Smart Baby Kid

We're Moving; Stay Tuned!

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Smart Baby Kid and Ask Baby Kid are combining with their "mama" site this summer. While there will not be new posts on these sites, we promise to update you when we've finally moved. In the meantime, you can subscribe to Cool Baby Kid (www.coolbabykid.com) by RSS or email which is where we are moving to get updates on what's happening with the Baby Kid Blogs. And also watch out on the "mother site" for the biggest giveaway we've ever done coming up in the next few weeks. Big changes, big giveaways, and as always some of the best baby and kid picks, tips and giveaways on the web!

May Giveaway Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:01:00 +0000

Contragutulations to the following giveaway winners for May. Please contact us at babykidblogs@gmail.com to claim your prize!

Quill, Mee Wee download

Renee G., Groovy Girls MacKenna Mermaid.

Heather, Dudley's Solo Book

Trixpixel, Bobble Bee

Tumblon: Track Your Child's Development

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Webb, PhD) — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Did you know that there's a web 2.0 service that lets you track your child's developmental milestones? Web 2.0 means the most relevant information for your child. With Tumblon, you can create on online page for each child in your family to track their development, share pictures, and view resources. Tumblon offers not only an online format to track your child's development, but also a wealth of other resources aimed specifically at your child's current developmental stage: children's literature from Honey for a Child's Heart book list, open-ended toys (batteries not needed), Ellyn Satter's developmental feeding guides, and creative play suggestions. After exploring Tumblon I was very impressed with the quality of the resources and the usefulness of having them tied to each developmental stage.

One of the perks of Tumblon is a customized weekly email summarizing your child's most important milestones, recommended resources and recent activity on your secure family blog. (There are NO advertisements - just simple, reliable, interactive content!)

This two-minute video shows how it works.

Tumblon is a "freemium" service, so you can try out the free service, upgrade to the paid level (or back down to free) at any time - and enjoy a 30 day trial of the premium service for free!

Reviewed by Amy, The Thoughtful Parent

Smart Tip: Try out the premium service for the 30-day free trial!

Subscribe to Tumblon's podcast for parents, featuring interviews with people of interest (researchers, nutritionists, doctors, policy-makers, children's authors etc.) on topics of interest to parents of young children.
Subscribe to Gladys Hunt's blog on the creative use of literature in family life: Honey for a Child's Heart.

Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email to receive updates on contests in addition to more picks and tips from our entire review and editorial team.

Rock-A-Bye Baby

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 22 May 2009 02:55:00 +0000

I was attending a university lecture this week directed toward junior-level students studying infants. I was the only mother in the room, but I think a several others were also a little surprised when the opening topic of the lecture was "How to Calm a Crying Baby." I chuckled as I recalled all the times my babies have fussed and I'd tried everything I could think of to calm them down. My babies love to be swaddled and to be rocked. Of course both of those were on the list along with diaper changes, feedings, singing, pacifiers, and changing positions of the baby.

I was beginning to wonder if this lecture would be worth my time when the instructor went off on a tangent about rocking. He shared some pretty interesting information that I thought I'd pass along. First, mothers rock their infants at the same rate at which they walk. Since rocking is a familiar motion to babies from their in utero experience, it only makes sense that they would be most calmed by being rocked at the same speed at which their mothers walk. What I find more fascinating is that mothers unknowingly rock their babies as fast (or as slowly) as they walk. And yet, that is precisely the most calming speed for their babies.

The second tangent about rocking showed how rocking is important and necessary for baby's development. The rocking motion helps a baby organize the vestibular system which controls equilibrium, or balance. As a baby is rocked, the fluids in the inner ear move around which triggers the vestibular system to action. While the baby is calmed and rocked to sleep, this system is hard at work practicing communicating to the brain all the information gathered about the baby's balance. I love this because all the times I've just sat and rocked my babies, ignoring chores, ringing phones, and errands, are completely justified because I was promoting my babies' development. The next time the current baby insists I drop everything and rock her, I will remind myself it's as important as reading to her to help her development.

