If you haven’t figured it out already, The Talking Walnut is a big fan of Skip Hop, makers of durable kiddie products kid gear in eye-popping designs. So when we recently had a chance to see their new Alphabet Zoo Wall Decals in the flesh, we knew we wouldn’t be disappointed…and we were right. This adorable assortment of removable decals perks up any child’s room or nursery with a touch of whimsy. Whether you’re spelling out your little one’s name or introducing her to the ABCs, these stickers offer instant personality to even the closest of corners. If you’re working under tight conditions (city dwellers, you know who you are) or decorating on a shoestring (man, those cribs are costly!), this sweet set will work magic for your little one’s special space. And did we mention these decals are removable? Perfect for that bundle of joy who may someday turn into a precocious preschooler with her own ideas of decor (sigh)…Well, at least you can enjoy them while they’re young–and you still have a say!

In a Nutshell: Brighten up baby’s space with some entertaining art that’s also educational. And if she learns that “f” is for “fox” before she moves to a big-kid bed, we’ll take all the credit.

Tags: Alphabet Zoo Wall Decals, kid room decor, nursery decor, removable wall decals, Skip Hop

Earlier this week, The Talking Walnut reviewed the BabyZoo Sleep Trainer and knew we were on to something! Since our last post, another ingenious teaching  device designed to keep kids in their beds past an ungodly hour has crossed our path…and this one offers a personal touch. The Zazoo Photo Clock features a variety of telltale images that you and your child can choose to distinguish daytime from nighttime. The choices range from basic sun and moon for preschoolers, to more entertaining options for older kids like robots and dinosaurs awake and asleep . Once you’ve selected your favorite day/night pairing and set your clock to the correct time, you’re good to go (to sleep, that is). At a simple glance, even the sleepiest of heads will be able to discern whether or not they should stay in bed. Still struggling with a restless resident? Make this clock truly their own by customizing it with a wake-up greeting featuring your child’s name. We like the fact that even after your child has outgrown the desire to pry you out from under your covers, this clever clock still comes in handy as a digital picture frame for the me-centric tween. Looking back at all those photos will have you remembering those days when your kid woke you up at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. And you wonder where all those age lines come from?…

In a Nutshell: Putting your kid to bed is easy; it’s getting her to stay put that’s the hard part. With the Zazoo Photo Clock, don’t be surprised if her door doesn’t open quite so early this weekend.

Tags: Daylight Savings Time, sleep trainer clocks, sleeping training for kids, Zazoo Kids, Zazoo Photo Clock

Getting both kids to sleep in on weekend mornings is nothing short of a miracle. If one decides to stay in bed, the other must naturally bound out of her room with a bundle of energy. And no matter how many times we tell them to stay put, arming them with plenty of books/games/bargaining deals (“if you stay in bed until 8, you can watch SpongeBob in the morning), like so many parenting moments, our words appear to fall on deaf ears. Just in time for the return of Daylight Savings comes an adorably clever time-telling tool that just may do the trick. The BabyZoo Sleep Trainer is a smart clock that, at a quick glance, lets kids know whether or not it’s time to be up and at ‘em. Designed in the likeness of a precocious little monkey, Momo keeps his eyes closed when a child should be sleeping and opens his eyes when it’s time to wake up. Sleepyheads who want to take a sneak peek at those passing moments will have no trouble distinguishing hours from minutes, as Momo’s tummy is an old-fashioned analog clock and there’s a smaller digital clock at the top. Older kids will like the cool jungle-sounds alarm (in lieu of a harsh, buzzing sound) that can be turned off on weekends, school breaks and any day they can sleep in. How about giving it a try (yawn) this weekend or, better yet, tonight?

In a Nutshell: What parent couldn’t use a little extra shut-eye? Here’s a sleep training gadget that aims to buy everybody a few more zzz’s–no monkeying around.

Tags: BabyZoo Sleep Trainer, Daylight Savings Time, kids' clocks, sleep trainer clocks, sleeping training for kids

If there’s one thing about I won’t miss about the baby years, it’s being rid of diapers/pull-ups, once and for all. The stink alone is enough to compete with my already stuffed nose; I can’t imagine what it will be like to be allergy and diaper-free someday! Because of my tenured experience with potty training, we’ve experimented with all types of diaper pails over the years: those of the simplistic step-on/drop-in variety that use specially designed bags, to the “green” models that work with biodegradable liners. While many pails have promised a style that resembles something other than a glorified garbage receptacle, we’ve yet to find one…until now. The sleek lined, wildly hued ubbi diaper pail cleverly conceals the ugly business that lurks inside its vast interior. Call it the Superman of diaper pails, the ubbi is made with coated steel to lock in those nasty scents that manage to permeate even the most air-tight nurseries. Because it doesn’t require any special bags, the ubbi works with any standard tall kitchen garbage bags or, if you’re green-minded, any cloth diaper pail liners. Putting practicality aside, we’re tickled pink over its wide range of color options: from hot pink, to punchy purple. Hey, if someone is still in diapers at your house, might as well make a fashion statement. Your nose will thank you.

In a Nutshell: Diapers are a dirty business. Fortunately, here’s a new pail that doesn’t make the entire diapering process stink so much!

