We suggest digging in to all your favorite classics right from day one — because reading to your kids is an incredible gift with all kinds of associated health benefits. The more and earlier children hear words and become familiar with the way books “work,” the better off they tend to fare in the world.

By the time your kiddo hits the toddler years, chances are she’ll be asking for everything on repeat, and all those books you once loved may begin to feel a little… tiresome.

We’ve got you covered! Based on our pooled experiences, friends’ recommendations, thousands of ratings and reviews, various awards and media recognition, and what our kids have to say (!) — we’ve rounded up the best children’s books for different age groups. They’re like Kix (remember Kix?!) — kid tested, mother approved.

Whether you’re just starting out with a new baby, looking for some new titles to add to your toddler’s library, or gearing up for your first read-aloud chapter book, there’s a good book for that.

Read on, parents!

The post Best Children’s Books appeared first on Lucie's List.

But yes, having one can make all the difference in drowning out loud neighbors, cars, sirens… other siblings (ahem).

**Much like with night lights, we’re starting to see many more noise machines that also offer other features, like a night light and/or a speaker and/or a clock and/or a monitor (SO many different iterations…). We’re super into these combo products, especially because some of the top manufacturers in this department — including Hatch and Yogasleep (formerly Marpac) — make really high quality products that can last for years to come.

There are two runaway favorites in the white-noise-machine only category — and you can’t go wrong with either one:

Yogasleep Marpac Dohm ~$47

This dual-speed “sound conditioner” has an actual fan inside, which creates the soothing sound of rushing air. This has only one sound setting (whoosh), and two volume settings, but that’s honestly all most people need. Yes, we own 3. Cannot. Live. Without.

LectroFan ~$49

This is another crowd pleaser. It has a wider range, with 20 non-repeating sound offerings, and multi-level volume control (from whisper to very loud). It’s also a bit smaller than the Dohm, making it easier for travel, IMO.

A separate option is to get a multi-tasker specifically designed for babies/kids:

Cloud b Tranquil Turtle Sleep Machine ~$59

This plush little guy is beloved; he has natural sounds, lullabies, a rotating projector, and an on/off timer. Seriously, kids love this thing.

Hatch Baby Rest ~$69

The Rest is a night light/sound machine combo that we love (two birds/one stone…). Actually, it also has an OK-to-wake clock function, too — though you won’t need it for years, sadly. You can even get the Hatch Baby Rest+ ($89) for a few bucks more to bundle an audio monitor with the whole thing, too. MAN I wish this had been invented ten years ago. It’s amazing.

For Travel, Around-the-House, and On-the-Go:

Yogasleep Pocket Baby Soother ~$20

This portable sound machine is SO great to have on-hand. The sound quality is top-notch and it lasts up to eight hours with a charge. It also comes with a little fastener clip to easily attach to a car seat, diaper bag, or pack ‘n’ play. Trust me — having a super-portable white noise player like this is SO much more functional than trying to use a white noise app on your phone on the fly. (Though, you can certainly do that in a pinch!)

*The buttons can be finicky, which is somewhat annoying (it can take a few times to turn it on or off), but the overall functionality of this little thing is still worth it, in IMO. Comes in unicorn, fox, dino, or penguin design.

Yogasleep Travel Mini Sound Machine & Night Light ~$27

Another great option for a portable noise machine that also offers a night light. This one has the same annoying-button issue as the travel sound machine (above), but overall the white noise quality and small size of this machine outrun that pesky issue.

Annnnd that’s a wrap in the sleep department, folks! Next on the list is products for diapering. Let’s do this…

The post Baby Sound Machines appeared first on Lucie's List.

What kind of monitor should you get?

Monitors have come a LONG way in the past few years, with many parents opting for higher (and higher, and higher) levels of surveillance. The trend has broadened: audio monitors → video monitors → movement monitors → smart monitors.

Movement monitors (which are often marketed as a mechanism to help prevent SIDS) have become more and more popular of late, as companies reap the profits of our paranoia. Increasingly, we’re seeing “smart” monitors with additional high-tech features and advancements, including bluetooth/Wi-Fi, networking features, and evermore comprehensive “trackers” that fill you in on things like breathing and heart rate (not just movement). In fact, simple audio monitors can be hard to find these days.

Parents: don’t feel like you have to go crazy with a monitor. Buy the type that best suits your level of “need-to-know.” Me, I prefer less information; but I know others who prefer to monitor their child’s every movement and/or vital sign. Go with your gut on this one and please don’t feel the need to over-monitor your baby. (Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to use it.)

On the other hand, if you tend to worry and a monitor would give you peace of mind, know that there is technology available to you, and don’t apologize to anyone for taking advantage of it. Do your thang.

In short: you should get the kind of monitor that’s going to make you feel more CHILL.

SIDS — For the Record

SIDS occurs most commonly between 2-4 months of age, with 90% of SIDS deaths occurring before the age of 6 months; baby boys are more likely to die of SIDS than baby girls.

SIDS is the reason you shouldn’t put your baby on his or her tummy to sleep — babies who sleep on their stomachs have anywhere between a 1.7 and 12.9 times higher risk of SIDS. The most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS is put your baby to sleep on his back. In fact, 74% of babies that die of SIDS die while tummy-sleeping.

Yes, many babies sleep better on their stomachs, but this isn’t necessarily a good thing. Scientists today believe that SIDS is multifactorial, and sleeping “too deeply” might actually be problematic, because babies’ brains (and abilities to wake up) are still developing. (Tell this to well-meaning grandparents who insist that, “we did it with you and you turned out okay!”) Flat head is rough, I know, but it can be prevented. “Back is best” — it’s true!

Anyway.

If you’re on the fence about going audio v. video:

Many people like being able to see why baby is crying. Maybe her binky has fallen out, or her swaddle’s come undone, or whatever — these are easy “fixes.” If there’s a lot of distance — or even a flight of stairs — between you and your baby, a video monitor may be well worth it. It might save you a lot of running up and down the stairs when you’re trying to squeeze in an episode of Game of Thrones from your living room while hearing phantom cries.

Then again, some (old-school) parents feel videos can be… distracting — like trying to work when you’re really just watching your Roomba.

Friends: you do you.

