All it took was one beautiful, unseasonably warm weekend to make me realize that summer is not far off. A short visit to our local beach reminded me that I’ll soon be loading up my beach bag with sand toys, sunscreen and towels. While I don’t mind toting stuff that’s worth their weight, I am often dissatisfied with our choice in beach towels. Because they never seem to be the right size to dry off adequately or to completely stretch out on the sand, I wind up chiding myself for forgetting to replace them after the previous summer. Well, just in time for the upcoming season of surf, sand and all things water, Zoocchini has introduced hooded towels that are so generously sized, you might just want to steal one for yourself. The 22″ x 50″ towels, made from pure cotton terry or velour, are especially soft and gentle on sun-kissed skin. With seven new designs, including a duck, dog, frog, flower, owl, polar bear and shark, your little critter is bound to find something she likes. We love that Zoocchini‘s playful styles are as appealing to older, more image-conscious kids as they are to particular preschoolers. Our favorite from this season’s collection is the shark, a friendly fish who puts the Jaws saga to bed once and for all.

In a Nutshell: This summer, it’s save to go into the water…and back out again…with hooded towels that are as fun at the beach as they are on dry land.

Tags: hooded bath towels for kids, kids' towels, summer gear, Zoocchini

Indestructible sunglasses for kids? Never heard of ‘em. My almost 4-year-old has already been through 3 pairs, and they never manage to make it through an entire season. Whether her shades end up in the bottom of my beach bag, haphazardly having been crushed by a carelessly tossed rock or seashell, or are inadvertently stepped on (don’t ask), it seems kiddie sunglasses can’t withstand the power of play…until now. At the suggestion of a loyal Talking Walnut subscriber, we decided to check out Babiators, a line of child-sized sunglasses designed to outlast your kid (or at least until she makes it to grade school). At first glance, we were a bit suspicious; how could anything that fits into a package the size of travel-sized toothpaste possibly be durable? Well, let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. We stretched these babies, we bended them, we took them on and off our resident child tester (trust us, this was tough work)…and still they managed to maintain their shape. Upon further inspection, we learned that Babiators were actually designed by a fighter pilot, which explains the secure fit. The fact that they offer 100-percent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays was an extra bonus; if you’ve read our earlier posts, you know how serious the Talking Walnut is about adequate sun protection. And because these sunglasses come in an array of eye-popping frame colors, including limelight lime, we know that ultra-bright coverage will come in handy for those summer days ahead. Babiators are available in either junior (ages 1-3) or classic (ages 3+).

In a Nutshell: Kiddie sunglasses aren’t only about making a fashion statement. This kid-proof brand stands up to standard wear and tear, and looks great while doing it.

Tags: Babiators, child sunglasses, kid sunglasses, sunglasses for babies, sunglasses for kids

Delicate, precise handiwork isn’t only necessary for surgeons and craftspeople; it’s also crucial for moms of sleeping babies. I remember when my almost 4-year-old would finally conk out in her bouncy seat or swing. I was absolutely terrified to move her, for fear of disturbing her precious shut-eye–and me having to contend with a very unhappy baby. (And this was my second kid, so my fear factor should tell you something.) How cool would it have been to have an infant seat that doubles as a safe sleeping spot. My baby wouldn’t have to fall asleep in an uncomfortable, upright position–and I wouldn’t have to agonize whether or not to wake her. Well, Tiny Love has solved this dilemma with its new 3-in-1 Rocker Napper. Aside from the standard bouncer seat bells and whistles–toy bar, music box and mobile–this seat turns into a fully reclined, bassinet-like sleeping spot with raised sides for extra security. No more cramped neck muscles, or endless fretting that your little one will fuss if you attempt to transfer her. And because the Rocker Napper can accommodate babies up to 40 lbs., we imagine this seat will become a nursery mainstay.

In a Nutshell: “Never wake a sleeping baby.” Now you can follow Mom’s sage advice with a clear conscience, thanks to this multitasking baby seat.

Tags: 3-in-1 Rocker Napper, baby shower gift, bouncy seat, infant seat, Tiny Love

Last weekend at church, I watched as a young baby dropped his rattle repeatedly, only to watch his doting grandpa bend over and pick it up again and again. Much to my and my fellow parishioners’ amusement, this game got pretty old pretty fast for Grandpa…but only continued to elicit giggles from the precocious little tot. Too bad this baby’s diaper bag hadn’t been packed with Loopy Gear, an inventive baby gadget that only a mother who’s been there, done that could have dreamed up. It works by attaching the larger loop to your baby’s wrist and the smaller loop around his rattle or small toy. Available in a variety of stylish cotton prints, Loopy Gear can also be attached to your child’s car seat, stroller or high chair. Voila! Your little one has instant access to her favorite toy, and you don’t have to suffer from chronic lower back pain. Now that’s what we call “attachment parenting.”

