gear
This is where you will find all the pages categorised gear.
iFrogz Tadpole iPod Case for Kids
We seldom allow our kids to watch TV, maybe 1 hour or so a week at most. With so much else to do it always seems like such a waste of time. But there are times, like a 12 hr flight across the pacific, where having easy access to their favourite bits of video could mean the difference between parental sanity or insanity. That sounds extreme and it is but TV has this sedating effect with children which makes it perfect for those times when there is little else to do but sit in your seat. Ipod video is a perfect device for this purpose but I don't think I would feel too comfortable allowing my 3 year unbridled access, especially after eating a peanut butter sandwich. That's where the iFrogz tadpole comes in. From their website: "Tadpole, by iFrogz quickly converts your iPod™ into a portable entertainment device for your child. A rugged case and clear protective screen cover offer unmatched protection and style. Comfort grip handles make viewing easy and fun! The tadpole case engulfs the whole iPod while leaving open areas for the click wheel, iPod view screen, and various buttons and accessory points. In addition to these design elements the Tadpole has added the comfort grip handles for kid friendly and iPod safe viewing. Just as with the entire product line of silicone iFrogz cases, the tadpole is made from 100% silicone that is coated to repel dust and lint."
It's available November 1st for about $25.00US. Via Xataka.
AllyZabba Blanket
Blankets seem to be one of those items you never have to buy - at least we haven't. They have been a popular and appreciated gift for both our children. If you can you will want to convince, wink, nudge, your family and friends to purchase this one for you. This blanket looks it might be the softest blanket you will ever receive. Perhaps get two - one for you and your baby to share. Why shoudl babies have all the fun? The AllyZabba baby blanket is silky polyester satin on one side, microfiber plush on the other. It comes in Coral, Kiwi, or Aqua, and each blanket has the same retro-dot pattern on the back. Machine washable. $59.95US from AllyZabba. Enter code "special10" during checkout and you can receive 10% off your entire order. Expires the end of May.
Baby Plane Spoon
I used to treat mealtime as a chance to play and learn; something which lately we have been trying to de-emphasize in an effort to get our daughter to focus. Maybe it's just the age but mealtime has become a struggle in getting our daughter to finish her food within a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes I think she would sit there all day if we gave her the chance. Perhaps we are being too "dry" and objects like this might just breathe some life (and speed) back into dinner. Comes in the typical boys and girls colours. $18.00US from Target. Via Babygadget.
Mini Me Bowls
I love the IKEA bowls we have. They are durable, microwave and dishwasher safe, and are colorful. I think these Mini Me's are better not just because of them being organic but because they look and feel better. Available in 8 colors, these bowls are coiled by hand, shaped and given a durable food-safe waterproof finish. Suitable for both hot and cold foods, they clean easily with warm soapy water or a damp cloth. They are not recommended for use in a microwave. $12.00US each.
Tike Tech Double Stroller
Now that I have two children of the age where they could both be in a stroller I have been looking seriously at some kind of double or tandem strollers. It's certainly easier than carrying one and pushing the other. For a moment I am going to imagine that I am not living in a city in Taiwan but somewhere that has wide sidewalks and long trails where a sporty stroller like this would be appropriate. The rigged frame and wide tires look perfect for taking your children out for a run. $299.00US by X-Tech Outdoors.
Dombo Cup
With a name which references the famous big eared Disney character the Dombo Cup is wonderfully designed with "big ears" to help children who are just developing their coordination skills. We found similar products like this in the stores in our area but nothing as great as this. Nonbreakable and dishwasher-safe, not for the microwave. $15.00US at the MoMA store.
First Aid Kit For Kids
I always try to remember to take one of our first aid kits with me whenever I go on a walk with my daughter. She tends to suffer more of the usual bumps and scrapes that most kids her age have. This little kit is designed to teach first aid to children ages 7 to 12 and while a good idea is a bit much for her. It's a good idea to teach kids early how to take care of themselves if they get and this kit includes a flash-card-style first aid manual with easy-to-read instructions to help. Available from REI for $9.95US.
Grobag® Egg™ Room Thermometer
"The colour of the 'egg' changes to let you if the room temperature is too low, too high or just right, helping you maintain a safe sleeping environment for your baby. No need to put the light on to read a traditional thermometer!"
An interesting and rather useful ambient interface implementation. What are ambient interfaces? Tom Gross at Fraunhofer gives a good definition based on the work of Gross, Weiser and Brown:
"Ambient interfaces use the whole environment of the user for the interaction between the user and the system. They present digital information through subtle changes in the user’s physical environment such as variations of light, sounds, or movements. They capture natural interactions of the user with physical devices such as switches, buttons, or wheels and translate them into digital commands (Gross, 2002; Wisneski et al., 1998). Ambient interfaces go beyond the classical graphical user interface and do not consume real estate on the computer screen; they make user interaction with the system easier and more intuitive. Their properties of a calm technology (Weiser & Brown, 1996) are particular useful for situations, in which users want and need permanent background information without being disrupted in their foreground tasks."
Despite just being a working proof of concept, the ambient interface we created called "Girls Ambient Room" has proven to be pretty popular despite little or know marketing on our part. I wonder how we will deal with all these new bits of information entering our environment. Instead of dealing with understanding the complexity of a screen based GUI will be now have to start learning how to read our environment? Hopefully we won't have to learn to deal with more information but better information. Thinkingliving - egg thermometer. Originally published on Kelake.
Via Popgadget.
Bacon Strips Bandages
More bacon. My daughter loves wearing colourful and fun bandaids. It has gotten to the point that every little bump she gets, and she gets allot of bumps, now requires a kiss and a bandaid to make it feel better. Though she has never tasted bacon and hopefully seldom ever will I am sure she would find these very fun. 15 7.6 cm x 2.5 cm bandages come in a 9.5 cm tall metal pocket tin which also contains a small plastic trinket to "help make even the ouchiest owies feel all better in no time." From Sprout Home for $4.25US.
Dad Field Bag
Do I really need a bag like this? Not really. My knapsack with a face cloth and towel would suffice. Would I buy one of these? Likely. Diaper bags in general seem like an unnecessary product category with functions that only slightly deviate from your everyday pack. But this often featured bag from Jack Spade is quite well designed, looks great, and adds a couple features that make it practical. The velcro closures which in other instances be a loud annoyance are absolutely a brilliant feature when you think about how you sometimes need to get inside your bag quickly. When someone is about to go pee you don't have time to fiddle around with fancy buckles. The interior pockets are good for separating smelly stuff , from the non-smelly, and with the addition of a changing pad I no longer have to set down Camren with the worry of staining some shops expensive furniture. Style doesn't come cheap as this bag with cost you $125.00US from Modern Seed.
Sponsor Products
- Bebe Furniture: Baby Cribs, Baby Furniture, Dressers, Armoirs. Bebe Furniture has created a cute and sincere character for babies.
- Selected baby products shipped world-wide by mothercare.com, the UK's most trusted store for parents of young children
- Use Coupon Code AUGSHIP and receive free shipping on all orders of $75 or more
- Great savings on selected toys and gifts. Click here
- How to travel with baby Click here for tips from mothercare.com
-
Bookend Men
-
Six Pack BYO Bags
-
Baby Beatrix Messenger Bags