From Amber, Because Babies Grow Up

Smart Tip: Combine reading and rocking to encourage your baby's development. As an added bonus you'll also strengthen your baby's attachment to you!

Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email to receive updates on contests in addition to more picks and tips from our entire review and editorial team.

Mee Wee: Hip-Hop Music for School-Age Children

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Thu, 14 May 2009 10:12:00 +0000

Throughout the years, Hip-Hop music has targeted adolescents and adults. That means younger children aren't able to experience the energetic and lively beats due to the inappropriate lyrical content. Until now, that is. MeeWee is fun, exciting, and uplifting Hip-Hop music for elementary school age children. My children found these songs to be entertaining and upbeat and I was thrilled with the positive messages of the songs like "I Need and Hug" or "I Can Be Anything". Not only are the songs fun, but they are educational too! MeeWee was written by a teacher and many of the songs include lesson plans that will help spark creative thought and imagination in children. I recommend MeeWee to parents everywhere!

Reviewed by Melissa, From Melissa's Desk

Smart Tip: You can purchase Mee Wee songs from iTunes...and remember iTunes participates with UPromise at a 2% return.

Smart Giveaway: Enter to win a free download of the Mee Wee album by listening to the #4 song in the jukebox on the homepage of their website. Leave a comment with the name of that song below. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 5/27/09.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner.

Dudley's Solo by Tiffany Alexander: Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:36:00 +0000

Dudley's Solo by Tiffany Alexander, the first book in the "Children's Band" series, takes place at a neighborhood church where the children's band excitedly rehearses for their upcoming choir concert. Dudley, a hearing impaired young boy is part of the band. Dudley, encouraged by his friends and family, finds himself performing a solo by signing the words to "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands."
There are so many aspects of this heartwarming, sweet story to love. I thought mothering infants was a bit challenging, but as my children grow, I realize that the true mothering challenge is teaching my children to be good people. For me, Dudley’s Solo served as a perfect springboard for discussion about acceptance, self-confidence, and thinking positively. Although I realize that it is an abstract concept for them at this point, I often find myself telling my three and four year old children to "think positive.” Thankfully, I now I have a concrete story to remind them of.

My children are at such impressionable ages, and extremely curious about their world and the people around them. I especially liked Dudley’s Solo as it gave us an example of a group of children who embrace each other's talents and abilities. We are pleased to add Dudley’s Solo to our children's literature collection. The way I see it...how can you go wrong with a story that contains such an important message.

Reviewed by Jamie, Baby Kid Review Team

Smart Tip: Tiffany Alexander is currently working on her next book in the "Children's Band" series called Ebenezer Opens a Savings Account. For more information, visit www.ChildrensBand.com

Smart Giveaway: Win a copy of Dudley's Solo by checking out the website and leaving your thought back here in a comment. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 5/23/09.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Groovy Girls Mermaid Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Simply Being Mommy) — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:45:00 +0000

My daughter Taylor is at the age where she is really learning to entertain herself and use her imagination when she has to play alone. So she was very excited when she received Groovy Girls MacKenna Mermaid and Groovy Girls Chauncey Seahorse. Each of these are beautifully made and would be great for girls 3+.

Groovy Girls MacKenna Mermaid is made with fabrics that shimmer and shine. From the exquisite fabrics to the exceptional detail MacKenna Marmaid is very unique. She is hip, trendy and is an appropriate way for young girls to experience fun and fashion. MacKenna Mermaid has an easily removable tail that quickly turns her from mermaid to little girl.

Groovy Girls Chauncey Seahorse is the perfect compliment to MacKenna Mermaid. Whether MacKenna is a mermaid or a groovy girl she can ride and play with Chauncey. The hand straps and saddle make Chauncey the most stylish ride around.

I like watching Taylor use her imagination while playing with these two toys. She makes conversations between MacKenna and Chauncey which really are quite funny. I think it brings out a totally different side of her.