In a Nutshell: Don’t get rattled by the forever-dropping rattle game; this smart little device will keep your baby’s toy in place–and your sanity in check.

Tags: baby gear, baby gear accessories, baby rattle holder, Loopy Gear

When my preschooler was an infant, boy, could that kid cry! Pacifiers were never enough to soothe her; she’d spit them out faster than I could pop them back in. And bouncy seats never offered enough movement to satisfy her for any considerable length of time. Thank goodness then for her swing, a newer, portable model that replaced her older sister’s bulky floor model. It didn’t matter that it offered more music or an extra cushiony seat; for this temperamental tot, it was all about the constant motion that kept her smiling and her mommy, sane. Amazed as I was four years ago to see the transformation in her swing’s more sleek design, I marvel today at the strides in innovation that make baby gear more fitting for the modern-day nursery than ever. And Graco’s Minnie Mouse Sweet Snuggle Premier Infant Soothing Swing, part of the new Disney Baby line, falls right into that camp. We love the fact that this swing is set high up off the ground, discouraging any curious kitties or other unwanted guests from disturbing your little one’s privacy. The number of options for her optimal comfort level is staggering: 4 sitting positions, 6 swing speeds and up to 15 songs. (My 3-year-old would so envious if she knew what she was missing!) An extra cushy seat and canopy with soft toys in a rich plum color palette are the icing on the cake. This is one swing bound to afford babies (and their moms) some peace of mind, no matter how cranky they get.

In a Nutshell: Give your baby the gift of contentment as she rocks away in a swing that’s got all the bells and whistles to keep her–and you– smiling.

Tags: baby gear, baby shower gift, baby swing, Disney Baby, Graco, infant swing, Minnie Mouse Sweet Snuggle Premier Infant Soothing Swing

Know many kids these days who don’t have their own water bottles? Me neither. Most of the grade schoolers we know have been carrying their own beverages as early as first grade, and if your child brings her lunch often, it’s almost a given that she’ll carry one along. No longer reserved just for summer camp or the soccer field, water bottles are everywhere. And if there’s a staple product that I know we’ll be using again and again, I’m more inclined to invest in a more expensive model that stands up to wear and tear than settle for an inexpensive, flimsy model that we’ll inevitably wind up replacing again and again. In my houses, we go through water bottles like…well, water. One look at my 7-year-old’s and I wonder if she’s not part beaver (does she chomp on that spout or what?). So once she’s worn me down (and the bottle has had its day, too), I’m considering a “higher-end” model that will last well into third grade. Enter the Klean Kanteen, part of this summer’s Pottery Barn Kids collection. We like that this bottle isn’t too bulky or big to lug around (she’s not a camel, after all) and that it’s easy to open (for a rising 8-year-old who doesn’t want to ask the lunch aids for help every day, this last point is especially important). Moms with built-in BPA-free radar will appreciate the environmentally-friendly design, while kids themselves will love that they can get theirs personalized for a few extra bucks. And after all the dough you’ll save from replacing those bottles every year, we’ll drink to that.

In a Nutshell: Summer’s coming…kid got all her gear? Here’s a water bottle that goes from knapsack to beach bag and well into next school year.

Tags: BPA-free kids' water bottles, kids' water bottles, Klean Kanteen, Pottery Barn Kids

During bathtime the other night, my 7-year-old asked me what life was like before her little sister “hogged up all the tub toys.” Ah yes…I remember those days like they were yesterday. When my now-3-year-old was an infant, I had no choice but to lay her on a blanket just outside the bathroom door, while I washed her then-4-year-old big sister. As she became more mobile, my biggest dilemma was about how to keep her clean after being bathed and dressed for bed. That was when I had one of those lightbulb moments, realizing I could secure her in an entertaining spot and not have to worry about her running amok in our family room. That “safe spot” was none other than her Exersaucer. While some moms complained of its tremendous size, lamenting yet another piece of grown-up furniture lost to the arrival of baby gear, I took great pride in the fact that I had found a solution to a parenting logistics problem. For the time being, my daughter’s activity center was a safe haven–for both of us.  The bobbing toy knight, mirrored castle and other playthings  that entertained her were music to my ears. It’s why I get a little jolt whenever I see a new stationary activity center hit store shelves, including the latest from Baby Einstein. The Baby Neptune Activity Saucer is well-stocked with eight ocean-themed toys, a piano, mirror and toy tray to keep your little one happily bouncing along. The pivoting seat lets her turn her around completely as she plays, so she can easily keep on eye on you (and you on her) when you’re not right on top of the action. For me, that meant a cleaner, happier baby–and one less thing to stress about.

