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Top 5 Best Sippy Cups

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Top 5 Best Sippy Cups

Congratulations! If you are reading this, it means that your baby is now ready to move on to the next stage of development. As parents, what we would like for our baby is to transition from bottle to cup as they might encounter teeth problems if they don’t. But the transition to the cup to happen in just a snap? Sadly, this can never be.

Before the cup, there lies the transitioning from bottle to sippy cup stage and taking into consideration that this is a very important milestone in your baby’s life, choosing a sippy cup may not exactly be a walk in the park.

Why would you need to have a sippy cup?

First and foremost, spills. Your baby is still trying to establish proper coordination; along the lines of starting to walk, and firming their grips, they are inching closer to causing mayhem in your household. They are used to holding their bottles in practically any way they want, and chances are, if you give them milk in a cup, spills are inevitable.

With this in mind, there is also a lesser chance that your child may get properly hydrated when they are spilling their drink all the time. Which is why it is best if you get a spill proof sippy cup, wherein you will no longer have to deal with the hassle of cleaning up spilled beverages, not to mention avoiding the risk of injury if they slip on one of the spills they made. A sippy cupy could also be your best friend when you travel with your little one, as they are easy to transport and no more worrying about milk leaking out of your bag. Sippy cups vary in a whole lot of ways, you have sippy cups with straw, spill proof ones, eco-friendly ones and a lot more.

Now that you are oriented with the usefulness of sippy cups, we are going to venture on choosing what we believe are the top 5 best sippy cups to transition from bottle.​

Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

Looking for sippy cups for 2 years old? Look no more! It might be because your baby was really reluctant in letting go of the bottle, or has gotten tired with spouts, but is still uncomfortable with the flow of liquid from a cup, whatever the reason is, this sippy cup is great for you. Why do we think this is the sippy cup that could offer the best way to transition from bottle to cup? It is dentist approved, no spouts to chew on, just plain getting used to sipping, which is the main purpose, definitely not bad for the teeth. Best for toddlers, especially those who no longer wants to be called babies when they already have younger siblings, but still can cause quite a mess when drinking in normal cups.

We love the spoutless design of Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup that you won’t actually think at first glance it is a sippy cup but just a simple cool glass. You might worry about dealing with spills, since there seemed to be no cover or spout, but the 360-degree drinking edge has the ability to eliminate spills completely. It’s almost enabling your kids to drink in a regular cup because they can drink anywhere around the rim, lip activated, exercising the normal muscles around the mouth for perfect sipping practice. And since there are no spouts, straws or any extra parts that you would need to assemble and pull apart when cleaning or putting in the dishwasher this also saves a lot of time.

This sippy cup will greatly help a toddler into drinking from a cup, while still moderating their intake. Pretty much all you really need, when letting your kid eat or drink on his own, which deserves the number one spot on our list.

Details of the Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup

Safety and Security Features

BPA Free, Spoutless design recommended by Dentists

Capacity

10 oz.

Dimensions

7 x 3 x 7 inches

Suitable for

12+ months

Mode of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean

Colors

Pink, Orange, Blue and Green

Features

Lip Activated, Spill Proof

Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup

Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup

So your baby already has teeth, and more often than not would resort to biting the nipples out of his bottle, and you are constantly trying to make sure that the flow of liquid is just enough for his intake, that you keep replacing it from time to time. It is both a hassle and frankly could be a bit expensive to do so. Don’t you ever wish that the nipples are durable or at least bite proof, but the sad part is, your baby’s teeth is going to make sure it is not. You do not have to fret because this Gerber transition sippy cup is just the product you might need. Absolutely durable and you are surely going to get your money’s worth on this product, as it comes with a hard spout which is bite proof. This sippy cup also comes with the unique Seal Zone Technology that guarantees no more leaks, if ever your baby would choose to drink from it in every possible position he could think of, highly spill proof and is even break-proof. Despite all of this, the spout is still easy for kids to drink out of.

We are talking about an awesome sippy cup which is good for children who are now ready to drink more fluids, as it has a 10 ounce capacity, typically 12 months to 3 years old. That’s a total of 2 cups of water or milk that you could prepare before going to the playground or grocery, making it very handy. The hourglass shape still makes it easy for even small children to handle the bottle with less difficulty and the wide bottom is designed to prevent tipping, because you know kids can be a little clumsy. We also like the fact that the colors are not gender specific, so it is also a great gift during baby showers that are also gender reveals. One thing to note of when washing this sippy cup is to avoid using abrasive brush to clean the valve to prolong its use.

Almost perfect, but not quite. Because of its wide bottom, it does not exactly fit easily in your diaper bag, car seat cup holder or dishwasher.

Details of the Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup

Safety and Security Features

BPA Free

Capacity

10 oz.

Dimensions

7.9 x 6.2 x 3 inches

Suitable for

12+ months

Mode of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe

Colors

Assorted

Features

Seal Zone Technology that guarantees 100% leak-proof, break-proof, and spill-proof

NUK Cars Learner Cup

NUK Cars Learner Cup

The Learner Cup is one of the best baby training sippy cups one will encounter. It has easy-grip, anti-slip handles that are easy for babies to hold, which also could be taken off once your baby transitions to cup fully. It is also capable of holding 5 ounces of liquid, perfect for little arms to carry. This sippy cup is also dish-washer safe, and what makes it easier to maintain is that you can use standard bottle brushes to clean the spout and wide cup. Travelling outdoors is a breeze as this is one of the Nuk sippy cups that has a cap perfectly protecting your baby’s drink, and once you take off the handle, it would perfectly slip on your diaper bag. This BPA free sippy cup comes in fun designs that your baby can identify to, such as hot air balloons, cars, and even Hello Kitty and Winnie the Pooh characters they love.

If your baby is teething, you will not encounter any complaints from them regarding this sippy cup as the soft spout could be a great teether! However, since your baby might continue nibbling on this soft spout, it would be best if you would keep replacement silicone spouts handy. This is why this product is at number 3, the replacements could get expensive in the long run.

Details of the NUK Cars Learner Cup

Safety and Security Features

BPA Free

Capacity

5 oz.

Dimensions

6.1 x 6 x 4.5 inches

Suitable for

6+ months

Mode of Cleaning

Dishwasher-safe

Colors

Assorted

Features

Guaranteed Leak-Proof, Spill-Proof & Break-Proof, soft silicone spout with various designs

Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup

Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup

Not all soft spout sippy cups could make the transition from bottle to cup easy, your baby might refuse to drink from the spout right away. With this comes the Philips Avent My Natural Trainer cup, this sippy cup boasts of its ability to transform from nipple to spout. Yes, if your baby is not yet ready for the spout, let him hold the sippy cup and use the nipple to get him accustomed to it. Slowly but surely really could do the trick. And as both nipple and spout are made from natural soft silicone it definitely is a great choice for babies from 4 months and up.

All good things rolled into one, with a design that would help your baby in slowly getting accustomed to drinking from a cup independently, because as your baby progresses, you could also remove the training handle and voila! The job here is done. This sippy cup comes with a cover, makes it highly hygienic to use especially when the baby is still in the nipple mode. We also love the fact that you could be able to mix and match its parts with other Philips Avent bottle and cup parts. What a great reason to save your other Philips Avent bottle parts right? And last reason why we are loving this sippy cup is because of its twin valve design, making sure that your little one will not experience tummy aches because of cholic.

However, we placed it at the fourth because so many parts can be difficult to manage. Parts may get lost and you need to buy another replacement. Also, the handle couldn't be transferred to other Avent bottles. 

Details of the Philips Avent My Natural Trainer Cup

Safety and Security Features

BPA Free

Capacity

5 oz.

Dimensions

5.2 x 3.7 x.7.6 inches

Suitable for

4+ months

Mode of Cleaning

Wipe clean with soap and water, dishwasher-safe

Colors

Clear, pink, and blue

Features

Soft silicone spout and nipple. Can also be mixed and matched with Philips Avent bottle and cup parts

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Sips Weaning Cup

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Sips Weaning Cup

This Tommee tippee sippy cup is a great option for parents who are keen on starting the transition process from bottle to cup a little earlier. Imagine your child at 4 months old, still unable to drink from a cup that would not offer the right amount of fluid that he could take, that definitely spells trouble. It could be either they could have great difficulty in hydrating themselves or worse, not drink at all, especially when being very hyperactive. This is where the Tommee Tippee has great advantage of, it is light compared to other sippy cups, as the bottle has a 5 oz. capacity of liquid, which is very similar to the bottle they are used to and makes it perfect for the little ones to lug around with. It is also spill proof, giving your little tot room for movement without you being worried about cleaning or potential injuries. It also has a nice handle, good for your babies’ little hands and a soft sippy spout that would not hurt when sucking, further lessening the problems you would encounter during the transition. The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Transition cup is also easy to wash, pull apart, and could fit in the top shelf of your dishwasher, this makes it highly easy to maintain and care for, especially if you are the type of parent who is on the go.

Despite every possible reason to love this product, the downfall also lies on its special capacity, the valve, which could be a little difficult to clean and although it is dishwasher safe, your best bet would still be to meticulously clean it by hand from time to time.

Details of the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature First Sips Weaning Cup

Safety and Security Features

BPA Free

Capacity

5 oz./150ml

Dimensions

6.8 x 4.9 x 3.5 inches

Suitable for

4+ months

Mode of Cleaning

Dishwasher, microwave and sterilizer safe

Colors

Pink, Blue, Purple and Green

Features

Patented easy to drink, spill proof valve, and soft-flex spout

Conclusion

The changing from bottle to cup stage could be a little messy, not just because of spills or leaks, but on how your child would adapt to the development they are about to go through. Choosing a great sippy cup could be a great help in facilitating this transition, but as one should already know, only the kids know when they are truly ready. It might take them a week, month or even a few years to do so, but we’re pretty sure they will. And as parents, we need to learn how to support and not push because our babies will still amaze us with how they are able to do it on their own.

The post Top 5 Best Sippy Cups appeared first on ParentsNeed.


Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Infants

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Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Infants

For a lot of parents, traveling with an infant is among the most dreaded activities that they would rather postpone as much as possible. However, it does not always have to be feared. In fact, babies and infants are one of the best travel companions there is because they rarely make a fuss. They sleep most of the time so you can do all your sightseeing without having to deal with tantrums. Yes, they cry, but only when they really have to such as when they feel hungry or want their diapers changed.

And, while travel-loving individuals would love to pack as light as possible, parents cannot deny that bringing a few baby travel accessories can definitely work wonders in making travel with small kids a little bit easier. Some of the best travel gears for babies that we recommend below are optional but there are also others that are necessary either because they are required by law or because they allow you to continue routines from home.

There are many travel accessories for babies available in the market so you need to make sure that you choose one that you and your little ones truly need. But, if you could afford to have additional gears either money-wise or space-wise, we suggest you try out other items, too.

Are you now ready to go traveling with baby? Check out our top 5 most recommended travel gears and their reviews below to find out your best fit.

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat

Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat

If you only have enough budget – and energy – to get one infant travel gear, then we suggest getting FAA approved car seats for your little one like the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35.

This highly recommended travel car seat has undergone rigorous tests to make sure that they exceed US safety standards and they are fit for use not just in cars but also in planes. We here at ParentsNeed HQ love that we can take our babies to travel anywhere using this must-have gear and that it provides all the support needed by a traveling infant. It comes with infant head support; multiple reclines for added comfort; and a 3-panel canopy to provide maximum protection against the elements.

You will have to remember though that this is designed to be only a rear-facing car seat and can only accommodate babies up to 32 inches or up to 35 pounds. If you do decide to get Graco Click Connect Strollers then you do not have to worry about compatibility. This travel car seat is also extremely easy to use in. Simply attach the seat to the infant car seat base or the stroller and wait until you hear a click. Once you do, that means the car seat – and your baby – are now safely attached. Plus it also comes with a 5-point harness for added security. No more worries!

We are placing this product right on the top spot in our list for its necessity (you can’t get your baby out of the hospital without a car seat!) and for its great design and functionality. You can also check out our top 5 best infant car seats for more choices.

Details of the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35 Infant Car Seat

Dimensions

30.7 x 18.7 x 15.6 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

Passenger Weight

4 to 35 pounds

Passenger Height

Up to 32 inches

Target Gender

Unisex

Moby Wrap Cotton Baby Carrier

Moby Wrap Cotton Baby Carrier

Parents who travel with their young ones always worry about not being able to move around too much especially when the baby is napping or feeding. Well, not anymore.

This Moby Wrap is our next most recommended baby traveling gear because it lets you travel with your infant hands-free. Not only can you keep your baby sleeping or feeding while you continue sightseeing, it also keeps them warm and secure as if they are still inside your womb!

This soft baby carrier is made up of 100% cotton so it is extremely safe and comfortable even to your baby’s delicate skin. It can accommodate up to 35 pounds of baby weight and you do not have to worry about straining your back or waist because its design ensures that all the weight gets properly distributed all throughout your back and shoulders.

If you love strolling around busy, crowded streets or are living in the city and would rather stay away from strollers, this is the best infant travel gear for you. You can continue to wear your baby with them facing you, facing front, staying on your side or on your back. This can even be turned into a blanket or pillow if you won’t be using it as a baby carrier.​

We love the soft, stretchable and durable design of this product. But, we understand that this might not be the best product for everyone so we are placing it on the second position in our list. You can also check out our top 5 best baby slings for more choices.

Details of the Moby Wrap Cotton Baby Carrier

Dimensions

217 x 24 x 0.8 inches

Weight

1.8 pounds

Passenger Weight

5 to 35 pounds

Material

Cotton

Target Gender

Unisex

Fisher Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard

Fisher Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard

When it comes to traveling with infants, continuing routines from home (especially those related to sleeping) can be very challenging.

Unfortunately, not all hotel rooms provide cribs for babies and grandma’s house isn’t always prepared with one either, especially if yours is the first grandkid in the family. Thus, parents who don’t co-sleep – and even those who do – are left with no choice but to get a baby travel bed for everyone’s comfort. And, when it comes to the best cribs, we highly recommend this travel bassinet, diaper changer and play yard in one from Fisher Price.

What is so great about this product is that it can comfortably accommodate a sleeping infant, up to 35 pounds. With its supportive back and cushioned head support, you can be sure that your baby can sleep well on the inclined sleeper. Beyond being an infant travel bed, you can also use it to make quick diaper changes as it comes with a diaper clutch at the side. During daytime or when your baby is slightly bigger, you can also transform this travel crib into a play yard for all day comfort.

We definitely love this all-in-one travel crib but even though it is super lightweight at just 15 pounds (half of what most portable play yards weigh), it is really only great for small babies and you will have to purchase another one as your baby grows bigger. Thus, we are placing this awesome product in third place.

You can also check out our top 5 best travel cots for babies for more choices.

Details of the Fisher Price Ultra-Lite Day and Night Play Yard

Dimensions

8.5 x 26.5 x 23 inches

Weight

21.2 pounds

Recommended Weight

Up to 25 pounds

Recommended Height

Up to 35 inches

Target Gender

Unisex

My Little Seat Infant Travel High Chair

My Little Seat Infant Travel High Chair

It’s great to bring kids to restaurants and even fast food joints during your travels but, as a parent, being able to enjoy your dining experience can be difficult with your kids constantly on your lap.

If you have a baby who can already sit unassisted, this is a great portable high chair that you can use anywhere.

What we love about this portable baby gear is that it doesn’t come with complicated contraptions or huge and bulky hardware. This one is basically just a pillow with a harness system that can be installed on any type of adult chair. Put in on the chair and strap in your baby using its 5-point harness and you can all eat in peace. Well, not really.

This travel baby gear is most recommended for parents who are fans of baby-led weaning and want their babies to eat on their own using their hands or with eating utensils. We like that this seat allows everyone to get a seat at the table, including the babies, so they can get a feel of how it is to dine like an adult.

Although this high chair is extremely portable and easy to install, it still requires a sturdy chair to put on. This isn’t all that hard, of course, because you can always use an adult chair but this means that they will sit slightly low on the table and they could not get as clear a view as a regular high chair could provide. Thus, we’re putting this one on the fourth spot on our list.​

You can also check out our top 5 best baby high chairs for more choices.

Details of the My Little Seat Infant Travel High Chair

Dimensions

8.2 x 6 x 2.5 inches

Weight

9.9 ounces

Target Gender

Unisex

Weight Recommendation

Up to 35 pounds

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Bag

Skip Hop Signature Diaper Bag

When it comes to the baby travel bag, Skip Hop doesn’t disappoint and it certainly has become a globally-recognized brand for all parent must-haves.

If you love going around the city or are constantly running errands with your little one in tow, we highly suggest that you get this awesome baby travel gear. Not only will you keep all of your baby’s needs in one accessible place, you also stay stylish because, let’s face it, we don’t really want to look like haggard moms and dads when out in public, right? Beyond being stylish, we consider this product perhaps the best baby travel gear, bag-wise, with its zip-top closure and easy to access tech pocket. There are also two great handle options so you can turn it from a shoulder bag to a stroller bag in a matter of seconds.

The Skip Hop Diaper Bag provides a lot of space inside the bag, where you can also place the changing station and the bottle bag to make it easier to take things in and out. While we certainly love this Skip Hop bag for quick trips out of the house and around the city, we think that there are still a lot of better brands with better designs for the more frequent traveler. This is why we will have to bring this one down to the bottom of our list.

You can check out the market for the best backpack for travel as an alternative and use it to pack not just your baby’s essentials but also yours. You can also check out our top 5 best baby changing bags for more choices.

Details of the Skip Hop Signature Diaper Bag

Dimensions

28 x 18.7 x 15.6 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

Target Gender

Unisex

Material Type

Polyester

Which is the best traveling baby gear for you?

Your choice of travel baby gears will all depend on your needs, preferences and your way of traveling. For example, if you spend most of your travel time inside the car, a travel car seat may be your best investment. However, if you live in the city and usually take the train or go on foot, a baby carrier or a stroller might be a better option.

Additionally, if you can make sure that all your hotel accommodations can provide a great quality baby crib or your airline can provide a high quality car seat, you do not have to lug all of these additional baby gears and instead just bring a stroller or baby carrier for walking around. For some babies, it will take some time to get used to a gear but you can try to get their attention elsewhere so they remember the fun parts instead of the part where ‘they are stuck’ inside a carrier or stroller.

Many of the essential travel baby gears we recommend above will certainly make travel a lot easier and more memorable not just for the baby but also for the parents.​

The post Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Infants appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Toddlers

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Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Toddlers

Traveling as a family provides a lot of benefits not just for the kids but also for the parents. Everyone learns a little more about the ways of the world but they also learn a few more things about themselves.

However, having little kids in tow can be also extremely frustrating for a lot of parents. Unlike adults, toddlers are not best at staying still even for just a couple of minutes and they easily get bored. Parents are not just tasked to ensure safety and comfort to their kids but they also have to make sure they stay entertained to prevent tantrums from happening.

Admittedly, bringing toddlers along are more challenging than babies. Toddlers already know how to walk and run which means that parents have to make sure they stay alert at all times. Regardless, we here at ParentsNeed HQ still believe that the benefits that everyone gets from traveling far outweighs the challenges that families with little kids face.

If you are a parent to a toddler – or one or even two – here are some the top five of our most recommended travel gears that will make the journey a whole lot easier for both kid and parent.

Happy travels!

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

You certainly cannot get inside the car with a toddler without a travel car seat on. Whether you just constantly run errands to the groceries or elsewhere around the neighborhood or you go on long distance road trips with the entire family, you will certainly need a car seat to ensure your toddler’s safety. At the top of our list is the Graco Nautilus Booster Car Seat, which is perfect for road trips with toddlers.

When choosing car seats for toddlers, it is important to go not just for those that have been rigorously tested to meet and even exceed US safety standards but also those that can be adjusted as your child grows. The best thing about this car seat is that it can accommodate kids from 22 pounds or 27 inches and it can be changed into a travel booster seat to accommodate slightly older kids up to 100 pounds or 57 inches. With its Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, the height of the harness and headrests can be adjusted with just a single motion so your child stays properly and safely secured no matter their height.

This 3-in-1 toddler car seat comes with a 5-point harness system, a 3-point recline, harness and buckle covers, single cup holder and a storage compartment. This product is designed to be used as a forward-facing car seat then a belt-positioning booster seat then a backless booster seat – that’s three car seats in one awesome product!

Despite this product not being recommended as a forward-facing seat for kids under two, we still place this on the top spot of our list just because it grows with your kid. It definitely costs slightly more than other products but we believe it is among the best car seats for toddlers – you get the most value out of your money since you can use it for a very long time.

Check out this list of our top 5 best booster seats for more options.

Details of the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

Dimensions

28 x 18.7 x 15.6 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

Passenger Weight

22 to 100 pounds

Passenger Height

27 to 57 inches

Target Gender

Unisex

Warranty

Limited, 1 year

Summer Infant 2015 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

Summer Infant 2015 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

One of the biggest woes that parents have when it comes to traveling with toddlers is that these little people require a lot of physical and mental strength and they can be very exhausting to deal with the whole day.

Toddlers might not seem heavy in the beginning of your sightseeing but they tend become physically challenging as the day wears on. If you are planning to walk around cities and neighborhoods with paved streets and walkways, then this ultra portable and lightweight umbrella stroller is your best buddy. There are many things we love about this travel gear for toddlers. For one, it is made from a light aluminum so it is not just easy to carry and push but it is also durable enough to hold a kid of up to 50 pounds. Another thing we like about this stroller is that it can recline to nearly flat so the passenger can comfortably take a nap and you can even make quick diaper changes in them. Of course, there is also the extra large storage basket so you can stow all of your things for the day.

Sadly, this umbrella stroller isn’t able to stand when folded so that can be a bit frustrating especially if you already have a lot of things to think about. Still, we are ranking this one as second in our list.

Check out our list of top 5 best umbrella strollers for more options.

Details of the Summer Infant 2015 3D Lite Convenience Stroller

Dimensions

41 x 8.8 x 10 inches

Weight

15.9 pounds

Passenger Weight

Up to 50 pounds

Target Gender

Unisex

Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier

Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier

If you love traveling the backcountry and exploring the great outdoors but are too skeptical about the level of support and safety that soft-shelled carriers and baby slings can provide for your toddler, this toddler carrier backpack might be your best match.

The Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier provides you the flexibility that no stroller can provide, which is great for both kid and parent. We love that this child carrier is super strong and sturdy but still ‘soft’ enough to provide comfort to the kid sitting inside and the parent carrying it. This toddler backpack carrier comes with a 5-point harness system to ensure safety. The harness and seats can also be adjusted easily to accommodate your growing child. To protect them from the elements, it also comes with an integrated sun roof (although we also suggest that your child wear jackets or long sleeved tops depending on what the weather is.

Aside from these great benefits for the kids, this carrier was also designed with the parent in mind. It has a zipped compartment to accommodate a hydration system so there is no need to carry and open water bottles – hooray for going totally hands-free! Additionally, it has several storage options such as a zipped outer pocket, a large zipped compartment under the seat for your kid’s essentials and mesh side pockets. Of course, there is also a hip fin pocket for small items such as keys, energy bars or cellphones.

While we have a lot of good things to say about this child backpack carrier, its price tag is not one of them. There are still a lot of less expensive alternatives available in the market but if price isn’t an issue for you, we definitely recommend this product. Regardless, you can be sure that you get a high quality travel gear for every single cent. We place this one on the third spot in our list.