She stayed at her grandparents house this weekend and she was allowed to bring 4 toys with her. When I looked at which ones she selected, MacKenna and Chauncey were 2 of them. The bold colors and shimmery fabrics are a hit with Taylor.

Buy It: You can purchase Groovy Girls MacKenna Mermaid right now for only $20.00. You can also purchase Chauncey Seahorse for $22.00.

Smart Giveaway: One lucky reader will win a Groovy Girls MacKenna Mermaid. All you need to do to enter is go to Manhattan Toy and let me know in a comment which other toy you would love to have for one of your children. Click Here to find out how to increase your contest entries. Contest rules apply. Entry deadline is May 19, 2009 at 10:00 PM CST.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email for an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest including an announcement of the winner. Winner must contact us via email within one week in order to claim their prize.

Review and giveaway brought to you by Crystal, Simply Being Mommy.

Just Ask Baby: Development from a Baby’s Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Amy Webb, PhD) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wondered what your infant is thinking, feeling or seeing? Well, a new company called Just Ask Baby is offering some insight into the inner workings of your baby’s mind. Just Ask Baby is a new online video membership service for parents with young infants. Their professionally produced, science-based videos are designed to help parents understand their baby’s developing skills and abilities, and provide suggested tools and methods to support their baby as they move from milestone to milestone. What a child experiences in the first years of life sets the course for the whole life cycle! With Just Ask Baby, parents get a unique baby’s perspective on how to effectively nurture their infant’s full developmental potential during the critical early years.

I’ve had a chance to watch several of the videos and one thing I appreciate about them is that they are categorized not only by the baby’s age, but also by different aspects of development. There are video series for thinking, seeing, feeling, saying and doing. All aspects of babies’ development are covered. Also, the Just Ask Baby videos provide a scientific understanding of babies’ development in an easy-to-understand way. They have really done their research and have a top developmental scientist on their team.

Check out this short introductory video for a good overview of what Just Ask Baby is all about.

They also offer a free 15 day trial with unlimited access for parents to try before they buy.

Smart Tip: Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email to receive updates on contests in addition to more picks and tips from our entire review and editorial team.

Reviewed by Amy, The Thoughtful Parent

Book Review: A Practical Guide to Dragons

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:37:00 +0000

Did you know the best place to find a red dragon is the smoldering, fiery depths of a volcano? Or that blue dragons are much more talkative that black dragons? If you have a tween that enjoys fantasy, they can learn these dragon facts and more in A Practical Guide to Dragons by Lisa Trumbauer.

This guide is beautiful illustrated a will provide hours of entertainment for your little dragon lover. Inset paintings, labeled anatomical sketches, and maps decorate the pages, which are shaded to look like parchment.

This guide accompanies The Dragon Codices which chronicles the adventures of the ten dragons listed in the guide. From the fiery, evil red dragon to the playful copper, each dragon's tale is unique.

For example, the Red Dragon Codex chronicles the story of Mudd, the red dragon, who lives a peaceful life in his small town, tinkering with the mill and any mechanical devices that he can find. But his peaceful life soon changes when, out of nowhere, a red dragon attacks, burning the town and kidnapping Shemnara, the village seer. Only one clue is left behind--a cryptic note telling Mudd, "Seek the silver dragon."

In the Brass Dragon Codex orphaned baby brass dragon Kyani ventures out into the desert to find something to eat, and finds a gnome named Hector instead. Hector is not so sure he wants a chatty, hungry brass dragon following his every move. But several groups ready to go to blows over the marvelous invention Hector guards with his life, he may need the help that only a fun-loving brass dragon can provide.

My daughter loved these books. She snatched them up immediately and it wasn't long before she was spouting dragon facts at the dinner table. These books are perfect for tween/teens who enjoy reading fantasy.

