The Learning Tower from Little Partners Inc. is an indispensable piece of furniture once you’ve tried it. You know the type – one you may not have thought to purchase for yourself but once you have it you don’t know how you lived without it.

Kids love to help in the kitchen. Little boys and girls learn invaluable skills by helping an adult prepare meals, do crafts and bake treats, and it’s a lot easier if they can reach the counter with no fear of falling off that rickety old step stool. (For the sake of future wives everywhere, please PLEASE bring the boys in there too! And maybe they can use it to clean the bathroom?) There’s great joy to be found in cooking with kids, but there’s also great frustration and many tears (not just the kids) if you don’t have the right equipment.

The Learning Tower is so much more than a step stool. Designed for children ages two to six, the platform can be lowered as children grow to enable children at any stage to be at counter height and is easy & quick to adjust to accommodate different age children. The sturdy, non-tip construction makes it very safe for toddlers and young children. The platform has four sides for safety and is roomy enough for two kids to be comfortable (and, we hope, working together without fighting? Does it come with something for that?) It’s made of durable sturdy hardwood with a durable high gloss finish that just wipes clean.

It meets all safety standards for home playground equipment, which is nice when you have kids that resemble monkeys (in actions, not looks). It’s, admittedly, a large presence in the kitchen but it’s such an incredible sanity saver that it doesn’t take long to get used to moving around it. We tested The Learning Tower with four kids from 18 months to 4.5 years and there was not one child who didn’t ask their mom to buy them one when they got home. (Well, the 18 month old said “Mama, MINE!” and tried to take it home, but I’d say that’s pretty much the same thing!)

The optional but way cool playhouse kit transforms the learning tower into an imaginative play space like a puppet theater or fort. We took The Learning Tower to a local preschool full of at-risk kids and set it up as a playhouse. The kids fought for turns in it (which we quickly put to a stop, but you get my point) and the creative play that came out was amazing. So amazing, in fact, that we left it there forever.

One piece of furniture that keeps kids from falling, allows them to help so you can keep your eye on them and they’re not flushing your bra and gain valuable skills & independence and keeps them entertained for hours outside the kitchen? I’d say that’s a hit.

Find a retailer near you or online.

Being the mom of a toddler learning to walk is a blast, but it kills my back. Being hunched over all day long so that he doesn’t have to walk with his arms in the air makes my back scream. And I’m sure that’s nothing compared to my foot-taller-than-me husband.

Enter Walking Wings – a cool mom-invented product that has saved my back. The support vest easily fastens with velcro around the baby’s chest and has two adjustable straps with detachable padded handles. It looks a little goofy, but it works. It took my son a few tries to tolerate having it on but once he got used to it he didn’t seem to notice it.

Walking Wings are great for increasing the confidence of the new walker. Not only are they able to use their arms in a natural position but when they do, inevitably, fall, the straps catch them (which has to feel better than having your arms yanked out of their sockets). I appreciate the worry-free practice time out on the sidewalk, and we all appreciate the lack of skinned knees.

An added bonus ~ Walking Wings can also function as an alternative to a jumper and your biceps will be stunning.

Walking Wings retail for approximately $25 USD. Check their list of retailers and online locations.

We’ve got a pair of pink and a pair of blue Walking Wings to give away to two lucky TOP readers. To be entered in the random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with WINGS (blue or pink) in the subject line and tell us what major TV show featured Walking Wings. (Click over to the video from their site to see Walking Wings in action!) Contest closes at midnight MST on 5/8/07. Congratulations Lianna & Tanya!

Summer is fast approaching and it’s the time of year when we start to apply sunscreen to our little ones to protect their delicate skin. But what about their eyes? They’re irreplaceable, and they can get sunburned too. In fact, according to the FRUBI SHADES site, “The human eye is ten times more sensitive to harmful UV rays than your skin. The lens of a child allows 70% more UV rays to reach the delicate retina than in an adult. Approximately half of the entire time we spend outdoors in our lifetime occurs in the first twenty years of our life.” Armed with that knowledge, we should all be picking up a pair or three of Frubi Shades!

