daughter has grown, we can easily use it as a gauge for her tiredness.  When she is tired, it can help her to calm down and she may drift off to sleep.  But, if she's not tired, she loves to watch the mobile and the moving cub, turn over or around and attempt to play with him.  It's so fun to see her go from just watching (and obviously learning from it) to interacting with it!  This has clearly been a very useful product for us and a lot of fun for Lyla!]

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

Sorry for the blurry picture.  My cellphone camera isn't great and doesn't work well for when Lyla is on the move!

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own. 

Keeping your kids busy indoors this winter!

In the summer it's so easy to find things to do with your kids - the sky is the limit and you can easily enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities. But in the winter, when it is really cold outside, many of your activities may be concentrated indoors. Especially if you are like me and hate the cold! If you have older kids, this may lead to a bit of 'cabin fever'. Luckily, Lyla is still too young to know the difference between indoor and outdoor play and we can easily fill our days with indoor activities without me being asked every 5 minutes 'Can we go outside yet?' or 'What can I do?...there is nothing to do inside!'. I'm sure those of you with older kids know those discussions all too well.

Lyla and I have been finding it pretty easy to fill our days between dancing, tummy time, spending time exploring new toys, and practicing new skills (like sitting)!

But, I remember when I was babysitting, I really had to get creative to keep the kids entertained and away from the television.  I loved trying to find activities that stimulated both their minds and their bodies (not easy while staying inside).  Some go to activities that I always loved doing with the children I babysat include:
-Crafts
-Colouring
-Dancing
-Baking
-Board and Card Games
-Reading
-Story-telling
-Make-belief play
-and more!

So as you can see, just because it's winter and cold outside, it doesn't mean you have to be bored inside!  The Fisher-Price Play and Learn Family Activities resource has some more great ideas on how to keep your children entertained indoors.  It is conveniently categorized from birth to three years.  I especially love that this tool includes activities for even the littlest little ones (starting right from birth).  One activity that I look forward to trying with Lyla is the Wiggle Worm, helping her learn cause and effect, motor control, and practice those pre-crawling exercises!  This easy to use resource will help add a little fun to your days inside.  I'll be sure to be using it for the remainder of the cold months and beyond!

Disclosure:  I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Santa Came Early - and Mom's Helper (Fisher-Price) Application

Santa came a bit early this year and brought Lyla some new Fisher-Price toys: a Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ and Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy. Although Lyla was only 3 months when we got both items, we were surprised to see over the next month how much Lyla was changing with the help of these toys (particularly the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™).

Lyla is in awe of the Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy

The Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ has given Lyla and us so many moments of joy. Seeing her explore, learn, and get excited about playing is an amazing experience! At first she just started to notice the different items on the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™ Then, she started hitting some of the items, making them move or make noises, without even realizing it. After numerous times of doing this, she started to learn cause and effect - what she was doing was actually making something happen! From those moments until now, she has started to jump and move and scream with delight when in her Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™. As parents, each of these moments are amazing for us!  They make us so proud of our quickly growing little girl!

Lyla's first time in the Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™.

This item really showed us the Joy of Learning through play.  The Jumperoo™has proven to be a great Christmas gift for little ones around Lyla's age who are able to hold up their head on their own.

This year, Fisher-Price is making Christmas shopping for little ones a bit easier with the FREE smart phone application (available on Blackberry®, Android®, and iSO devices): Mom's Helper.  This new smart phone application will help you to: find toys and gear based on your child's specific and developmental needs,  keep track of your child’s age, height and weight, plus, and create a toy wish list to share with friends and family (great for the holiday season and birthdays). 
I did a bit more research on the new Fisher-Price Mom's Helper application and found some really neat functions that will help shopper's this holiday season.  For example, scan UPC codes on toys in-store to receive more product information on over 150 Fisher-Price toys and gear!  Or, make a list of the gear you or the little one you are shopping for already has and add a list of toys or gear that you'd like.  Both functions are great for making holiday shopping a little bit easier!

