Amanda’s KIDDO Picks

Vanessa Maffia’s Pick: The Tiny Love Take-Along Arch, Sunny Stroll

I just received one of the more practical infant toys I have ever owned and wanted to share in my excitement over it.  It is called the Tiny Love Take-Along Arch, Sunny Stroll. It is an arch with hanging toys that can be adjusted to fit onto just about anything – a bassinet, crib, bouncer, highchair, exer-saucer and even car seat .  Its very well made, colorful, and keeps my 3 month old occupied.  I love that this is a such a versatile toy – helps reducte the clutter that builds so quickly with little ones!

 

 

Zoobie Pets

I always love multi functional kids products because kids seem to need so much stuff, the less we have to stuff into his bag the better. We love Zoobie pets because it a stuffed toy and blanket all rolled into one (literally). The perfect traveling companion!

Available at Hobbes & Landes in Manila.

Online: Baby Central & Bubble Couture

 

 

Beatrix Lunch Box

My son and I fell in love with the Beatrix line of lunch boxes! How can you not? All of the animals are incredibly cute. Our favorite? The Fernando Bear lunch box! Besides the beyond adorable cute factor these insulated lunch boxes are a functional way to keep your child’s food dresh  until lunch time.

Made with heavy-duty nylon and machine washable for kid-proof durability and easy cleaning. Back side has a name tag and a zipped pocket. Tested PVC Free, phthalate free, and lead free.

Balloonimals IPAD App

As a frequent traveler, my crutch has been the IPAD on flights to keep my little tyke entertained. K is at that oh-so-loveable stage where he understands what you say but chooses not to listen. I have discovered that I need to always come up with new ways to keep his attention in order for us to have a relatively peaceful flight.

I love this app Ballonimals as it is interactive, entertaining and a bit educational (they can learn what animals they are “creating” with the balloons and what sounds and movements they make (my favorite is the kangaroo with its baby joey).

 

HappyMelts Organic Yogurt Snacks

I love this handy yogurt snack which is healthy and no mess. Important for the mum of a toddler! I also love this snack because I can snack on it too. Love the flavors! There isn’t much sugar and tastes really good!

Available at

- Healthy Options in the Philippines

-  City Super in Hong Kong

LexNfant Silicone Chopstick Buddy

 

Make learning to use chopsticks easy and fun for your kids.

Available in many supermarkets in Hong Kong or contact Lex Living: +852 3110 1208 or email lexliving@lexlim.com.

The Farm’s Cheesy Almond Crackers

The whole family including Kieran and my husband LOVE these super healthy VEGAN crackers from The Farm. The crackers taste delicious and are so good for you too. I highly recommend buying these crackers and other goodies from the Farm rather than children’s biscuits (including the purported “healthy” ones which have so much added sugar). The Farm has healthy and delicious items such as raw almond butter, sprouted breads, dressings, jams, dips, pastries and their signature virgin coconut oil made at The Farm.

Simply call 0917 5722218 or email alive@thefarm.com.ph to order and then pick up from the Farm’s Manila Office at The Penninsula in Makati.

Bonds Wondersuit

One of my favorite brands bar none is Bonds Australia for the essentials. I have been a Bonds loyalist since my Uni days when I fell in love with their utilitarian basics (underwear and sandos). It came as no surprise to me that I would turn to the brand for my child. The best part about Bonds besides the quality, affordability and elegant simplicity? You can buy Bonds in any major supermarket in Australia!

I use and abuse these Bonds wondersuits for Kieran’s pajamas. They keep his feet and body warm in the airconditioned nursery. I find when I don’t have him in his wondersuit, his feet and hands are always freezing in the morning (no matter how I try to manipulate the airconditioner temperature).

Boogie Wipes

I discovered Boogie Wipes on our last trip to the States. They are great because they don’t irritate your little one’s nose (they are saline wipes that are extra soft and are alcohol, phthalate and paraben free), no matter how many times you have to wipe or blow their nose.

(You can get them from Babies to Toddlers.)

California Baby® No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick

Sunny or cloudy, you should never forget to put sunblock on your little ones. Especially when it is overcast..you think the sun’s rays aren’t out and so it is deceptively dangerous for your child’s skin. I love this California Baby Sunblock sitck because it is minimal mess and fuss. And super easy to put on a squirmy toddler.