Designed to fit kids from 6 months to 6 years of age (with a version for older kids coming soon) they’re made of a non-toxic, spongy, form fitting material that’s molded into one comfortable piece. (And I knew they were comfortable when my son actually forgot they were on!) They were originally invented to prevent early eye disease in babies and have grown into much more.

There are soft pads at each temple which add to the comfortable fit and also eliminate the need for the small parts [read:choking hazards] that are on many children’s sunglasses. The special nose piece prevents them from rubbing on the child’s eyelashes – a very important factor in comfort. The specially designed “Ultraguard” lens is non-shattering and extremely protective (from both the sun’s rays and foreign objects!). Frubi Shades are safe for water wear as well, and if they come off, they float. Sounds fun, but they’re not toys. They were designed by an ophthalmologist and are backed by some hard core science.

They’re only $15 for 1 pair or $30 for 3 at the FRUBI online store or at many other retailers (Prices are USD – currently about $17.30 & $34.60 CDN) – a steal of a deal for that much protection!

For eye protection tips, visit the Frubi blog.

Order yours via www.frubishades.com and get $2 off a 3 pack with the code FTOP07 (maximum of 3 packages) until August 31, 2007.

We’ve got a pair of Frubi Shades to give to one lucky TOP reader. To be entered in this random draw, email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with FRUBI in the subject header and submit the correct answer to the question “Where did the two inventers of Frubi Shades, Dr. Gary Hall and Renee Resler, meet?” Contest closes at midnight MST on 5/8/07. Congratulations Maia!

The funky & fab Giggles Bibs were founded by mom Jamie Hunt in 2004. She combined her love of sewing and her need for an easy to clean bib and came up with these great creations.

Giggles Bibs are made of plastic with a food-catching (and drool catching) pocket and a velcro closure. They’re machine washable, can be thrown in the dishwasher or simply wiped clean. She currently has 18 styles and you choose the edging colour. Jaime custom makes the bibs to order and Giggles Bibs are available at 44 locations throughout the United States,Canada, and Australia, as well as online.

Mention TOP & get FREE SHIPPING on your Giggles Bibs when you order from the website.

You’ll find Giggles Bibs in our TOP Shops, where we feature exclusive permanent discounts for TOP readers like you!

We’ve got two great Giggles Bibs (confetti & Japanese goldfish over blue rain) to give away. To be entered in the random draw for one of these great bibs (there will be two winners!), email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with GIGGLES in the subject line and tell us the name of another Giggles Bibs pattern. Contest closes at midnight MST on 5/5/07. Congratulations to Damselfly & Tina!

Necessity is the mother of invention. Or maybe it should be mothers invent out of necessity. Either way, Yvonne Huang has hit the proverbial nail on the head with her invention of Dwink – the universal drink box holder.

Designed to fit standard juice boxes as well as soy, mini and pouches, the Dwink originally appealed to me because of the horror of hot lunch day in my classroom with 20 juice boxes being inadvertently squirted on the floor. As if the caretakers didn’t already hate me enough…

We don’t drink much juice in our house aside from the occasional organic blueberry juice as a treat – we’re water folk – so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Dwink also holds the Rubbermaid litterless juice box and allows my infant son to drink his water independently without getting himself and the carpet soaked. The Dwink is dishwasher safe, easy & comfortable to hold and has a non-skid bottom.

They’re available in 4 colours for only $5. Sold.

In the mood to win? Email theopinionatedparent@gmail.com with Dwink in the subject line and tell us one place where you can buy your own Dwink. You’ll be entered to win one of two we have to give away. Contest closes at midnight MST on 4/12/07. Congratulations Thea & Jess!

Another awesome Mobi product from Zoom Distribution has entered the ranks of the TOP favourites.

The Digital Duck bath thermometer, available in Canada from Zoom’s retailers, has redeemed the bath thermometer industry once and for all.