Mom's Helper is now available on iTunes for download!  

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Fisher-Price Twitter Party!

Are you wondering what to do tonight? Come join me and the rest of the Fisher-Price Play Panel for Fisher-Price's 1st Twitter Party!

The details...
Date: December 15, 2011
Time: 9:00-10:00pm EST

The Fisher-Price Twitter party should be a lot of fun!  Plus, as a party participant you'll have the chance to win one of 6 prizes.  The prize packs are based on the age of your child and have an approximate value of $100 each.

To join the party, all you have to do is follow the hashtag #JOYofLearning on Twitter and use it when participating in the conversation.

Haven't participated in a Twitter party before?  Don't let that stop you!  An easy way to participate is go to TweetGrid, and enter 1) The Party Hashtag (#JOYofLearning), 2) The Party Host (@MC_Canada), and 3) Your Twitter Username.  Then, join in the fun!

How do you prepare for the holidays?

When it comes to planning the gifts I'm going to purchase my loved ones for Christmas, I like to do a lot of research.  I research online, often reading other blogs to find out what other Moms thought of particular items.  Then, once I've decided what to buy, I do a bit more research to find out where to get the best buy!

I used to do all my shopping in local malls but now, I like to do a lot of my shopping online.  I find it so much easier, especially this year with a little one.  I like not having to brave the crowds or rush around to grab sale items (although, I have done this many many times before).  Because I do a lot of my shopping online, I do have to plan my time accordingly to account for shipping times, making sure that the items on my loved one's wish lists arrive in time to place under the tree. 

After a little bit of research for Lyla's first Christmas wishlist, here are a few Fisher-Price items that made it on to her list:

Fisher-Price - Miracles and Milestones Musical Activity Dashboard

 

 

Laugh & Learn™ Dance & Play Puppy

Luv U Zoo™ Jumperoo™

Newborn-to-Toddler Portable Rocker

Being a first time Mom, I wasn't 100% sure what the best toys would be for her at this stage and upcoming stages.  I made good use of the FisherPricePlay.ca's Toy Finder when creating her 1st Christmas list.  Did you know that Mattel has something similar?  The Mattel Gift Finder is great if you are wondering what to get for your own kids, or for nieces, nephews, etc.  The Mattel Gift Finder makes buying gifts that kids will LOVE a little bit easier!  All you have to do is visit http://mattel.ca/giftfinder/, enter the child's age and indicate 'boy' or 'girl', to get a list of suitable toys.

Another exciting announcement for this holiday season - If you are a hands on kind of shopper, you'll love this!  This year, Mattel has partnered with professional organizational guru Tarra Stubbins. She has been named Canada's Holiday Helper and will be providing gift giving advice to you, online this holiday season! She's going to be sharing ideas on how to stay on track this holiday season, including tips on how to save and manage your time!

Finally, Mattel will be placing holiday helpers at various stores across Canada this season. The Mattel holiday helpers will be there to help you find appropriate toys for all ages.

Mattel Holiday Helpers will be at the following Winnipeg locations to serve you:

November 24-25 at Sears Polo Park

November 26-27 at Zellers (35 Lakewood Blvd.)

December 1-2 at Real Canadian Superstore (215 St. Anne's Rd.)
December 3-4 at Real Canadian Superstore (1385 Sargent Ave.)
December 8-9 at Sears Garden City
December 10-11 at Sears Kildonan Place
December 15-16 at Zellers Kildonan Place
December 17-18 at Zellers Grant Park

To avoid disappointment, you may want to call the location of your choice to confirm the date and times that Mattel Holiday Helpers will be available to help you.

So, there are a few ideas to help get you started with your holiday gift giving this year.  Hopefully, these ideas will help make the season a little more merry and a lot less stressful!  Happy Gift Giving! :)

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Play Panel and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.