Details of the Deuter Kid Comfort III Child Carrier

Dimensions

17 x 13 x 31 inches

Weight

7.11 pounds

Volume

18 liters

Material

Nylon

Target Gender

Unisex

Regalo My Cot Portable Bed

Regalo My Cot Portable Bed

Whether you are planning to stay over at grandma’s house, a hotel room or a campground for the night or to nap at the day care, this super lightweight travel cot is the most recommended product for sleeping.

Despite its portability, this portable toddler bed is made up of a comfortable yet sturdy frame that can bear a load of up to 75 pounds. Its bed liner is comes with reinforced stitching which adds durability to the product. And, just in case of accidents, you can always put the cotton fitted sheet over its frame and throw it into the washer if it gets soiled.

Another thing we really like about this travel toddler bed is that it has a 7-inch clearance from the ground so you can bring it to the beach and not have to worry so much about the sand getting into their cots all the time. If your child moves around too much during sleep, the 7-inch height from the ground need not make you worry so much. If you are worried about safety, the fact that Regalo maintains among the best safety records for kids’ products should bring your comfort. Even better, the company gives back to various children’s organizations so you do extend a certain amount of help for each of your purchase.

Except for our worry about kids falling from the 7-inch height, we really have nothing else bad to stay about this portable bed. This is definitely a great alternative for young kids who hate toddler travel cribs and would rather sleep like an ‘adult’. Some might still prefer crib-like designs so we are putting this on the fourth spot.

Check out this list of the top 5 best travel cots for babies for more options.​

Details of the Regalo My Cot Portable Bed

Dimensions

48 x 26 x 7 inches

Weight

6.2 pounds

Recommended Weight

Up to 75 pounds

Recommended Height

Up to 52 inches

Target Gender

Unisex

Material

Plastic, Steel

Inclusions

Portable bed, carrying case, cot cover, instruction guide

Warranty

Limited, 90 days

Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair

Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair

Another product that we highly recommend for outdoor loving families is this travel high chair which you can bring everywhere you go.

One of the nice things about this toddler seat is that it will make your kid feel like an adult because it looks pretty much like those portable chairs that we use when camping. The only difference is that it comes with a tray as well as a built-in cup holder perfect for those busy little children.

This portable booster seat comes with a lightweight design so you can carry it around wherever you go – during camping trips, by the beach, to grandma’s house and even inside your favorite restaurant. You no longer have to use those gross high chairs that are being provided by dining places because you can bring a portable one instead.

Another thing that we love about this seat is that it is extremely easy to use. There is no need for assembly or setup because you only have to fold and unfold it within seconds. The vinyl tray can be easily wiped off so even if your toddler makes a lot of mess, you do not need to worry much. If your toddler moves around too much, you can still be assured that they stay safe in it since it comes with a comfortable lap belt that will hold them securely. There is also a leg hole under the tray to make sure that your kid does not slide down the chair when they are in it.

The only thing that we do not like about this portable high chair is that its tray is a little too shallow so more food goes into the lap than usual. We would also have loved for the tray to come off as well as the cover so you can just toss it into the washing machine when it gets too dirty. Otherwise, we still think it is a great travel gear to have which is why it grabs the fifth spot in our list.​

Check out our list of the top 5 best baby high chairs for more options.

Details of the Ciao! Baby Portable High Chair

Dimensions

28 x 18.7 x 15.6 inches

Weight

7.5 pounds

Passenger Weight

4 to 35 pounds

Passenger Height

Up to 32 inches

Target Gender

Unisex

There you have it. We hope this list of travel gear reviews for toddlers have helped you make a clear decision on what things to buy for when you explore the world with your little one. Happy travels and enjoy the adventure!

The post Top 5 Best Travel Gear for Toddlers appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Infant Helmets

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Top 5 Best Infant Helmets

As sweet as our little babies may seem, they can be very rough and rowdy creatures. Parents love to see their kids do adventurous things especially if they can do it independently but safety is always a major concern.

Take biking, for example. It sure is nice to see kids as young as a year old to hop on their bikes but we are also scared of them getting bruises or their heads making contact with anything hard. If you know a parent whose infant is already interested in bikes, then you probably have also witnessed their obsession for baby bike helmets.

Unfortunately, finding the right helmet that is small enough for an infant’s or a young toddler’s head can be quite challenging since most manufacturers make helmets that can accommodate a school-aged child’s much bigger head.

So, how do you look for the best infant bike helmet for your little one? Go for an infant bicycle helmet that fits snugly around your baby’s head. To get their measurements, get a tape measure and wrap it around the head once inch above the eyebrows which is the thickest part of their head.​ As much as possible, avoid a hard shell helmet and go for an in-mold model as they are well ventilated and are lightweight. Heavy helmets tend to be very uncomfortable for small babies.

Vents will allow more fresh air to circulate around the head to make bike riding more comfortable. You would not want to have a kiddo who is hot and sweaty during a ride because they are extremely irritable! All helmets sold in the US should come with a certification from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you are in doubt, better do your shopping at a reputable store.​

So, are you ready to check out our top 5 recommendations on infant bike helmets? Check out our reviews!

Lazer BOB (Baby on Board) Infant Helmet

Lazer BOB (Baby on Board) Infant Helmet

The first in our list and what we consider as among the best infant helmet in the market is the Lazer BOB Infant Helmet.

What we love most about this baby bike helmet is that it has among the smallest designs making them suitable for very young kids. It isn’t the lightest one there is but it is still light enough to make rides comfortable and enjoyable for infants and young toddlers.

The Lazer BOB is well-ventilated with six vents around the helmet and it also comes with easy to remove and clean soft fit pads so it is a big plus for parents. Additionally, if you are fond of going on night rides, the Lazer comes with a reflective tape for better visibility. 

Another great feature that many parents will probably not notice is the flat back design of the helmet. It is flatter than most regular helmets which mean that the kiddos wearing it can learn their heads right back without worrying about hitting the rear wall or seat of the trailer.

This baby bike helmet is not just for biking; we also highly recommend it for use inside the trailer. Plus, this does not come with a visor which can sometimes block the wearer’s view.

For the flat back design, reflector strips and overall comfort for the baby (great fit for small heads) and the parent (easy to clean) and the reasonable price tag, this infant bike helmet grabs the top spot in our list.

Details of the Lazer BOB (Baby on Board) Infant Helmet

Size

46 – 52 cm

Weight

277 grams

No. of Vents

6

Reflector

Yes

Visor

No

Skater Style

No

Nutcase Baby Nutty Street Bike Helmet

Nutcase Baby Nutty Street Bike Helmet

Coming in second place in a very tight competition against the Lazer BOB baby bicycle helmet is the Nutcase Baby Nutty Street Bike Helmet, which we love just as much.

What’s so great about this product? First off, we love its Fidlock magnetic buckle! It makes putting on and taking off such a breeze that you can do it even with just a single hand and even with your gloves on. We guarantee you that there will no pinch and, thus, no tears along the process. The buckle is super safe yet super strong so you will never have to worry about it breaking apart after a few uses.

Another big plus for this awesome bike helmet for baby is that it grows along with your kid. You can choose to use the 6mm pads and, later on, the 3mm pads as your little one’s head grows bigger. We like that it comes with an elastic fit system that stretches out as the user grows.

Additionally, it comes with great features that add comfort to the user. It comes with 11 vents that will make your baby’s head cool as they ride along and it also has bug netting to make sure that bugs, bees and other tiny insects do not get inside and bother your little one. Of course, it comes with great designs that babies love!

If it had not been priced nearly twice as much as the cheapest Lazer BOB, this would have been on the top spot. Its outstanding performance might just be worth its tag but we are still placing this on the second spot as we think it should be a little more affordable than it already is.

Details of the Nutcase Baby Nutty Street Bike Helmet

Size

47 – 50 cm

Weight

280 grams

No. of Vents

11

Reflector

Yes

Visor

Yes

Skater Style

Yes

Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet

Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet

Next in our list is the Giro infant helmet which comes with attractive colorful designs that kids are sure to love.

There are many things we love about the Giro Me2 as well. For example, it comes with 20 vents around the helmet to keep your infant’s head cool. The front vents also come with built-in nets to prevent bugs and other tiny insects from getting inside the helmet and thus disrupting what would otherwise be a comfortable ride.

Another safety feature that we love about this baby bike helmet is its Giro Mini-Loc fit system that doesn’t pinch your kid’s sensitive skin. It is extremely simple to use that they can do the fitting and adjusting themselves. The helmet also comes with a built-in visor that doesn’t get in the way of the user’s vision and a soft padding to keep them safe and comfortable.

For an infant helmet, it does start off quite big at 42 centimeters, at least compared to other infant helmets available in the market. It is also slightly pricey (although still worth it in our opinion) so we recommend it only for parents who are willing to shell out a bit more for their kid’s safety. For those things, we are ranking the Giro Me2 at the third spot in our list.

Details of the Giro Me2 Infant Bike Helmet

Size

48 – 52 cm

Weight

240 grams

No. of Vents

20

Reflector

No

Visor

Yes

Skater Style

No

Joovy Noodle Helmet

Joovy Noodle Helmet

When it comes to shopping for items, parents always look for the best value for their money and when talking about that in terms of bike helmets for babies, it is the Joovy Noodle Helmet that always comes to mind.

This infant helmet is ideal for those living in warmer climates or for those with kiddos who sweat a lot. It comes with 14 vents that will ensure that air will continuously circulate around the head, providing a comfortable ride for the wearer. The front air vents are covered in mesh to keep out bugs and other insects from flying inside.

Another big plus about the Joovy baby bicycle helmet is that it has an adjustable dial chin strap. Your baby can strap on and adjust their helmets according to their comfort all by themselves. All they have to do is turn the dial around and the length of the chin straps are adjusted easily. Another plus is that it can fit from 1 to 4 years old so unless this helmet breaks (which we doubt would happen in normal cases), you will not need any other baby bike helmets until then.

This helmet is pretty solid and covers entire skull and even the upper neck area so parents are ensured that their little ones stay safe in case the worst things happen. It is the great companion for longer and bumpier rides.

Although there are a lot of good things that we can say about this bike helmet, the visor isn’t one of them. True, the solid visor can help protect during a fall but they also tend to get in the way of the wearer’s vision. It also doesn’t quite compete as well as the first three helmets we have on the list so even if it is priced slightly lower, we are still ranking this brand as fourth in our list.​

Details of the Joovy Noodle Helmet

Size

47 – 52 cm

Weight

226 grams

No. of Vents

14

Reflector

No

Visor

No

Skater Style

No

Schwinn Infant Helmet

Schwinn Infant Helmet

The last on the list of our bike helmets for infants is one from Schwinn. At just 44 centimeters, this model is certainly among the smallest available in the market, making it a top choice for the youngest babies that are allowed to ride upright on a bike.

It comes with all the standard features that we at ParentsNeed HQ are looking for including sturdy and durable shell and soft straps that are not too hard on the baby’s skin and head. If you are looking for something that could just pass safety standards and is something that you could use for casual cruising in your bike, this is your match.

However, a lot of parents are still skeptical about the quality of this product, including us. It seems that the design of this baby bike helmet does not help make it stay in place. A few tugging and pulling even by a baby can already loose it around the head and we certainly wish that it came with a sturdier locking mechanism that will prevent that from happening.

We recommend this helmet for parents who are still testing the waters of biking with their babies and are not quite ready to spend a little bit more on such a product. The price is a major factor in deciding the rank for the Schwinn bike helmet because it made us think that it came with very inferior materials and design. After further testing, we found out that the Velcro straps do need some reinforcement to help the helmet work well enough.

Despite having the smallest size, which leaves some parents with no other choice, and a very inexpensive price tag, we think that some points in quality may have been sacrificed so we are putting this one at the bottom of our list.

Details of the Schwinn Infant Helmet

Size

44 – 50 cm

Weight

295 grams

No. of Vents

6

Reflector

No

Visor

No

Skater Style

No

Which of the brands did you think most appealed to you?

We hope this list of reviews on several bike helmets for babies will help you decide the best one for your little one. Weigh out the pros and cons very carefully and make sure to consider the things that we have mentioned earlier in this guide. Enjoy your bike rides and cherish your moments together but make sure that your kiddo stays safe and comfortable, too.

The post Top 5 Best Infant Helmets appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Toy Storages

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Top 5 Best Toy Storages

Kids are pretty much always all over the place, and so are their toys. Toys which could range from various sized Lego pieces, to huge Teddy bears and all of them take up a lot of space in their rooms. As parents, it is our duty to make sure that our kids’ toys are properly tucked away to avoid injuries and other mishaps. The problem lies in where to properly store them, you probably have a separate cabinet for toys, or some prefer to put it inside bins under their children’s beds.

But we still find that there is always room for chaos to happen. It could be because the cabinet’s area may be difficult to reach for your kids, or the doors they needed to open are kind of heavy or your little ones’ head frequently bumps on the bed while reaching for their toy bin. Whatever the reason is, the fact remains that making kids stash their toys away could be pretty difficult, which is why we came up with the best storage ideas for toys.

How to choose toy storages?

The key to remember in choosing the appropriate storage bins for toys is the ease of use. Your children should be able to independently place their toys inside the storage bins to make sure that the goal of keeping things where they should be is met. Ease of use, could include the size of the bin, and if your child can easily access it. It also includes how easy it is to manipulate for youngsters, are there knobs they need to pull or use, or just a pretty straightforward flap. And lastly, how much toys could it store?

After figuring out how easy it is to use, we now review the design, since the users are your kids, the bins should catch their attention, and make them interested in using it. With these in mind, here are our top 5 choice of great toy storage bins.

Tot Tutors Kids' Toy Organizer With Storage Bins

Tot Tutors Kids Toy Organizer With Storage Bins

The Tot Tutor Kids’ toy organizer with bins is a great furniture to have inside your child’s room. With its 4-tier design and perfectly sized bins, available in small which is 8"w X 11.5"l X 5.5"d and large sizes at 11.5"w X 16.5"l X 5.5"d that would make it very easy for your little ones to take charge of keeping their toys.

There are a couple of things we like about this toy storage; first, it’s made out of wood. We are talking about the organizer as the bins are made of rugged plastic, both are durable, stable and are definitely built to handle a fair amount of toys, plus the frequent toy tossing of your kids. Second is that it’s just the right height for a 3 year old to reach even the top drawers, they would easily see the toys they have and be able to play with them and eventually keep them accordingly as well.

Also, unlike a cabinet, there are no knobs or any other parts that could be difficult to manipulate. In addition, the bins could be easily taken out of the organizer which is very useful if you have a ton of small toys that your kids love to play with but is a potential hazard if left on the floor unattended. The removable bins are also great for easy cleaning. When it comes to the color combination, we liked the multi-color better as it could promote a sorting activity, red are for toy cars, blue are for balls, etc. Best of all, the Tot Tutor Kids’ toy organizers are fairly easy to assemble, what’s not to love?

Details of the Tot Tutors Kids' Toy Organizer With Storage Bins

Dimension (in inches)

11"D x 34"W x 31"H

Weight

24 Pounds

Color

Brown, White, Multicolor

Suitable for

3 years old and up

Assembly Required

Yes

Material

Wood

Features

4-tier organizer with removable bins in rugged plastic, available in 2 sizes and 4 classic colors

Honey-Can-Do SRT-01603 Kids Toy Organizer and Storage Bins

Honey-Can-Do SRT-01603 Kids Toy Organizer and Storage Bins

The Honey-Can-Do SRT-01603 Kids Toy Organizer and Storage Bins comes in close second, also great because of its 4 tier design and heavy-duty plastic bins which is great for quick and easy cleaning, good for us parents and definitely a good to have furniture for kids playroom. Moreover, it has stain-resistant surfaces, so you won’t need to do heavy cleaning, just wipe with a piece of cloth and you’re good to go.

The Honey-Can-Do SRT-01603 Kids toy organizer has a natural wood finish but is actually made out of MDF board making it a little lighter than our previous choice, and the corners are rounded off to provide additional safety for kids who could be a little clumsy. Similar to the Tot Tutors’ Kids organizer the Honey Can do also has varying sizes of bins for easy sorting, you have 4 large bins measuring 16.25" x 11.75" x 5" and 8 smaller toy storage bins at 11.75" x 7.75" x 5". It also comes with a lifetime limited warranty, as a testament to its durability. Best of all, it’s also easy to assemble and the kids could even help out by making it into a little do-it-yourself project.

However, despite all of the lovable features of the Honey Can Do storage bins for toys, most people might not exactly be a fan of the colors that it comes in. The bins could also pose a bit of a problem as they do not sit perfectly on the organizer, they could probably get more support if they were made a little deeper.

Details of the Honey-Can-Do SRT-01603 Kids Toy Organizer and Storage Bins

Dimension (in inches)

12.5 x 33.3 x 36

Weight

22 Pounds

Color

Pastel

Suitable for

3 years old and up

Assembly Required

Yes

Material

Wood and Plastic

Features

Bright colored bins with varying sizes

Delta Multi-Color Deluxe Toy Organizer with Storage Bins

Delta Multi-Color Deluxe Toy Organizer with Storage Bins

The Delta Multi-Color Deluxe Toy Organizer offers 4 regular sized bins, three larger sized ones and 2 extra-large bins at the bottom. If you are having problems on how to store large toys, this toy storage can definitely help you out.

The top shelves are made out of fabric and is stretched between two wooden poles, ideal to keep toys that are light but may not fit the middle shelf. The extra-large canvas toy bins on the lower section sit perfectly on the floor for proper support should you need to store heavier toys, like remote controlled cars or wooden building blocks.

The sturdy wood construction is great to hold the right amount of toy that you need to keep, and the rugged canvas bins are also removable. However, note that the bins are made from non-woven fabric, and you wouldn’t want to get it dirty as it could be difficult to wash off, but they are replaceable. Being that said, we're pushing this product to third spot on the list.

Note that if you are planning to house an excessive amount of toys in this one, make sure it is leaning on a wall for proper support. This is truly lightweight and your kid might be able to manipulate the parts or they could even move around the entire organizer with much ease. It could get a little wobbly over time but it is very child friendly and safe to use, with not much element that could cause serious injury. This makes it great for younger children even those who are still learning how to walk to have in their playroom. It is also relatively small in size definitely one of the toy storage solutions for small spaces that you may encounter.

Details of the Delta Multi-Color Deluxe Toy Organizer with Storage Bins

Dimension (in inches)

36 x 12 x 24

Weight

18 Pounds

Color

Various Colors

Suitable for

1.5 years old and up

Assembly Required

Yes

Material

Non-woven Fabric, MDF Composite

Features

Fixed Shelves, Backless, Storage Bins for sorting

ECR4Kids 3-Tier Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Bins

ECR4Kids 3-Tier Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Bins

We believe that one of the best toy organizers with bins in the market is the ECR4Kids 3-Tier Toy Storage Organizer. This easy to assemble 3-tier toy organizer is great to have around the house, whether it’s inside the playroom, nursery or children’s room. What makes it great is that the durable plastic rack has rounded edges for safety, definitely an awesome organizer for the little ones to handle. The metal bars support the organizer therefore adding to its sturdiness difficult to topple over.

The ECR4Kids is mostly bought for playschools, because first, it can handle the fiddling and occasional pushing of rowdy kids and it does not require meticulous maintenance. You could pull out the bins easily to either dust or wipe clean that even kids could do it, make sure to add it as part of their to-do list. It has a total of 12 bins uniformly sized at 12L x 8.25W x 5.25H inches, very functional for those who have similarly sized toys or equipment to use. What’s neat about this organizer is that when your kid grows up, they will still be able to use it for their stuff. There are also parents who keep these in their tool sheds, handy for sorting small equipment including but not limited to nuts, bolts and screws.

Despite the obviously good things about this toy and book organizer, you will not exactly be able to store larger toys in this one; you might need to buy a different organizer to fit that need. And even though the bins are easy to pull out, it may take a little practice to put it back in, so your toddler might need a little help in that area as well so we're putting this at the fourth.

Details of the ECR4Kids 3-Tier Toy Storage Organizer with 12 Bins

Dimension (in inches)

37.5L x 14W x 27.5H

Weight

19 Pounds

Color

Various Colors

Suitable for

3 years old and up

Assembly Required

Yes

Material

Plastic

Features

Cross bars reinforced with metal bars for added strength

ArtBin Store-In-Drawer Cabinet; White Art Craft Storage

ArtBin Store-In-Drawer Cabinet White Art Craft Storage

If you are one of those who are interested in stackable toy storage, then this toy organizer is definitely something you would love. A lightweight, plastic made, 3-tier organizer that has room enough for smaller items in your children’s playroom or nursery. The plastic construction is meant to last a lifetime with proper use.

Maybe you have a copious amount of building blocks, art supplies and toy cars and you want it stored when your children are not playing with it, this toy storage is the best option. Might look like a typical cabinet, and may not be very appealing to your child but it is definitely worth your money. You have the option to mount in on a wall, for added stability and there are drawer dividers for proper segregation. You could easily stack two of these on a side of your kid’s room although the height may not exactly be as accessible, so if you have toys you want to circulate or keep for now; you could rearrange the drawers until it’s time for them to be put into use again.

Ideal for preschoolers who probably have a number of school supplies that needs to be neatly stored along with smaller toy items. The best thing about this toy organizer is that the drawers are transparent which are sized at approximately 2.5 x 4.25 x 5.5-inches; it displays what each bin is containing for easy identifying and quick access.​

Despite having great features, this product may only be suitable for 5 years old and above since it can only store small items like small toys, school supplies and art crafts. Hence, the last on our top 5 best toy storage ​list.

Details of the ArtBin Store-In-Drawer Cabinet; White Art Craft Storage

Dimension (in inches)

14.25 x 6.00 x 8.25

Weight

19 Pounds

Color

White

Suitable for

5 years old and up

Assembly Required

Yes

Material

Plastic

Features

Sturdy white plastic with 9 transparent drawers

Conclusion

Generally, it would be ideal to have at least a toy box with shelves in your kids’ rooms to keep you sane, which is what most people would go for, but to be really able to keep everything in place easily, toy storage organizers are the way to go. There’s a little more advantage in training your kid to set a place for everything they have not only with toys, instead of just dumping them into a box in a random order. This way you could avoid getting the toys broken and misshapen because another heavy toy is probably sitting on top of it.

The post Top 5 Best Toy Storages appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Nerf Guns

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Top 5 Best Nerf Guns

What do zombie apocalypse, simulation games and arcade have in common? Easy, it gives you that kind of rush that gets the adrenaline pumping. And nothing has ever given us the boost of adrenaline we seek other than playing with those toy guns for kids. Practically, everyone has tried it one way or another, some offices even purchase toy guns to destress. Although some would argue that these toys would promote violence, weapons have always been embedded in the area of play directly or indirectly, perhaps as part of training for survival mode during ancient civilization or purely recreational, like what happens today.

Girls or boys, even as adults we are in love with the notion of target shooting that there are tons of games in the market specifically attributed to this. But still there are some who prefers to do it the old fashioned way, cops and robbers style with actual toy handguns that have greatly improved over the course of time. What are these top rated handguns? Nerf guns, and we are pretty sure you are very much aware of what they are.

What makes a great toy handgun?

If you’re like the majority of kids and adults who are into the cops and robbers version of games, whether you goof around with friends after school or at work just to enjoy the adrenaline rush, there are a couple of things that you should be looking out for when buying the perfect handgun to use. One of them is precision, it has to shoot the way you aimed it to be, or you would lose every battle you will ever fight. Tough luck.