You know those annoying temperature strips attached to a variety of goofy plastic things that float in the tub and change colour (kind of) according to the temperature of the water?

Well, do yourself a favour and throw them out. When you do, be sure to get yourself a Digital Duck. This thing rocks. Really.

The web footed base suctions to the edge of the tub unobtrusively. At bath time, just lift the duck from the base and pop him into the water. He’ll power on automatically, quack beep to let you know he’s working, and then within just a few seconds you’ll have an accurate water temperature to 0.1 of a degree. The Digital Duck alarms if the water is too cold or too hot, and the word ‘bath’ flashes above the temperature reading when it’s just right. Move the duck around the tub before baby gets in – it takes only a second to let you know about a dangerous hot spot. Leave it in there and it’ll warn you when the water gets too cold for comfort (if the baby doesn’t do it first!). The floating waterproof design means if doubles as a bath toy.

Temperature strips begone. The Digital Duck bath thermometer from Zoom Distribution is here to stay.

Two lucky TOP readers will win their own Digital Duck bath thermometer courtesy of Zoom Distribution. Email theopinionatedparent[at]gmail[dot]com with Duck in the subject header and tell us…Mobi makes 3 other thermometer products. Name one. Contest closes @ midnight MST on 3/30/07. Congratulations Betty M!

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TOP favourite Zoom Distribution has done it again.

The MOBI TykeLight Buddy, available in Canada from Zoom’s retailers, is a great little gadget for children’s rooms, from babies to teens.

It’s a funny little man-shaped figure that sits on an electric charger which is completely safe with no exposed contacts. It takes about 6-10 hours to fully charge and automatically turns on and off when removed from and placed back on the charger. (It actually turns off about an inch from the charger with is totally fascinating for a toddler!) The auto-on function also activates during a power outage.

The light is soft and unobtrusive, with low and high settings adjusted with a smooth button on the bottom of the “little guy” (as we’ve taken to calling him around here). When put under the crib overnight, it illuminates the floor and the entire room perfectly for those middle of the night feedings but it’s not so bright as to be annoying or painful to the newly awoken eye. The batteries are supposed to last up to 10 hours, but on low they last well over 14. With both the light and the charger being completely smooth, it’s very easy to clean and there are no grooves to dig random kid-gunk out of. The MOBI TykeLight Buddy isn’t just for nurseries and toddler rooms. Older kids will love the portability of it when exploring their room at night or making their way to the bathroom. It doesn’t look at all “baby-ish” so it can carry a child right through the teen years as an emergency light for power outages (because, of course, they’ll be way too cool for a night light). Heck, I’m thirty (until tomorrow) and I want one for my room!

It’s available in four mod colours – green, orange, blue & yellow (pink and lavender will be available as of April 27) for $29.99 Cdn. Another WAY cool product. This has got me hoping someone’s having a baby soon because it would be a hit at the shower!

Two lucky TOP readers will win their own MOBI TykeLight Buddy courtesy of Zoom Distribution. Email theopinionatedparent[at]gmail[dot]com with Tyke Light in the subject header and the answer to the question What’s another MOBI item that Zoom Distribution carries? before midnight MST on 3/24/07. Congratulations Amelia & Rody!

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Long gone are the days when we needed to bundle our babies up in bulky blankets to keep them cozy in their strollers and carseats. No more blankets falling onto the filthy floor (a personal pet peeve) or being blown off in the wind. The BundleMe Urban by JJ Cole USA is the perfect solution on those blustery days.

It fits easily into carseats and strollers (from umbrella to luxury to joggers) and has a fully zipper removable top for easy temperature control. The outer quilted fabric (available in four equally gorgeous colours, though I’m partial to ‘stealth’) is water and wind resistant and is machine washable. We threw ours in with the baby laundry and into the dryer and it came out just like new. The inside is a luxurious warm microsuede ~ soft and gentle on baby’s skin. The multitude of strap holes allow it to adjust to almost any seat or stroller system with the straps resting safely right on baby.