Let us say this, finally about your decision: whichever type of monitor you choose, get a good one. It’s worth it. Sleepless nights are difficult enough without worrying about poor reception, feedback, interference, excess beeping, or lights-that-are-too-bright.

Note that there have been a few recalls recently due to strangulation deaths as a result of the child units being placed within baby’s reach. Never, ever place a monitor within reach of your child because they can grab the cord and (somehow, Lord knows) get it wrapped around their neck. Stipulations for proper placement can be found in the monitor’s instructions.

Audio Monitors

Sadly, not many companies are still producing high-quality sound monitors anymore, so there are slim pickings in this category. But these two are great products that we highly recommend!

BTW, even if you plan to purchase a more tech-y monitor for your home, a decent audio monitor is *very nice to have around for travel or for grandparents’ houses.

VTech ~$21 — Editor’s Choice

We’ve always really liked (and recommend) the older VTech Safe and Sound, but the new upgraded version has some enhanced features — plus it’s actually cheaper (!), go figure. This is a pretty “no-nonsense” audio unit that has a range of up to 1000 feet (more than a football field). I like that even if you have the volume turned off, the lights at the top still blink to let you know if there’s noise. (A handy feature if you want to know if baby is crying but not actually hear it…) And it’s crazy affordable.

Philips AVENT ~$54

The Philips AVENT is the other stalwart in the audio monitor department. This one has an indoor range of 150 feet and an outdoor range of 1,000 feet (the range varies depending on surroundings and “factors that cause interference”… which is true of every monitor). It’s definitely a reliable product, though, if we’re being honest, we sort of miss the older version from Philips AVENT, which was admittedly more clunky but included a room temp display and a battery life reading, plus boasted a more impressive range. Alas, this is what happens with old technology…

Video Monitors

Video monitors consist of one or more cameras (with many, you can add cameras to capture different angles or use with multiple kids). They also come with a “parent unit,” which has a display screen with audio output. What varies between them is the quality of the resolution, the signal range (how far it broadcasts), the size of the screen, the ability of the camera to pan/tilt/zoom (some cannot) and the ease of use, especially during setup. Some even have voice-activation mode (i.e., it “sleeps” when no sound is detected) and the ability to use it as a two-way walkie talkie (you can threaten older children this way, which is a very handy feature) (kidding)… (I’m not really kidding, actually).

Video monitors have both proliferated and gotten more and more tech-y over the years… we’re not exactly “tech people” so if you want something super advanced, you probably want to check out a more electronics-oriented review compendium. Our picks are some of the most reliable video monitors in the baby space — nothing more, nothing less.

Babysense ~$59 — Budget Pick

The Babysense video monitor is well-liked by parents and a very affordable option. It has a range of up to 900 feet (in open space) and comes with a 2.4″ LCD screen. It also comes with some nice extra features like a room temperature sensor, two-way talk back, and an optional “eco” mode that automatically blanks out the screen when all’s quiet on the western front.

Some parents love that this doesn’t use wi-fi (more secure) but to others it’s annoying because other devices can technically interfere with the connection. And many parents complain that the battery life leaves something to be desired. Still — this is a very solid product for a great price. Note: if you want an extra camera, you can add that as well.

Eufy ~$159

The Eufy monitors are somewhat newer to the scene (2018) but quickly gained a great reputation for their high-quality video resolution and impressive features. Users love that the Eufy is easy to set up, has a long battery life, and has crystal clear connection (it also does not use wi-fi). Parents rave about the customer service on this one, so if there are any hiccups, know that help is easy to find. Yes, the Eufy is a sophisticated choice — highly recommended.

Note: the newest iteration of this^ monitor, the Eufy 2 (~$119), is still quite new to market, but so far families are liking it (and it’s cheaper than the original… since it doesn’t demand or come with it’s own display). *The big ticket with this one is the super-high resolution, which gives a crystal clear digital display and syncs with your phone through an app (rather than the independent viewing monitor). Some other bells and whistles parents like are that you can set up notifications on the app from anywhere; a room temperature sensor; and interactive features that enable you play songs or talk/sing to your baby from afar (aka, 2-way talk). (Requires 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi for use.)

Infant Optics DXR-8 ~$165 — Editor’s Choice

This monitor from Infant Optics is our top pick in this category for its quality and longevity (it’s been around the block and stood the test of time). It’s got a solid range (up to 700 feet), high-quality video (3.5″ display), and is easy to set up and use. Parents really love it.

The Infant Optics DXR-8 also uses different lenses to give you the best picture quality depending on the layout and shape of your baby’s room and crib area. (Note: the wide angle lens is sold separately.) Lastly, it displays temperature, has a two-way talk feature, and is expandable the unit up to 4 cameras.

*Note: the newer (PRO) version of this Infant Optics monitor^^ (~$199) has a larger 5″ screen, a zoom feature, and a patented active noise reduction technology that filters out background sounds like white noise, etc. So far, parents are really loving this last feature — generally, That Static Noise is something we all just deal with, so the promise of removing it is pretty great. On the downside, folks say the battery life sucks. We haven’t gotten our hands on this exact model yet, but you should know it’s out there, and that the Infant Optics customer service is top notch.

FYI: If you ever need a baby monitor in a pinch and you have an iPhone… there’s an app for that! There are several available, but a very popular one is a video monitoring app called Cloud Baby Monitor (~$5).

Movement & Breathing Monitors

There are a few options available to monitor your baby’s movement, breathing, and even pulse — these are designed to alarm/alert you of the absence of movement and/or breathing. *Note that some of these movement monitors are not combined with audio or video monitors, so you may need to also purchase a separate “normal” baby monitor.

Please also note that none of these consumer devices has been proven to reduce SIDS; although in fairness, they haven’t been proven to not reduce SIDS either. Like I said, if they allow you to rest easier at night, go for it…

There are different types of movement monitors — one category is “attachables,” which are essentially small, battery-powered devices that clip directly onto the diaper or the baby. The downside with these is that they can fall off or become displaced, which can amount to false alarms. The benefit is that they’re great for travel or “sleeping around,” especially if your baby doesn’t sleep consistently in the same place. *Again, remember: depending on which version you choose, you may need to get an audio or video monitor separately.