Next is it should be fairly easy to carry, especially when you are in a very tough environment, say hiding in a confined space or have the need to move around seamlessly. Lastly, cool awesome design, because hey, you want to look like a winner, right? So now we’ll try to answer the question, what is the best nerf gun in the world?​

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster

At number 1, we have the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster which in our opinion is the most powerful nerf gun of the lot. With its slam fire handle, this Nerf gun is able to spew a good amount of darts, 26 to be exact to your chosen target as who stands as far as 75 feet. Pretty sure this is something every enthusiast is looking forward to, being able to attack precisely and literally win your target every time, given the right situation of course. This blaster makes you feel how a gun with magazine works. Certain attachments and gears will be useful during battle and several fully loaded magazines are definitely one that will guarantee fewer reload trips. In any case, you better know how to load a magazine fast as well, or you might find yourself in a pretty sticky situation, we’re hoping you’re wearing safety goggles at least, because these darts sting.

For those of you who fear that the darts will jam if you are using rapid fire, this one won’t. The only time it will jam is if you accidentally load it with a deformed dart, that you’ve probably picked up during battle, and that’s a huge plus point. We also believe that the Rampage Blaster is one, if not the fastest non battery powered guns HasBro has ever made, which is still very accurate, depending on how far you are from your target.

The Rampage Blaster doesn’t require batteries, meaning less expense, and more resource to focus on getting more darts and magazines for reloads during battle or other paraphernalia for modification. It’s definitely way better than its predecessors by leaps and bounds. What more, is that if you have other Nerf guns, there are certain parts that are interchangeable, like the magazines and darts from the Elite series. If you are one of those who are into modifying their handguns, you would definitely love this, as the Rampage Blaster has fewer parts than the Raider, ergo, easier to assemble and pull apart.

Details of the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rampage Blaster

Range

up to 75 feet

Dimension (inches)

4.5 x 21.3 x 13.4

Weight

2.9 pounds

Colors

May vary

Features

25 dart drum, slam fire handle

Batteries

None

Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700

Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700

If you are the type of player who gives importance to defense, stays out of scope most of the time and prefers sneaking up to opponents, then the Nerf Rival Apollo is the gun for you. This light and handy toy gun is enough to help you win your battles as we consider it the strongest nerf gun today. For a lightweight gun, this one packs a lot of punch, literally. As Nerf now seemed to be experimenting on different type of bullets and although this one is not like its dart predecessors, nerf balls is definitely the future trend. These little dimpled balls of awesomeness could be delivered up to 100 feet distance.

Think of how useful that could be in an open field, and because it’s round, there is a great deal of accuracy involved, not to mention it is a lot more durable than darts. This is definitely the future of toy guns, point and shoot, plus no more jamming issues as well. And if your friends are also using nerf balls, it would be fairly easy to get the bullets lying around and reloading it in your own magazine.

Have you ever experienced those odd moments when you’re trying your best to complete a reload and are having a rather difficult time in finding a loaded magazine, because you have to check it at a certain direction to make sure that it has darts? Well, that problem is now solved. The Rival Apollo’s magazines are transparent, making it easy to tell, which magazine is good to go during reloading. Fast and easy, check!

Worried about accidental firing, no need to, as this gun comes with a trigger lock, definitely going to save you on bullets, yay!

However, one flaw we realized about the Rival Apollo is that it remains a two handed weapon, you need to cock it in to charge the mechanism, could be difficult if you are trying to do something else at the same time which is why we're pushing this at the second spot.​

Details of the Nerf Rival Apollo XV-700

Range

up to 100 feet

Dimension (inches)

3 x 18 x 10

Weight

2 pounds

Colors

Red and Blue

Features

Spring-action blaster which comes with 7 high-impact rounds, trigger lock and tactical rail

Batteries

None

Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator

Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator

As you could see, if by judging only through its features written below, this gun is a little bit lighter than our number one choice, one of the cool nerf guns ever built. There are definitely a lot of things to appreciate about the Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator, but its versatility is on top. It could be used as a pistol and rifle, if you are someone who is pretty handy, you could also be able to use it as a sub machine gun. Its major accessories are also interchangeable with the Recon, so if you are a Nerf gun fanatic, who has a lot of Nerf guns stashed in your arsenal, you will really have great fun mix and matching the Retaliator.

Now, performance wise, it is also almost the same as the Rampage Blaster, but the Retaliator has the detachable stock which aims to help improve your accuracy but with no rear sight. With this, it might not exactly be handy to go around in battles, pretty helpful if you could just set up shop in a corner and wait for your targets to come to you, much like a sniper would.

Also, it would be worthy to note that the restrictor’s noise could get a little annoying, especially when you are sneaking up to your target, so it’s definitely up to you if you want to remove it. With these reasons, we are making this product on the third spot of our list.

Little problem with jamming as well, so you might want to go easy on loading it with darts as there is an issue with its internal spring. Overall, still a good choice of Nerf assault rifle. In addition, the grown-ups who are also in love with Nerf guns would find it a bit awkward to hold it as a pistol because the length is child sized but there is no notable difference experienced regarding its performance.

Details of the Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator

Range

up to 75 feet

Dimension (inches)

19.4 x 3.4 x 12.2

Weight

2.5 pounds

Colors

May vary

Features

Assault grip and barrel extension attached to tactical rail

Batteries

None

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster

Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster

There are a lot of Nerf machine guns out there and the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 is one of those that we find to be very nifty. The name itself implies the power it contains, serious rapid-strike firepower. Pretty good choice when you are outnumbered or in a tight spot, just spray a blanket of cover fire and out you go!

This machine gun carries 18 Elite Darts in a see-through clip, which is perfect for easy reloading and with up to 75 feet range, you will achieve complete mobility. What more is that because it is battery operated one push of the acceleration trigger you could steadily spray ammo at your opponent, definitely a nice automatic nerf gun which kids could easily handle.

It comes second to the Retaliator’s dart speed at about 68 feet per second, which enables the darts to shoot in long range. Despite of all its glory, its advantages are also the disadvantages. Since the Rapidstrike is using batteries, it is a little expensive to use than the previous ones on our list. And with a rapid spray of ammo, you could get easily out as well. More reloads, less time to have action packed fun, so we're pushing this to the fourth.

Details of the Nerf N-Strike Elite Rapidstrike CS-18 Blaster

Range

up to 75 feet

Dimension (inches)

3.5 x 24 x 12

Weight

3.3 pounds

Colors

May vary

Features

18-dart see-through clip

Batteries

4 C size alkaline batteries

Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster

Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster

Closing the list of which nerf gun to buy is the Zombie Strike Hammershot. This is by far the coolest among the Zombie Strike series and has definitely good accuracy for its range. This makes it great for mid-range target practice.

Honestly, who would say no to a toy handgun designed to eliminate zombies? Okay it makes us believe but our kids’ imaginations could run really wild with this one. So if you are looking for a toy pistol to hand out to your nephews, and nieces on your next Christmas gathering, this would be it. Partly because while most nerf guns require both hands in cocking, this one is fairly easier to do so with just one hand, great for the little ones who still have a weak grip.

And also because it is durable, one minute your kid is running after a zombie for shooting practice, the next, they could be using it as a hammer in their makeshift tool shed. The color combination is pretty cool as well, could easily be found when your kid accidentally hides it. What makes it our least favorite is because it only has a 5-dart capacity, and the frequency of manual reloads are inevitable, almost similar to using Nerf bow and arrow.

Details of the Nerf Zombie Strike Hammershot Blaster

Range

up to 30 feet

Dimension (inches)

2.6 x 13.3 x 10.1

Weight

1.8 pounds

Colors

May vary

Features

5 Zombie Strike dart and Hammershot blaster

Batteries

None

Conclusion

We hope you learned something from this Nerf gun review, which will enable you to choose the perfect Nerf gun that could suit your gaming needs. While we are not entirely sure how many types of Nerf guns are out there, we definitely feel that you now have the knowledge of which ones to look out for. Should you buy one for a child, always remember to take into consideration their age and if they could already handle the toy guns effectively. Also, please note that it would be best if you would also consider buying proper gear for your kids, like goggles or vests as the darts or Nerf ball could still sting.

The post Top 5 Best Nerf Guns appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Toddlers

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Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Toddlers

While some people may see having kids as the end of experiencing fun and adventure, many parents these days think otherwise. Bringing your kid along on your adventures, no matter what they are, is a great way of letting them experience first-hand the fun things that you do.

Want to go on a bike ride to the nearby park but have a child in tow? Bring them along and put them in a bike child seat! Now only will you get to exercise with your kid but you also give them a new form of entertainment. Bike rides are definitely healthier compared to letting them sit in front of the television the entire day.

But, before you go out and bring your child around on a bike, you must remember that there are laws to help keep them safe. In some areas, children have to be at least a year old before they are allowed in a baby bike seat.

What else should you consider when choosing the perfect toddler bike seat for you and your little one?

Age - Most bike seats for baby are designed for really small children. If you have an infant, it is recommended to get front-mounted seats as they tend to fit younger children better and allow parents to see their tiny passengers the entire time.​

Weight - Before getting an infant bike seat, you need to make sure that it can still accommodate your child’s seat and, perhaps, even a bit more. Front mounted seats are generally designed for younger kids and rear mounted ones for older kids.​

Bike Frame - Different toddler bike seats come with different installation instructions. Some might attach directly to the frame while others require a separate seat rack. There are also other specifications, such as in the headset, which allows the seat to be mounted on the bike.​

Those are just a few things you might want to look into before choosing a baby bicycle seat. You might also want to consider having handlebars and sleep pads to make kids ride comfortably.​

Now that you’re ready, let’s get to our list of the top 5 best bike seats for toddlers.

WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat

WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat

When it comes to child seats for bikes, we think that the WeeRide Kangaroo might just be the ultimate product in terms of safety and comfort!

For starters, this seat comes with ultra thick pads all throughout so you can be assured that your little one will not have a single uncomfortable moment when riding it.

Another feature we love most about this bike seat is its padded headrest, which is great for when you are cruising around with a sleeping kid. You also do not have to worry about their safety because this seat comes with a reliable safety harness and oversized buckle system. This front mounted baby bicycle seat is certainly a great choice if you want to give your little one of the best views of their surroundings – and they can do so while being safely buckled in their seats.

Often, parents are worried about stability when navigating the bike with front loads but this one is well designed to prevent such problems. This kid’s bike seat makes sure that the weight is being distributed evenly so there isn’t much of a difference whether a load is present in front or not.

For the thick seat pads, headrest, adjustable foot cups that protect the feet well and easy installation on most bikes, we are giving this WeeRide Kangaroo five stars thus putting it on the top spot of our list.

Details of the WeeRide LTD Kangaroo Child Bike Seat

Weight

8.1 pounds

Recommended Ages

1 year to 40 pounds

Mount

Front

Other Notes

Seat is bolted directly to frame

Warranty

Two years

Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier

Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier

Schwinn has long been known as a manufacturer of great bikes and, this time around, it makes sure that you do not leave your kids behind during your biking adventures.

Parents scared about bringing their kids along, especially when they are positioned at the rear end of the bike where they cannot be seen all the time, will love that this seat is designed to surround the child. This helps provide more protection in case of impacts and gives moms and dads peace of mind. It also has a seat spring guard and spoke guard to make sure that your kid’s feet and the bicycles’ rear wheel will never meet.

But, despite the design of this seat, its polypropylene frame is still lightweight to bring along yet sturdy enough to hold a kid of up to 40 pounds.

We would like to point out that it is not recommended for bikes with rear suspension system. However, if your bike is compatible, you can simply use its mounting system and install it directly to the frame of your bike. If you are not planning to ride with your baby for the day, you can easily remove the seat from the base without using any tools and even load other types of cargo in its place.

There are many great points about the Schwinn Deluxe Bicycle Carrier. It is easy to install and fits most bikes, it has a cross bar in addition to the quick release harness and it also has Velco restraints around the legs and a great price tag. However, the minimal seat pads and the difficulty of looking for a separate rack to allow installation on a second bike push this down to the second spot in our list.

Details of the Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier

Weight

12 pounds

Recommended Ages

2 years to 40 pounds

Mount

Rear, Seat tube and stay tubes

Other Notes

Not for kids under 2

Warranty

1 year

Topeak Baby Seat II with Disc Rack

Topeak Baby Seat II with Disc Rack

Another baby seat for bikes that we highly recommend is the Topeak Baby Seat II which, in our opinion, looks quite like the Schwinn Deluxe Child Carrier.

This one also comes with a wrap-around seat design so you can create a ‘cocoon’ around your baby during bike rides but it certainly is more padded compared to the Schwinn mentioned above. This bicycle baby seat also comes with a superb suspension system so that your kid does not get bothered with bumps and jolts along the way.

Aside from the wrap-around padded seats, it also has a 6-point harness that provides protection for your little passenger as well as a padded cross bar to add more protection and so that they have something to hold on to during the ride.

What we also love about this bike seat is that it comes with a great rack that works well with most bicycle frames – and the seat itself fits perfectly, too.

There are a few things that we did not quite like about this product though. For one, it is quite hard to put the baby in and out if you do it alone – and we certainly would not recommend putting all of your bike’s and your baby’s weight on your kickstand. Also, depending on your size and your baby’s foot size, it might be possible that your heels and their toes will meet up as you pedal. The biggest drawback about this awesome bike seat for toddlers is its price, which is almost twice the average price of most seats available in the market. For these points, we are putting the Topeak baby seat in the third position.

Details of the Topeak Baby Seat II with Disc Rack

Weight

6.9 pounds

Recommended Ages

9 months to 40 pounds

Mount

Rear, Rack mount

Other Notes

Seat comes with shocks for smoother ride

Warranty

2 years

Thule RideAlong Mini Bike Seat

Thule RideAlong Mini Bike Seat

There are quite a lot of bike seats available in the market and if you have very young passengers, it might be best to go for those that can be mounted in front.

In our opinion, this Thule child bike seat looks quite like the Schwinn and Topeak that have been mentioned above but with less of a cocoon-like design that we would have wanted in a child seat. This product was designed with infants in mind and provides a lot of protection through its premium 5-point harness. It is also padded all throughout to make sure that your baby has a comfortable ride.

The foot straps and foot rests can also be adjusted with just a single hand so it grows with your child. And, for parents whose little ones always try to take hold of the handlebars, this seat comes with a soft handlebar where they can hold on during the ride.

Another feature that parents are sure to love about this child seat for toddlers is that the seat itself can be easily mounted and dismounted in seconds through its quick release bracket. It can also easily fit normal and ahead stems so there is nothing much to worry about compatibility.

If you are worried about not being able to mount it properly, there is no need to worry. Its quick release bracket also comes with a safety indicator that will tell you have correctly put the seat on or not.​

While there are many things that we love about this front mounted child bike seat, we think that it is still not able to compete with the rear mounted seats that have been added in this list. We would definitely love to see more protection around the baby sitting in it and a slightly lower price tag is preferable. For these, we are putting this bike seat at fourth place.

Details of the Thule RideAlong Mini Bike Seat

Weight

7.2 pounds

Recommended Ages

9 months to 3 years (33 pounds)

Mount

Front

Other Notes

Need about ¾ inches on threaded and threadless headsets

Warranty

5 years

iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat

iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat

If you plan on bringing around very young children less than a year old, the iBert bike seat is a product that you might want to consider.

This bike baby seat comes with among the most unique designs as it attaches directly to the frame, just behind the handlebars, to allow the parent to see their little passenger at all times and even talk to them during the ride.

Not only does the position allow your baby to get the best view, the driver can also take advantage of the better center of gravity that it allows so that they can navigate easily even with a load in front of the bike. With the small frame of this bike child seat, you can certainly fit it on most bicycle frames and will have no problems loading or unloading your baby in it. It even comes with a small padded wheel that serves as a headrest and a cross bar and it also comes with safety belts and foot rests for added protection and comfort.

Unfortunately, this bicycle child seat could only accommodate a kid of up to 38 pounds or 48 inches, whichever they reach first, and so you will have to eventually find another seat as your child grows. Aside from this, we feel that the iBert bike seat’s back support is too low even for a small kid and could still subject its passenger to a lot of shaking when hitting bumps.

Although it has better mold around the body compared to Thule bike seat, its other flaws is the reason that we are bringing this product to the bottom of our list.

Details of the iBert Child Bicycle Safe-T-Seat

Weight

3.7 pounds

Recommended Ages

1 year to 38 pounds (or 48 inches)

Mount

Front

Other Notes

Low back support

Warranty

2 years

Conclusion

Before you plan on riding with your kid, it is highly recommended that you visit the pediatrician first to see if your baby is fit to ride. This means that their neck should be strong enough to support a helmet as most places require babies to wear a helmet when riding a bike. Also keep in mind the maximum carrying capacity of each bike seat as your child grows.

For long haul rides, you might also want to try checking toddler bike trailers which provides more protection and comfort for kids.​

The post Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Toddlers appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Preschoolers

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Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Preschoolers

Bringing your kids along your adventures is a great form of family bonding. If you love cruising in your bike, for example, you should use it not just as a form of exercise and recreation for you but also as a way to bond with your kid and to let them join in your hobbies.

When it comes to biking, it is recommended for parents to only start placing their kids in bike seats when they are already old enough to sit upright and support their neck muscles. You will have to remember that young kids are required to wear bike helmets in most places so they should be able to handle that already.

But, as fun as biking may be, there will come a time when your kids will start to outgrow (or eventually outgrow) their toddler bike seats. Parents usually prefer having their kids in front mounted bike seats to make sure that they see their kiddos at all times but that might no longer be possible as your little passenger starts growing taller and heavier.

For one, their height might give you a hard time seeing the road ahead or you might not be able to reach the handlebars properly or pedal without your knees bumping into them. Of course, having a lot of weight in the handlebars could also be an issue and many parents find it difficult to navigate the bike when that happens.

Thus, if you prefer to still have your kid riding with you in your bike and would like to ensure that you are both safe and comfortable, we suggest transitioning into a rear mounted child bike seat. These types of bike seats are often designed for taller and heavier children, especially around the preschool age and even beyond. Investing in these types of seats also give you an assurance that they will last longer with you as they usually have a few more years of use ahead of them.

So, are you now convinced about shifting into rear mounted seat for your kid?​

If you are but need a few recommendations, here are the top 5 best bike seats for preschoolers that we would love for you to try out. You can check out our reviews below to see if any of these products make a great fit for you and your little one.

Bobike Junior Rear Child Seat

Bobike Junior Rear Child Seat

Let’s all admit it. While we definitely want our kids to remain as kids, they do not always think the same thing. In fact, your preschooler might want to change a few things around the house and make sure that these arrangements treat them as adults or, at least, bigger children.

The Bobike Junior Rear Child Seat is the perfect way to turn your child into mini adults during bike rides. Many parents will probably wonder why we are placing this at the top spot but, as we are considering bike seats that are suited for preschool-aged children, we believe that this perfectly fits the bill.

This bike child seat is best for parents who already trust their kiddos enough to let them stay behind the bike without a lot of protection, harnesses or buckles. In fact, the most that this seat could provide to your kid is a waist strap that does not really keep your kids as safe as you are probably thinking.

This preschooler bike seat is basically just a platform that can be used to sit on but with additional spoke guards to make sure that their feet does not get caught on the bike’s rear wheel. Kids will love that this seat treats them like big people where they can get on and off easily (yes, even by themselves) without having to take off a lot of straps and belts. Plus, this can accommodate a weight of up to 77 pounds (usually around 10 years old) so they can cruise around with you if they feel tired of walking or biking by themselves.

Another feature we love about this is that if the seat is not in use, it can be folded flat and used to carry luggage so it does not always have to look like you are driving a parent’s bike all the time. For these awesome features and pluses, we put this child bike seat at the top position in our list.

Details of the Bobike Junior Rear Child Seat

Weight

11.3 pounds

Recommended Ages

5 to 10 years (77 pounds)

Mount

Rear, Seat tube and seat stays

Other Notes

Can be folded flat

Warranty

Not stated

Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat

Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat

Of course, there are still some parents who are worried for the safety of their preschoolers which is why we are putting this seat on the second spot in our list.

The Hamax Caress child bike seat can fit kids from 9 months and up to 48.5 pounds. It looks quite sturdy – it actually is – and comes with two ultra shock absorbing mount styles to fit different bike frames and rack carrier sizes. Plus, you do not have to worry about losing it while parking in the city because it also comes with an anti-theft lock.

What is really awesome about this bike seat for kids is that it comes with a recline feature which is probably not found in any other type of bike seat available in the market. In case your preschooler decides to take a nap in the middle of your ride, you can always adjust the seat by twisting the dial. Doing so will tilt the chair between 0 and 20 degrees. Neither you nor your kid will have to get out of the bike just to adjust the seat.

Another great plus about this seat is that it is compatible whether you have a rack carrier or not. The frame mount with bracket attaches directly to the bike frame and you can easily remove the seat from the bike if you wish to. You can also get an additional bracket for your second bike. Bikes with rack mounts only need the carrier adapter for easy installation.

There is nothing else negative that we can say about this child bike carrier except that it comes with a slightly higher price tag compared to the Bobike seat. This is why we are putting it on second spot.

Details of the Hamax Caress Child Bike Seat

Weight

Not stated

Recommended Ages

9 months to 48.5 pounds

Mount

Rear, Seat tube

Other Notes

Needs 3 inches on seat tube and no wires

Warranty

3 years

Bellelli Pepe Standard Fit Baby Carrier

Bellelli Pepe Standard Fit Baby Carrier

Another kid’s bike seat that you might want to consider is this Belleli Pepe rear mount bicycle carrier.

What does this seat offer to parents? Well, we certainly like that this seat is strong and sturdy enough to hold up to 50 pounds of weight. This means it can accommodate kids up to seven years old.

It has a three-point harness system which means there isn’t a lot of fuss in strapping in that preschoolers and older kids hate yet it can still assure parents that they stay safe when strapped in.

This child bicycle seat seems to be well designed in that it provides just the right amount of protection around your kid’s body without making your child feel too strapped inside it. Its backrest is also just the right height so it supports the entire back yet does not make sitting in it annoying especially with the helmet on.

Depending on your kid’s height, it might become a little difficult for you to pedal as your heels could easily touch their toes. Still, it provides quite a nice option for kids to ride along your biking adventures. It also comes with quite a competent price tag, too.

Price aside, we feel that this product is slightly inferior when compared to the Hamax Caress. For this, we will have to push this one down to the third spot.​

Details of the Bellelli Pepe Standard Fit Baby Carrier

Weight

7 pounds

Recommended Ages

9 months to 50 pounds

Mount

Rear, Seat tube

Other Notes

Needs 3 inches on seat tube

Warranty

1 year

Yepp - GMG Maxi Bicycle Child Seat

Yepp - GMG Maxi Bicycle Child Seat

Yet another child seat for bike that we would want you to consider is the Yepp GMG Maxi.

This lightweight bike seat for kids weighs just ten pounds and is ideal for parents who are a little hesitant about having additional weight on their bikes. You do not have to worry – this is made from quite a sturdy and durable material and can actually accommodate up to 48 pounds of kiddo weight.

