Strider 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike {Review}

While I am immensely proud of both of my children and all of their accomplishments, I have felt incredibly guilty over the years that I didn't work with them both a little more on some of the skills that I consider basic.

I couldn't tell you if either of them could stand on roller skates and maybe it wouldn't have taken them both so long to learn to throw and catch, swim or ride a bike had I put in more hours of practice with them?

These days, however, I'm pretty sure that parents of young children have an advantage. Whereas it took what felt like ages for my kids to build up enough confidence and finally grasp the concept of how to steer and balance a bike, now it is so much easier to teach kids how to ride without training wheels thanks to the ingenuity and quality from Strider.

Founded in 2007, Strider Sports International began because a father wanted to make a better bike for his two-year-old son. By removing everything relating to pedaling (pedals, cranks, bearing, chain and sprockets), the result was a simple, lightweight, no-pedal design that teaches young children to balance on two wheels right from the start.

Instead of pedaling, a balance bike is propelled by the child's feet and is an alternative to training wheels that has boomed in popularity. Once a child is confident and has learned to balance and steer on a pedal-less bike, they are able to graduate directly to a two-wheeler and never look back. 

These days, Strider's line of no-pedal bikes (which come in varying sizes for just about any age and ability) are distributed worldwide, along with their unique collection of accessories, safety gear, apparel and more. And really, what child wouldn't be over the moon to find a Strider 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike under the tree this holiday season?

Strider's mid-level option filled with features galore, the 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike is the perfect bike for teaching kids 18 months - 5 years how to ride without training wheels. Just let your kid be a kid and progress at their own pace, building confidence and eliminating fear as they glide!

Just from lifting the box, I could tell that the Sport was going to be extremely lightweight, as it could be moved around extremely easily. Once I had removed the pieces and realized that there were no tools necessary for assembly, I was even more excited to see this high quality no-pedal bike put together!

Thanks to the minimal number of pieces and pretty easy-to-follow directions in the manual, it took  around five minutes before I had this amazing bike put together and ready to go.

Is there anything more that Strider could have included in this adorable little bike? It was time to have my favorite young friends give it a try!

Eager to go for a ride, my little bikers had no problem hopping on the Strider Sport and starting off down the block.

Even though they weren't all exactly sure what they were supposed to do at first, it didn't take long before they were moving slowly down the sidewalk one way...

...and back the other.

Right away I thought it was great that Strider includes two ergonomic seat options with their Sport model — a smaller narrower mini-saddle designed for younger, beginning riders and a padded XL saddle to fit kids over 3 years old. Talk about being able to customize this exactly and have it grow right along with your child!

Both of the seats use a quick-release method of staying in place, so swapping from one to the other or changing the height takes a matter of seconds. At the same time, the mini-grip handlebar is not only perfectly sized for little hands (and has a safety pad, just in case), but it also utilizes a quick-release clamp so that adjusting the height is just as quick and easy as it is for the saddle.

Once the Sport was adjusted to a smaller size (maybe 20 seconds?), I was able to see just how easy it was for the younger crowd (around 18 months) to get used to this bike as well.

While this age set obviously has a longer way to go before they are pushing and gliding, it was clear that a balance bike was the perfect thing to start building confidence and begin to give younger children a head start at riding a bike as they weren't scared in the slightest.

Plus, let's be honest. Can the little ones really get any cuter with their wide-eyed innocence?

All in all, the Strider Sport's simple, no-pedal design combined with its high quality construction and its impressive features really come together into one pretty incredible bike.

The puncture-proof EVA polymer tires will never go flat, there is a launchpad footrest with grip tape for older kids to rest their feet when pushing off and the ultralight 6.7 pound weight feels like nothing. Instead of having young kids struggle with a heavy, bulky bicycle, this one can be moved and used with ease!

By encouraging mobility and the rapid development of balance, strength, and fine motor skills, it's great to be able to stand back and watch the confidence level in your child continue to increase each time. Strider has made it possible for kids to have their feet on the ground and progress at their own pace.

