Another One of Mom’s Favorite Crazy Toys

We keep getting unique and slightly strange gifts from the Manhattan Toy Company but every single one is a hit in this family. One of these is a “flying saucer” toy, which although I am really not sure the purpose of, still keeps entertaining our toddler. It is either the color, texture, or shape, but this is a great toy to pull out of your purse or diaper bag when you just need to “borrow” a bit more time (and possibly quiet) from your child. Anything that stands the test of time, rough handling, and grubby hands, is a winner & favorite in this family!

Drum Baby Drum

Yesterday we spent some time at a friend’s house. We always love visiting their house because they have three kids, so everything is very “kid friendly.” I am always amazed at the wonderful toys they have and last night by far the favorite for both babies, children, and adults was the LeapFrog Learning Drum which they just received. It is a “counting drum” which lights up, speaks, and plays music. It is always difficult to get the family to leave after a full day of play. But last night was especially difficult, as all of us wanted to take this toy with us!

Oh-Boy, we like this O-Ball

When my parents gave this to our son we looked at them with the face of “okay…” But now that summer is here, this is fast becoming mom’s favorite toy – because it is an indoor-outdoor ball that can get wet, doesn’t bring in dirt, doesn’t break anything (famous last words), and can easily be tossed, kicked, or rolled by a baby, toddler, child, or adult. So to my parents – kudos for being more hip than mom – and finding this new cool toy, the Oball, from Rhino Toys.

Top Ten Toys

Overwhelmed when you walk into a Toy Store? Don’t know whether or not what you spend valuable money on will pass both the mom and kid test?

 Here are ten of Mom’s Favorite Toys, that are safe, reliable, durable, and reasonable. These toys definitely get this Mom’s (and her family’s) Seal of Approval. For Mom’s Favorite guide to buying safe toys click here. 

Fun in the Sun

So June is here (eek) and summer is upon us. Mom’s Favorite has drawn up a list of “must haves” for mom and family to survive the summer and have fun in the sun.

5. Outdoor toys & games

Here are some of Mom’s Favorite outdoor toys, to help burn away some of the hours of those long summer days.

4. Cool clothes & shoes (literally)

These cool slip-on shoes from Robeez have saved us time, hassle, and hot little feet!

3. Water, water, water

Make sure the whole family stays hydrated with water (yes – right from the tap).

2. Hats & Sunglasses

We get a ton of our summer gear from the Gap because they are reasonable, durable, and reliable.

1. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen – for the
whole family!

Some of Mom’s Favorite products include Clinique’s City Block, Murad’s face protection, Coppertone products, and don’t forget the SPF for lips too! Right now you can even get Clinique’s City Block on a Chain!

Road Trip!

I recently wrote about mom’s favorite “smart snacking” in the car or on the go. But when you are in the car for eight or more hours, you just don’t need food, you definitely need entertainment. This mom has some favorite items to keep little minds active and boredom at bay.  They include audio books, regular books, and a few interactive toys:

Safe Toys

Mom’s Favorite Hints to Finding Safe Toys

Are you worried about the lead, toxins, and other chemicals in our kids’ toys? As a mom, I have been concerned with reports of toys that have high lead levels and toys that are toxic. Keep reading to find out how you can make sure your child’s toys are not causing them harm.

With so many toys recalled, how can you be sure your child’s toys are safe? Here are some of mom’s favorite helpful hints:

Buy American. If possible, see if you can find toys made in the USA. You would be shocked how few there are, but hand-made wood toys are usually pretty safe.

Buy a Lead Test. Now most baby and kids stores sell these. You simply rub them against the toy to find out if they leach chemicals.

Buy organic products. Some companies now boast “organic” stuffed animals, clothes, and other toys. This will help give you piece of mind that what your child is putting in their mouth is not leeching harmful chemicals.

Buy products that are labeled “non-toxic” or “lead free” vs. “natural.” If products have the word non-toxic or lead free, they must verify this is true, however if toys simply have the word “natural” there are no specifications for what criteria the product must follow.

Buy toys from companies that have dedicated themselves to more rigorously testing their toys.

Who are these companies?

Try Melissa & Doug Products. They are great, educational, and safe! Our family and friends simply love their products and they engage in extra testing of their toys. We also like “Uncle Goose” Products, as well as these great “organic” baby & teething sets.

How else do you make sure that the toys you buy are safe?

There are a few good resources that every mom and dad should be sure to check out. It will take a bit of elbow grease to make sure that your toys are safe, but hopefully this information will help.

If you would like more information on what toys are unhealthy and why, see the PBS show “NOW.”

So many toys that have been recalled due to high chemical levels (especially lead). Make sure to check the US Consumer Product Commission Website for a list of all of these toys.

Another site that is a good resource is “Healthy Toys, because it provides a database of tested toys. You can also sign up for a texting function where you text the toys name into their database while shopping.

There are many published & online safety guides as well that listsafe products for kids.

We do a lot of research about unhealthy toys through Consumer Reports. Subscribe to the magazine at a low price to find the best and safest toys for your child.

One of the countries that has the best testing for toys is Canada. They have stringent requirements as to what counts as “safe toy” and they recently published their results for 2008. There are many winners that are available in the United States, and we would say these warrant making it onto mom’s favorite wishlist for safe toys. For see the Canadian Council’s List of Best Toys, click here.

Fisher Price Favorites

Are you looking for safe and healthy toys for your kids, and your friends’ kids?

With so many toys recalled, it is hard to find safe ones! But here are three that “passed the muster.”