While this bike seat can certainly live up to its expectation, there are still a few things that we would have wanted to see in it. The seat itself is made from flexible rubber foam that can absorb shock but we would have also loved it if it had more padding to add more comfort to the passenger. It does come with high insulation factor which is great when comfort related to weather is concerned.

On the other hand, not having padded seats can actually be an advantage to parents as you do not have to worry about cleaning up. Simply wipe it off or even hose it down and you are good to go. It dries off very easily as well.

Another big plus we see in this seat is that it does not require a rack to attach it to the bike. You can use the seat post adapter, which installs very easily, and then mount the bike on top. Racks tend to get quite noisy especially when they bounce on top of your rear tire but this one certainly eliminates that noise.

But, despite all the great things (and a few negative ones) that we can say about this child bicycle seat, its biggest drawback to this product is its price tag. At $230, it is nearly double the price of other bike seats that can compete alongside it.

Details of the Yepp - GMG Maxi Bicycle Child Seat

Weight

10 pound

Recommended Ages

9 months to 48 pounds

Mount

Rear, Seat tube

Other Notes

Needs 4.5 inches on seat tube; fits bike frames 21 inches or larger with frame diameter between 1.1 to 1.8 inches

Warranty

2 years

Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat

Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat

Although we have pointed out that child bike seats for older kiddos might be better off mounted on top of the rear wheel, we actually have a front mounted design in our list.

Just like most toddler and preschooler bike seats available in the market, the Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat can accommodate kids from 9 months up to 4 years (or 33 pounds) which means that you still have a few more months or even years before you decide to transition to a rear mount, toddler bike trailer or a separate junior bike.

What is great about this product is that it can be installed on nearly all types of bicycle frames mainly due to its universal mounting bracket. All you have to do is install it to the head tube of your bicycle then put on the seat using the one-click installation feature. The seat and your little passenger stay fixed so there is no longer a need to worry about falling off balance because the weight stays in the center, the way it should be.

For added safety and comfort, the Orion also has a built-in suspension system, safety straps and adjustable footrests that grow with your child.

Unfortunately, this bike seat doesn't work well to parents or bicycle driver with long legs and it won't fit to some mountain bikes. That being said, we're putting this product at the fifth spot on our list.

Details of the Peg Perego Orion Front Mount Child Seat

Weight

7.35 pounds

Recommended Ages

9 months to 4 years (33 pounds)

Mount

Front

Other Notes

Needs 0 inches to mount; wraps around frame of any size

Warranty

Not stated

Conclusion

Have you found the perfect bike child seat for you and your growing passenger? Make sure to check the specifications of each product and see if it fits your bike and if it can still accommodate your growing kid. You certainly would want to go for a product that provides safety and comfort to you and your passenger for a long period of time.

That’s it. Happy biking with your preschooler!​

The post Top 5 Best Bike Seats for Preschoolers appeared first on ParentsNeed.


Top 5 Best Electric Ride on Toys

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Top 5 Best Electric Ride on Toys

Oh! The places your toddler could go! Man really has affinity to traveling that this is also evident with the toys we give our kids. Cool sports cars and motorized vehicles have come a long way and our little ones are also in on the advancements. Buying ride on toys has truly evolved, from the time when they are just the push and pull kind, to the battery powered ride ons we have today. There are still a lot of manual toys that could help develop motor skills and not to mention hand-eye coordination, but let’s face it, we love how the cars for kids are made today that we almost always splurge a little and grant our little ones’ top wish list item.

Once you decide on getting an electric ride on toy, you will be flooded with numerous options around the internet and in different shops. For us, we choose based on the age appropriateness, style, power source and safety features.

Before buying electric cars for kids or even motorcycles, you first have to check if the vehicle could be easily operated by the child you are giving it to. Most of the cars come in with remote control making the kid feel as though they are the one driving, but since you are the one behind the wheel could be a great choice for safety as well. Second is the power source, almost every ride on toy is powered by batteries, it may just differ in performance and how long it lasts, so that knowledge should also come in handy. Safety features and style may go hand in hand, if the electric vehicle has seat belts, does it go with the whole look or could be subject for modification.

So whether you opt to buy the remote control ones or go for the ones they could drive themselves, we have gathered the 5 best electric ride-on toys which you could consider for your kids.

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Green Dune Racer

The Fisher-Price Power Wheels Green Dune Racer is our top choice among battery operated cars for kids. Imagine your three year old toddler getting familiar with a really cool, all-terrain vehicle which could easily seat two kids with a combined weight of around 59 kg. If that’s the maximum weight, even an average adult could get on it without much hassle, definitely speaks volume in terms of capability. The big rugged power wheels is the reason behind its ability to drive in practically any type of terrain, whether you live in a farm with mossy greens and off road tracks, or city, your kid won’t have any problem of being stuck.

This power wheels dune racer green also has 2 types of speed, namely 2 1/2 mph perfect for beginners and 5 mph for advanced drivers. If you fear that your child might be driving at a speed he might not yet be ready with, note that this motor vehicle has an electronic power lock braking system, meaning once your child lifts his or her foot from the pedal, the vehicle will automatically stop, plus it has a reverse so backing up will be a cinch.

When it comes to the life of the batteries, since this has the 12 volt one, it is fairly easy to assess that it could last for nearly 2 to 3 hours depending on what speed is being used. Once consumed, you could get the battery and charge it for the next day’s use, fairly easy to maintain and follow.

Once bought, there could be a need for minor assembly, awesome for those who have basic mechanical skills, but shouldn’t be a big of a deal. This is definitely one of the ideal ride-on toys for toddlers because it has seat belts! Made out of Velcro, but it should do the job relative to the speed type it was intended for.

Details of the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Dune Racer

Color

Green, Pink, Camo and Black

Weight

69.5 pounds

Dimensions

25 x 46 x 15 inches

Recommended Age

36 months - 7 years

Max Weight

130 pounds (59 kg)

Assembly Required

Yes

Battery

12 volts

Charger

Yes

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford Mustang

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford Mustang

If you are looking for a luxury car to award to your little tot, then this Mustang power wheels is something that you should definitely consider. Available in the original Ford Mustang Red color with chrome wheels and capable of carrying two little kids, there is a lot to love about this ride on car. What adds more to the overall look are the pretend radio that plays real tunes, seat belts, and a cup holder; truly riding in style.

Features also include the power lock brakes, putting safety first for little children and 2 speeds for beginner and advanced drivers. It is also good to note that there is a pretend key which sort of activates the engine, enabling it to light up and make noises similar to a revving up engine. Not only that, this mini luxury car also has a battery indicator, making it easy for the kids or you to tell if it’s time to recharge, or “refuel”. The Mustang is also one of the mini cars for kids that comes with a warranty, assuring you that it is made to be durable. While there’s a lot of fun to be shared in this little thing of beauty, it could take a little longer to assemble than our top choice, especially if you are the meticulous type. After all, it’s a Mustang, you should spend a little more time making sure the decals and other details are properly places.

Also, our number two could use a little modification for it to be effective in other terrains, true, it works perfectly in paved roads and most of the time the grassy ones, but there is less traction of the wheels and could be a little problematic for bumpy roads.

Details of the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford Mustang

Color

Red, Blue, Yellow and Pink

Weight

72.6 pounds

Dimensions

18.4 x 30.9 x 51.8 inches

Recommended Age

36 months - 5 years

Max Weight

130 pounds (59 kg)

Assembly Required

Yes

Battery

12 volts

Charger

Yes

Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV

Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV

At number 3 of the best big wheels for kids, we have the Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV, which could be really awesome for training the kids to be little helpers. It comes with a working dump bed, perfectly fitted, which could haul different types of stuff, from toys to raked leaves in the yard. Finally, a toy that could really make doing chores fun right? Similar to the Green Dune racer and Mustang, it also has 2 speeds capacity, for beginner and advanced drivers, a second gear lockout to prevent your little one for speeding.

One of the electric cars for kids that has adjustable seat, you could really use this one for the long run. The powerwheels have knobby tread which will enable easy maneuvering on grass, dirt, gravel or pavement. Your kid will surely encourage you to buy another set of spare batteries just to continue riding the toy. Plus a little ingenuity could go along with this one, very easy to modify whether you would like to add some LED lights or remove the dump bed.

Some of the reasons why the Peg Perego John Deere Gator is at the third spot is that although the dump bed works, it could easily latch when the kids are driving in rough terrain, might actually be a problem if you just hauled a pile of dirt you wanted to do away with. And also, while the Gator comes with the same features as our previous ones, it is made of plastic and may bend a little too easy with heavy passengers.

Details of the Peg Perego John Deere Gator XUV

Color

Green

Weight

61 pounds

Dimensions

54 x 34.5 x 30 inches

Recommended Age

36 months - 8 years

Features

2 speeds with reverse, FM radio and power lock brakes

Max Weight

130 pounds (59 kg)

Assembly Required

Yes

Battery

12 volts

Charger

Yes

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford F150

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford F150

Should you want to consider giving your kid their first ride on toy a little earlier, this one is definitely perfect, with its big wheels, hood that you could pop up during pretend play. This little remote control power wheels car comes in two different colors, silver and yellow, good for beginner riders who might want to have a little option on which design to go for. The roomy truck bed is perfect for one rider, might be a little trouble there if you have 2 kids who of course want the same thing.

What makes it ideal for younger kids is that you could use the remote control in helping them maneuver in tough corners, it also has the reverse option and electronic braking system, however the speed is at 3.5 mph, so you might want to consider going easy during first use. It is also fairly easy to assemble and I am sure your little one would want in on it, just note that there are still small parts that are choking hazards, so safety first.

This could be first of many riding toys for toddlers you could definitely give out, saying first because it could be easily outgrown. We're placing this product at the fourth spot in our list because you definitely would need to buy a backup battery as it runs on 6 volts and may not be enough to keep up with a toddler’s energy level.

Details of the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Ford F150

Color

Silver and Yellow

Weight

47.8 pounds

Dimensions

46.8 x 21.8 x 18.1 inches

Recommended Age

24 months – 4 years

Features

Pretend engine, big rugged tires, and roomy truck bed

Max Weight

65 pounds (29.5 kg)

Assembly Required

Yes

Battery

6 volts

Charger

Yes

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Lil Quad

Fisher-Price Power Wheels Lil Quad

The Fisher Price Power Wheels Lil Quad is one of the great ride on toys for toddlers, which has easy push button operation, perfect for the little ones who are not yet ready for complicated operating toys. The built in footrests enable the little ones to ride the Lil Quad on their own easily and supports them during their drive as well. There is a cargo rack at the back which could contain little equipment when in pretend play. Be mindful of the speed as there is no automatic brakes on this one, actually expected as it only runs at an average of 2 mph.

The fisher price power wheels are also big, and easy to maneuver enough for kids to control even without a reverse capability. The key takeaway of kids on this one is that they will learn how to balance and it will give them a feeling of autonomy, getting them ready to ride actual bikes in the future. Similar to the Ford model, this one also has a 6 volt battery which could cut the enjoyment of kids by a notch.

Lastly, this little baby is at number 5 because you may need additional gears for protection, like helmets and kneepads. One more thing is that it can only be used by toddlers up to 3 years of age which can be outgrown easily.

Details of the Fisher-Price Power Wheels Lil Quad

Color

Multicolor

Weight

15 pounds

Dimensions

16.4 x 13 x 26.3 inches

Recommended Age

12 months - 3 years

Features

ATV styled vehicle with footrests, push button operation

Max Weight

40 pounds (18 kg)

Assembly Required

Yes

Battery

6 volts

Charger

Yes

Conclusion

Most of the time, electric cars for kids could really be a little expensive for parents, but the joy it brings to our little ones is always unmatched. This review is made entirely with the hope for you to choose a great ride on toy for your kid, but always keep in mind that if you want your kids to be safe, a certain amount of common sense is also needed. Protective gears are a necessity, avoid going up high mounts and always be monitor your kid.

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Top 5 Best Waffle Maker for Your Family

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Top 5 Best Waffle Maker for Your Family

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what’s breakfast without waffles? Actually, this grid cake could be an option for breakfast, lunch and dinner; it just depends on what you pair it with. The classic dish, chicken and waffles surely won’t be the same without the waffles being invented, right? We love waffles, and the way it could be crisp and moist at the same time, but to be able to make different types of waffles you need to enlist the help of a trusted and sturdy waffle maker. So whether you prefer a classic one, Belgian style, or on a stick, thick, thin crispy, name it, you just need to have a good batter recipe and start making deliciousness.

Certainly not all waffler makers are equal and we went out of our way to review a lot of waffle makers to save you from buying one that might not exactly fit your needs. Several things we have considered are the grid material, type of cleaning required, timers, indicator lights and insulation. First of all, the grill surface which is very important, especially when it comes to cleaning the waffle maker. This also helps when you are ready to get your tasty waffles, you just have to slide them out of the grill and you have your perfect little grid cakes of awesomeness. Moreover, if you opt for a non-stick grill then cleaning would just be a breeze, no more trying to scrape excess batter.

Ever had problems with telling if your waffle is already cooked completely, like what we previously mentioned, crisp on the outside but still moist and soft inside? Our moms previously had to endure the waffle iron and had to stand and watch the waffle like a hawk, just to make sure that they are cooked to perfection and it’s not a foolproof process. With the advent of technology, some of the best waffle maker brands have now installed indicator lights to handle this problem.

So without further ado, we now present you with the 5 best waffle makers in the market today.

Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

What is the best waffle maker for at home? For us, it is the Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker, and let us tell you why. Let’s start with the look and feel of this waffle maker, which comes in black and silver, and can be easily stored vertically saving you a lot of counter space when not in use. The Presto is also a flip waffle maker and it’s good because you get to baked your waffles evenly, with gravity taking over and baking goodness for you. If you want to know who will win in the battle between flip waffle maker vs standard ones, we’re betting our money’s worth to the flip type. You see, when waffles are flipped the rotation enables the batter to spread evenly allowing less voids in the waffle and therefore producing a waffle baked to perfection. Although unlike other flip waffle makers, the Presto is supported by the countertop instead of being hinged to screws that could easily be damaged with prolonged use.

Aside from the flip design, this thing of beauty could make a waffle that measure 7 inch in diameter, which is also an inch thick, a waffle that you could easily divide into sections. Maybe you prefer little ones of four, or 2 crescent shaped ones, totally up to you. There’s also a little depth to the waffles, perfect for the fun part, toppings! There is also an extra space on the rim for overflow, and the nonstick Teflon surface makes it easier to pull out the waffles, hence easy cleaning as well. Note that since this is Teflon, you would only need to brush the bits that are left on the surface of the grid and wipe it with a paper towel. What more is that it comes with a countdown timer with a digital display, this lets you know that your waffles are ready for consumption. Truly a wonderful little appliance to have in the kitchen, now all we need is a batter recipe and we’re good to go.

Details of the Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

Waffle Shape

Round

Number of Waffles

1

Dimension

12 x 12 x 3 inches

Color

Silver and Black

Material

Stainless Steel

Features

Dual function base locks, countdown timer

Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker

Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker

If you are a busy mom, have a couple of kids and would want to have waffles for a short amount of time especially in the morning when everyone’s in a rush, then this Waring Pro Double waffle maker is great for you. It could make 2 crisp and soft waffles at the same time. Magical! We figured that if you could offer a waffle buffet, this appliance is exactly what you need. This is the lighter and better version of the WMK1200SA and a lot of improvements, definitely why it made it to our number 2 spot.

There’s not much hassle in using the Conair, you just need to have a good waffle recipe and you’re good to go, perfect crunchy waffles outside with delicate insides. And because it can produce deep pocketed Belgian waffles, you could pretty much still enjoy the crisp even with toppings like whipped cream syrup or ice cream. What helps in achieving perfection is the 2 LED ready indicator lights and 3 audio beep tones signal, not to mention the measuring cup that comes with it to ensure that only the right amount of batter is placed. It also comes with a browning control knob, so anyone who is particular with their waffles would be really pleased.

There’s only one reason why we put the Conair at the second spot of our best waffle maker, and that is because it could take up quite a lot of space in your counter top, especially if you don’t use it often.​

Details of the Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker

Waffle Shape

Round

Number of Waffles

2

Dimension

9.8 x 9.3 x 15.5 inches

Color

Silver

Material

Stainless Steel

Features

2 LED indicator lights, 3 beep tones

Hamilton Beach 26020 Belgian Style Waffle Baker

Hamilton Beach 26020 Belgian Style Waffle Baker

Not a fan of round Belgian waffles? If so, you might want to try the Hamilton Beach 26020 Belgian Style Waffle Baker, it makes 4 waffles just about the size of a toast in one go, perfect for the little ones and their appetite. The Hamilton has indicators that would aid you in baking, you just need to wait for light to signal ready, after which you can add batter and within four to five minutes depending on your preference, you’ll have your waffles ready. Think thick and fluffy.

The short cooking time lets you savor the waffle longer than your cooking time. You just need to get the best waffle recipe whether homemade or store bought, and you’ll be churning enough golden brown waffles to last your family the whole weekend with great ease.

Cleaning is also a breeze, as it also has the same nonstick component as the top 2 in our list. The Hamilton also has a covered hinge and batter channel to prevent messy spills, but keep in mind that it is not advisable to put too much of the batter. After cleaning, then comes storage, and this machine is compact, you could store it in an upright position, which could save you kitchen space when you do not have the need to create waffles, definitely one of the cool waffle makers.​

The third on our list is not a flip type of waffle maker, making it a little more complicated to achieve the balance between crispiness and fluffiness of the waffle you make, because you will have to manually flip your waffles as they bake. Still fairly easy than doing it on a waffle iron.

Details of the Hamilton Beach 26020 Belgian Style Waffle Baker

Waffle Shape

Square

Number of Waffles

4

Dimension

5.5 x 12.5 x 14.9 inches

Color

Silver and Black

Material

Stainless Steel

Features

Indicator lights

Black + Decker WM1404S Flip Waffle Maker

BLACK+DECKER WM1404S Flip Waffle Maker

This Black and Decker waffle maker can make 1 large round Belgian waffle, enough to satisfy your cravings easily. Similar to our other 2 choices, it makes great crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside waffles with the right amount of batter If you feel that it would take a lot of time for the Black and Decker to produce the waffles for your entire family, you better think again. This waffle maker is designed to handle continuous waffle baking, meaning you will no longer have to wait for it to reheat, just pour and bake.

It makes use of a rotate and cook system, you just have to flip it once to achieve the level of crisp and fluffiness you need your waffle to be, the rest of course depends on your batter, how delicious it is. This is a fairly simple and straightforward machine, no browning or temperature controls, however you have the indicator light, which means your waffle is ready. The handle is cool to touch, perfect if you are in a hurry, a nice safety feature.

What we do not like about this waffle maker is the fact that the handle is made to fold at a 90 degree angle, which looks like it’s going to bend and turn a little awkward. Also, it priced a little expensive than the other waffle maker we feature here so we're pushing this to the fourth spot.

But if you have no problem buying expensive stuffs, this one is definitely a good buy.

Details of the Black + Decker WM1404S Flip Waffle Maker

Waffle Shape

Round

Number of Waffles

1

Dimension

7 x 14 x 9 inches

Color

Silver

Material

Metal and Plastic

Features

Cool touch handle, non-stick grill

Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker

Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker 1

To round up our top 5 best waffle makers, we have the Oster waffle maker which offers stainless housing and nonstick cool to touch handles. The adjustable temperature control enables you to bake both light and fluffy or crispy waffles that are 8 inches in diameter. The Teflon nonstick surface works like the rest, you just have to be mindful of the fact that you need to “season” it when using the first time. Also note that cleaning meant wiping and not washing as it could damage the parts of your waffle maker.

When it comes to the actual cooking features, the green light tells you that it has reached the temperature that you have set and not that your waffle is done. It would be best if you could check the doneness of the waffle on your own, as some prefer it a little browner than the others. The cover is designed to allow ample space for the waffle to rise as it cooks, but you still have to keep in mind that you should not overflow this mechanism.

We agree that you could easily go for a multiple waffle maker, but you have to give credit for the simplicity of this appliance as well. Still a way better choice than most of the waffle makers in the market without well thought of features and easy to break handles.

We place​d this one at the fifth spot on our list because it does not cook evenly. Also, the power cord and grates are not removable. But if you are not so picky, this one is worth the go because of its low price.

Details of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker

Waffle Shape

Round

Number of Waffles

1

Dimension

5.2 x 10.8 x 8.5 inches

Color

Silver and Black

Material

Stainless Steel

Features

Nonstick handles, adjustable control temperature

Conclusion

After reading writing these waffle maker reviews, we can’t help but think about waffles. Whether you prefer the crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, or would just go for the fluffy ones, be it with various types of toppings as common as butter and honey or as wild as dragon fruits or mango, only one thing is for certain, and that is the batter is the most important part of your waffle making journey. Choose the right one, better yet go on and experiment, continue to innovate. As citizens who come from a place where waffles and pancakes are a staple, you could still come up with a few elements that could remain with your family from this generation to the next.

The post Top 5 Best Waffle Maker for Your Family appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Popcorn Poppers for Your Family

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Top 5 Best Popcorn Poppers For Your Family

Popcorn is the quintessential snack almost everyone is absolutely familiar and in love with. It could be associated to movies, county fairs, carnivals or even romantic date nights at home. Popcorn is something that you would most likely go for when you want to feel a little less guilty indulging in crunchy, salty goodness, although it comes in other flavors too, like caramel and chocolate.

But why are people so in love with popcorn, making a popcorn machine so irresistible? Maybe it’s because of the way its savory smell wafts in the air, or the way the kernels are warm to the touch as it is almost always made fresh, or maybe the crunchy goodness it brings. Whatever your reasons may be, we are sure that once, if not most of your life, you have fallen helplessly addicted to a tub of freshly popped kernels. This now brings us to the hunt for the best popcorn poppers in the market today; and not the big commercial popcorn machines.

But wait, why do you need a popcorn popper?

There’s only one reason why, and that is you are one of those people who want freshly popped popcorn easily accessible to you anytime you want. So in order to achieve this goal, you might want to look for the following in choosing what is the best popcorn popper for you.

The only thing to consider is performance, there are a lot of popcorn poppers that you can find in the market but in order to figure out which comes first in terms of performance, you might want to check popcorn machine reviews that details the amount of popcorn produced, how long it took, and if there are any unpopped kernels. And we have that exactly available for you in this article. We also threw in the additional features that come with the popper and the cleaning that is involved.

So without further ado, here are the top 5 best popcorn poppers that you could buy for your family.

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper

Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper

When making popcorn at home, one of the usual problems we encounter is the time it takes to make popcorn with gourmet quality. You could opt to get it done through a microwave but the experience and the taste of freshly popped kernels is pretty much what appeals to you. Plus some microwaved popcorns don’t pop at all, which is what makes popcorn tough. What we love about this little device is that it could produce around fifteen to eighteen cups of popcorn in 2 to 3 minutes from half a cup of kernels. Using an electric motor as its main heat source this popcorn popper makes use of hot air in producing popcorn, makes it real healthy and light. Talk about feeling less guilty while you continue to munch on your favorite snack. It’s small so you can use it whether on the regular or gourmet popcorn types.

If you are one of those people who love butter, you have the option to add it in this popper, with the help of the measuring cup found on top. Just make sure that the butter is in room temperature so that it could be easily melted by the heat produced while popping the kernels. You also won’t have to worry about popping kernels going haywire, just make sure that the clear cover stays on while you are popping the kernels. Don’t worry if there are few stray popped kernels during the onset of the popping process the chute is made in such a way that when the popping is continuous the popcorn will fall exactly on the bowl you placed under it.