Snuza HeroSE ~$169

The Snuza clips onto your baby’s diaper and monitors abdominal movements (for “breathing motion”). If movement stops, it vibrates to rouse your baby (15 seconds), and if/when this fails it will alarm you (at 20 seconds). Since it attaches to baby’s diaper, the Snuza can be used anywhere baby happens to be sleeping — a convenience feature which makes it great for families who travel a lot or use different sleeping surfaces around the house. *However, since it can pick up on external movements, the Snuza is not designed for bed-sharing or use during motion (i.e., in a stroller, swing, or car seat). Generally speaking, parents are very happy with the Snuza.

Owlet ~$299

The Owlet Dream Sock is a soft bootie (it needs to be worn on bare skin, FYI) that slips on baby’s foot and measures various “sleep quality indicators” such as movement, heart rate, oxygen level, and wakings to report on your baby’s sleep state and overall quality. The goal, per the company, is that access to this knowledge can key you in “if your child is uncomfortable or needs your assistance to sleep more soundly.” It does not have a notification feature like the Sleep Sock did.

Let me repeat that in case you missed it: the Owlet Dream Sock was not designed to alert you to any “worrisome” changes in your baby’s sleep. With this product, the company pivoted to a “sleep monitoring solution” designed, apparently, to help parents understand how well/poorly their babies are sleeping. Thus, you can check oxygen levels and heart rate (they are tracked as sleep indicators), but the product/app won’t notify you of anything as such.

*We think this last piece^^ is SUPER important to highlight because the reality is that most parents who want a monitor like this are looking for the reassurance of a notification/alarm in the event of some sort of crisis, and the Owlet no longer does this. We haven’t tested this new model out firsthand, but it sounds like… a Fitbit for sleep for babies.

Owlet Dream Duo (Sock and Cam) ~$439

Owlet also offers a combined movement monitor and video baby monitor duo, so you wouldn’t need to purchase a separate audio or video monitor with this one.

Nanit ~$329/399

The Nanit monitoring system uses a camera to provide audiovisual monitoring, vital stats, and sleep data (including notifications) for your baby. *Note that in order to receive the vital statistics, you need to also use the breathing band (seen below).

With the Nanit, there is no parent unit; rather, you use the app to view video of your baby and check in on data, sounds, and sleeping (most folks find the app fairly intuitive to use and navigate, and it really does offer a wide suite of features, ranging from past video to split screen modality to picture-taking). There is also a white noise machine and a night light built into the camera device, which many parents like.

You can purchase a Nanit monitoring system with either a wall-mounted camera ($329), a floor stand camera ($399), or a “flex stand” camera ($249), which in theory is meant to be mobile but in practice most people find unreliable; obviously the floor stand is easier to set up and more portable/flexible in terms of placement than the wall mount, but some prefer the security of a wall-mount camera.

Honestly, much like most of the smart monitors, there are just as many parents who swear by the Nanit as swear it off. Many families love the data Nanit synthesizes into tidy reports and trends over time; others report frustration at false alarms, finicky technology, and glitchy connectivity. In short: this monitor (and this kind of monitor) is a major source of relief for many and a major source of anxiety for as many more… and it’s tough to predict where you may fall on that spectrum. As we said in the intro, know yourself and go with your gut — if the thought of having daily or weekly sleep reports and constant access to your child’s movements, etc. while they are sleeping sounds like it would be very welcome, know that the Nanit is beloved by many. But if the possibility of false alarms and/or analytics reports sound overwhelming, maybe stick with a video monitor (or, gasp, an audio monitor). And whichever “category” describes you best, own it! These technologies are here to help, so use whatever feels most helpful, pass Go, and collect $200.

Note: We’ve previously recommended two under-the-mattress movement/breathing monitors — the Angelcare AC527 and the Babysense 7 — but enough parents have been frustrated enough with both of these products in the last year that we decided to drop them from our official recs.

Both products use sensors that slip beneath the mattress to detect movement, and sound an alarm if there’s no movement detected after so-long. If you specifically want an under-the-mattress device such as these (as opposed to an attachable), you may want to check them out, as they’ve historically been reliable and well-liked products, but if you don’t have a preference, you probably want to stick with our other picks.

The jury is still out on these smart/movement monitors, folks, but we’re keeping tabs on them…

The post Best Baby Monitors appeared first on Lucie's List.

A lot, I’m afraid.

You have to strike a balance between running into walls in the dark (which you’ll do anyway) and over-stimulating your baby (and yourself) with a bright, glaring light.

Research tells us that white and blue light wavelengths suppress melatonin (the sleep hormone) the most, which is the opposite of what you want at night. Longer wavelength light, such as amber light, interferes with your sleep the least. And yet many night light makers use blue light. Go figure.

I much prefer a night “lamp,” which is a cordless, rechargeable lamp you can walk around with. Sadly, there are few-to-none out there like this…

**We’re starting to see many more baby night light combos these days that integrate a night light with other features, like a noise machine and/or a humidifier and/or a clock and/or a speaker (SO many different iterations…). We’re super into this, especially because the top two manufacturers in this department — Hatch and Yogasleep (formerly Marpac) — make really high quality products that can last for years to come.

Here are your best options at different price points:

Munchkin Light My Way Baby Night Light ~$12 — Economy Pick (Tie)

The perfect night light for toddlers — or moms trying to nurse and change diapers in the middle of the night. We like this night light because it turns off after 20 minutes (if you pass out before you shut it off) and is cool to the touch. (It’s battery operated.)

A Cheap Alternative: Plug-in Night Lights

These won’t necessarily throw off enough light for middle-of-the-night nursing sessions or diaper changes (although they might, depending on your space and your eyesight), but the Sycees Wall Plug-ins ($15 for a 6 pack) are VERY handy to have around. They turn on and off automatically and have definitely saved me from many stumbles during the wee hours. We’ve kept them in the hallways, bathroom, etc. long past the newborn days. (Note that you can’t turn these on/off, so if you keep them in your bedroom, they’ll be on all night.)

LumiPets Portable Baby Night Light ~$24 — Economy Pick (Tie)

Another favorite is the LumiPets Night Light. Yes, this thing is designed for little kids, but works great for parents as a nursing/up-at-night light. You can choose from 9 different colors (including red, yay!) and more than a dozen animals/designs. This soft/squishy silicone night light also has different brightness levels, can be turned on/off by tapping (this is optional), has a long-lasting rechargeable battery, and has different auto shut-off options.