Plus, while their bikes' unique design helps avoid developmental delays typical with tricycles and training-wheel bikes, all the kids know is that they're having FUN! Even in the chilly temperatures of our Midwest winter, these little ones didn't want to stop gliding and gliding and gliding!

Available in seven dynamic colors (black, blue, green, pink, red, orange and yellow) with an MSRP of $119, the Strider 12 Sport does cost more than the regular bikes that you'll find the store. However, the incredible quality of the steel frame, the quick-release adjustable seat and handlebar, and the solid molded wheels are sure to last through multiple children and many years of use. This would truly make an amazing holiday gift!

For more information about the Strider 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike and all of Strider's incredibly successful products, visit StriderBikes.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Other than the Strider 12 Sport No-Pedal Balance Bike that I was provided by Strider in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this product.

FAB*Starpoint My Little Pony Plush Backpack {Review}

When both of my girls reached the age when they would start attending preschool, they were extremely excited. Not only for the opportunity to be a "big kid" or the chance to get to go hang out with friends for a few hours... but because of their backpack.

That's right, their backpack.

Both kids have always been somehow enthralled by the way that backpacks offer the capability to tote things around and that they contain your own special belongings for you.

Most recently, however, backpacks have become even more than that. Now that we've had the chance to see all of the amazing, unique, fashionable and extremely fun options from FAB*Starpoint, all accessories and bags will never be the same.

Leaders in multi-category product licensing and manufacturing, FAB*Starpoint offers the most creative, colorful options for kids and women that you've ever seen.

No matter if your child loves NBA basketball, Paul Frank, Skylanders, Candy Land, Lalaloopsy, Mr. Potato Head or many more, FAB*Starpoint has an incredible piece of gear that can show that off (while still being perfectly practical at the same time).

While I have no doubt that Little Sister B would flip for any of the girly, pink Hello Kitty options...

...I also knew that she would flip over seeing one of her other favorite characters portrayed in an extremely cute, plush, stylish way as well.

Sure enough, with the arrival of the FAB*Starpoint My Little Pony 12" Plush Backpack, it was all-out pony adorableness!

Combining all of the features that a toddler needs into one charming backpack, this My Little Pony Plush Backpack is lightweight with plenty of padding, adjustable straps, and an all-over softness that is unlike traditional bags. It's not often when you're able to wear a backpack that feels as cuddly as a stuffed animal!

All of the details come together in such a fun and eye-catching way...

...and the large inner pocket and smaller outer pocket are easily enough storage for a little one's clothes, shoes, artwork or letters to go to and from preschool (or to pack for a sleepover at Grandma's).

As the 12" size is smaller than a traditional backpack, this bag is just right to not overwhelm younger children or prove to be too big and bulky like the standard sizes tend to do.

In essence, it's just completely adorable and fun!

To see the full line of awesome FAB*Starpoint bags and accessories to decide which ones would amaze the child in your life the most to find under the tree this holiday season, visit FabNY.com. Their 12" backpacks retail between $17.99 - $19.99 and can be found at Toys 'R Us and a limited number of Claire's stores.

Other than the My Little Pony 12" Plush Backpack that I was provided by FAB*Starpoint in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Creative Baby i-Mat: My Animal World {Review & Giveaway}

Say what you will about children and technology, but there is no way to deny the benefits that have come from the large surge in kid-friendly devices, gadgets and apps over the last five years.

The abundance of ways for children to learn colors, practice writing, excel at counting, learn to read, etc, etc, has allowed the next generation to pick up skills even younger than before... often without even realizing that they are learning due to the fun of the game, the colorful graphics or the familiar characters.

With that said, however, we all know that the internet is a dangerous place for kids and that there are plenty of apps available that, to put it nicely, shouldn't have been created in the first place.

So what's a parent to do? Is there a way to combine entertainment, education, safety and complete child-appropriateness into one product that can be used and loved by all ages?

There is, and it's available now from Creative Baby Inc. in the form of the soft, colorful, delightful i-Mat: My Animal World.