Once the popcorn is cooked you could just easily remove it for manual cleaning, note that warm, soapy water is the best way to do this. Easy clean up and quick popcorn fix? We’re pretty sure you will find the presto better than most commercial popcorn machines in terms of value, which is why it is our top choice.

Details of the Presto 04820 PopLite Hot Air Popper

Popcorn Production

15 to 18 cups

Popping Time

2-3 minutes

Popping Method

Hot Air

Heat Source

Electric Motor

Dimension

11.6 x 10 x 7 inches

Features

Pops without oil, artificial flavors, saturated fats or added salt, measuring cup

West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper

West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper

There are a ton of things to appreciate about the West Bend Stir Crazy Electric Popcorn Popper, first is because we love the cover. The cover doesn’t only prevent the popcorn from spreading mayhem in your kitchen but also doubles up as a serving bowl for the freshly popped popcorn, certainly less hassle to clean after enjoying your popcorn, unlike other electric popcorn poppers. One of its best features is the stirring rod, which makes sure that majority of the kernels you put in are popped therefore lessening wasted kernels.

Also, similar to the Presto, it also produces up to a maximum of 18 cups of popcorn in about 5 minutes. You just need to put the kernel in and make sure that the butter is in the built-in well, prop up your comfy chair and get your favorite drinks; you’ll be having your fresh popped popcorn in no time.

What we liked about this West Bend popcorn popper is that the handles and base are heat resistant and that the popping surface is nonstick coated, which means easy cleanup for us especially if you only want to rest after a relaxing movie. You just need to wipe it with a sponge and then you’re done.​

In addition, we’re pretty sure that you want other variations on your popcorn so the recipe book provided is surely a great thing to have. However, the only thing that makes this popcorn popper our 2nd choice is that it is a bit bulky when placed on the counter top and it could easily accumulate grease over time.

Details of the West Bend 82306 Stir Crazy 6-Quart Electric Popcorn Popper

Popcorn Production

16 to 18 cups

Popping Time

2.5 minutes

Popping Method

Oil

Heat Source

Heating Plate

Dimension

11.8 x 14.2 x 9.5 inches

Features

Motorized stirring rod, nonstick-coated popping surface, heat resistant handles and base

Cuisinart CPM-100 EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker

Cuisinart CPM-100 EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker

The Cuisinart EasyPop Hot Air popcorn maker is our third best choice because of the following reasons. Similar to the Presto, it makes use of hot air to pop the corn kernels making it healthier than the normal popcorn. The unpopped popcorn yield is around 1 tablespoon making sure that fewer kernels are wasted during the popping process. It’s also good that it comes with an on and off switch making the process of cooking a little controllable, hence, you could turn it off once you decide that you have already achieved the amount of popcorn you desire. The popping chute also helps in making sure that the popcorn stays in one place, and that is inside the bowl of your choice. On top of the device, you would be able to see the multipurpose cup, aside from being the cover you could also melt the butter there while the popcorn is popping and pour it afterwards. If you are starting to run out of ideas on how you want your popcorn served, you could definitely browse the recipe book included. Create awesome flavor variations and delight your guests in your creations.

However, despite these we believe that it still pretty much produces lesser amount of popcorn as we would like given the popping time. Also note that you could opt for just 1/3 cup of kernels so that it won’t overflow compared to having the half cup recommendation. Otherwise, a picture of a bag of popcorn always on your side could be easily made to reality because of the Cuisinart EasyPop.

Details of the Cuisinart CPM-100 EasyPop Hot Air Popcorn Maker

Popcorn Production

10 cups

Popping Time

3 minutes

Popping Method

Hot Air

Heat Source

Electric Motor

Dimension

7.5 x 15 x 10 inches

Features

Dishwasher safe parts, cord storage, on/off switch

Waring Pro WPM10 Professional Popcorn Maker

Waring Pro WPM10 Professional Popcorn Maker

The Waring Pro Professional popcorn maker is a great device to have if you are a huge fan of popcorn and, yes we meant HUGE. This popcorn popper produces 20 cups of popcorn from 0.6 cup of popcorn kernels in just 4 minutes. Yes, we’re thinking popcorn party; this definitely could compete with a large popcorn machine used in stores. But unlike the usual popcorn machine heating element, this one uses a Halogen heater and similar to the West Bend Stir Crazy, it has a built-in stirrer system. The stirrer is the one that makes sure that all the popcorn kernels are popped and lessens waste, bang for your buck. You also get the plastic cover which doubles up as a serving bowl which is a little bit thicker than most best of all, it stays attached through the popping process. No need to worry there for stray popcorns. To keep the popcorns fresh and not soggy it has a large vent that releases the steam, while also allowing the melting of butter on top for the perfect flavor you are looking for. It also has an on and off switch, so if you worry about the energy consumption, it won’t be much of a problem. We did say it could produce your desired results in 4 minutes.

When it comes to cleaning, since the base could be separated from the heating unit, you won’t have to worry about the grease. However, because of the fact that it could produce a huge batch of popcorn, it might not be ideal for everyone. It is also bulky and if you are not planning to use it often, it could use up a lot of space in your counter top.

Details of the Waring Pro WPM10 Professional Popcorn Maker

Popcorn Production

20 cups

Popping Time

4 minutes

Popping Method

Oil

Heat Source

Halogen Heater

Dimension

11.8 x 11.8 x 11.5 inches

Features

On/Off Switch, large vents for steam release

Great Northern Popcorn Hot Air Popper

Great Northern Popcorn Hot Air Popper

The Great Northern popcorn hot air popper is a great popper to use at home. It produces what we think is just the right popcorn serving size amount a typical family will be able to consume in less than 3 minutes. Perfect to have around when you want a quick tub of popcorn anytime you want to. It also uses hot air to pop the kernels, so it produces the perfect batch for the health buffs. But if you are like us who loves butter and other flavors, you don’t have to fret because you could still melt the butter on the top to achieve greatness. 

Overall, it functions similarly with the previous poppers plus the size is great to keep around the house, even the children could appreciate.​

Just always make sure that you are putting the right amount of kernels as advised, which is half a cup, so you won’t have to deal with a lot of mess. It’s our number 5 because despite all the things we love, it has a really long electrical cord and you might find it hard to decide where to put it in your kitchen and if your butter is not at room temperature, that could be a problem as well.

Details of the Great Northern Popcorn Hot Air Popper

Popcorn Production

10 cups

Popping Time

3 minutes

Popping Method

Hot Air

Heat Source

Electric Motor

Dimension

6 x 10 x 14 inches

Features

Base and cover simply wipe clean, measuring cup

Conclusion

After doing the popcorn popper reviews, it is safe to say that we do love popcorns, that we go the lengths to either get it through going to stores or having our own popcorn poppers at home. Just keep in mind that even the best rated popcorn popper if you used improperly could cause a lot of problems. So whichever you decide whether go fancy with gourmet or choose the regular ones, only one thing is for sure and that is you can never go wrong with adding flavor innovations to that freshly popped goodness and we guarantee that there is still a lot to discover about this quintessential snack.

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Top 5 Best Double Jogging Strollers

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Top 5 Best Double Jogging Strollers

Having kids certainly doesn’t mean that you should just forget about yourself or your health. In fact, it is highly recommend that you take the time to be alone and meditate or even go jogging. You need to have your cup full to be able to take care of your husband, look after your kids, run a household and boost your career, after all.

But, going out to jog even around the neighborhood is already a nearly impossible task for moms. What about the kid? Fortunately, there’s the jogger stroller to the rescue. Wait, you have two kids? Well, why not go ahead and try using a double jogging stroller?

For a lot of moms, these jogging strollers are a heaven sent. They do not only make exercise and jogging possible, even in challenging terrains, but they also make the entire ride enjoyable for the kids. Now that is entertainment for everyone.

So, how do you find the best jogging stroller to put your kids on? Unless the running stroller is compatible with an infant car seat, you shouldn’t be letting your kids ride (especially if you go jogging) until they are at least six months old. Different stroller brands and models also come with varying minimum and maximum weight recommendations. Additionally, the age of your kids will help determine the orientation your jogging stroller will come in although deciding whether to go for inline or side-by-side models is totally up to you and your little ones.​

If you go to the malls more than you go jogging, you probably do not need this type of stroller. They are too heavy and bulky for regular use. There are also certain models that can be used for biking and not just for jogging. Running strollers are obviously very huge things so you need to make sure that you get one that can fit your car trunk or the back of the van.

Even after setting down all major considerations in choosing a good double stroller, it is admittedly still very difficult to choose the very best to suit your needs. So, here are jogging stroller reviews of our top 5 most recommended brands to make things a little easier for you.

BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Duallie Stroller

BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Duallie Stroller

When it comes to double jogging strollers, we consider the BOB jogging stroller is the king of them all.

This Duallie model is pretty similar to its single version although this one comes with side by side seats. Just like the single stroller, this one has handlebars that can be configured into nine different positions to fit everyone’s preferences. The two-step fold system is also a big plus making it easy for parents to pack it and store it away.

What we love most about the BOB double stroller is its swiveling front wheel that can be locked into place to make jogging easier and safer. Regardless of its seemingly huge look, it is actually the lightest in our list at just 33.1 pounds and is quite easy to push around, even with two kids inside. The stroller measures 31 inches wide when assembled.

The Duallie stroller can accommodate kids from 8 weeks old up to 50 pounds each but we recommend waiting a little longer than 8 weeks before you start bringing kids to jogging trips. You can then use an infant car seat through the BOB Infant Car Seat adaptor to make the ride more comfortable for your baby.

The lightweight design (compared to other models), extra large storage basket and independently reclining seats are among the many reasons why we rank the BOB 2016 Revolution Flex Duallie Stroller as number one.

Details of the BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Duallie Stroller

Weight

33.1 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

48 x 30.5 x 43 inches

Weight Recommendation

5 to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Double

Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Double

When it comes to strollers, this brand has long been trusted by parents, which is why this Baby Jogger double stroller comes second in our list.

Brand aside, we do love many of the features that this stroller comes with. For example, its all-terrain tires and all-wheel suspension ensures that both parent and kids have a great and comfortable experience all throughout the trip. Parents no longer have to worry about taking on bumpy and rocky terrains. Additionally, the seats can be independently adjusted up to a nearly flat position so your little ones can go to sleep even as you jog.

The Baby Jogger 2016 X3 Summit Double stroller can be made into your very own customized travel system. All you have to do is fit it with an infant car seat using the car seat adapter and you are all good to go.

What we love most about this product is its sun shade which provides more than an ample coverage for your little kiddos inside. It may also be adjusted into multiple positions depending on the riders’ preferences – but regardless, the UV 50+ canopy makes sure that your little ones are properly protected from the heat of the sun.

Sadly, there are just some things that this running stroller does not have. For one, the handbars cannot be adjusted so it might be difficult to use at certain heights. This model is also more expensive by almost $100 compared to the BOB model and that makes a huge hole in our pockets. For that, we are putting this stroller into the second spot.

Details of the Baby Jogger 2016 Summit X3 Double

Weight

37 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

50.8 x 25.8 x 41.7 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 100 pounds, combined

5-Point Harness

Yes

Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller

Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller

Right in the middle of our list, claiming the third place is the Baby Trend jogging stroller.

You know what is awesome about this stroller? The price! At more than half the price of the BOB, this one is definitely a great option for those looking for a much cheaper double stroller for infants and toddlers.

You might think that it sacrifices quality but it actually doesn’t. In fact, the Baby Trend Navigator double stroller can compete quite well with other strollers in the list. For one, it comes with pneumatic bicycle tires that, including front swivel wheels that can be locked, making it ideal for all types of terrain. The design makes it much easier to maneuver the stroller even as you jog.

Even the passengers’ safety and comfort are not compromised. It comes with padded seats that can be easily washed and can also be adjusted independently to recline into multiple positions. It is also possible to attached two infant car seats at the same time on this stroller, making it an ideal mode of transportation for twins or siblings with very small age gap. The Navigator also comes with two huge storage baskets, two separate child trays, a parent tray with two cup holders as well as MP3 speakers.

While we like many things about the Baby Trend Navigator Double Stroller, it sure isn’t one for those with small car trunks. This double jogging stroller is rather on the big side so while it provides plenty of room for the kids, navigating around narrow corners might be a little difficult for parents. It is easy to fold but its packing foot print is quite large so you might have a hard time fitting it in a small trunk. Additionally, it is quite heavy so those with petite frames will need help lifting this one up. Thus, this double stroller stays in the middle of our list.

Details of the Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller

Weight

43 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

46 x 32.5 x 43 inches

Weight Recommendation

10 to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger

Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger

If you are looking for yet another of the best baby strollers in the economy side, we recommend looking into the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger.

This one comes with air-filled tires in the front and the back for a comfortable and smooth ride. It is designed for use on various types of terrain as the wheels are made with strong aluminum and tread tires. Just a soft push on the stroller will already move it so you know you won’t have a hard time using it even with two kids inside. The seats are well padded and ensure that even infants can enjoy a comfortable ride no matter how long or bumpy it might be. It is even possible to change the recline position of each seat to adjust to its passengers’ preferences. A few adjustments on the handle bars also make it possible to adjust to all heights and all types of runners.

But, while the Schwinn double stroller is a great choice if you are on a budget, it has quite a lot of cons that can definitely be a hassle for the parents. For one, its front wheels badly shake when running really fast and some adjustment might have to be made on the axle. The storage basket at the bottom also has a bar blocking it so getting things inside is not as easy as it looks.

Most importantly, this double jogging stroller cannot be folded into an extremely compact shape so if you have a car with a small trunk or a very limited space at the back, you might have a hard time getting this to fit. Thus, we are pushing the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger at the fourth position in our list.

Details of the Schwinn Turismo Swivel Double Jogger

Weight

40.9 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

49 x 32.7 x 40 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 100 pounds, combined

5-Point Harness

Yes

InStep Safari Double Swivel Stroller

InStep Safari Double Swivel Stroller

Finally, our list of double jogging stroller reviews ends with the InStep Safari Double Swivel Stroller.

The InStep is a testament that you do not have to spend an arm and a leg on a product when there are much cheaper options that can compete well even with the most high end brands. At less than a third of the price that the Baby Trend comes in, this double jogging stroller is definitely a good choice. What’s to love about this baby stroller? For one, it is extremely easy to fold with the help of its dual trigger folding system. This means that you won’t have a hard time packing it up but you also do not have to worry about the entire thing collapsing without warning because of loose locks.

As long as you install the front wheel properly, you can definitely feel that the stroller will make the ride feel lightweight even with two kids inside. Tall parents also do not have to worry about the handles as they measure 40 inches. Unfortunately, there are still quite a bit of cons for this model which is why this sinks down to the bottom spot in our list.

For example, this equipment measures at 32 inches in width – even though it can fit most standard sized doors, it is already a very tight fit. Additionally, the brakes on this stroller are located near the wheels instead of close to the hand making it hard to use it while running. The seat pads are also slightly thinner than expected making it a little uncomfortable for the riders and the fold is not very compact so fitting it inside a small car trunk is a huge challenge.

Details of the InStep Safari Double Swivel Stroller

Weight

38 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

36 x 29 x 16 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

What did you think of our list? Have you made up your mind on which of the best baby stroller to get for your little ones? We hope our list of the top five best double jogging strollers will help you make a firm decision in your shopping.

The post Top 5 Best Double Jogging Strollers appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Toddler Helmets

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Top 5 Best Toddler Helmets

Any form of physical activity is recommended for you and your entire family to keep everyone healthy and happy. Going on bicycle rides are a great form of exercise and entertainment, for example, and it is required for anyone of any age to go and protect their heads with bicycle helmets. Whether your child rides a bike on their own or rides along with you, helmets are required to help keep their tiny heads safe especially during a fall.

Bike helmets are made from fairly inexpensive materials so if you decide to go for the high-end and pricey ones, remember that you are paying for the lighter weight, better ventilation, style and perhaps a combination of all.

As for the toddler helmet, there are a few things that you might want to keep in mind before making the decision to purchase one. Most helmets available in the market are designed for school-aged kids who have much larger heads than toddlers. Aside from the size, it is also important to consider other things such as weight, ventilation, style and color. They may still be young but kids this age already know how to say no to things that they don’t like!

Another thing you might want to look at when choosing a toddler bike helmet is the CPSC certification. Kids around three years old should not be getting helmets with a 1+ certification as these will be too small for the head of a toddler or preschooler. At this age, a certification of 5+ should be the standard.

So, to give a recap, the things that you should consider in a kid’s bike helmet include the size, weight, ventilation (the more vents, the better the air circulation), chin straps​ (some helmets make adjusting the fit a breeze through the dial adjust feature) and construction (in-mold models tend to be more lightweight and durable than the hardshell).

Confused yet? Sorry about that. As parents ourselves, we at the ParentsNeed HQ are only in the lookout for what is best for our kids and we want to make sure that you make the best decisions as it is their safety and comfort that is at stake.​

If you still cannot decide which of the kid’s helmets to go for, we’ve come up with a list of the top 5 best and most recommended toddler helmets. Hopefully the bicycle helmet reviews below will help clear up your mind so you can make the best purchasing decision.​

Giro Scamp MIPS Helmet

Giro Scamp MIPS Youth Helmet

We start off our toddler helmet reviews with what we believe is the best in the market, the Giro Scamp Toddler Helmet.

There are many things to like about this product. For one, it comes in fun, non-geeky designs that even picky toddlers will love wearing. Plus, they are also lightweight and slimmer so it doesn’t get in the way during biking. The Dial Adjust system is also a big plus that both parents and kids love.

But, what is really great about this kid’s helmet is the MIPS technology that it comes with. Basically, what it does is add an extra layer of protection to the wearer’s head in case of certain impacts. The MIPS is made from a thin plastic shell that will stretch and move around so that the helmet rotates around the head during impact. The only con to the anchors holding this shell is that it easily snags the hair although this is just a very minor disadvantage.

Aside from use during biking, the Giro Scamp’s flatter back design makes it ideal for use on trailers and bike seats. For the awesome safety technology that it is fitted with, lightweight and cool design and the fair price, we are placing the Giro Scamp helmet the first position in the list.

Details of the Giro Scamp MIPS Helmet

Size

49-53 cm

Weight

251 grams

Number of Vents

8

Reflector

No

Visor

Yes

Dial Adjust System

Yes

Skater Style

No

Construction

In-mold

Uvex 2016 Hero Junior Bicycle Helmet

Uvex 2016 Hero Junior Bicycle Helmet

Uvex is a German brand that provides exceptional helmets and high end sporting gear products.

There are basically five main reasons why we love the Uvex and putting it high up on our list. For starters, this bike helmet for kids comes with a unique buckle which is the monomatic closure. Putting on the helmet and ensuring proper fit becomes much easier through this buckle and its design is truly one that is pinch free. The only downside is that sliding the buckle upside down is possible which will not allow it to lock in place.

Other things we love about the Uvex Hero toddler helmet is its in-mold construction, which is extremely durable, numerous vents with mesh covers, inner padding strips and visors. At just a little over 200 grams, this helmet for kids is among the lightest in our list making it highly recommended for children. It also has a removable LED light that blinks when turned on, adding yet another safety feature.

Perhaps the only thing that we do not like is its price although we are only talking about a difference of $14 between this brand and the Giro Scamp. You might also want to make sure to measure your child’s head properly before putting in your order as the UVEX Hero tends to be on the small side even for toddlers.

Details of the Uvex 2016 Hero Junior Bicycle Helmet

Size

49-52 cm

Weight

205 grams

Number of Vents

13

Reflector

Yes

Visor

Yes

Dial Adjust System

Yes

Skater Style

No

Construction

In-mold

Lazer P’Nut Helmet with MIPS

Lazer PNut MIPS Kids Helmet

Lazer is among the oldest helmet manufacturers in the world and you can trust that they produce only the best products for their consumers to use.

More than just protecting your child’s head, their cool bike helmets were designed with style, comfort and technology in mind. Just like the Giro Scamp, the Lazer P’Nut Helmet also comes with MIPS and the non-MIPS designs, which is evident in the yellow cage inside it. Another thing we love about the Lazer helmet is its expanded plastic shell which covers and protects the foam that is exposed on the underside of the helmet so it does not easily get punctured or dented.

The Autofit system is also another stand-out feature for this specialized bike helmet. Basically, this means that the helmet comes with extra inner tension wires that allow it to perfectly fit around the kid’s head. With the system in place, there is no longer a need for an adjustment dial. However, it’s really important to take note that parents will still need to adjust the straps manually, as well as the side-ear sliders so as to ensure proper fit during first time use.

The Lazer P’Nut also has comes with different Crazy nutshells that will definitely become a big hit to your toddler. Among the most popular ones that they can try are the Pretty nutshell, Spacy nutshell or the Fireman nutshell. These shells easily snap on to the main helmet, which usually comes in white, black, Race Red and Race Green.

While this bicycle helmet has great touches with its lightweight and durable design and other safety features, the fitting is a little problematic for wearers with long hair as it tends to slide down and go out of place within several minutes of use. This helmet is also the heaviest in this group and may feel quite uncomfortable to some kids so you might want to consider another model that is much lighter. It is also slightly pricier than the Uvex Hero helmet thus we are placing this one on the third spot in our list.

Details of the Lazer P’Nut Helmet with MIPS

Size

50-56 cm

Weight

300 grams

Number of Vents

16

Reflector

No

Visor

Yes

Dial Adjust System

Auto

Skater Style

No

Construction

In-mold

Bell Sidetrack Helmet

Bell Sidetrack Helmet

Bell bike helmets are designed for kids five years and older but it also greatly depends on the size of your child’s head. Among those included here in our most recommended helmets for toddlers, the Bell bicycle helmets have the largest maximum diameter. You can also choose from two different sizes so you can switch helmets as your child grows. What is there to love about the Bell helmet? For starters, the design comes with a much lower coverage at the back of the head so that you can have peace of mind that no injuries will happen in case of a non-frontal fall.

Another great feature about the Bell Sidetrack is that it has 15 vents all throughout the helmet, allowing for a comfortable ride for your kid. It also comes with an ErgoDial fit system and a PinchGuard buckle to ensure that it fits the head comfortably and that snapping in the buckles will not result to accidental pinching. The toddler helmet also has Snap-in visors so your kid’s eyes are protected from the sun during biking. Visors can also help further protect your kid’s face in case they fall face front although snap-ons are not the most durable kinds.

While this toddler’s helmet is still among the best ones available in the market, we feel like it still has so much potential. The price point is definitely much lower – in fact, it is the cheapest on our list – which makes us a little skeptical about the overall quality of the product. This is definitely still in our recommendation list but we suggest you take a good look at it and compare it with other products before finalizing your purchase.

Thus, in conclusion, the Bell bike helmets take the fourth spot in our list.

Details of the Bell Sidetrack Helmet

Size

50-57 cm

Weight

286 grams

Number of Vents

15

Reflector

No

Visor

Yes

Dial Adjust System

Yes

Skater Style

No

Construction

In-mold

Catlike Kitten Child Helmet

Catlike Kitten Child Helmet

Yet another of the best helmets to consider is this one from Catlike. The Catlike Kitten child helmet is not as the other brands in our list but it certainly does not mean that it cannot compete alongside them. Catlike has Spanish roots and the Kitten is their line specially designed for toddlers and younger bikers.