Yogasleep Duet ~$41

One step down from the Hatch Baby Rest (see below) is the Duet from Yogasleep (formerly Marpac) — it’s a combined night light and white noise machine that also has wireless speaker functionality (a neat though not super-usable feature, IMO — the quality is a bit tinny). It gives off a warm glow that’s just right, and has a pretty impressive array of noise offerings (30 in all, some white and pink noises and some songs/sounds that *actually aren’t annoying/tinny-sounding). At 4.5″ tall, this is a sleek and unimposing night light that doesn’t scream “baby.”

If you want a night light/humidifier combo:

If you are specifically looking for a night light that can also serve as a humidifier, the Friday Baby 3-in-1 (~$49) also works as a cool-mist humidifier and an aromatherapy diffuser. Like all Frida Baby products, this is a high-quality pick that functions well, though the water tank size may not be big enough depending on your space (it’s advertised for a 12-hour run time to cover a 320 square foot space). For some, it’s exactly what they need, but unless you really desire the humidifier and/or diffuser combo, you probably don’t need to spend 50 bucks on this exact night light…

Hatch Baby Rest ~$69 — Editor’s Choice

It’s a night light, sound machine, and OK to wake indicator all in one — a hat trick! — that’s controlled by your smart phone. We love it. And the new version — the Hatch Baby Rest+ (~$89) — tacks on an audio monitor, too… it’s a true multitasker.

Casper Glow Light ~$129 — Upgrade/Luxury Pick

OK, OK, I know — it’s $$$$. But this thing is so cool. It’s portable, easy to use, and practical.

The Glow rests on a wireless charging base and turns on and off when you flip it over. You can control the Glow’s brightness by rotating the light — dial clockwise for a brighter glow and counterclockwise to dim. It has an automatic dimmer (set for about 45 minutes), and uses warm light only (no bad-for-your-sleep blue light).

It also has a light-to-wake function that might replace your alarm clock (although, you probably won’t want or need this feature for at least a few months, given that your baby will be waking you up plenty…). The Glow emits a warm escalating light in the AM to wake you up more gently (ahem, “naturally”) than whatever annoying sound you have set on your phone alarm. [See the video showing all the features here (you have to scroll down).]

You can operate the Glow through an app, but we think it’s easier to just use the device itself to control the light (you know, like, manually).

It’s TOO expensive, yes, but if you feel like splurging in the sleep wellness department, this is a great choice. You’ll definitely use it a lot longer than a more standard baby night light, anyways.

The post Baby Night Light Roundup appeared first on Lucie's List.

While your baby might not care which kind of crib mattress he sleeps on, most parents do. With more and more parents opting for organic crib mattresses due to concerns over chemical flame retardants, we decided to cover them separately (see best organic crib mattresses).

No matter what brand of mattress you pick, you want it be FIRM. If it feels uncomfortable to you, that’s good. And remember, babies weigh nothing (comparatively) and don’t exactly have back or hip pain like us old geezers, so their mattress needs are quite different (in response to a lot of emails asking, “won’t it be too uncomfortable for him?”). Stay away from anything cushy or plushy.

If you’re in the market for a “regular” crib mattress, our favorites are (in order of price):

Safety 1st Heavenly Dreams Crib & Toddler Mattress ~$88 — Economy Pick

This is a decent and sturdy mattress with vinyl covering that is very easy to wipe clean. It works just fine for many, but it’s not necessarily the most long-lasting mattress (mostly prone to dents and such with time), so if you’re looking to invest in something that can last through the toddler years (or future kids), you may want to look elsewhere…

Free from flame retardant chemicals; GREENGUARD Gold certified.

Milliard Dual Comfort Crib Mattress ~$109 — Best Value (Tie)

This is a great mattress with two sides: a firm “infant” side for babes and a softer “toddler” side for cozier nights after the newborn weeks are past. It comes with a removable, machine-washable cotton cover. (Millard advertises the cover as waterproof, but a good leak can seep through, so I would still suggest using a waterproof fitted sheet with it.)

Made with CertiPur certified foam.

Little Dreamer Crib Mattress from Moonlight Slumber ~$199 – Upgrade Pick

Parents absolutely LOVE this mattress, and many families report using it for years. Yes, you can definitely count on this one to hold up well (and it comes with a lifetime warranty if it doesn’t… though, who needs a crib mattress for that long? lol). Although it’s trending toward “the norm,” the Little Dreamer was actually one of the first designs to offer the dual-sided crib option — infant (firm) on one side and toddler (slightly less firm) on the other.

Per the company’s website: “The Little Dreamer is comfortably topped with a medical grade, flexible performance, 4-way stretch-knit cover that delivers waterproof, hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, odor and stain resistant properties in the cover. Featuring CertiPUR-US® certified foam infused with plant oils and wrapped in a woven fire barrier with no spray-on FR chemicals, our crib mattresses take sleep seriously.” (Also GREENGUARD Gold certified.)

HALO Dream Weave Crib Mattress ~$249

HALO’s new dual-sided, hypoallergenic, and 100% machine-washable mattress is looking pretty great — folks are calling it a “Newton dupe” (see below). At $249, I’m not sure it fits super neatly into the “dupe” category, which has a certain “economy factor” to it, but it is technically cheaper than the Newton… and parents who have owned both say the HALO Dream Weave really does hold up to comparison.

On the toddler side, the removable cover is waterproof (though not on the infant side, kind of a bummer), and it’s nice that you can buy an extra mattress cover — since it’s washable, this could in theory mean you don’t need a mattress cover, however in terms of practicality, it is MUCH more difficult to wash a full-on mattress cover than a mattress topper (a waterproof fitted sheet that goes between the mattress and fitted sheet) when your baby spits up everywhere, which, spoiler alert, happens. (Also, the replacement cover for the HALO is ~$79, while a waterproof fitted sheet will cost you about ~$30.) In any event, if you have been thinking about the Newton but worried about the price tag, you can save a few bucks with the HALO and know you’re getting a very similar mattress that will also hold up well over the years.

Newton Crib Mattress ~$299 — Splurge

There are so many good things to say about this mattress — the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) gave it the 2015 innovation award… and it has gone on to win numerous other accolades since then.

