Must-Have January 2015 Finds For Babies and Kids
Our Must Haves For January
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On the heels of the holidays, we're not trying to sound greedy . . . it's just that good stuff keeps coming our way! From the coolest (and smartest) first mobile device for kids to an app that connects new moms with on-demand lactation consultants, here's everything that has us buzzing this month. Let's get 2015 off to a great start, shall we?!
FiLIP 2
In the category of "you can never be too careful," we're introducing you to FiLIP 2 ($100 plus mobile phone plan), a wearable device for kids that operates like a first mobile phone and safety monitor. Developed by a father after losing his son for 30 minutes in a crowded shopping mall, FiLIP 2 is worn, like a watch, on kids' wrists. Parents can call, text, and locate their children on the device, and kids can call and text up to five preset numbers. The FiLIP 2 Emergency mode is triggered if the child holds down the red button for three seconds — an emergency alert is sent to all five preset numbers and the device begins to call each of these numbers until someone picks up. Consider it a starter cell phone for kids who are too young to carry one — or a security blanket for their parents.
The Baby Jogger Vue Lite Travel System
We're all about simplicity, so when word got out about Baby Jogger's new all-in-one Vue Lite Travel System (for less than $300!), our ears perked up. The ultra-affordable and versatile baby-toddler transit system includes a lightweight umbrella stroller, the all-new City GO infant car seat, plus the car seat base and stroller adapter. Available exclusively at Target.com.
Grace Thomas: American Girl's 2015 Doll of the Year
Meet Grace Thomas, American Girl's 2015 Doll of the Year! Jumping on the ever-growing baking trend, Grace dreams of starting a baking business after visiting Paris and experiencing all of the delicacies that the city has to offer. With that in mind, American Girl has created both a Paris set and a French Bakery set to accompany its Girl of the Year doll. As with all American Girl dolls, Grace comes with a book that introduces fans to the 9-year-old girl.
And, for the first time, the company is partnering with No Kid Hungry to help eradicate childhood hunger in a yearlong fundraising effort it's calling "For Goodness, Bake!" American Girl has donated $50,000 to the cause and is encouraging kids to host bake sales in their hometowns and to donate their proceeds to the campaign.
Kidz Bop 27
The latest Kidz Bop will be released on Jan. 13, and if you've spent any time listening to the radio over the past two months, this is one album you'll want to add to your kids' playlists. Kidz Bop 27 ($12) is packed with hits like "Shake It Off," "All About That Bass," and "Cool Kids" — all with kid-friendly lyrics that you won't be embarrassed to have your kids reciting.
Yo Gabba Gabba!
The new season of Yo Gabba Gabba! launches on Saturday, Jan. 3, on Nick Jr., and while that in and of itself is something to get excited about, the guest lineup for this season already has us setting our DVRs. Think Busy Philipps, The Roots, Anne Heche, George Clinton, Todd Oldham, and more. This may be the one show parents actually want to watch with their kids this year!
Bitsbox
Just when we thought that there was a subscription box for everything under the sun, Bitsbox came along and dazzled us, offering monthly goodies for coders-in-training.
While the brand-new company is still in its nascent stages on Kickstarter, it's already surpassed its fundraising goals, and we have high hopes for Bitsbox's unique way of combining education and fun. The subscription service is targeted at kids ages 7 and up and allows its users to create their own one-of-a-kind apps (and, of course, give themselves coordinating temporary coding-inspired tattoos). Get in early by contributing $40 or more to the Kickstarter campaign to receive the first-ever Bitsbox this April.
Kid Lid Protect Board
One look at my laptop after a week of holiday vacation is the perfect advertisement for this smart new product. Grimy little fingerprints, crumbs settling their way into the keyboard — this is not how Apple intended it. Kid Lid's Protect Board ($29) comes in two sizes — 13- and 15-inch — and offers a universal fit for all Mac and PC laptops.
The BPA-free polycarbonate plastic cover rests above your keyboard, ensuring that your keys stay safe and clean (no accidental "XY7778901!!!!!*" messages to your boss at 6 a.m. either!) while the kiddos are monopolizing your screen for yet another episode of The Octonauts or Dora the Explorer. Genius.
Instant Help For Nursing Moms
Anyone who's done it knows that breastfeeding is no easy task. And for most of us, a 24/7 in-home lactation consultant isn't a luxury that the insurance companies offer. But through a new partnership with UpSpring Baby, Doctor On Demand is offering video visits with board-certified lactation consultants. You can connect via the web or the service's mobile app. Pricing starts at $40 for a 25-minute one-on-one consult. The relief that comes with being able to feed your baby without pain or stress? Priceless.