One of the things that we love about this helmet is that it has a wheel adjustment at the back of the helmet which allows it to stay in place even after a long time of use. Parents no longer have to worry about it sliding down the back of the head and exposing the forehead because it stays securely in place. To get the best fit, all you have to do is tighten or loosen it using the wheel adjustment – each click will tell you that it has been loosened or tightened by 1mm at a time.

At 215 grams, the Catlike is the second lightest toddler helmet in our list and if that is the biggest criteria in choosing a helmet for you, then this should definitely be among the top products to consider for your kid.

But, as much as we like this bike helmet for toddlers, it still falls short on a lot of aspects. For example, we would have loved for this product to come with built-in visors to add more protection in case the wearer will fall face first. Thus, we will have to push this down further in our list, putting it on fifth place.

Details of the Catlike Kitten Child Helmet

Size

49-52 cm

Weight

215 grams

Number of Vents

23

Reflector

No

Visor

No

Dial Adjust System

Yes

Skater Style

No

Construction

In-mold

Conclusion

There are still a lot of considerations that you might want to remember when shopping around for the best helmet for toddlers. But, in the end, it is your kid’s comfort and safety that should be the top priority. No matter how great a helmet is, if your kid is not comfortable wearing it, then it will not be able to provide the best protection that it potentially can.

Make sure to consult your little ones in your decision to ensure that both of you agree on your choice of bicycle helmet for toddlers.​

The post Top 5 Best Toddler Helmets appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Tandem Strollers

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Top 5 Best Tandem Strollers

Looking after a baby can be tough work for many parents but having two of them could almost always mean twice the challenge. One of the things that parents worry about when having two small kids is how to make it possible to run errands or go around for casual walks or shopping. Whether you have kids of the same age or varying ones does not matter a lot because both situations calls you to be twice as alert as you already are.

Thankfully, there are a lot of products made for families that have at least two small kids with a small age gap in between. Take the tandem stroller, for example. Unlike regular strollers, this piece of equipment is designed to hold to growing babies and perhaps even more for their stuff and the parents’ stuff. Some are even strong enough to hold an additional load such as a small bag of groceries.

Tandem strollers are not just great for use with twins, Irish twins or an infant and a toddler. They can also be used with just one kid riding and, after the other seat has been removed, can be turned into additional space to make room for shopping bags and other items.

How do you choose the best tandem stroller for your kiddos? The few things that you might want to consider are: age of kids, weight and convenience, orientation, storage space, canopy and brakes, among many others.

To help you further refine your choices, we have come up with the top 5 best tandem strollers. Hopefully our list of reviews will give you a better view at which model to purchase for your kids.​

Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double

Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double Stroller

When it comes to double strollers, the Baby Trend Sit N Stand Double might just be considered the best double stroller with infant car seat, at least in our books.

Yes, it can accommodate two children of different ages but they are also perfect for kids of the same age (or nearly the same age aka Irish twins) and it grows with them, too. The good news is that this tandem stroller can fit two infant car seats at the same time, without any problem. You can interchange the way the passengers sit – with the older one in front or at the back, you only have to follow whatever arrangement they prefer best. The seat at the back can even be turned into a standing platform, perfect for preschoolers and school-aged children.

Another thing to love about this double baby stroller is that it comes with a huge storage basket making it perfect for grocery trips. If you only have one passenger with you, you can remove the seat at the back and turn it into extra storage. At just 33.1 pounds, this stroller is definitely among the lightest in the group considering that is packed heavy with features.

Did we mention that it comes with a huge and super convenient parent tray? Each seat is also equipped with child trays with a cup holder each.

There is nothing much we can say about this double stroller that will not make us want it. Its price is even quite inexpensive compared to other brands. For all these great things, we are putting the Baby Trend stroller on the top spot of our list.

Details of the Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double

Weight

33.1 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

49 x 21.5 x 43 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Baby Jogger City Select

Baby Jogger City Select

Yet another great stroller for infant and toddler is the Baby Jogger City Select.

With 16 different seating combinations to choose from, this is perhaps the most versatile of all twin strollers with car seats. You have both kids face front, face the parent or face each other – whatever position they want to ride in, it is totally possible.

While the City Select is not designed for jogging, it still provides a comfortable ride for everyone. It comes with 8-inch swivel front wheels that make it easy to maneuver or you can choose to lock it in place for long distance walks. Another plus point for the City Select is the huge UV 50+ sun canopy that provides more than ample protection for your little ones.

We truly think that this is the best double stroller for infant and toddler and is a great investment but the $600 price tag is quite a steep price. If you do not mind the price (it can be used up to five years so it is worth it in the long run), then go for it. The price tag, which is nearly three times that of the Baby Trend, is the biggest reason why it takes the second rank.

Details of the Baby Jogger City Select

Weight

35 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

43.5 x 25.8 x 38.5 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 45 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Joovy might just be the best double side by side stroller in the market today. The great thing is that even with the side by side design, it measures just 30 inches in width so it fits through most doors while still allowing ample space for its passengers inside. You no longer have to fold the stroller to get through narrow spaces because it can fit quite well.

What is so good about the Joovy Scooter? For one, it has bigger and better wheels with sealed bearings so your passengers can enjoy a smooth and enjoyable ride no matter the terrain. You can trust that the wheels can provide extra stability especially since you are pushing around two children. Aside from that, each seat in the Joovy Scooter works independently so you can put each kid on recline at different times, depending on their nap schedules and riding preferences. The 5-point safety harness ensures that your little ones stay securely strapped inside this stroller for twins but it also has a removable bumper bar for added protection. Did we mention that it comes with huge storage space and that it packs small?

There are just a few things we don’t quite like about this compact double stroller. For example, it wobbles slightly and leans toward the heavier side when the passengers are not of the same weight. The handlebars are also not adjustable and rather short at 41.75 inches and the weight is also a major issue. Thus, we will have to push the Joovy in the middle of the list, getting it to the third spot.

Details of the Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

Weight

39 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

32.5 x 30 x 41.8 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 45 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Chicco Cortina Together

Chicco Cortina Together

Whatever seating arrangement your kids want – two car seats in, two children, an infant in front and a child at the back or vice versa – is possible with this best stroller for twins and siblings of different ages.

We love that its canopy provides ample amount of protection for its passengers, even with the car seats on. It also comes with huge amount of storage at the bottom thus it gets a big plus point from parents who frequent the groceries with their children.

Storage is quite easy through the one handed activation and self standing fold of this double baby stroller. However, at 34 pounds, it is among the bulkiest and heaviest double strollers in the market so lifting it to put inside the car trunk can be a challenge. Thankfully, it folds quite compactly so fitting it is not a problem.

​Another thing that we didn’t quite like about this stroller is that the front seat will not recline and so the passenger in front might have a hard time falling asleep when on the go. Maximum weight capacity may not be an issue but height capacity could be! Be sure to check your kids’ height first and compare it with what the Chicco Cortina can accommodate before making the purchase.

Other than these few cons about the Chicco Cortina, it is still a great product. However, other models do a better job than this one so it gets down to the fourth spot in our list.​

Details of the Chicco Cortina Together

Weight

34 pounds

Orientation

Inline

Dimensions

23.5 x 45.5 x 47.2 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 40 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

If you are looking for a lightweight double stroller to use when running errands with your kids, this is the most recommended brand to use.

This cheap double stroller is pretty straightforward and does not have a lot of frills. For those going around on short trips that do not require bringing huge bags of shopping or other heavy loads, this is a great product to use.

For one, it doesn’t have enough storage, if at all, at the bottom. The canopy also uses the European design so it doesn’t really provide that much protection against the sun compared to the other brands. We highly recommend the Delta Children Side by Side Tandem for quick trips around the city or zoo that do not require a lot of stuff. This is even great if you decide to walk around Disneyland with your little ones.

This compact double stroller weighs only 23.5 pounds so you do not have to worry about pushing them around or folding them for storage. It is possible to do everything with one hand and you do not have to strain your back when trying to lift it into your car’s trunk. This lightweight tandem stroller is also perfect for travel as it can be gate checked due to its very simple and lightweight design.

However, if you are on who constantly uses their tandem strollers for running errands or going on long trips. It doesn’t have storage baskets underneath so you will have to hang your diaper bag on the handles (but make sure there are passengers inside to prevent it from toppling over) or wear it around your body.

This tandem stroller cannot be recommended for everyday use, only for short, quick trips, so we place this one at the fifth place on the list.​

Details of the Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

Weight

23.5 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

31.2 x 29.6 x 37.3 inches

Weight Recommendation

Up to 35 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Conclusion

How did that go? Did you like our choices in the best tandem strollers so far? We had a great time reviewing the strollers above and we hope it helps you in making the right decision in your purchase.

Remember, expensive isn’t always the best – you have to listen to what your kids tell you. They will be the ones riding it, after all! Of course, you also have to consider your preferences. You certainly do not want to hurt your back or have a hard time pushing it around – that wouldn’t be too enjoyable, right?

Happy shopping!​

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Top 5 Best Food Dehydrators for Your Family

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Top 5 Best Food Dehydrators for Your Family

Beef jerky, dried fruits made into chips and other healthy snacks are starting to be viable options to healthy snacking. Not that they have not been in the circulation for the previous years, but the search for more nutritious food are ramping up every day. The types of food we mentioned are dehydrated, meaning that the water content is reduced to 0.75 water per 1 serving of protein. So you might ask, is dehydrated food healthy? Definitely! The reason why foods are dehydrated is to increase their shelf life, imagine stocking up fruits available for a certain season only, like apricots and wanting to serve them 6 months after.

This is where food dehydrators come in; they lock in the nutrients of the fruit by taking away most of the water content that could cause them to spoil and therefore extending their consumability by leaps and bounds. Yes, that beef jerky you’re chewing on is dehydrated.

So before you jump in to searching for the best dehydrator for jerky, here are some tips on choosing a great food dehydrator you can have at home to use for your family’s needs.

Once you decide that having a food dehydrator at home could be a big step to encouraging the consumption of healthy foods for your family, you must be able to discern between the various types of food dehydrators in the market today.

First to look out for is the size and space it could occupy in your kitchen, let’s face it, not every house is big enough to have those commercial looking food dehydrators so this is a great factor to start with. Also, you have to go for the ones that use certified food grade materials; you wanted to be healthy so it is therefore imperative that the plastic and metal components are FDA approved. So using the categories mentioned, we now have a list of 5 best food dehydrators for your family to consider.

Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator FD-75A

Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator FD-75A

If you are interested in knowing how to make bacon jerky in a dehydrator, then you are definitely on point with this dehydrator. Drying meat could be a long and arduous process, especially if you are new to it. However, the Nesco Snackmaster aims to make the dehydrating a lot easier to deal with, as this unit boasts of the Converga-Flow drying system enables you to complete the drying process in a matter of hours compared to the usual days it used to take. As explained on their website, the Converga-Flow drying system forces air down the pressurized chambers and allows for the air to flow horizontally in each trays, making sure that all the food items are dehydrated in evenly. This system takes into consideration that all the food items included on individual trays are all properly dehydrated, according to your expectations.

If you fear that if you add differently flavored food items in the Nesco and come up with something that has a weird taste, then, worry no more as the flavors do not mix in this appliance., because the fan makes sure that the liquid do not drip anywhere in the chamber.

Since the Nesco Snackmaster has an adjustable thermostat , you could define the needed temperature for a certain type of food to be dehydrated. Although the Nesco Snackmaster only comes with 5 trays, you could definitely expand this to 12 based of your needs, individual trays are sold separately, which is why we love it even more.

When it comes to cleaning, since virtually every component is made of BPA free plastic, it is very easy to clean and maintain, the total package. It’s also lightweight and generally small for its value so keeping it in your counter would not be a problem. This electric food dehydrator is something you would really want in your home, compact, lightweight, easy to use, and best of all, not very noisy compared to most of the dehydrators out there, definitely the top on our list.

Details of the Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator FD-75A

Temperature Range (in Fahrenheit)

95 to 160 degrees

Trays

5

Weight

22 pounds

Dimension

19 x 17 x 12.5 inches

Color

Grey and Marble

Features

2 Clean-A-Screens, 2 Fruit Roll Sheets, 3 Original Jerky Spice Packets, and a 52-page Recipe and Instruction Book

Excalibur 3926TB Food Dehydrator

Excalibur 3926TB Food Dehydrator

The Excalibur food dehydrator comes in close second for its durability and modifiability. First the dehydrator has the capability to dry a wide range of items, from making fruit leathers, and meat jerky, to potpourris and even treats for your pets. All of these are made possible by the Hyperwave Fluctuation technology which helps keep the temperature of the food low enough for the essential enzymes and nutrients to be preserved, but maintaining a high temperature for dehydrating, sealing in the goodness that we need. When it comes to making sure the evenness of dehydration, the device has the parallex horizontal airflow technology. In essence, the cool air is sucked in, processed and distributed evenly to the trays.

If you plan to host a party and introduce your dehydrated food items, or if you are one of those people who likes to prepare, maybe for the winter, for when your kid’s next vacation or just love having parties, then this dehydrator is definitely for you. It has 9 trays, that’s a total of 15 square feet of drying space at your disposal. What’s awesome is these 9 trays are not fixed, you could easily remove any of them if you need additional space, perfect if you want to raise dough, or have bigger pieces of meat or fruits you want to dehydrate.

The timer of the Excalibur is also beneficial in making sure that the items you dehydrate are processed only at the time you need them to be, no more frequent checking, you just have to pop the items in the trays, set the timer and go back finding your dehydrated food as you like. The only thing that held us back in naming the Excalibur the top rated food dehydrator of all time, is that it could be a bit bulky for everyone to have at home. Remember, not everyone may have the need to dehydrate more than the required amount of items that their family could consume.

Details of the Excalibur 3926TB Food Dehydrator

Temperature Range (in Fahrenheit)

105 to 165 degrees

Trays

9 Drying Trays

Weight

9 pounds

Dimension

13.8 x 22.1 x 13.9 inches

Color

Black and white

Features

15 sq. ft. drying space, removable trays, 26-hour Timer, 7-inch fan and poly-screen tray insert to prevent foods from sticking

Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

Most of us have not yet encountered a food dehydrator before and what we wanted to know is how does a food dehydrator work? The Presto makes it easy for anyone to use a food dehydrator, you just have to turn it on and leave the food items to dehydrate to the required amount of time advised on the manual. What we absolutely loved was the fact that it has a see through cover, making it very easy for us to tell whether the food is ready or not to be taken out of it. The fan is at the bottom, and the air flows horizontally on each of the trays generating a good amount of hot air for drying.

Since it’s made of BPA free plastic, it is fairly easy to clean and use, even without the nonstick mesh screens. It is dishwasher safe, so that’s one less thing for you to think about, the next time you decide to use it. Should you need to process more items, it is also expandable up to 8 trays, but because it is lightweight and relatively small in size, it would be very easy to move around even to take with you when you travel.

But because the aim of the dehydrator is for relatively ease of use, there is no thermostat. This is unfortunate for those who are looking forward to using varied sizes of meat or food items that you would want to dehydrate at the same time, as it may be a little troublesome. Not that it won’t be able to do so, you just have to put in a little extra effort in making sure that you are drying your meat or fruit properly. This could be easily solved by proper research and noting the characteristics of the food items you are drying, as herbs and fruits might have a different drying time from meat. You just have to adjust accordingly and determine the best foods to dehydrate one at a time to maximize its use.

Details of the Presto 06300 Dehydro Electric Food Dehydrator

Temperature Range (in Fahrenheit)

preset temperature of approximately 165 degrees

Trays

4

Weight

7.5 pounds

Dimension

14.5 x 15 x 6.2 inches

Color

White

Features

See through cover, dishwasher safe trays, fruit roll sheets, nonstick mesh screens

Nesco FD-37A American Harvest Food Dehydrator

Nesco FD-37A American Harvest Food Dehydrator

Similar to the top food dehydrator on this list, the Nesco American Harvest dehydrator also shares the durability of the brand. Made with materials of the highest quality, you surely could never go wrong on this one either. In essence, this comes with a guarantee that you are most likely to spend lesser time in dehydrating food items compared to other dehydrators. This food dehydrator comes with 4 drying trays, but is still also expandable for up to 7 trays. That is a lot of dehydrated items waiting to happen!

What you need to remember is that even if this dehydrator is relatively small, it has a lot to offer, you definitely could save a lot of counter space even having this around. It has a pretty straightforward way of working, making use of a preset temperature of approximately 160 degrees perfect for the novice ones to use. You won’t have any need to rotate the items as well because of the way the fan is designed enabling radial air flow within the stack of trays.

All of the components are dishwasher safe except of course for the power head, so no problem with cleaning, definitely easier to use it for your every day needs. Similar to the Presto food dehydrator, it also comes with a clear cover enabling you to tell if there is something wrong with the items you are dehydrating and easily solve the source of the problem.

If you are keen on knowing how to dehydrate herbs in food dehydrator, then this is the best choice for you. This is great for beginners who want to start on exploring the world of dehydrating. This is also the reason why it is our number 4; you might need to consider buying a different dehydrator once you start appreciating the dehydration process. Also, note that it would be best if you could grease the trays to prevent items such as fruits and meats from sticking on it, otherwise, everything is great.​

Details of the Nesco FD-37A American Harvest Food Dehydrator

Temperature Range (in Fahrenheit)

preset temperature of approximately 160 degrees

Trays

4

Weight

4.7 pounds

Dimension

14.1 x 9.2 x 14.2 inches

Color

White

Features

Expandable up to 7 trays, Clear top monitor, dishwasher safe components

Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator

Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator

Finally, to round up our top 5 best food dehydrators, we have the Waring Pro DH 30. This professional food dehydrator has 5 stackable, interlocking trays and boasts of the horizontal air flow. This air flow type lets the air in from top to bottom into each tray which allows for even processing on each and every layer without the need for manual rotation. The interlocking trays are amazing in such a way, that you would not be wary of your dried items from easily toppling over when you accidentally mishandle the equipment.

One of the things we loved about this is that the thermostat has the following settings, fan only, low, medium and high. This therefore allows you to control the temperature you want your items to be processed in, definitely great if you are starting out on experimenting the varying range of items you would like to consider dehydrating, especially those that you have not used before in any way. Just keep in mind we highly recommend that it would be best not to mix a batch of different items when drying as they could have different drying temperatures needed. It could be very difficult to gauge a unified temperature for all of your items, but if you stick to low it could work but with longer time involved.

If you worry about leaving the dehydrator on overnight, you do not have to, just keep the temperature at a lower setting and you could sleep soundly, as there are no notable noise with this machine. Clean up is also just a breeze, no need for extra scrubbing as the dried items slide off the trays pretty easily even fruits.

The Waring Pro also comes with fruit roll-up sheets, perfect for preparing fruit leather for your kids snack, packed with a lot of nutrients and needed vitamins. This is one meat dehydrator you could count on, as this is made of durable materials making it stronger to handle even bigger chunks of meat. It is also just the right size that could easily fit on your counter top, no more worries after that.

Details of the Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator

Temperature Range (in Fahrenheit)

110 to 175 degrees

Trays

5

Weight

7.6 pounds

Dimension

14.7 x 12.4 x 11.8 inches

Color

Black

Features

Adjustable thermostat includes Fan Only, Low, Medium and High settings for more options, and a top-venting system

Conclusion

To sum it all up, we are starting to see how dehydrating food in oven is so last season, and the demand for food dehydrators is slowly getting higher in the market. This comes hand in hand, as we discover that the nutrients of the food that we eat could be preserved without actual additional preservatives. All natural, flavorful fruit or meat goodness in less than the time it used to take. We leave it up to you however, to determine best home dehydrator that would fit your family’s needs.

The post Top 5 Best Food Dehydrators for Your Family appeared first on ParentsNeed.


Top 5 Best Side by Side Strollers

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Top 5 Best Side by Side Strollers

Parents with at least two young children are often faced with the dilemma of how to bring their kids around without making the entire trip (yes, even a trip to the groceries) a hassle for everyone.

That’s where the side by side strollers come to play.

Just as the name suggests, these strollers are named so as the seats are placed beside each other which basically is like two single strollers combined together. While tandem strollers are much easier to push and steer around, they are often more difficult to get through doorways and crowded streets. The biggest advantage to using this type of stroller is that there is less fighting among siblings since they are seated equally.

Whether you go on frequent trips or everyday strolls around the neighborhood, there is a double stroller that is just right for you. You can choose the light umbrella designs for easy transport but sacrifice storage space. Or you can choose the ones with a lot of features although you have to make sure that you have the strength and storage space for it.

So, are you now ready for our list of the best? Below are side by side stroller reviews that you might want to consider on your next purchase.

UPPAbaby G-LINK

UPPAbaby G-LINK

This UPPAbaby double stroller may come with a hefty price tag of $500 but it certainly does not disappoint, not one bit.

In fact, we consider every single aspect of the G-LINK as the best side by side stroller currently available in the market. For starters, the width for this twin stroller is quite narrow at 30 inches and can fit through every doorway. You no longer have to worry about navigating small spaces or streets with huge crowds because this one takes up quite a small space.

Another feature we love about this double umbrella stroller is its unique canopy which you won’t be able to find in any other product. The canopy is huge and provides ample protection for your little ones against the sun and there is also a peekaboo window at the back so you know exactly what is going on everytime. For everyone’s comfort, the seats can be operated and reclined independently and parents can use the pockets and cup holder behind the seats.

The UPPAbaby stroller is perfect for families of two kids who love to travel. You can fold this umbrella stroller very easily and it can stand on its own so no worries about bringing them wherever you go. Simply have them gate-checked and once it’s time to get out of the plane, set it up and let your kiddos sit or continue sleeping. It also folds quite compactly and fits even in the smallest and narrowest of car trunks.

With a generous storage basket at the bottom and a generous maximum capacity (up to 50 pounds each seat), there is nothing more you can ask for. It is even possible to have a newborn in it as the seats can fully recline and also come with headrests and a foot barrier for added safety and comfort.​

What else is there to say about the UPPAbaby G-LINK? Nothing much, really. If you do not mind the price (every single cent will be worth it) and the extra few pounds (heavier compared to others in the list), then definitely go for this brand. Big plus points in all aspects – thus giving this the number one spot in our list.

Details of the UPPAbaby G-LINK

Weight

24.5 pounds

Orientation

Side by side

Dimensions

45.5 x 19 x 14 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

Up to 50 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Maclaren Twin Triumph

Maclaren Twin Triumph

The Maclaren Twin Triump is the inventor and the most trusted brand when it comes to umbrella strollers. Even Brangelina have been seen using this model with their kids.

So, what’s so great about it? Well, it folds very compactly and weighs just 21.2 pounds – that’s lighter by more than two pounds than the UPPAbaby G-LINK! Although its storage basket underneath is pretty average when compared with other umbrella strollers, its canopies are quite impressive. The UPF +50 sun canopies can be extended for added protection and also comes with a built-in visor to protect your little ones’ eyes.

Some parents say that it can fit babies as small as three months but the manufacturer indicates at least six months. The maximum weight limit of 55 pounds, or 110 pounds combined, is the most generous available in the market. You do not have to worry about putting in small babies as it comes with extra security netting at the bottom. As for bigger children, the 5-point harness that can be adjusted in three different heights is a big advantage.