This mattress is known for its breathability and temperature regulation. Wovenaire technology means that it’s made of safe, food-grade polymer that’s free of biocides, toxic fire retardants, foam, latex, springs, and glue… IOW, it’s not off-gassing and it’s completely hypo-allergenic.

The best part about this mattress is that it is fully washable (say what?!). Yes, the whole thing. You can remove the zipped cover and give the mattress a bath. Yes, like… in the bath tub. With soap and water. Great for passing down to younger kids. You can also recycle it at the end of its life. Love the Newton!

*Recommended to wash the removable outer cover before use.

OK — now for some organic crib mattress options… or you can skip ahead to sheets ‘n blankets ‘n such.

The post Crib Mattresses appeared first on Lucie's List.

Most parents keep their munchkin in a crib well into the second year (2 years old, or even 3) before transitioning to a toddler bed. The majority of cribs on the market are regular, non-morphing cribs, while others can transition from a baby crib to a “railed” toddler crib to a regular bed, which means you can use it well into your little one’s childhood. Be sure to check out our crib mattresses as well.

Without getting too bogged down in furniture, I’ll mention a few of the best baby crib crowd favorites in the “regular” and then the mini-crib categories:

Standard Baby Cribs

DaVinci 4-in-1 Crib ~$199

A very well-liked, sturdy convertible crib with several nice color options. This pick has more of a classic aesthetic. Note that the conversion kits are technically sold separately — if you want the whole toddler kit and caboodle, make sure to get the crib/conversion kit bundle ($229).

IKEA Gulliver Crib ~$219

This crib is safe and simple. It also comes with a conversion kit so you can keep using it into toddlerhood. Parents love the IKEA Gulliver for its value and simplicity.

DaVinci Jenny Lind 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$219

If you’re looking for more of a vintage-looking piece, the DaVinci Jenny Crib is another super popular nursery pick.

Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib ~$499

For those more keen to a modern aesthetic, the Babyletto Hudson is a well-made crib with a clean-cut look. (You can also check out Stokke’s Sleepi crib, but the price is even higher — $849 .)

West Elm Mid-Century Convertible Crib ~$699

A pretty, high-quality (and durable) crib with a vintage look. It can convert to a toddler bed later on (with separate conversion kit), and is made from sustainably-sourced wood.

Oeuf Sparrow Crib ~$960

For those looking for a sleek design from an eco-conscious company (and a heavy price tag, LOL):

Best Baby Mini Cribs

You might also opt for a mini crib. The idea is that “regular-sized” cribs are way bigger than they need to be, and most kids transition to a “big kid bed” by the time they outgrow the mini-crib.

Many parents love mini-cribs because they’re small enough to use as an in-room bassinet (they’re almost the exact same size as a pack ‘n play, in terms of the footprint), but sturdy enough to move into the baby’s room and use as a full-time crib until around 1-2 years (depending on your child’s height and climbing tendencies, hah), when most children tend to transition to a toddler bed.

In the economy department, there are two solid options, both of which can also convert to a twin (with a simple headboard) down the road:

Delta Emery Convertible Mini Crib ~$179

DaVinci Kalani Convertible Mini Crib ~$199

If you’re looking for something a little more sleek, or with wheels, you have two (pricier) options that both fold up for convenient storage — a very nice feature if you are tight on space:

Babyletto Origami Mini Crib ~$299

Easy to assemble and easy to fold, the Babyletto is a great space-saving option. Comes in a variety of cute colors.

Bloom Alma Mini Crib ~$529

This mini crib takes about 5 minutes to assemble, no tool required. Some parents report chipped paint after 1+ years, but many families use this happily through multiple children and get years of great use from it. *Note that this comes with a mattress, so that’s nice.

Lastly…

Stokke Sleepi Mini Crib ~$549

If you like a unique look, the Sleepi Mini Crib is a fun choice from the renowned Norwegian company Stokke — all of its products are top notch in terms of quality. And given that the Sleepi Mini can convert from bedside bassinet, to a crib, to a toddler bed, to a kid-sized bed suited for children up to 10 (*with optional extension kits, sold separately), you’re definitely going to want that stellar craftsmanship! One last thing to note on this one — the Stokke comes with an oval mini mattress, but buying sheets can be $$$ with it.

*A safety note: in 2011, the CPSC instituted a whole new set of crib regulations to address safety hazards. Of note, it banned drop-sided cribs, set new standards for sturdiness and slat gaps, and mandated that every crib manufactured in the US pass rigorous tests designed to simulate everyday use.

If you are considering using a hand-me-down crib, make sure to check the quality of the hardware and wood (and/or the year of manufacture). If it’s cheap, plasticky stuff, just say no (of course, if you’re buying a new crib, this is all a moot point). The same idea goes for buying a used crib/bassinet/cradle of any kind. In particular, many “vintage” or “antique” products, though beautiful, don’t meet the current safety standards, so just be on the lookout for that.

The post Best Baby Cribs appeared first on Lucie's List.

If you plan on getting an audio-only monitor, you will only need one to listen in on the babes. If that’s all you’re after, check out our favorite baby sound monitors.

With twins, though, you might want to know which baby is crying in addition to why he/she is crying. In that case, you’ll want a video monitor. If you’ re going the video monitor route, there are a few specific features to consider for twins.

Depending on your nursery set-up, you can get one camera that can pan and tilt to see everyone — or, you can get multiple cameras (one parent unit with add-on cameras). The parent unit can either scan between the different cameras, or show smaller pictures of each camera on a split-screen.  

Video Monitors

VTech VVM3252-2 2.8 Digital Baby Monitor Night Vision and Two Cameras ~ $98 — Good Bargain Pick #1”

This VTech monitor comes with one parent unit (the monitor) and two baby units (the cameras) — and up to four additional cameras can be paired with it.

I love the two-camera option for two big reasons:

1. If your babies are in separate rooms, you can use the same parent unit and set up a camera in each of their rooms. Voila! Now you can see both your babes by either flipping back and forth between each of their rooms, or watching each peanut simultaneously using the monitor’s split screen capability.
2. If your babies are sharing a room, you can simply set up each camera to point directly at each child’s crib for a perfect view of both of them. This is necessary because you can’t pan/tilt the cameras from the parent unit, which is my major complaint about this one.