Tags: diaper pails, eco-friendly diaper pail, ubbi diaper pail

It’s a jungle out there, especially if you’ve got little ones running around at home. When I’m making dinner, I swear there’s a stampede of elephants overhead–and not just two little girls playing. If you’re in search of a way to keep your playroom accident-free and spare newly mobile toddlers from acquiring more bumps and bruises than necessary, consider the Skip Hop Zoo Playspot. A refreshing alternative from the ho-hum hopscotch patterns we’ve seen in one too many kiddie gyms, this fashionable print may just bring out the wild child in your little monkeys. The adorable faces of a dog, bee, owl and monkey are so cute, they may be entertaining enough to coax your constant crawler into actually sitting still for more than five seconds. We like that the puzzle-like pieces snap together easily to create an intimate play space of 4 spots or up to 12 spots wide for multiple movers and shakers. And if you’re extra concerned about safety, you’ll appreciate that these tiles are BPA-, PVC- and Phthalate-free. And that makes for smiles all around.

In a Nutshell: Protect your precious little ones–and your hard wood floors–with this soft covering that’s as playful as it is practical.

Tags: foam tiles for babies, kids' furnishings, playmats, playroom decor, Skip Hop, Skip Hop Zoo Playspot

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

My daughters share a hand-me-down craft table that’s seen its fair share of crafting sessions and tea parties. If the faded marker smudges and discolored tabletop is any indication of its storied past, we know this particular piece of furniture has taken quite a licking over the years. Maybe that’s why we’re intrigued by the Brunswick Play Table. Part of the Pottery Barn Kids Spring 2012 Collection, this good-looking, yet highly functional table is the ideal focal point piece for any spacious  play room. Made from a solid wood construction, it’s designed to withstand years and years of play, from one sibling to the next. The table’s dark finish, poised to hold up to potential craft supply stains, is balanced out by six card catalog-style, rainbow-hued drawers that are generously sized to fit everything from unwieldy poster paper to buttons and beads. There’s plenty of work space for at least four young artists to roll up their sleeves and get busy (and another two spots if leg room isn’t an issue). We think the Brunswick Play Table is so appealing, there’s life for it beyond the play room…perhaps as the perfect spot for an aspiring novelist? Hmmmm…

In a Nutshell: If your family’s play room is due for a make-over this spring, let this conversation piece from Pottery Barn Kids take center stage and prove its worth.

Tags: kids' craft table, kids' furnishings, play room furniture, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Kids Spring Collection

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Like most moms, I’m debating between less snacking and more sleep. Guess which one inevitably wins outs? I never realized how crucial good sleep was until I had kids. I can’t blame my lack of shut-eye on 3 a.m. feedings anymore, and I haven’t quite gotten to the one-eye open until a car pulls into the driveway (the teen years are still a decade away). No, I’m more inclined to lay awake and listen to a lone cough echoing from one bedroom and the rumblings of a bad dream from another. Maybe my craving for more zzzz’s is why I invest so much in comfy PJs for both myself and my kids. If you’re thinking of an innovative gift for a new mom friend, how about a standing offer to watch Junior for a couple of hours, so Mom can get some much-needed rest, along with a delightful sleep ensemble for her little one? The Baby Bunch’s PJ Cupcakes are especially sweet for either a toddler boy or girl. These 100-percent cotton jammies are available in pink or blue two-piece sets and come in a whimsical gift box. Yes, good things do come in small packages. And lucky for Mom, these cupcakes are sugar-free.

In a Nutshell: Every kid looks cute in their PJs–even a trying toddler. Pick up a pair of these jammies and sweeten the deal with an offer to watch your mom friend’s little one for an afternoon. Now that’s a real BFF.

Tags: baby gift, Cupcake PJs, The Baby Bunch, toddler pajamas

Happy (almost) 2012! If you’ll be welcoming a new arrival into your family this year, chances are you may be registering for baby bedding. And if this isn’t your first child, you may already be familiar with the potential health risks associated with crib bumpers. They may look pretty, but are deemed unsafe by the American Academy of Pediatrics with regards to SIDS prevention . That being said, any bedding set that can pull off the look of a complete bedding ensemble–minus the actual bumpers–gets a nod in our book. Skip Hop’s Complete Sheet Collection is just that product, offering a bold printed sheet whose design extends to the mattress sides and features a contrasting pattern on top. Finished with linen piping, the 100-percent cotton, 200-thread count sheet achieves the look of a bumper without having one in place. Now there’s no need to worry about your newborn becoming entangled in her sheets. And that means a more restful night’s sleep for the both of you.

In a Nutshell: It’s a ban on bumpers; this sheet set makes great strides in bedding for babies that is both safe and stylish.

Tags: American Academy of Pediatrics, baby bedding, crib bumpers, crib safety, crib sheets, SIDS prevention, Skip Hop, Skip Hop Complete Sheet Collection

Ah, the wonderful scents of the season are upon us! The gingerbread cookies baking in the oven, the freshly cut Christmas tree’s boughs of pine…and that god-awful smell coming from the guest bathroom (just kidding). If your home is about to be descended upon by a barrage of family and friends this holiday season, you’ll want to freshen up the facilities with a festive scent. Poo~Pourri Santa bathroom freshener is an amusing and surprisingly effective way to keep your powder room smelling more like powder than anything else. A pleasing combination of citrus and evergreen, this spray puts the kibosh any unpleasant odors with a simple spritz. If you’ll be Christmasing at someone else’s home this year, consider the Santa Poo~Pourri Toilet Paper Giftset as an unconventional hostess gift. Now, you won’t have to blame it on the dog anymore.

In a Nutshell: The nose knows: Stinky bathrooms take the joy out of holiday merrymaking. One spray of this stuff and you’ll wish it were Christmas every day.

Tags: bathroom freshener, holiday gifts, hostess gifts, Poo~Pourri, Santa gifts