This umbrella side by side stroller was designed with safety and comfort in mind. Its seats are removable and machine washable and then hung to dry. The hoods do not just provide ample amount of protection against the sun but also against the rain. It even comes with a wind-resistant cover to make sure your children are well protected from the elements. The handle bar even comes with a safety strap which is great for going downhill.​

What really didn’t appeal to us about the Maclaren Twin Triumph are very small details including harnesses that are hard to adjust and a folding system that is a little hard on the feet (especially if you wear flip-flops). For these minor flaws, we place this awesome umbrella stroller on the second spot.

Details of the Maclaren Twin Triumph

Weight

21.2 lbs

Orientation

Side by side

Dimensions

35.4 x 24 x 41.1 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

Up to 55 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Joovy Scooter x2 Double Stroller

Joovy Scooter X2 Double Stroller

The Joovy Scooter x2 may be the heaviest of all tandem strollers included in this list but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is a bad thing. It certainly isn’t an umbrella double stroller but it comes packed heavy with features and yet lightweight enough for its kind. It even comes with a narrow design so you do not have to fold it just to get it through narrow doorways.

There are many other things that we love about this side by side stroller. For one, it comes with bigger and better wheels that ensure stability and comfort even if there are two toddlers inside. This also makes it easier to maneuver even in the tightest corners.

Another thing to love about this double stroller is its huge storage basket that is more than enough to store everyone’s essentials. It is the largest available in the market and it even has mesh pockets for additional storage. As for the seats, they can be reclined independently almost nearly flat, perfect for when the little ones go down for a nap.

Unfortunately, the biggest downside is that this stroller is not compatible with a car seat yet so they are not suitable even if only one of your kids is an infant. It also does not come with a parent tray or a food tray but it does have a bumper bar in front to ensure safety. Its handlebars are also rather short and adjusting it is not possible.

After weighing all its pros and cons, we have come to a conclusion to bring this side by side double stroller to the third position.

Details of the Kinderwagon HOP

Weight

32 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

32.25 x 30 x 41.75 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

Up to 45 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Delta Children LX Side by Side Stroller

Delta Children LX Side by Side Tandem

If you are looking for the best lightweight double stroller for quick trips to the groceries or for enjoying Disneyland with small kids, this is it. This stroller is the answer to those looking for lightweight, durable and cheap brands that can hold two kids at a time.

Among the first things we like about it is that they are quite small and narrow so you can fit through doorways and narrow streets without a problem. You don’t have to worry because your kids will stay comfortably seated and the 5-point harness ensures that they stay there safe and secure. The size also makes it extremely lightweight; it is very easy to maneuver it even in the tightest corners and with two kids sitting inside. However, it can only carry up to 35 pounds each seat which is not as much as the maximum capacity of other strollers listed here. Still, its design makes it very easy to fold and pack and you do not have to worry about breaking your bag when lifting it from the ground (for storage) and it can easily fit inside a car trunk, even if it is small. It can even be gate-checked so you do not have to worry about bringing this lightweight double stroller in your travels.

The biggest hesitation we had about this twin umbrella stroller is its canopy. It comes with a European canopy design, which looks quite narrow compared to most sun canopies. It doesn’t even extend to the back so the most you can do with it is protect your child’s eyes against the sun – but it is still not enough to provide the best coverage for your kiddos.

The Delta LX Double Umbrella Stroller also does not have a storage basket underneath which could be a problem for some but it does have small net bags at the back of the seats for storing small items. If you have bigger diaper bags, you can carry them yourself or put them over the handles. Despite the lightweight design and lighter price tag, we are still placing this in the fourth spot due to limitations in the sun shade, maximum carrying weight and storage.

Details of the Delta Children LX Side by Side Stroller

Weight

23.4 pounds

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

31 x 33 x 39.5 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

Up to 35 pounds each

5-Point Harness

Yes

Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

The last in our list is also the lightest of all side by side umbrella double strollers here.

The Kolcraft Double Stroller is worth every single cent you spend it (more expensive than the Delta double stroller by $10) as it offers everything that you can ask for in an umbrella stroller. You won’t have to worry about letting your kiddos ride in it and going through small bumps as it does quite exceptionally well. You can fold it without a fuss and get it to fit even in small car trunks and other storage spaces. Another thing we love about this twin umbrella stroller is the netted seat design which opens up the back and ensures that there is proper ventilation. Your kiddos will certainly not be sweating buckets when they ride here. Additionally, it comes with sun canopies with visor extensions for added protection against the sun. For parents, you get to enjoy a cup holder by the handle.

While this model certainly isn’t something we recommend for everyday use, it works well for short trips especially one that involves plane rides. The Kolcraft fits well in any trunk size and can be gate checked without a hassle.

Sadly, it doesn’t come with a storage basket underneath just like the Delta. It also comes with a 3-point harness which could be problematic if you have kids who have around too much. And it can only accommodate kids up to 35 pounds which can be a problem as they grow bigger. Thus, we will have to push this stroller back down to the bottom of our list.

Details of the Kolcraft Cloud Side by Side Stroller

Weight

21 lbs

Orientation

Side by Side

Dimensions

31 x 31 x 38.5 inches

Target gender

Unisex

Weight recommendation

35 lbs per seat

5-Point Harness

Yes

Conclusion

Choosing the right side by side double umbrella stroller usually means going for the most lightweight model possible but you also have to consider other factors such as safety and comfort for both kids and parents. We hope our side by side double stroller reviews have made things a little clearer for you. Good luck!

The post Top 5 Best Side by Side Strollers appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Christmas Gifts for Infants

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Top 5 Best Christmas Gifts for Infants

Who would have thought that Christmas is already just around the corner?

It may still be a few months away but it is always a good thing to come prepared, especially when it comes to your Christmas present ideas. And, among the toughest questions that you might have to ask would be, what baby Christmas gifts to give to your little ones or those of your relatives or friends? How do you know what makes babies happy for the holidays?

Fortunately, babies are not really fussy about what they receive for Christmas. In fact, they can just stay satisfied with a pair of breasts with unlimited milk supply – or endless bottles of one, if they are not breastfed.

So, basically coming up with unique Christmas gifts for babies are really a matter of what makes moms – and dads – happy. What do you think will a family with an infant need the most?

There are many categories that you might want to consider: clothing, toys, sleeping equipment, feeding equipment…the list is endless! You might even want to check other unique options such as costumes or even souvenir items to capture a special moment in their life. Their first Christmas happens only once, after all!

If you are out of options or do not have much of a clue as to what to get little kiddos, whether yours or another person’s, you do not have to look further. Here is a list of the best baby gift ideas so you can already start shopping for holiday presents as early as today.

Read on the reviews for each unique baby gift that we have listed below and see if there is one that fits the baby’s needs. Good luck and have a great time shopping!​

InCharacter Baby's Santa's Lil' Elf Costume

InCharacter Baby's Santa's Lil' Elf Costume

Practicality is always an issue when giving gifts but when it is the holidays, we cannot help but put an exception to every rule. Well, not all, but maybe most of them. Thus, we are placing this adorable elf costume that will definitely make any baby look cute in them.

Babies already get a lot of attention because of how cute they look but they will surely have more heads turned when they are out in public dressed in these.

One of the things we really love about this Christmas gift for babies is that they allow the little ones to stay warm and secure. Moms and dads, we clearly should never sacrifice our kid’s comfort just to be able to achieve a look that we want them to have. And, with this elf costume, even if you are out for the day during the cold winter months, you can still be sure that your kid is protected from harsh cold. Of course, we still suggest bringing a backup jacket, just in case. The costume also comes with a pair of boots and a hat – and you can just add in gloves or earmuffs if it gets really cold.

For people giving these out as presents to other parents’ kiddos, you do not have to worry about finding what a great baby girl or baby boy gift is because they are perfect for any gender. Santa’s little helper can be a boy or a girl, definitely!

Although clothing is not something that parents should spend a lot on, especially for infants since they grow very quickly, we still believe that there is an exception to every rule and the holidays is just that! We want our kiddos to look perfectly adorable in the holiday photos even if we look at them 10 to 20 years from now, so we are definitely placing this one high up on our list at number one.

Details of the InCharacter Baby's Santa's Lil' Elf Costume

Weight

1.5 pounds

Dimensions

14 x 3 x 12 inches

Color

Green/Red

Recommended Age

0-18 months

Charming Baby Handprint and Footprint Frame Kit

Charming Baby Handprint and Footprint Frame Kit

Many kids are difficult to find a present for because we think that their parents have already given them ‘everything’ that they need. So, why not come up with a unique baby gift instead?

Life is fleeting and you will soon realize that when you have a kid to look after, whether they are your own or another person’s. Babies will not stay babies forever so if you can capture that moment and ‘bottle’ it then it would be very nice, right? Fortunately for parents who want to do just that, this handprint and footprint frame kit is the perfect gift for them. They can get their hands dirty with this adorable and simple DIY craft kit that will help preserve that moment in time when their babies still had those cute chubby feet and hands.

This infant Christmas gift is basically a package of air-drying clay so it is great even for busy parents. All they simply have to do is prepare the clay, get the imprints of their baby’s hand and foot and let the clay air dry. There is no longer a need to mix or bake the ingredients to get the project done. Plus, there are no toxic chemicals involved in the product so it is safe even for newborn babies.

Of course, the little keepsake does not end there. The clay can be put together, along with two cute pictures of the baby, in a small picture frame that comes with a safe acrylic glass that can withstand all sorts of pressure. Parents do not have to worry about their frames breaking because the glass, which feels more like a flexible plastic, is strong!

The only reason we have to put this product on the second position in our list is that the entire packaging feels slightly cheap and bland. If you want it to look more cheerful when gifting then you might have to decorate it a little bit more.

Details of the Charming Baby Handprint and Footprint Frame Kit

Weight

1.8 pounds

Dimensions

13.5 x 11.5 x 1.8 inches

Color

White

Billie Bumble Silicone Baby Bibs

Billie Bumble Silicone Baby Bibs

You know what moms hate most about growing babies? The mess that comes with them; especially come feeding time! So, when you are looking for the best baby gifts for infants, these unique baby bibs might just be your best option.

Truly, it is nice to have kids find their way around the world and it all starts with feeding themselves when they reach about six months old. However, it also means a lot of mess for parents to clean which can be very frustrating and time-consuming. So, what is the best way around it? A baby bib, of course.

However, this adorable Christmas gift for babies is no ordinary bib as it can do a lot more than the cloth bib that we are used to seeing. What we certainly love about this product is that it comes with a deep tray that catches all the drool, chunk, bits, splatter, spit and more that does not get inside the baby’s mouth. Of course, that probably means 90 percent of what little kids try to put inside their mouths.

A lot of moms, including us here at Parents Need HQ will be able to save time in cleaning the floors and tables so it means more time doing other things, like bonding with the baby. And, the silicone baby bib is extremely easy to clean so you do not have to worry about stains. Simply wash them up in soapy water, dry it and they are good to go. They do not absorb water so you do not have to worry about getting spills in them while your baby is wearing the bib. You can even just throw them into the dishwasher!

We do love many things about this unique baby gift for infants but it unfortunately does not catch everything, such as when the baby tries to throw their food. Not a lot of very young eaters (around six months) might also love having this around their neck so we are placing this at the middle spot in our list.

Details of the Billie Bumble Silicone Baby Bibs

Weight

7.2 ounces

Dimensions

8.9 x 2.9 x 2.8 inches

Color

Red/Blue, Green/Yellow

Recommended Age

6 months up

Fisher-Price Bright Beginnings Activity Walker

Fisher-Price Bright Beginnings Activity Walker

If you are looking for great toys for 1 year old babies, you are in luck because we have just the right product included here in our list. Well, this one can be used by slightly younger kids – just as long as you know that the baby you are giving this to has yet to master walking, then you can give this as a holiday gift.

There are many things that we love about this activity walker and it is mainly because of having multiple functions. First of all, this product is a walker which means that they provide among the best support for little ones who are still learning to walk. It doesn’t surround them like the regular baby walkers so it teaches them to support themselves independently – and get up when they fall. They will have to find a way to support their bodies instead of simply leaning on the equipment since it only supports them from one side.

However, we also consider this Fisher-Price walker as one of the best gifts for 1 year old boys and girls because it also provides several other activities to keep them entertained if they get tired from walking and exploring around. It comes with spinning wheels, flipping doors, turning gears, sliding beads and many more. They even come in various colors so they certainly stimulate their sight – and encourage curiosity and learning. You might just be surprised at how much your child learns when they are left to play on their own with this activity walker.

While its lightweight design is a big plus especially for very young kids, it might just be its biggest flaw. Since beginner walkers have yet to master their balance, there could be times that the walker would cause them to fall since it is not heavy enough to support their weight. It would be best to keep your kiddos supervised when they use this product but for this, we are placing it at the fourth spot.

Details of the Fisher-Price Bright Beginnings Activity Walker

Weight

3.2 pounds

Dimensions

19 x 6.5 x 14 inches

Recommended Age

9 months to 3 years

Ecandy Constellation Night Light Projector Lamp

Ecandy Constellation Night Light Projector Lamp

The last item in our list is the perfect gift for 1 year old girls and boys who might have trouble sleeping especially in the dark. This nightlight is a great companion at night especially since it casts a starry projection on the ceiling.

This nightlight comes with four bright LED lights in yellow, red, blue and green colors to project different types of stars. It helps provide distraction for babies trying to sleep alone in the dark. While it creates a romantic projection of a constellation, it isn’t overwhelming to the eyes and even helps soothe them to sleep. This product is even perfect for adults! You can choose from different light and rotation modes depending on the user’s preferences.

Unfortunately, there are many things that we did not quite like about this adorable constellation night light. For one, it does not have a power button which can be a major hassle and can eat up a lot of power when using batteries. In order to switch it off, you will have to remove a battery or plug it off from a power source.

We would have also loved for the nightlight to come with soothing music to accompany the rotating stars. Additionally, an added base weight would be a plus since it looks like it could very easily topple over and break into parts. Perhaps if the manufacturer can create a better and sturdier version of this nightlight so that it is thicker and heavier than it currently is, then that would bring major points to this product.

While we cannot deny that this nightlight is cute, we will have to push it down the fifth in our spot because of many cons.

Details of the Ecandy Constellation Night Light Projector Lamp

Weight

11.2 ounces

Dimensions

5.6 x 5.3 x 5.1 inches

Color

Blue, Green, Pink

Conclusion

Finding the perfect Christmas gift for infants can be a tricky challenge, especially when you know that their parents have well-provided them with essentials. If you want, you can simply talk to the parent (or yourself?) to see what else their babies want. Or, you could choose something more unique and special that will help keep memories last a lifetime. Good luck and happy gift hunting!

The post Top 5 Best Christmas Gifts for Infants appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Above Ground Pool for Your Family

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Top 5 Best Above Ground Pool for Your Family

Summer reminds us of trips to the beach, water activities and endless fun. These things could also be done almost every day when you have a pool in your own backyard; unfortunately, this may not be the case for everyone because it could be very expensive to build and maintain a pool. Do not worry, because you still have the option to enjoy these things if you choose to get an above ground pool. What is this exactly?

These are portable pools that could be easily set up absolutely anywhere, also very affordable and highly practical in terms of value because it will provide the same enjoyment as an in ground pool. Now you have to remember that not all above ground pools are the same, you have to of course get the bang for your buck and only get the highest quality above ground pools for your family to use.

Your top choices should be:

  • Made with quality materials. Whether you choose aluminum, plastic or steel you have to be on the lookout for the quality. If it’s made with aluminum or steel, does it have anti-oxidation layer to prevent corrosion over time? And while plastic is essentially the ideal way to go since it is not a heat conductor, if it’s not quality plastic then it can easily break with frequent use.
  • Features such as covers, pumps and other add-ons that will either prolong the life of your above ground pool or make it easier to maintain.

After much deliberation, and a few dips on several above ground pools, we came up with our top 5 choices, which could help you in finding the right one that would fit your family’s needs.

Intex Ultra Frame Pool Set

Intex Ultra Frame Pool Set

What is the best above ground pool? We have every reason to believe that it is the Intex Ultra Frame Pool Set. You will surely have a great time lounging in the pool instead more than the time spent in setting this up. Simply watch and follow carefully the instructions provided in the DVD and everything should be a walk in the park, or rather a dip in the pool! This Intex pool could have ample space to accommodate 8 or more people, perfect if your child would want to host a pool party with his friends.

There is no worry if the kids would get rowdy and splash waters to and fro, the frame is made with durable steel frames. These frames are protected by a lawyer of powder which prevents it from accumulating rust with continued use. The sidewalls are also strong enough to handle the weight because they are laminated, and backed up by a band to keep its legs and overall frame in place.

If you worry about contamination, and your kids accidentally drinking pool water, the dual suction outlet fittings effectively circulate it and the salt water generator works at its best in keeping the water clear. All that is left for you to do is make sure that the ground you are putting the pool into is properly levelled and free from stones and other elements, you could even set up a deck around it for the kids to jump from and you are all set. When it comes to changing the water, the drain plug can easily connect to a garden hose, so you will not have a problem with this.

After all the things that we found out about the Intex Ultra Frame Set, we believe that it is a great family inflatable pool, with no fuss set up or clean up. But a little warning, because once this is set up on your lawn or backyard, it could be difficult to keep your kids away from it.

Details of the Intex Ultra Frame Pool Set

Size

16 ft x 48 in

Number of People

8 or more

Dimension

16 x 48 x 48 in

Water Capacity

(90-percent) 5,061 gallons

Filter Pump

1,200 gallon per hour flow

Bestway Steel Pro Round Frame Pool Set

Bestway Steel Pro Round Frame Pool Set

The Bestway Steel Pro Round Frame Pool Set is one of the nice looking above ground pools in the market today. The pool is round with simple but sturdy steel frames that are easy to set up making the assembly easier than most pools. The instructional DVD is very informative that the pool setup is a breeze, but this does not include the work you need to put in to make sure that the ground is levelled enough to put it in. We believe that this additional step is important to note when setting up any kind of above ground pool, you have allow ample time for the ground levelling part to exercise the full use of your chosen above ground pool setup. It has the capacity to contain at least 4 to 7 persons in it with about 1,710 gallons of water, ideal for small families who just want to lounge around a pool or to cool off in a summer day. Since the pool is not that deep, it is perfect for smaller kids who like to enjoy the water or learn basic swimming techniques, just remember that even if this is the case, we still highly recommend for you to keep an eye on them at all times because accidents could happen even in the safest environments.

The size is also great for families who have smaller yards; it would not eat up a huge amount of space. The pool set includes a 330 gallon filter pump which you could run for longer periods of time to compensate for the time you are using the pool. If you need to drain the pool for safekeeping or to clean the pool, the flow control drain valve is very useful and will enable you to do it faster.

The frames are made with rust-resistant steel and the connectors around the pool are designed to prevent it from moving around when in use, which we really couldn’t help once the kids get excited. Should the pool accidentally be punctured, you do not need to worry because a heavy duty PVC repair patch kit is also included to solve this problem immediately. It’s not our top choice because we can’t have a party if it only fits 4 to 7 people at a time.

Details of the Bestway Steel Pro Round Frame Pool Set

Size

12 ft x 30 in

Number of People

4 to 7

Dimension

32 x 144 x 144 in

Water Capacity

1,710 gallons

Filter Pump

330 Gallon

Intex Metal Frame Pool Set

Intex Metal Frame Pool Set

The attraction to water is very basic, once you see a pool whether an in ground or above ground type you get sucked in. You either want to jump in and dive or just splash the water with your feet. Another Intex pool on our list is the12 feet by 30 inch metal frame pool set, where you could easily beat the summer heat with. Similar to the first two on our list, this also has the signature metal frame that is highly used for its strength and durability. This comes in handy when the kids or kids at heart are getting a little bit excited and the water activities physical. The sidewalls are laminated and reinforced by an all-around band basically to make sure that the frame withstands all the activities happening inside.

This is one of our favorites because it definitely fits what we believe to be the standard above ground pool sizes. It could handle 4 to 7 persons, a family pool party with probably Grandma and Grandpa, totally awesome. The instructional DVD included in the kit is easy to understand and follow, just make sure that once you receive this item you arrange and check all the parts.

The Krystal Clear Cartridge Filter pump makes sure that the water in the pool is clean and safe to enjoy. We are also happy about the added safety that the ground fault circuit interrupter brings; this triggers the pump to shut down when exposed to water. This feature is wonderful because safety should always be our top priority. Since this is Intex, it has the same drain plug system wherein once connected to a house is available for easy draining, and the sidewalls are laminated and are break proof.

All in all, this is a great pool to buy; you could fence it and secure the area for additional safety or modify the ladder to get the platform you require. However, the filter may not be capable of clearing all the other debris that may fall into your pool so it would be best to get a skimmer to handle that. Otherwise, still one of the best above ground pools we have today.

Details of the Intex Metal Frame Pool Set

Size

12 ft x 30 in

Number of People

4 to 7

Dimension

30 x 144 x 144 in

Water Capacity

(90-percent) 1,718 gallons

Filter Pump

530 gallon per hour flow rate

Bestway Fast Set Round Pool

Bestway Fast Set Round Pool

We believe that the Bestway Fast Set round pool is the one of the easiest to set up backyard above ground pools. Why do we say so? All you have to do to set this baby up is to choose a location where you want it erected, inflate the top ring and fill with water. And in just three easy steps, you have a pool that would fit around 6 to 8 people, oh what fun! If you still have difficulty setting the pool up, no worries, you could always watch the instructional video to make things easily understandable.

This Bestway pool is also not too deep, great for little children who are usually the audience for this kind of recreation. Once the pool is filled with water which is also easy because the pool set comes with a 530 gallon filter pump; you could sit back, relax and just wait for the fun to start, which we’re pretty sure won’t take that long. The pool wall is made of heavy duty PVC and polyester, which guarantees durability. This is also one of the great inflatable pools for adults who don’t have the budget and time to get an inground pool or are not exactly keen on inflatables that have tons of parts to mind. Although the 3-ply wall is durable, you still need to be mindful of other materials that could accidentally cause leakage or holes such as sharp objects.

If you encounter a leak or the pool is punctured, you have the heavy duty repair patch to get it done. The flow control drain valve also makes it easy to drain the pool in no time, attach it your hose and let it do all the work. This above ground pool, comes with a filter pump and cartridge, cover, ground cloth and a ladder, basically all the things you need to set up when you want to have tons of awesome water fun.

Despite all the wonders of this pool, it could be a little difficult to find a replacement filter cartridge, and although the pump’s cord is long it has to be plugged to an outlet directly, so setting it up far away from an outlet is not a great idea.

Details of the Bestway Fast Set Round Pool

Size

15 ft x 36 in

Number of People

6 to 8

Dimension

36 x 180 x 180 in

Water Capacity

(80-percent) 2,689 gallons

Filter Pump

530 Gallon

Intex Easy Set Pool

Intex Easy Set Pool

This is another one of the easy set up above ground pools that we love, very easy to assemble and store when not in use. It is also affordable depending on the time of purchase, of course these goes on sale when the summer is over. If you have not yet decided if you really want to have a pool in your backyard, this is an option, to gauge the maintenance, size of pool you prefer or even how frequent your family would use the pool.

It comes with a 110-120 Volt Filter pump which you could easily hook up to the pool to provide clean and clear water, the amount of time spent on filling it with water may actually vary depending on the water pressure of your area. Similar to the previous easy set up pool, you just need to inflate the top ring and fill this pool with water to enjoy it. Once you decide to disassemble it, you could rely on the drain plug that fits a garden hose to help you get rid of the water.