Reviewed by Melissa, From Melissa's Desk

Be Big In Your Community: Scholastic & Clifford

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Clifford is a pretty big dog and he is encouraging children to BE BIG, too! Clifford's Big Ideas include Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe in Yourself, Be a Good Friend and Help Others. These are great values to instill in our little ones that help them develop into independent, amazing children. Today, at the start of National Volunteer Week, Scholastic Media has announced the next step in its Clifford BE BIG initiative..."The Be Big in Your Community" contest! What a great way to encourage our little ones to extend those values into the community.

Scholastic Inc. has launched “The Be Big in Your Community Contest” in support of CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG® and the BE BIG™ initiative. The contest calls upon kids, parents, teachers, and community leaders to submit their BIG ideas for creating positive change in their communities by demonstrating Clifford’s Big Ideas; Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be A Good Friend, Help Others, Be Truthful, Be Kind and Believe In Yourself. The BE BIG Fund will help bring the winning BIG idea to life by awarding one (1) Grand Prize $25,000 community grant and ten (10) runner-up $2,500 community grants to implement the winning BIG ideas via HandsOn Network local affiliate organizations. Submit your idea at Clifford's BE BIG site. And remember....IT ONLY TAKES A LITTLE TO BE BIG!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Contest starts April 20, 2009 and ends on June 26, 2009.

Contest Details brought to you by Amber, Because Babies Grow Up

Smart Tip: Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email to receive updates on contests in addition to more picks and tips from our entire review and editorial team.

Bobble Bee Review and Giveaway (Closed)

noreply@blogger.com (Simply Being Mommy) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 04:56:00 +0000

I was recently given the opportunity to let my youngest son try out the Bobble Bee by Munchkin. As soon as we received it, we tore open the package. Peyton, who is 11 months now, gave me the biggest smile and reached for the Bobble Bee.

The Bobble Bee is so bright and colorful and caught the attention of my little guy in no time flat. What I find to be the best feature is the suction cup base. I put Peyton in his high chair as I was cooking dinner and stuck it on the tray of his high chair. He sat in his high chair and played while I was able to cook dinner. Usually when I put anything on the high chair for him to play with, it ends up on the floor. He throws it down, I pick it up. We repeat that a few times, and then I give up.

There is so much built-in entertainment with the Bobble Bee. From the bobbling head, to the rolling eyes, and the spinning wings it keeps baby amused and happy.

Munchkin’s colorful and creative interactive toy builds motor skills as children make the head bobble up and down, spin the wings, roll the belly, and listen to all the different sounds that this whimsical toy creates. The Bee can even be attached to a high-chair or become a hand-held activity toy!

Smart Giveaway: One lucky reader will win their very own Bobble Bee. All you need to do to enter is visit the Munchkin website and let me know in a comment what other products interest you. Click here to find out how to increase your contest entries. Contest rules apply. Entry deadline is May 8, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email for an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest including an announcement of the winner. Winner must contact us via email within one week in order to claim their prize.

Review and giveaway brought to you by Crystal, Simply Being Mommy.

eeBoo Candy Matching Game: Fun for All Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Simply Being Mommy) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:19:00 +0000

I was excited to be given the opportunity to let my children play this adorable game from eeBoo. When we received it in the mail, my daughter thought she had hit the jackpot, a box filled with candy. Little did she know that the box she thought was candy was a matching card game. When she opened the box she was just as excited to find the game as she would have been finding candy. The box is beautifully illustrated and appealing to little eyes.

As a parent I love that the cards are heavily laminated and thick to withstand the destructive capabilities of younger children. If your children are like mine, most toys don’t last that long. This game allows children to sharpen their memory skills while enjoying playing a fun game at the same time.

The game includes 48 pieces for 24 matching sets and is suggested for ages 5+. Having said that, my 3 year old son loved playing just as much as my 5 year old daughter. While he might not fully understand the game, he is still making that little brain of his work.

We give this game two thumbs up!

Reviewed by Crystal, Simply Being Mommy

Smart Tip: eeBoo's Candy Matching Game is suitable for children of all ages.