Safety is a prime concern when using any fabric, even a thick jacket, between a child and their carseat. We resisted using anything like the BundleMe at first because we were strongly warned against them in the thorough carseat safety course we took before the arrival of our first baby due to the loft being compressed in a crash. The BundleMe Urban (and the entire BundleMe series, for that matter) has been crash tested for safety. The fabric that rests under your child is thinner than most winter coats and will not interfere with the safety of a carseat in a crash. Nice!

The BundleMe Urban is available in two sizes – birth to 1 and 1-3 years. After that, good luck strapping your big little person into a stroller!

Check the JJ Cole USA store locator to find retailers in Canada, the US and online in both countries.

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Any parent of a toddler knows a few things for sure…

*Toddlers are very stubborn and want to do everything themselves.
*Toddlers cannot do everything themselves.

Now, though, there’s one more thing they can do.

Myself Belts are the answer for little ones who love to get themselves dressed. You’ll love them in the morning, and you’ll love them even more for those potty training days when before you’d have been doing up a belt twenty times to a chorus of “Iwannadoooooiiiiiitttttt!”

What a great gift these belts would make to celebrate the first potty success ~ a gift for your child and a gift for you rolled into one.

The innovative design developed, of course, by moms, promotes independence and boosts self-esteem by allowing children to easily fasten and unfasten their belt on their own. They’re simple to use (see the instructions) and there’s a design for every outfit ~ for girls and for boys.

Need more evidence that these two moms are brilliant? They’ve come out with Myself Belts in adult sizes to increase the independence of men and women with physical or cognitive impairments.

TOP loves everything about Myself Belts. And you will too.

Get 10% off your Myself Belts order with the code TOP.
You can find Myself Belts on our TOP Shops page!

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Though she grew up through the great depression, my grandmother always made sure she and her children had quality footwear. My own mother is the same way. They often say “You only have two feet and you use them all day long. Cheap shoes are not worth the price you pay in foot health and comfort.” They also raised me to believe that many adult foot issues are caused by cheap and/or incorrect footwear during childhood. (Note: by cheap, I don’t necessarily mean inexpensive. I mean in quality.)

When my son was born, I had no doubt that he would always have quality footwear. I’d rather spend a little bit of extra money to support his precious little feet than worry about his comfort and any future pain.

When The Opinionated Parent was given the opportunity to review Vincent shoes, I admit I probably got a little more excited than was necessary. We certainly have more shoes around here than the average family but I’m always excited to try new quality brands.

Vincent footwear is, indeed, “a big step for small feet.” They are very solidly constructed with smart features such as stylish rubber toe caps to protect the leather from little people who are constantly stubbing and dragging their toes.

Swedish designers Patrick Österman and Thomas Elbaum are the creative forces behind Vincent Shoes and the company is a family affair named after Thomas’ nephew, which is pretty darn cool. That’s one famous little boy!

Our team reviewed two of the Vincent models, the Dennis and the William and we cannot say enough good things about these shoes. Not only are they extremely fashionable, but they’re comfortable, solid and seem like they will last through several children. The hand-me-down potential is great. Their styles for girls are just as adorable. Check out the designers’ notes accompanying each style for insight into the inspiration for the designs.

Pre-walker and early-walker styles are available, but we especially love Vincent shoes as the “next step” offering more support and a firmer sole without compromising comfort.

If you’re in the market for some great shoes, shop the Vincent winter clearance sale on now!

We have two pairs of fun, fashionable and functional Vincent shoes in the style and size of your choice (pending availability) to give to our lucky readers.

Send an email to theopinionatedparent [at] gmail [dot] com with VINCENT in the subject line and the answer to the question “If you could have any three styles of Vincent shoes, which would they be?” Good luck choosing ~ it’s not easy!

Contest closes at midnight on Friday, February 2, 2007.
Two winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email.
Congratulations to Tara of PEI, Canada and to Michelle of New Mexico, USA!

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Our son received his first pair of real winter boots from his paternal Grandma in early December. I had never seen a pair of boots like this before. They were Stonz, made by Canadian mom-trepreneurs Tracey Von Dehn and Lisa Will.