Other solid qualities about this monitor include night vision, 2.8” inch high-res color LCD screen, two-way talk-back (I see you!!) through the intercom, plays your choice of up to five pre-set lullabies, can be mounted on the wall, and transmits a strong signal up to 1,000 feet.

It’s important to know that there are some quality complaints about this monitor, but overall, users generally seem to like it. Remember also that baby monitors are one of those products, like diaper pails, that are reviewed rather critically, meaning…very rarely do any of them have an average rating over 4.0. Reviews on this monitor are fairly mixed, ranging from amazing — great product at an awesome price; works well; love it! — to very poor — video functionality cuts out frequently; night vision fails; customer service is unhelpful.

But all in all, this is a reasonably priced and durable monitor, and the fact that it comes with two cameras (and supports up to four) makes it an awesome pick for parents of multiples (and multiple children in general).

BabySense With Two Cameras ~ $100 — Good Bargain Pick #2

For parents of multiples who don’t want to spend a ton of money on a monitor, this may be a good pick for you. It comes with two cameras, so whether your twins are in different rooms or the same room — this monitor will work for your needs.

It has a long range – up to 900 feet (though some users say it cuts out frequently…more on that later) — as well as two-way communication, auto infrared right vision, room temperature monitoring, high/low temp alerts, eco-mode voice activation (the picture shuts off when no noise is detected from your babies’ room(s)) and allows up to four cameras to be paired with it.

While many reviewers love this monitor, there are definitely some legitimate complaints, the most common of these are quality issues (i.e., you get what you pay for): some say it loses connection easily (even though it claims to have a range of up to 900 feet — this is often because of walls and other obstructions). Another complaint is that eco-mode stops working and the monitor remains on all night long. On the plus side, their customer service is very responsive and helpful.

If you do go with this choice, you can also add the BabySense 7 (~ $127), an under-the-mattress movement monitor, for additional peace of mind and security.

Infant Optics DXR-8 ~ $165

This monitor is a top pick among many parents. In fact, it won Popular Mechanic’s Best Baby Monitor award in 2018. Infant Optics makes interchangeable lenses that can pan and tilt (normal, wide angle or zoom 2x). This unique feature of Infant Optics allows you to see the entire nursery with the wide angle lens (make sure you get a wide angle made after October 2015 so it has night vision).

Another option for your multiples is to get additional cameras, and again, the parent unit will scan between all the cameras or you can manually switch.

Here are some stats about this monitor:

• 3.5″ display
• Remote pan/tilt/zoom
• Invisible IR night vision
• Two-way talk
• Remote temperature display
• Expandable up to 4 camera

Movement & Breathing Monitors

Yup, preemies are at a higher risk for SIDS. Movement monitors check for babies’ movement and breathing.

If you’re doing the movement monitor thing, just be prepared for some false alarms…

Babysense 7 ~ $127

The Babysense 7 movement monitor is the new-and-improved version of the very well-rated Babysense 5s. It’s an “under the mattress” monitor that’s very easy to set up and provides reliable service. The device sounds an alarm if it detects a stoppage or irregularity in breathing patterns, and the 7 is distinct from the 5s for its enhanced sensitivity. If you already own a sound or video monitor and are only looking for a movement monitor, definitely check it out.

Attachable Monitors

Another type of movement monitor is an attachable device: these units are small, battery-powered, and clip directly onto the diaper or the baby. They are also much more likely to fall off or become displaced, which means you’re going to get a lot more false alarms. The benefit is that they’re great for travel or “sleeping around,” especially if your babies don’t sleep consistently in the same place. You’ll need one for each baby. Note that most of these don’t come with audio/visual capabilities unless otherwise specified.

Snuza HeroSE ~ $129

You’ll need one for each baby. The Snuza clips onto your baby’s diaper and monitors abdominal movements. If movement stops, it vibrates to rouse your baby, and when this fails (three times) it will alarm you. Since it attaches to baby’s diaper, the Snuza can be used anywhere baby happens to be sleeping (as opposed to the Angelcare, which is permanently(ish) installed under a mattress); this makes it great for families who travel a lot or use different sleeping surfaces around the house. *However, since it can pick up on external movements, the Snuza is not designed for bed-sharing, or use during motion (i.e., in a stroller or car seat). Generally speaking, parents are very happy with the Snuza.

Snuza Pico 2 ~ 229

The latest clip-on device from Snuza, the Snuza Pico 2, takes things a step further and sends real-time updates to an app on your smartphone.

Like the Snuza HeroSE, the Pico 2 clips onto your baby’s diaper, but in addition to just monitoring movement, the Pico 2 also monitors breathing, body position (i.e. you can set an alert to let you know if baby has rolled onto her tummy), skin temperature and sleep patterns. The Pico 2 will sound an alarm if breathing is not detected. All of this information can be viewed on your phone via the Snuza Connect App.

Owlet Dream Duo 2 + Smart Sock ~ $399

Yet another step up (technology-wise) is the Owlet Dream Sock + Monitor. Owlet uses a soft sock (the Smart Sock) that goes on baby’s foot to monitor baby’s heart rate, movements, wakings, etc. Again, you’ll need one per baby.

Download the Owlet Dream App, which informs you when baby is awake or uncomfortable so you know when to check in.

Finally, the Owlet Cam monitors room conditions such as noise levels, temperature, humidity levels and more, as well as offers advice on how to to help baby fall and stay asleep.

Wow things have come a long way since the days when the only option was a regular, ol’ audio monitor!

That’s all I got for now. Happy baby-viewing (x2!), fellow parents of multiples!

The post Top Baby Sleep Monitors for Twins appeared first on Lucie's List.

You can do this in your own bed, but eventually you’ll want a comfy seat for nursing/bottle feeding, snuggling, and rocking your little one, especially if he has his own room.

Wooden rockers have been around for ages, but gliders have recently taken their place as the favorite because of the more subtle, backward and forward movement. Plus, your butt will prefer sitting on a cushy, upholstered chair rather than on wood or cane for long stretches of time.

A comfy upholstered club chair will do the trick, but most babies are more easily calmed by staying in motion.

Thankfully, many glider rockers nowadays look like regular living room chairs and can be used as such after your nesting days are over.