Introducing the Smart Baby Kid Editorial Team

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:51:00 +0000

Discriminating SBK readers may have already noticed new members of the Smart Baby Team. Welcome Amy from The Thoughtful Parent, Crystal from Simply Being Mommy and Amber from Babies Grow Up. Each brings a unique perspective to the site focusing on educational products and resources for babies and kids. In the coming months Smart Baby Kid will be undergoing some changes (for the better!) to help meld it with the other Baby Kid Blogs, Cool Baby Kid and Ask Baby Kid and having Crystal and Amber on board will most definitely improve not only the frequency of posts but the overall quality of the blog. So welcome...glad to have you on board

Read With Kids Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Amber) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:50:00 +0000

Reading Is Fundamental has teamed up with US Airways to create the Read With Kids Challenge 2009. The challenge is for participants to collectively log 5 million minutes of reading with children between April 1 and June 30, 2009.

Why read?

According to Jim Trelease, "We read aloud to children for the same reasons we talk with them: to reassure; entertain; bond; inform; arouse curiosity; and inspire. But reading aloud goes further than conversation when it:

Conditions the child to associate reading with pleasure;
Creates background knowledge;
Builds “book” vocabulary;
Provides a reading role model." Jim Trelease, "Why Read Aloud to Children" brochure

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) has been providing free books and literacy programs targeting underserved children for over 40 years! Last year 4.5 million children participated in RIF programs and selected 16 million books to add to their home libraries.

Join in the challenge and help kids discover the joy of reading! You can register individually or join a team. All participants are eligible to win a Walt Disney World Resort® vacation and more great prizes.

Reviewed by Amber of Because Babies Grow Up

Smart Tip: Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email to receive updates on contests in addition to more picks and tips from our entire review and editorial team.

3 Ways to Use Poetry with Kids: A Mirror to Nature Review

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 21:22:00 +0000

A Mirror to Nature by Jane Yolen with photographs by Jason Stemple was a resource I used recently to teach my 8th grade Language Arts class poetry unit. The book's theme, reflection, fit nicely with the driving force behind our lesson of introspection and creating art using words. Poems such as "A Solitary Cockle" are accompanied with beautiful pictures from nature which lent itself toward a study of art in various forms. There are even facts scattered throughout the book about the various animals depicted making A Mirror to Nature a perfect resources for interdisciplinary study, or just as an enjoyable book for anyone who enjoys poetry or photography.

3 Ways to Use Poetry with Kids

1. Simply read them to help children appreciate works of art in its various forms as poetry is a medium they will be less intimidated by if exposed at an earlier age.

2. Sing poems as songs. My toddler loves anything with rhyme and poems which employ end rhyme are perfect for this purpose.

3. Recite poems as bedtime stories. I often use lines from Shakespeare sonnets as "ditties" during our pre-bedtime routine.

Smart Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of Mirror to Nature by searing for it on Google and commenting back here about what details on the book you can find. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 4/21/09.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Imaginary Garden: Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:53:00 +0000

The Imaginary Garden written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher passes the ultimate children's book test. If you want to know if a toy or book is good, give it to your caregiver. I sent it with my own kids and was told when picking them up that afternoon, "Your book was a hit!" We're talking multiple genders and age groups (recommended age 3-7) which is why this is the ultimate test. The Imaginary Garden is about Theo whose move to an apartment building makes it impossible to keep a garden, so she and her Poppa created an imaginary garden. "Stroke by stroke, stone by stone, Poppa built a wall...above the wall, Theo painted a soft blue sky." And when Poppa left for a holiday (vacation) Theo cared for the garden all by herself. With illustrations my artist mother-in-law would be proud of and a story as heartwarming as the main characters, The Imaginary Garden is destined to become one of our favorite children's books and hopefully yours too!