When we opened the package, I was immediately struck by
(a) how totally freaking adorable they were,
(b) the fact that they had no formed foot space, but were more “tube-like” so they would fit for a long time,
(c) the elasticized drawstrings at both the ankle and calf so they would very likely stay on,
(d) the warm fleece lining and the non-slip sole and
(e) did I mention that they look absolutely fabulous?

They’re available in some mega-cute but not pukey cute styles (We have “stripe.” My mother in law has good taste.)

Since we’re in Canada and it’s winter, we began using them immediately. Our son has worn them barefoot, with socks, over his Robeez and over his Robeez booties and they fit, are comfortable and stay on his feet.

Some of my favourite things about our Stonz, aside from the above list are:
-They have lovely soft soles for those precious little developing and learning to walk feet.
-They’re warm enough to keep his feet and ankles warm on a blustery walk yet not so heavy to prevent us from using them on a windy, rainy or cool day. (They’re water and wind resistant!)
-They’re soft enough that we can squish them right into his one-piece snowsuit comfortably.

We have received more compliments about these boots than any other article of clothing. And our kid has some pretty cool clothing!

Stonz are available in three sizes encompassing birth to three years, and because of their unique shape they really fit and stay on throughout the size ranges.

Oh, and they offer free worldwide shipping when you order your booties without the plastic packaging.

Fashionable, functional and environmentally sound. Does it get any better than that?

Cross your fingers, cross your toes and send me an email to muchmoreopinionated at gmail dot com with STONZ in the subject heading and the correct answer to the question “What are your four favourite styles of Stonz?” (It’ll be hard to pick – trust me.) Have your entry in by midnight on Friday, January 19, 2007.
Two lucky winners will be randomly chosen from all valid entries. Please specify in your email whether you would prefer to be entered for the “cow” or the “flowers” pattern. Update: Prizes are both size medium fitting 6-18 mos. Good luck! Congratulations to CPA Mom of Virginia, USA and to Cindy of Alberta, Canada!

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You know how frustrating it is when you give your child a bowl of his favourite snack in a little bowl, only to have it dumped irretrievably on the floor?

Answer: The Snack Trap.

Designed by supermom, Christine Moss, The Snack Trap is a clever child-sized bowl with two easy to grip handles and the smartest lid I’ve ever seen. The lids are made of supple rubber with six wedged slits so little fingers can reach in and painlessly grab their treats, and they can also tip it and shake it without losing any of their precious booty. When I purchased my first snack trap (they’re only around $5!), I fell instantly in love and bought several more as gifts. Each of my friends who has received them has loved them and continued to “spread the word.” My son, who is only 8 months old, can hold his own snack bowl and easily access his goodies. He can shake and bang it with very little spillage. (Unfortunately, The Snack Trap lid is so soft that it provides a nice cushion for our dogs’ tongues when the bowl is left on the floor.) The company has also recently developed a snap over lid, making it super easy to keep leftover snackies fresh and secure until next time. Love it!

Snack Trap also makes a variety of other products for the “on-the-go” kid. The Drink Deputy is a super solution to those tossed (read: germ covered) sippy cups. It attaches easily to the high chair, stroller or carseat, and is made of elastic so it hugs tightly to a variety of sizes of cups. The Sprout Spout and the Lil’ Topper turn commercial bottles into no-spill sippy cups! Great idea? I think so! However, when we drink from plastic we drink Aquafina and neither spout fit on the kind we currently have. Bummer. Must be our gimpy Canadian bottles.

You know you want to win a Snack Trap (one of the five I have to give away!), so email me at muchmoreopinionated at gmail dot com with SNACK TRAP in the subject heading and name one additional product from the company that is not mentioned in this review before midnight on Friday, January 12, 2007 to be entered in the random drawing. (Congratulations to Betty, Jenn, Lori, Aimee and Rhonda~your Snack Traps are on the way! Enjoy!)

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