Must-Have Features of Glider Rockers

The one must-have feature of any rocker or glider, in my opinion, are arm rests. Arm rests will support your elbows and thus, the weight of the baby. Trust me, your arms will get tired VERY quickly unless you have something bolstering them up. I mention this because many of the fancy-pants, modern-ey chairs for nurseries don’t have arm rests. (Apparently, having sore arms must be en vogue.)

As with any new piece of furniture, gliders and rockers can be pretty expensive, so be prepared for sticker shock. Remember, if you can’t afford a new one, many of these are readily available for sale on Craigslist and such (seriously, that’s how I got mine).

Here’s our rundown, from inexpensive to pricier options, of the best glider rockers for you and your little one.

Top 7 Best Glider Rockers

We asked 96,000 of our closest friends what their favorite nursery glider rockers are. Here are the results:

$ — Ikea Poang Rocking Chair ~ $159

This sleek-looking rocking chair from IKEA is the favorite in the budget category. Tried and true, this rocker has a nice, high back for you to comfortably rest your head (and doze off, you will). The cover is also easy to clean, which is great for spit-up. Best yet, it’s great for everyday use once your baby (or babies) graduate/s from nursing. There is a foot stool available as well.

$ — Shermag Glider Rocker Combo

Also in the economy category is the Shermag rocker/glider. A step down from Dutailier (below), this seat has nice, padded arms (which I love) and a matching, gliding ottoman. Meg personally owned this seat. Her only complaint is that the ottoman is a bit top-heavy and will easily fall over on your older children (if you have any), who can’t seem to resist jumping and playing on it. This seat glides along on ball bearings, although a few readers had problems with the gliding or claimed it was too noisy (Meg’s was not, FWIW).

This chair glides or locks in a stationary position. The locked position helps you get in and out of it without falling on your ass.

$$ — DaVinci Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider with Bonus Ottoman ~ $329

It seems this swivel glider was made with parents’ comfort in mind. It comes with armrests, an ottoman, and has a tall back and a lumbar pillow for extra upper and lower back support (especially helpful for taller moms and dads).

While the majority of reviewers really love this chair and ottoman, some say the chair is stiff and somewhat uncomfortable, and that they wish the ottoman wasn’t stationary and glided along with the chair.

The DaVinci swivels a full 360 degrees and glides smoothly (and quietly!) back and forth (yay for not waking sleeping babies).

$$ — Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner ~ $299

Baby Relax, a company owned by Dorel, makes an array of rockers and gliders that parents absolutely love. The Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner is an inexpensive, stylish, and highly-rated rocker that swivels, glides, and fully reclines. Bonus: it has armrests and a built-in footrest, and comes in a variety of colors.

While overall the reviews are positive, some dislike that the Mikayla only reclines when the footrest is up, and that it’s difficult to pop the footrest out and back in again (lever takes strength to push/pull). Note: this chair is tall and deep. If you’re on the shorter side your feet may not reach the ground, which will make it difficult to rock your baby.

$$$ — Dutailier Gliders ~ $599

Look familiar? The Dutailier is the Cadillac of “regular” nursery gliders (Shermag, Stork Craft, etc.). Parents who own this chair love it, and there are very few complaints. By all accounts, it is a higher quality chair than the Shermag, with an ultra-smooth gliding system and a six-position adjustment. Some models recline (others do not). This chair is generously apportioned, so there will be room for you, your babe, and your favorite nursing pillow.

$$$$ — Crate&Kids ~ $varies

Crate&Kids, previously known as Land Of Nod, makes a few favorites that are well-liked in the modern department. These include the Milo and Joya. These chairs fall into the $699+ price range, but will last forever.

$$$$ — Pottery Barn Kids Comfort Swivel Rocker ~ $999+

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a sucker for PBK. Their expert color coordination and overuse of monogramming tugs fiercely at my Southern heartstrings. The Comfort Swivel Rocker is a reader favorite in the “pricey” department. Side note: Actually? High-quality club chairs tend to cost this much on a normal day. Just visit any department store or furniture store, and you’ll see what I mean.

This beautiful, traditional upholstered chair is custom made to get just the look you want. For an extra $400-$550(ish), you can purchase the matching ottoman as well (might as well, yeah?). These chairs swivel 360 degrees, so your older children will have a blast spinning each other around until they throw up (speaking from experience).

Happy rocking, gliding, and swiveling!

~ Meg + co.

The post Best Gliders and Rockers appeared first on Lucie's List.

The best baby swings out there can bring babies some much-needed calm and relaxation while offering caregivers a few sacred moments of peace and quiet. In fact, the motion of being in a swing (or bouncing in your arms, even) has been proven to have a calming effect because it’s reminiscent of being back in the womb. 

Swings can be used for newborns all the way up to the max weight limit, although if baby is starting to crawl out, it’s probably time to pack it up. Newborns should always be reclined as far back as possible due to their lack of head control, which can cause them to slump over and compromise their airway and breathing.

We chose not to get a baby swing because we had a small apartment and they require a lot of space, but many (many, many) parents are completely nuts over baby swings.

Most swings not only swing back and forth (like a pendulum), but also play sounds and have other visual goodies. You can also use a swing like a bouncy seat to stash your baby away while you GSD (get stuff/sh*t done) around the house.

Best Baby Swings, Rockers and Hybrid Recliners

Fisher-Price has the market cornered on traditional (full-size) baby swings. Check out all of Fisher-Price’s baby swings. Remember: this is a great item to buy used on Craigslist and the like.

Graco Simple Sway Swing – Best Economy Baby Swing ~ $89

You don’t have to spend a ton for a decent baby swing. The Graco Simple Sway is a parent-favorite with its compact frame, six sway speeds and a very fair price. The Simple Sway has a deep, comfy seat, 15 sound options and two vibration settings. Just note that it only swings from side-to-side.

Hybrid Items for Infants and Newborns

There are also some mixey-matchey items in the “swings and rockers” department ~

$$ – Graco Glider LX Swing  ~ $134

This bouncer seat also swings, but takes up less space than a traditional swing. Unlike other hybrids, the seat portion is a stand-alone bouncer that can pop off the swing and can be carried anywhere; hence, a really versatile 2-in-1 product. It has a soothing vibration setting that babies love. Can be plugged in or run on batteries.