Developed for babies as young as 18 months old, Creative Baby's i-Mat is made of four interlocking soft sections that are activated when used with its Voice Pen. A simple point to an animal with the pen results in an animal sound, word, music or a foreign language translation for the younger crowd and a search-and-find game for slightly older children.

On top of that, the i-Mat itself is phthalate-, lead- and heavy metal-free, and no electronics mean no worries for wiping the mat clean. So if you're looking for a way to protect your child from bumps and bruises on your hardwood floor, you can rest assured that they can hang out on this colorful, interactive mat with sounds and games at the same time!

Could this get any more unique and creative? I was eager to find out!

Although the actual assembly for the i-Mat took around 30 seconds (simply attach the four puzzle pieces together), I found that it took me much longer due to how much fun I had looking at all of the adorable animals!

I love that Creative Baby used illustrations that are cute but that aren't overly cutesy, making them look like cartoons. Instead, each one looks clearly as the animal and is found in a habitat that resembles where it actually lives.

After installing two batteries in the Voice Pen (not included), putting the set to use was a snap!

In the upper right corner of the i-Mat itself, simply touch the pen to the On/Off image and then choose the language that you would like to use — English, Spanish or Chinese.

Then it's ready to go!

Although Big Sister E and Little Sister B are a bit too old for just touching the animals to hear their names and sounds, they both still enjoyed moving around the i-Mat to try each one out... and got a big kick out of the jazzy music that plays for the animals that don't typically make a recognized sound (e.g. butterfly, camel, penguin).

As a bonus, however, they have had no problem switching the i-Mat to Spanish or Chinese to start learning the animal names in other languages — which is something that I definitely wouldn't be able to teach them on my own!

For slightly more of a challenge, however, the i-Mat: My Animal World includes two interactive games.

• Game 1: Where is the {animal}?


• Game 2: What animal makes {sound}? or What animal is {color}? or What animal {movement, such as flies}?

Although a few of the options in Game 2 made Big Sister E stop and think, she still found that overall the i-Mat was slightly too young for her. Little Sister B, on the other hand, was also able to answer most all of the questions in both games (if the child answers incorrectly three times, it moves on to the next question) and has loved seeing what it will ask her next!

Along with my big kids, we have also tried out the Creative Baby i-Mat: My Animal World with a few younger children as well and have found that they have enjoyed it just as much.

Ranging in age from 18 months to 2½, our younger testers' eyes lit up when they saw the colorful animals and realized just how soft and fun it was to move around on the i-Mat. Plus, as they used the Voice Pen more and more, it was easy to see them learning the names and sounds of the animals, particularly those that are more unique and they might not have previously known (e.g. seal, dragonfly).

I loved seeing them get delighted when they found the animal that they were looking for, giggle and laugh as they made the sounds along with the i-Mat (the gorilla was a big hit!), dance around when the music played, and even hear themselves speak by using the sound recorder on the Voice Pen. It was definitely a hit!

The main issue that we encountered was discovering that the location of the power button and the record button on the Voice Pen are in the same location where a child holds the pen while using it. Therefore, each one of the toddlers who tried this out proceeded to press the buttons multiple times (accidentally as well as on purpose), causing the pen to turn off or the recording beeps to occur over and over.

I would love to see these buttons moved to a less-used location or else the option of "locking" them to avoid being continually pressed!

All in all, we found that the i-Mat: My Animal World has proven to be extremely innovative, educational and entertaining and that children of all ages give it two thumbs up — I can't recall seeing a product at all similar to this that can provide such a multitude of possibilities for learning and fun!

Sold as a set, the thick and durable i-Mat and Voice Pen retail for $79.99. The Voice Pen can also be purchased separately (which would allow several children to play on the i-Mat at the same time) for $59.99 and more themed adventures (i-Mat Under The Sea and, coming soon, i-Mat My Alphabet) can be purchased from $24.99 to $29.99.

As new pads are introduced, parents can connect the Voice Pen to any computer with internet access (with the included USB cable), and download the new sound file from Creative Baby's website to the i-Mat Voice Pen, which has a 2 GB memory. Who doesn't love a product that can continue to grow and expand with their child?