Despite the ease of assembling and disassembling of this product, it may not be wise to store it, as it could take up a lot of space in your garage or storage area. Plus the fact that there are no frames that could support it during usage, it would be best if you could fence it in or add support to maximize the usage. All the pools need to be in a levelled surface, but we have to stress it out for this one, since it could topple over easily which may result to injury if the ground is uneven.

You would still get the value for your money once you see your little ones excited over your new Intex pool, definitely graduating from the one person swimming pool they could previously have. More exciting water activities surely await your whole family for the whole summer long, pool party anyone?

Details of the Intex Easy Set Pool

Size

12 ft x 30 in

Number of People

4 to 7

Dimension

30 x 144 x 144 in

Filter Pump

530 gallon per hour flow rate

Conclusion

Once you finally set up one of this high quality above ground pools it will automatically fulfill their purpose and that is to provide a fun and exciting water experience for you and your family. Prepare for massive amount of love and splashes of water coming your way. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

The post Top 5 Best Above Ground Pool for Your Family appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Hair Brush Straighteners

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Top 5 Best Hair Brush Straighteners

Crowning glory, as we call it, our hair could make or break our day. Prepping our hair before setting off for the day is easily becoming a must on our daily routine. Every woman has to do it and learn how to straighten hair all by herself. A busy mum, women going to work, students, women in holidays heading to the bar by the beach for a drink, women with a long day but have to run at 8 PM for that most-needed date night - the list never ends. Needless to say, this task requires time, and we definitely want this portion of our daily routine to be hassle-free, efficient and, as much as possible, enjoyable.

Different hair types require different care and styling. Not to mention the fact that no one hairstyle fits every type of personality and mood. However, there is this one go-to hair that we opt for and seems a safe choice most of the time: the sleek, straight, frizz-free hair-do. This is a timeless look that we could go for if we want to save time in decision-making efforts. To be able to do this, we must be equipped with a tool that is reliable in grooming. A good tool could do magic in a short amount of time and, let’s admit it, who wouldn’t want that! Unless we are blessed with ladies-in-waiting to do our hair and the rest of our look, we could benefit on knowing how to straighten our own hair the best way. With the best tool, this is achievable.

Iron clamp hair straightener will do the job but the hair straightening brush, or clamps incorporated with the brush function, is proving to be more efficient with results that add twist to that sleek, clean look.

Here are some hair straightener brands that we like and which could be the answer to the question, “what is the best hair straightener?”

NASV Hair Straightening Brush

NASV Hair Straightening Brush

Topping our list of best hair brush straighteners is the NASV hair straightening brush. You may choose to start with the temperature of 365°F just to be safe. You could go with the same temperature keeping it constant all throughout the process or move it a bit higher depending on your needs. Using this would get your hair for straight with frizz or wavy and is becoming the most favorite heated brush today. It will beautifully straighten thick, curly hair by putting the temperature on 450°F to make it smooth, straight and silky. Grab half a handful of hair and start to brush about an inch from the roots to the tips. The allowance is just for safety purposes so that we could temp-check if the heat is okay for our preference. Results will be seen immediately after a few strokes of the brush.

The NASV hair straightening brush has 3 functions in one tool. It serves as a ceramic iron straightener, detangling brush and anion hair massager. You will get the expected combing, with the addition of straightening, drying, including a light massage that we love from our favorite paddle brush, what more could you wish for? This way, it is easy to use and not very different from the regular brush; the size, appearance and way to use it does not veer away from our favorite paddle brush. All those while magic happening while we are just brushing our hair, completely no fuss, you are even relaxed by the warm heat that glides and straightens the strands.

The simplicity of the brush will definitely not alienate our daily combing routine while its function is immediately noticed with good results. Carrying this anywhere will prove to be convenient so, giving your hair a quick revamp even outside the comfort of your dresser is always welcome as the tool could easily be stashed in a small bag. Talk about a makeover waiting to happen inside of your purse, it is that accessible and we love it so much, we’re pretty sure you will too!

Details of the NASV Hair Straightening Brush

Dimension

13 x 4 x 3 inches

Wattage

Dual voltage support, 110 V - 240 V

Features

Temperature setting in constant heat convertible from Celsius to Fahrenheit

Maximum Heat

450°F

Hair Type

All

Rosemyst Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush

Rosemyst Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush

This easy-to-use hair Ion hair straightener basically works like the NASV brush but boasts the of an Ionic Ceramic material for a smoother and less frizz finish. The brush itself is a bit heavier than NASV but with a sleek design and chunky handle perfect for easy grip and stabilized handling.

It has an on and off button which also functions as the temperature setting controller. If the digital LED display is blinking, then this means that it is still adjusting heat while a solid digit display denotes that the brush has reached your chosen temperature.

When using this you could start with a small amount of hair to test and see how much the brush could handle and if the temperature suits you, you have to get familiar on how it works to maximize its value. Also, spritzing your favorite thermal hair leave-on will be helpful in achieving that extra shine so feel free to use your preferred product before gliding the brush through your hair.

The brush’s functions are very straight-forward but the difference comes with the design of the actual head of the brush. The ‘teeth’ of the comb are shaped like little flat stones aligned neatly; letting your hair pass through them without the tangle you would experience using a normal brush. If your hair tangles easily, this design also works like multiple, heated flat stones that press against your hair while you lightly pull a bunch of locks. So as you could imagine, a process that is less stressful for the hair avoiding the inevitable damage everyday heating could give.​

The Rosemyst Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush is also convenient to use and easy to pack so we have the option of sneaking in at a powder room for that mood-boosting hair-do retouch. Just keep in mind that if you take this with you, you also need to make sure that you have the gloves because the handle might get too hot for you to touch; the only reason why it is our number 2.

Details of the Rosemyst Professional Ionic Ceramic Hair Straightening Brush

Dimension

13.6 x 2.7 x 4.8 inches

Wattage

100 V - 240 V

Features

Temperature has 5 levels of heat, option to display in Celsius and Fahrenheit, plug-in and comes with gloves

Maximum Heat

450°F

Hair Type

All

Codream Ceramic Hair Straightener Brush

Codream Ceramic Hair Straightener Brush

This is a sleek-looking hair straightening tool that glides through hair like a brush but, does not exactly look like a normal brush. The Codream Hair Straightener comes in a semi-cylindrical shape, with half of its length serves as handle and the other half for heat insulators that will do the actual straightening job.

Unlike NASV and Rosemyst, the Codream straightener brush will work well for hair that is not so thick and with pretty much tamer curls so this won’t be the best for spring-like kinky hair strands that the 2 previous brands could cater to.

The beauty of this product is the practicality of buying something that is sufficient for your hair-grooming need without the extra features that you might not need. Furthermore, this brush has a more fine-tuned temperature setting which is helpful to controlling the heat you use with your hair, especially when you have fine and delicate mane; making sure you don’t damage it. Instead of the usual 4 or 5 levels of temperature setting, the Codream has 6 which range from 130°C to a maximum of 200°C. This setting is perfect for hair with frail strands but still needs some polishing to make it a little sleeker, and will give your locks that healthier gloss it needs.

The teeth of the brush are a series of ceramic, deep curve-shaped made with iron material that will freely glide through that handful of hair it needs to style. It also comes with a 360° swivel cord that will free you from the fuss of untangling the cord itself as you move the brush around your head for styling.

The Codream Hair Straightener Brush is a no non-sense, functional tool that gives the function, care and effectiveness we need without the extras. Inserting it in one of the small crevices of our handbags won’t be a problem for its shape is the same from bottom to top of the brush; it would only require a minimal and even space as we stash it in for as we need on the go.

Details of the Codream Ceramic Hair Straightener Brush

Dimension

13.8 x 2.4 x 4.3 inches

Wattage

110 V - 240 V

Features

Heats within 30 seconds, comes with chord and simple operating and adjusting functions

Maximum Heat

200°F

Hair Type

Wavy and Fine hair

Raphycool Steam Hair Straightening Double Plate Brush Clip Fast Detangling Comb

Raphycool Steam Hair Straightening Double Plate Brush Clip Fast Detangling Comb

The Raphycool Steam Hair Straightening Brush has the look of our favorite iron clamp that gives the impression of heavy-duty straightening that can be done in minutes. Looks like the usual straightening clamp that does sleek wonders but, has ceramic-coated teeth protruding from each plate that serves as comb for the strands and catalyst for the heat which enables the brush to give off a little amount of steam.

The heat will surely make those unwanted curls flat-out surrender as it comes from the small holes on each face of the paddle acting as vents. The steam of the brush comes from the mini water container that is detachable and can contain up to 30 ml of liquid. The steam can be switched on via a designated button that is separate from the temperature control.

The steam also nourishes the hair along the process and will continually steam your hair for 15 minutes straight therefore adding moisture, and volume preventing your hair from drying excessively. Most of your sectioned hair will already be straightened out in no time, if not the whole crown itself! However, be advised that this tool could only be used on dry hair unlike the previous products which can be used in straightening wet hair.

For grooming with results intended to last for hours, which no wind or water could easily put into chaos, the Raphycool Steam Hair Straightening Brush will leave all worries behind. This may as well be our pick as the best hair straightener for thick hair because it is able to clamp large portions of hair and do the job on both sides at the same time. The steaming process nourishes and gives the hair the volume it needs for the whole day where your sleek bob needs to be present. It will surely make those long locks flutter like a curtain of enchanting strands. The steaming system is the best feature a handy hair straightener could have without the hassle and cost of going to the salon for that pricey look.

Details of the Raphycool Steam Hair Straightening Double Plate Brush Clip Fast Detangling Comb

Dimension

12.8 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches

Wattage

100 V - 240 V

Features

Temperature setting of up to 5 levels which could be converted from Celsius to Fahrenheit and vice versa

Maximum Heat

200°F

Hair Type

Wavy and Fine hair

Olivia Garden 2 1/2" 100% Natural Boar Bristles Round Hair Brush Eco-Friendly Bamboo

Olivia Garden 2 1/2" 100% Natural Boar Bristles Round Hair Brush Eco-Friendly

This may be the odd-one-out among the hair straightening brushes on this list but it sure is as pleasingly effective as its electronic counterparts. The Olivia Garden 2 1/2 inches natural hair straightener brush is a David among the Goliaths of the hair straighteners on this list. It does not boast any fancy features or new technology. Instead, it utilizes the basic virtue of all-natural goodness.

The brush in the center holds all the bristles while the handle is made out of bamboo which is a known sustainable and strong material. The brush itself is made of 12 rows of boar bristles known to make the hair shiny without the chemicals that hair products we are so used of having these days have. The bristles also stimulate the scalp to produce healthy and natural oil to provide your hair with long-lasting nourishment. The boar bristles is known to invigorate the scalp by providing mini gentle massages as you glide the brush on your mane. This process leaves your hair free of unwanted particles unknowingly caught in during a busy commute and will also flip away nasty gunk that may be sitting on your scalp left by hair products. Needless to say, it is a helpful tool in naturally giving you that quick retouch without needing an electric source to do so.

The round shape will give you that soft bounce adding body to the hair and giving a youthful overall appearance to frame your face.

We could never go wrong with a natural tool that doesn’t fail to give us the healthy benefit for ourselves and the environment that we live in. The Olivia Garden 100% Natural Boar Bristle Hair Brush is the Olivia Garden line of brushes that provides that guiltless grooming we can all make use of. Although this product is really amazing, still we cannot deny that having the added temperature control and steam features are something we would like to have on most days.

Details of the Olivia Garden 2 1/2" 100% Natural Boar Bristles Round Hair Brush Eco-Friendly Bamboo

Dimension

9 x 3 x 3 inches

Wattage

N/A

Features

Bamboo Round Brush with 100% Boar Bristles, 2 1/2", 12 Rows, non-electric, all manual

Maximum Heat

N/A

Hair Type

All

Conclusion

As Coco Chanel puts it, “There are no ugly women in the world, just lazy ones”. Options in tools and ways on how to beautify ourselves the way we want to are now scattered out there and free for our taking. Either straightening curly hair or the wavy unruly ones, we have the freedom to tweak our look for the sake of feeling and looking good.

These hair straightening tools are very good companions as we traverse our daily lives while being able to maintain those gorgeous, healthy-looking locks that we want to sport. The options are diverse and products are equipped with guides on how to straighten hair perfectly and along with hair straightener reviews.

It is helpful to look into what a product can give us and not always be conscious about its monetary value. After all, we must invest in ourselves therefore; the things we use must also be worth the investment.​

The post Top 5 Best Hair Brush Straighteners appeared first on ParentsNeed.

Top 5 Best Hair Dryers

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Top 5 Best Hair Dryers

Do you have frizzy hair that you always need to tame whenever you go out just to look normal? Or your curly hair is damaged, but you are in a hurry that you need to blow dry your hair not knowing if it will be able to handle it? We know that going to the salon may help you fix this and you will definitely get a stylist armed with a professional blow dryer to use, but what happens when you are unable to go to the salon? Relax ladies, we’ve got you covered. We definitely know that the mane taming struggle is real.

Getting a blow dryer is a sure way to manage your tresses, but we will arm you with the details to warm you up on your impending blow dryer search. Ever wonder why some people who from being a frizzy haired girl you just hung out with transform into diva with sleek, and soft straight hair. We couldn’t believe it either, maybe you can just mentally take note of what is it your current blow dryer is missing and start figuring out what hair dryer should I buy?

How to pick the best hair blow dryer? Let us count the ways.

Is it compatible with your hair type? This is the first thing you have to consider. Whether you have frizzy, dry, coarse or fine hair, your blow dryer should fit your needs by not further damaging your hair.

Does it have settings to choose from? Since there is a possibility that you are not the only person who is going to use your blow dryer, it would be good to note that there should be speed and temperature settings, so your blow dryer could adapt to everyone’s needs.

After much deliberation here are our top rater hair dryers based on power or wattage, features, hair type, and how it stands out from the rest.​

Parlux Advance Light Ionic and Ceramic Hair Dryer

Parlux Advance Light Ionic and Ceramic Hair Dryer

This light and powerful hair tool with a hair dryer wattage of 2200 reduces drying hair time by leaps and bounds. .Its front body has an anti-heat casing to prevent the blowdryer from heating up and makes sure it is comfortable to hold. If you are a hairdresser and you want to use this often, this is a great feature to have. You no longer have the need to use gloves or wrap it up with a towel while in use.

Aside from that, it has an easy to grip ergonomically designed handle which would make the drying experience much more pleasant. This fantastic tool features the newest K-Advance motor which provides more power and higher level of efficiency. This makes sure that people, hairdressers or not, would no longer have to worry about higher electrical bills or harming the environment while using it. And all of that is because this handy tool consumes less energy, and could therefore lessen your carbon footprint.

It also features an Ionic and Ceramic technology that ensures healthier and static free hair. The ceramic material results in even distribution of heat across your hair and is definitely the best blow dryer for damaged hair. You will no longer have to worry about getting your hair done especially if it’s damaged or treated as you could easily choose the control that would fit your hair needs.

In addition to its awesome features, the Parlux Advance Light also has a built in silencer reducing noise while blow drying. No more complaints from your clients who are unable to communicate with you during the process. If you are used to the type of switch settings on typical blow dryers which are a bit stiff or difficult to manipulate with one hand, Parlux solved this problem. Their range are now equipped with ‘soft touch’ switches to give you more comfort and ease. Plus the fact that they come in a plethora of colors is something we also adore and are pretty sure you will love!

Details of the Parlux Advance Light Ionic and Ceramic Hair Dryer

Weight

380 grams

Wattage

2200 watts

Hair Type

All types but best for hair prone to heat damage, also for coarse, thick and frizzy hair

Features

Lightweight ergonomic design, 2 speeds and Cold shot button

Heat Settings

Yes

Elchim Classic 2001 Dryer

Elchim Classic 2001 Dryer

Whether you are a salon professional looking for a fantastic tool that would function the way that you do, or a busy woman with a lot of things to attend to other than drying your hair, this tool is going to be immensely beneficial for you. With an 1875 hair dryer wattage, this one’s guaranteed to be one fast drying hair dryer. We are pretty sure even the men will agree that you need this in your life, if only it would make your prep to going out a little bit faster.

You will be able to dry your out-of-shower hair in no time with the Elchim Dryer, as it boasts of Italian engineering which is a market leader for durable, long lasting, and well balanced product. Moreover, with the Elchim Classic 2001 Dryer Ionic technology, it allows the hair cuticle to trap in moisture, eliminating the frizz. Say good bye to dull lifeless hair! Needless to say, aside from drying your hair, it also keeps it healthy and with volume, it even eliminates your hair’s static electricity.

Furthermore, it’s armed with two speeds and five temperatures for different hair types. We have to admit that using a hair dryer could be quite fearsome for those who have dry damaged hair, because there is the thought of further damaging it beyond repair. With Elchim, you will no longer have to worry about that, just plug it in and start making a miracle. Just be mindful of the temperature setting and do a test on your hair before you proceed to make sure that it is just the right temperature your hair can handle.

When one think of blow dryers, you frequently remember the hassle the sounds bring, we know it could be a little loud, or to the point that you might not be able to carry a decent conversation while it is on. The Elchim has a low noise level, which will still enable you to direct your son while blow drying you hair and actually hear muffled reply.

One thing to note of is that, it has a small nozzle and it would be a problem for some who doesn’t like to work with smaller sections of hair.​

Details of the Elchim Classic 2001 Dryer

Weight

2 pounds

Wattage

1875 watts

Hair Type

All types. Best for dry damaged hair, course, thick and frizzy hair

Features

7 switch combinations for speed and heat settings. Cold shot button

Heat Settings

Yes

Harry Josh Pro Tools 2000 Pro Dryer

Harry Josh Pro Tools 2000 Pro Dryer

Most hair dryers in the market are heavy and bulky; it is an issue for frequent users, because they will eventually feel lazy using it. What we need right now is something lightweight, accessible and probably compact, which you could bring wherever you travel to do away with the long and fussy air drying of your hair. ‘Lo and behold, this amazing lightweight patented ergonomic tool with its travel friendly size promises a silky-smooth hair due to its Ion functionality. And it can really deliver! It has an 8 heat, speed and ion settings, which are all very useful in determining which temperature, would best suit your type of hair, lessening the instance of damaging your hair.

We have all experienced it, whatever the temperature setting of your blow dryer, you just can’t seem to use it every day if your hair is treated, dry, or damaged. Where is the fun in that? If your hair is dry and damaged from travelling, the Harry Josh Pro Tools 2000 Pro Dryer is just right for you. With the Harry Josh, that is just a thing of the past, because no matter what hair type you have, it would be a pleasure to blow dry. This is all because the generated negative ions smoothens our hair and locks in moisture making it the best hair dryer to prevent fizz.

Lastly, it has a cooling button which is pretty handy when you are styling your hair. It could be a little painful to twist or bob your freshly blow dried hair because of the hit, but with just a push of a button this dryer releases a blast of air that cools your mane. This will enable you to properly handle your hair while blow drying.

However, this button is found on the dryer handle, in essence, there is a possibility that you might press it accidentally and release the cool hair when you are still in the process of drying your hair.

Details of the Harry Josh Pro Tools 2000 Pro Dryer

Weight

Light weight patented ergonomic design, over a pound

Wattage

1875 watts

Hair Type

All types. Best for dry damaged hair, course, thick and frizzy hair.

Features

8 heat, speed and ion settings. Cold shot button.

Heat Settings

Yes

BIO IONIC 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer

BIO IONIC 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer

The Bio Ionic 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer is our 4th best hairdryer. The lightest blow dryer weighing under a pound but boasts a patented EcoDrive motor that gets your hair done in less than 10 minutes. 10 minutes! This is why the Bio Ionic Ultralight is considered “The Flash”, amongst the blow dryers. There are surely a lot of things we can with extra minutes saved from blow drying, like feed the cat, wrestle with the kids a bit and what not. We were quite intrigued on how natural volcanic rock minerals are infused into this tool that enables it to emit negative ions which makes sure moisture is locked into your hair. No more worries with damage through frequent use. The Bio Ionic 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer includes a cool shot button, which keeps your hair at the right temperature while styling. No need to use gloves while blow drying as it has adjustable settings for heat and speed. You are definitely in control.

If you are one of those who have very thick unruly hair, that for some reason is always frizzy even when properly conditioned. Let this tool do its magic! When you are in a hurry and just fresh out of the shower, you could use this on your wet hair and proceed in styling. Not only that, even when your hair is dry, you have the option to refresh it by using the cool shot button feature.

Still unsure if you want to purchase, this blow dryer? It comes with a 10 year motor warranty, which we’re pretty sure is a guarantee of its durability. It also uses 75% less energy than other dryers, and totally eco-friendly because it has Zero EMF, Zero Ozone & Zero carbon micro-particle emissions.

Despite all of this, it is a bit expensive for the average Jane to purchase, and could be a little too hot most times depending on the usage because it has a really good motor capacity.

Details of the BIO IONIC 10x Ultralight Speed Dryer

Weight

Weighs under 1lb.

Wattage

1800W

Hair Type

All types. Best for dry damaged hair, course, thick and frizzy hair

Features

3 speed and Cool shot button

Heat Settings

Yes

Moroccanoil MO2000 Professional Series Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer

Moroccanoil MO2000 Professional Series Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer

The Moroccanoil MO2000 is a blow dryer that features the tourmaline ceramic technology that dries your hair gentler and more evenly. This technology prevents damaging of hair from harmful heat levels and dries hair 70 percent faster. The Moroccanoil MO 2000 produces less frizzed hair and more shine which is probably one of the best salon quality hair dryer.

Once you get this little tool you could test out the heat level and speed as it has different point of control; upper and lower switches. There are basically three speeds, low, medium and high fan and heat levels ranging from low to high as well. If you have coarse thick hair and typically takes a lot of time to tame them and normal dryers would just literally take their shine then this tool is perfect for you. Very easy to manipulate and we’re pretty sure you will not be able to burn your hair with this one as it comes with a cool shot button.

The cool shot button could be easily seen as this is the orange button which is labeled accordingly. Just make sure that you press it again if you want to turn off the cool shot feature. Similar to the rest of our blow dryers this is also lightweight; you can make use of round brushes in styling your hair appropriately. You have the option to buy the Moroccanoil round brush to go along with this product.

We’re positive that looking polished will be very easy with the Moroccanoil MO2000, it is compact, could easily fit your bag when travelling and also has a 1200 hours motor capacity. The only reason why it is number 5 is because the location of the buttons is very accessible to your wandering fingers while holding it. This means that you might occasionally press them by accident.

Details of the Moroccanoil MO2000 Professional Series Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Dryer

Weight

2.4 pounds

Wattage

1800 watts

Hair Type

All types.

Features

Lightweight, ergonomic design, Two speed settings and Cool shot button.

Heat Settings

Yes

Conclusion

To wrap up the question, what is the best hair dryer? Whether you’re looking for a salon quality hair dryer, it should basically be lightweight for comfortable and easy use. It should also be suited for your hair type, like using a tourmaline ceramic hair dryer for dry and damaged hair and should be within your budget. Additional features like the different speed and heat settings are also nice to consider but maybe not something you are absolutely keen on.

The post Top 5 Best Hair Dryers appeared first on ParentsNeed.

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