In a Nutshell: Let your little water baby go under the sea and explore her surroundings…without getting wet. The Baby Neptune Activity Saucer is available now.

Tags: Baby Einstein, Baby Neptune Activity Saucer, ExerSaucer, stationary activity center

My sister’s co-worker just had her baby shower, and judging by the number of gifts she received, this is bound to be one well-stocked nursery. Hard to believe that among the four (yup, you heard that right) car seats, a myriad of adorable outfits and a chandelier (!) for the nursery, she did not score a crib mobile. Because only a new mom knows just how much time newborns spend (hopefully!) sleeping, it’s ideal to provide them with a little stimulation when they’re awake, especially if they’re content to stay in their crib for a little while longer. Tiny Love’s brand-new-to-stores Soothe ‘n Groove Mobile is the perfect way to wile away the hours (okay, minutes) that your little one can spend happily kicking away. Three smiling, little friends twist and turn overhead, as gentle melodies play in time to their movement. Since we know how quickly we can tire from hearing the same three songs over and over, you’ll appreciate the fact that your little one will be treated to a selection of eighteen different lullabies for up to 40 minutes. Musical mommies with varied tastes can choose from jazz, classical and other favorite genres (sorry, no Adele here). Even after your baby has outgrown the mobile, you can detach it from the crib and keep the music box for her continued listening pleasure. Isn’t the greatest sound a cooing little person?…

In a Nutshell: Your baby’s crib is not complete with a mobile that offers plenty of delightful melodies, without the repetition that can drive even the sanest mom a little batty.

Tags: baby shower gifts, crib mobile, music toys for babies, Soothe 'n Groove Mobile, Tiny Love

If you’ve been keeping tabs on The Talking Walnut lately, you know we’re in the throes of potty-training a rather stubborn 3-year-old. This kid has been plied with everything from pink cookies–reserved especially for taking care of business when we’re not at home–to the stuffed animal of her choice when her rewards chart is completed (I now have more stickers in my possession than a kindergarten teacher). Because this child marches to the beat of her own drum, moving her to the next step (from a potty chair to a cushioned seat) takes a bit of negotiating…followed by the simple act of outsmarting her. This time, we weren’t involved teddy bears, sweets or any other special something. Instead, we magically revealed the weePOD Basix one day and waited to let nature take its course. “Look,” I enthused, as I unwrapped the cushioned potty seat from its box. “It’s your own special potty seat.” “It’s called a toilet seat,” responded the ever-sharp preschooler. (Yeah, yeah. Tomato, to-mato, kid.) “And it’s just for ME!!” Was that a vote of enthusiasm I had just heard? Rather than look a gift-horse in the mouth, I helped this little one drop her pants and climb up. “It’s soft and squishy,” she noted, getting used to the feel of this seat. Not that I’m envious or anything, but I must admit that the comfort of this seat is a great way to entice a reluctant child to giving it a try. Once she successfully finished her bathroom business, I wiped the seat clean and stowed it away for next time. Well, let’s just say that we’re still at it, but at least we’re one step closer to being a big girl.

In a Nutshell: Rome wasn’t built in a day and, despite what the experts say, sometimes potty-training takes longer than you think. Once your trainer in residence is ready to graduate from a floor model to a potty seat, make sure you have this extra-soft seat on hand.

Tags: potty seats, potty training, Prince Lionheart, toilet training, weePOD Basix

Today, on our weekly supermarket jaunt, my 3-year-old and I were treated to a display of hearts-shaped place mats, cupid cookie cutters and all things red and pink. That can only mean that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you happen to be the proud parent of a new bundle of joy, or have a best bud who’s expecting, it’s time to introduce that little babe to the good life with an infant seat she’ll simply love. Bloom’s limited edition coco rosso rocker may be designed for a baby, but it definitely has grown-up appeal. We love that it looks as comfortable as it feels, thanks to a specially designed Plexistyle soft seat. The 5-point harness ensures that your little one stays put, even as she rocks herself to sleep. The coco rosso doesn’t sport any fancy bells and whistles, lights or sounds. If you’re looking for one baby product that fits in with the rest of your contemporary home decor, the coco rosso is it.

In a Nutshell: A sweetheart of a baby gift, the sleek lines of this stylish infant seat make it baby gear you’ll be proud to showcase.

Tags: baby gear, baby rocker, baby shower gift, Bloom, Bloom coco rosso, infant seat, new baby gift