Sophie the Giraffe

When you’re a Mum, you’ll notice this strange occurrence that 8/10 babies regardless of cultural background will have a squeaky rubber giraffe they are gnawing on. I remember spotting the giraffe when I was preggy and wondering what the big deal was when in all senses it resembled my dog’s chew toy. After multiple recommendations from other mums I bought the giraffe and it immediately became Kieran’s best friend.

Sophie the Giraffe, full of discoveries and activities to awaken EACH of baby’s senses. Sophie is 50 years old and hasn’t been modified since the day she was created! 

Available at Baby Central HK (they deliver all over Asia)

In the Philippines contact: 02-8610422, 09277687297 for Sophie the Giraffe

Animal Daysack

This adorable toddlers’ backpack holds a lot of stuff and the removable safety rein gives crucial parental control when you’re out and about. The Animal Daysack also has a weatherproof hood that stows away in a top pocket; your child can complete the transformation from little person to ladybird, turtle, cow, bee, shark, dinosaur or even a spider.

 

Lucas Papaw Ointment

When I was a uni student in Oz I happened upon Lucas Papaw ointment. It’s one of the most famous Australian remedies for just about anything and a certified mini miracle maker. At the time I used it as a lip balm. I had no idea that years later this product would be a staple in my home for my child and my family that I use for just about everything.

Lucas Papaw Ointment has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties and may be used as a local topical application on the following:

-Minor Burns-Chafing-Cuts-Gravel Rash-Minor-Open Wounds-Nappy Rash-Scalds-Sunburn-Splinters-Thorns-Insect bites-General rashes

It’s also great for temporary relief of the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema. Lucas Papaw Ointment is made in Australia from pure Australian papaws.

Parkalon Well-Being Play Mat

I really like my Parkalon Well-Being  Play Mat.  But more importantly Kieran loves it! For me it’s easy to move (rather than those other kinds you have to keep assembling). It’s nicely padded, hygenic and non toxic. Super easy to clean with soap and water. It’s also great for my garden! I also appreciate that  it has an antibacterial reverse side which destroys bacteria and reduces symptoms of bacterial diseases in the home. Kiery loves the Pororo design and I’m teaching him the animals on it so it’s a great interactive tool as well.

(The Parklon Play Mats are available in all Baby & Company boutiques and selected SM department stores.)

 

The Woombie

The Woombie Swaddle

If your baby is a newborn then you have to know that swaddling your baby is key!

The Woombie is the safest & most NATURAL way to Swaddle your baby, encouraging baby to softly stretch extremities as needed, just like in the womb. The Woombie comforts, softly confines arms; gently compresses baby’s unique curves to hug baby… helping baby sleep better, preventing Startling issues, face scratching, overheating and also preventing dangerous loose unraveled blankets from covering baby’s face.

(To order  The Woombie, go to www.woombie.multiply.com )

Charlie Banana Cloth Diapers

My ultimate must-have! Charlie Banana Cloth Diapers

Gentle on baby skin, kind on the wallet, considerate to our planet!

 

(Available at Babyland Shaw, Bumps Babies and Beyond (along Katipunan), Momtrepreneur (4/f Shangrila Mall), Shopfamilia, www.TheEcoBabyBoutique.com, Numa Infantcare (along Aurora blvd near Welcome Rotonda) and www.pinoybaby.com.

 

Pacimals

If I had known how dependent my baby boy was going to be on pacifiers I never would have introduced them. However, the point is moot. So, I love pacimals! A stuffed toy and pacifier in one. They are cute and they teach your baby how to hold things.

 

Bubble Machine

I haven’t met a kid yet who wasn’t entranced by bubbles. From babies to toddlers to children. I bought this bubble machine at Toys R US in HK and it’s definitely one of my best buys this year. Worked like a charm at my son’s FIRST Birthday party!

 

Happy Baby Organic Puffs

As a mum who is constantly on the go (out of the house) with Kieran in tow I like to have healthy and nutritious snacks on hand for my little  man. If I don’t have time to prepare home made goodies then I love to have Happy Baby Organic Puffs in stock. They’re easy, light and full of vitamins.

(Available at Healthy Options)