Another popular combo item, but more of a space-hog is…

$$ – Graco DuetSoothe Swing + Rocker ~ $189

This swing is much bigger than the previous two, but if space is not at a premium, check it out. This one is similar to a traditional swing (i.e. it doesn’t bounce, and has three swinging positions), but what sets it apart is that the seat is detachable so you can carry baby from room to room (super helpful if she happens to fall asleep while swinging, and you want to take a shower!).

$$$ – 4moms mamaRoo ~ $269

This could have landed in the “bouncer” category, but I felt it was more of a swingy thing.

If you’ve got some Benjamins in your wallet, the mamaRoo is cool. It’s ideal for people who don’t have the floor space for a regular swing and dig the modern design. What’s different about the mamaRoo is that it is designed to move just like parents do when comforting their baby — it emulates motions like a car ride, swaying side to side, an up and down bounce, and more.

The newer ones are blue-tooth enabled, so you can control the sound/volume and motion/speed from your smart device. While many users absolutely love the mamaRoo, some reviewers complain that its movements aren’t smooth enough for baby, the blue-tooth doesn’t always work, and that the speakers sound like static. Eesh. For this price, you definitely want a product that works well (and that your baby loves)!

Why Should You Get a baby Swing? Give Yourself a Break

Sometimes you hear new moms complain that they don’t have enough time to get dressed in the morning or take a shower. My goodness, it doesn’t have to be this way! You must take care of yourself — this includes eating well, showering every day, and getting out of your PJs (okay, the first two weeks, you get a pass)…use these bouncers/swings to help you stay sane.

Essentially, you’ll need one of these “baby holders” on each floor/separate area of your house. For example, get a bouncer for upstairs and a swing for downstairs – or a playmat for the nursery and a bouncer for the kitchen. You definitely won’t want to be carrying equipment up and down the stairs each time you need to put your baby down. Trust me on this one!

You can take the bouncer into the bathroom with you so you can shower. Yes, it’s fine! Pull it into the kitchen so you can cook, eat, do the dishes, or fold some laundry. Put your swing next to the dinner table, so you can actually eat your food. You get the picture.

Deal? Okay good.

Take my hand, it’s time to take a bath… here are some awesome baby bathtubs you’re going to need in your life…

The post Best Baby Swings and Rockers appeared first on Lucie's List.

You may have heard of Hatch Baby from their famous changing pad/baby scale, called the “Grow.”

When I first learned of Hatch Baby, I assumed they were just another company trying to over-engineer simple baby products (using smart phone apps unnecessarily, etc.).

So I kept my distance for a while.

But when my 7-year-old decided she wouldn’t sleep in her bed anymore because she’s scared of weird shadows, I decided to give the new Hatch Baby Rest a whirl.

Let me first say I’ve used MANY night lights and sound machines, partly because it’s my job and partly because I’m addicted to white noise. I like my sleep, people!!

I don’t want anything to get in the way of me and sleeping: not the 5:30 a.m. garbage truck, not my barking dog, and especially not my kid-who’s-scared-of-weird-shadows. No one ever told me that after the newborn phase, kids continue to wake you up for, like… YEARS to come.

YEAH.

Anyway.

Both the product and the accompanying app are elegantly designed and very easy to use. The speaker quality is an 8 on a scale of 10 (IMO), and MUCH better than other sound machines at this price point (it’s not a Bose, but waaaaay better than the tinniness (is that a word?) of cheaper sound machines). Bottom line: it’s very well built.

Another cool thing: you can also get adorable plastic covers (coverlets) to customize the design. The only problem is, if you pick it up by the sleeve, the light falls out the bottom. You’ll learn how to hold it so it doesn’t do this, but just… FYI.

The product has a touch-activated chrome ring around the top speaker, which is very surprising (in the good way) the first time you accidentally touch it. Note: you can also disable this feature so your kiddos can’t mess with it.

The business end (the buttons, controls, etc.) is on the very bottom, which is concealed unless you pick it up, but I always just use the app.

I love that I can customize the color and the intensity of the light (this is very hard to come by!!!). I don’t want it to be as bright as the surface of the sun in their room at night, like most night lights are. Let’s just put it this way: if your kid wakes up at 3am to go pee and thinks the sun is up, your night light is too damn bright!!

You can also control the selected sound (11 white noise/nature sounds to choose from) and the volume. Or you can mute the sound as well.

That’s really all you need.

Routines, routines, routines

Listen up: as a parent, I love routines. Routines keep our family functioning normally. I use the app to set the light (and sound) to pop on at 7:45 p.m., which signals to my kids that it’s time to get in bed and turn the lights off.

Night light’s on: it’s bed time!!!

That’s right, it’s not me watching the clock and saying, “OKAY kids, it’s 7:45, it’s time to turn the light off.” No, it’s the light; the light is telling them it’s bedtime. Go toward the light, children, mwaaaa. I don’t have to be the arbiter of bedtime because it’s not up for negotiation.

Must obey the light.

Another example of following “routine cues”: on weekday mornings, I have an alarm that goes off on the kitchen iPad at 8:05 a.m. My kids know when they hear the chiming that it’s time to leave for school. They’re like dogs responding to a cue.

It works amazingly well.

The Rest also has an “OK to wake” feature that can be used in a similar way. Lucky for me, my kids are sleepers and I don’t need this function, but for all those kids who like to wake up too early on a Saturday (or everyday), parents, this one’s for you!!

So I embrace this use of technology because it keeps us in our routines, much like the sun did for cave people.

And there’s no negotiating with the sun.

I used to say that my biggest complaint about this product was that it wasn’t cordless.

BUT.

As of 2019, the newer edition — the Hatch Baby Rest+ ($89) — comes with the standard features from the original (the time-to-wake, night light, and noise machine) AND it’s also portable (WiFi enabled), has a digital clock display, plus an audio monitor. Talk about multi-tasking.

Bottom line: The sound quality and light options for the Hatch Baby Rest are excellent and I actually love using the app to control it. It helps maintains bedtime and morning routines, which is priceless. For $59, the Hatch Baby Rest is a highly-functional, great-looking night light and sound machine that will serve you well for many years to come. And for $89, the Rest+ covers all your bases from the get-go: a noise machine, monitor, night light, rise-to-wake, etc. We’re very excited about it!

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