Cool Giveaway: Win one of two copies of The Imaginary Garden by checking it out on Amazon and commenting on your thoughts. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 4/19/09.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Special Monthly Feature: Your Baby Can Read, Word Games

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Our third month of Your Baby Can Read has not seen as much progress as previous months, likely due to the fact we haven't been watching the video nearly as much as required. Life sometimes gets in the way of the best laid plans. On the other hand, we have been keeping up with the supplementary materials on a regular basis and our daughter, 2.5 years old, continues to amaze everyone with her ability to read words like "elephant" and "chimpanzee." The word game cards are our favorite. Stored in the diaper bag, each time we're out and about which is normally a few times a week, we pull them out while waiting for food at dinner or in a store when tempers run short. Last weekend at TGIF we were doing Volume 1 when the people in booth next to us overheard some of the words our daughter was reading. Needless to say, they planned on ordering the program for their grandchildren.

Cool Tip: Take advantage of a special promotion, free shipping on a 30 day free trial program for $14.95 (then $66.65 for three months) or pay in full at $199.95.

A Practical Guide to Faeries: Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Fantasy fans of all ages (even Moms and Dads) are sure to find A Practical Guide to Faeries by Susan Morris this book comprehensive and thrilling. I like nothing more than to see a child so enthralled with the contents of a book that they can’t keep their nose out of it! This was certainly the case with my eight year old niece and ten year old stepdaughter as they stayed up way past their bedtime devouring the fairy “facts” charmingly woven within the eighty pages of this guide. There just is something about faery lore and legend that inspires that magical, fantastic imagination in children. Truly remarkable, A Practical Guide to Faeries is the ultimate resource for little faerie hunters!

Reviewed by Jamie, Baby Kid Review Team member

Cool Giveaway: Win a copy of A Practical Guide to Faeries by Susan Morris by checking out Mirrorstone Books and leaving a comment back here with your thoughts. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ended. Congratulations A.

Subscribe to Smart Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Book Review: Silly Lilly and The Four Seasons

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenstiehl explores each of the four seasons with a familiar sense of awe and wonder that we all felt as a child. This adorable book so creatively introduces young readers to the four seasons and to the inevitable changes that unfold outdoors. Written in comic book style, Silly Lilly caught my daughter’s attention and inspired a bedtime conversation ranging from the many different colors of apples to the way sand feels under our toes at the beach. The teacher in me loved the fact that this book is so naturally and playfully interwoven with many literary elements such as sight words, color words, sequencing, and Science concepts. My daughter delighted in the bright and colorful illustrations, and was able to easily connect with the character, Silly Lilly. Geared for children ages four through eight, Silly Lilly is an excellent addition to our children’s literature collection! (We all need a little Silly Lilly in us, don’t we?) Buy Silly Lilly and the Four Seasons by Agnes Rosenstiehl on Amazon.

Reviewed by Jamie, Baby Kid Review Team member

Smart Giveaway: Win a copy of Silly Lilly and leaving a comment back here with your thoughts. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ends 4/17/09.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Book Review Vlog: Stanley's Beauty Contest

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Smart Giveaway: Enter to win a copy of LoStanley's Beauty Contest by Linda Bailey.
Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ended. Congratulations John.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Upromise & Tax Filing Parter for College Savings

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:58:00 +0000

File your federal taxes at any participating H&R Block office and you can earn $15 in your Upromise account. Also, for every new client you refer, you can add $5 into your account. Plus your referral will receive $15 if they belong to promise.If planning to do your taxes online, you can earn 8% on the cost of filing. If you're interested in tax savings visit Upromise and follow the quick steps to register their debit, credit, grocery and drugstore loyalty cards. Current members can simply click go to the direct UPromise tax link. Never heard of Upromise? They team up with hundreds of retailers, service providers, grocers and restaurants to offer members a financial percentage back on their purchases. The goal is to help them get a jump start on saving or paying for college.

Smart Tip: Install the Upromise toolbar on your computer to earn more for college.

Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online & Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:01:00 +0000

A bit out of the loop when it comes to Hannah, my toddler is a little young and my students slightly too old. So one of my tween reviewers, Maria, asked her 11 year old daughter take a look at brand new publication Hannah Montana Secrets Unlocked Online.

Connecting to an online experience is what my daughter liked most about this book. After opening the web pass key in the front cover of the book, she headed to hannahwebpass to unlock some neat features. I think she felt special being able to access "secret" sections like "School, Friends and More" and "Family Rocks" with printables, quizzes and other interactive features. Neat book...will be a Hannah fans favorite.

Smart Tip: Buy Hannah MontanaSecrets Unlocked Online at Amazon.com.

Smart Giveaway: Win one of two copies of Hannah Montana Web Pass by commenting with the title of your favorite tween book. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ended. Congratulations Amy & Bridgette.

Subscribe to Cool Baby Kid by RSS or email or an extra entry and to receive updates on this contest, an announcement of the winner & a special discount for all entrants.

Vicks Germ Free Humidifier: Kaz Covers Your Kids' Health

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 02:21:00 +0000

Recently, one of our humidifiers went kaput. The search was on... Germs were top on the list when researching to buy a new one for our son's room. Granted, I'm no germ freak, but a germ-free humidifier just makes sense. The Vicks Germ Free Humidifier that now graces his room is perfect. It kills 99.9% of bacteria in the water providing clean vapor, and with two chambers holding up to 2 gallons, it can run for 24 hours on one filling. My husband likes not having to change the water chambers so often. Personally, I like the light chamber (ultraviolet light process eradicates water bred germ) and the blue glow it gives off...a nightlight too! Visit Kaz for more information and other health and comfort products. Also check out another neat resource for the sick season, Cold and Flu Central. From their site, "During the winter indoor air is especially dry. Just as with drinking fluids, your immune system needs to breathe in proper humidity levels to work most efficiently. Therefore, using a humidifier makes sense no matter what your symptoms are. And should you have a cold or cough, humidifiers can help ease congestion and soothe sore throats." I would absolutely recommend this one.

Cool Tip: (Get coupon) Adding Vicks VapoSteam or Kaz Inhalant may also help to relieve your congestion and cold symptoms...and smells neat too.

Jump Start: A Secure, Interative Site Making Learning Fun

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:50:00 +0000

As kids become more and more versed in computer-learning, a secure, interactive site called Jump Start enables them to utilize technology in an education yet fun environment. From the site, "JumpStart is an award-winning adventure-based 3D virtual world that is super-personalized, wildly imaginative and really fun, but don't let that fool you - it also teaches math, reading, and critical thinking skills so kids get a real jump start in life." Two reviewers with children a bit older than mine took a look at the Jump Start. One said, "I enjoyed customizing the character...my daughter picked out pink hair and an outfit that would certainly end up on every worst-dressed list, but she had a ton of fun being the one to choose her character's accessories." The other was thrilled that the site is secure and also thought that the "3D aspect of the adventures was the most amazing part of the experience." Though my own 2.5 year old (recommended ages are 3-10) is a bit young for the site, we tested it out and will definitely bookmark it for future use. For $7.99 a month members receive additional 3D adventures and the ability to download others directly to your computer. Though it's not always possible to make learning fun, JumpStart certainly achieves this goal making it a perfect choice for kids who want to use the computer and parents who want their kids to learn.

Smart Giveaway: Win a free three month account to Jump Start by visiting their site and commenting back here about your initial thoughts. Click here to find out how to increase each extra contest entries. Contest ended. Congratulations Karen!

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Special Monthly Feature: Your Baby Can Read, Volume One

noreply@blogger.com (CoolBabyKid) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:30:00 +0000

Each month in a special feature we're tracking the progress of our little ones, ages 2.5 and 10 months, with the Your Baby Can Read program. In Baby Kid Blogs first ever vlog, check out the Smilebox above and be sure to play the 4th slide (video) to see what our 2,.5 year old has been up to as she continues with the program.