To find out much more about Creative Baby and their ingenious products (there is a great video on their homepage that really shows off the i-Mat, check it out!!), visit their website at CreativeBabyInc.com and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter. Plus, for a limited time, Creative Baby is offering free shipping for all preorders on their website so now is a great time to get started on holiday shopping!

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be able to provide a world of animal fun and learning to a child in their life as well, because...

One lucky person will win an i-Mat: My Animal World and Voice Pen from Creative Baby!

Entry-Form

A big thank you to Creative Baby for providing an i-Mat and Voice Pen for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

A Comfortable Place for Kids to Sleep with the Joovy Foocot Child Cot {Review}

When Big Sister E was invited for her first sleepover this past summer, it's not an exaggeration at all for me to say that I was far more nervous about it than she was.

She's going to go to sleep somewhere else? What if she's scared? What if the change in her normal routine is too much? What if she wakes up and needs me but I'm not there? Not to mention that what if this is another sign that she is growing up and truly doesn't need me anymore? (My neuroses apparently cover both sides of all situations.)

In the end, there was (of course) no need to worry. Big Sister E had fun, managed to get some sleep, and returned home the following day still completely nonchalant about the entire situation. The only wrinkle? Apparently she and her friend decided that no one should have to sleep on the floor, so both girls climbed into the same twin bed and attempted to sleep... a bit crowded.

But unless you have a room with bunkbeds or a trundle (or you want to lug a second mattress from one location to another), what is the other option to avoid someone slumbering on the hard floor during sleepovers, traveling, camping and more?

The answer is quite simple, stylish and convenient, actually. It's the Joovy Foocot Child Cot.

A U.S.-based company that manufactures premium family gear products, Joovy's goal is to design and offer items that are extremely useful, practical, good-looking and fun. All of their innovative products have top-of-the-line features and use vibrant, high quality fabrics and materials — aspects that parents everywhere can definitely appreciate.

As I have long been a fan of Joovy (their Caboose Stand-On Tandem Stroller is always a top recommendation of mine when parents are having their second child), I had no doubt that the Foocot would provide the same type of ease, comfort and enjoyment.

Sure enough, right out of the box it was ready to go.

Weighing only 6.61 pounds and standing 8" x 6" x 24.5" when folded, the Foocot comes in its own handy travel bag with a carrying strap.

Whether you are packing this in a suitcase or your child is tossing it over their shoulder on their way to daycare, this compact, lightweight package is easy to transport and hardly takes up any extra space.

Once you've reached your destination, the setup process for the Joovy Foocot is far less than it takes for your child to get into their pajamas.

Simply remove from the bag, stretch the legs outward while pushing down in the center until the safety lock latches and you're done. The whole process takes 10 seconds, max!

I love that Joovy included the safety lock so that there is never any worry that you haven't fully extended the Foocot or that it might start to fold while your child is sleeping...

...as well as a super soft, heavy-duty 100% cotton sheet (additional sheets sold separately) for added comfort and cleanliness.

The end result is a durable, portable bed that can be popped up in an instant for sleepovers, cruises, hotels, camping and playing that supports a child up to 48 inches tall or 75 pounds.

Both Big Sister E and Little Sister B have been enthralled with the Foocot since its arrival and have wanted to sleep or play on it multiple times.

They each have commented on the comfort and that this is a "bed that's MY size!" while also enjoying the addition of the two pockets on either side of the Foocot.

Perfect for storing books, pj's, stuffed animals, sippy cups, a nightlight and more, these pockets are just right for a child to place any of their beloved sleeping items right within reach.

Available in four fun colors — Blueberry, Orangie, Greenie and Pink — the Foocot retails for $69.99 from Joovy and is one item that you may not have known you needed, but once you've tried it, you know you can't live without it. It's just so easy to pop open and closed (simply lift up the safety lock, push the legs back together and slip it into the travel bag) that it can go anywhere and everywhere!

Your child will love the feeling of security knowing where they will nap or sleep while they are away from their own bed, while parents are relieved of the hassle of blowing up an air mattress, using a hotel roll-away bed or squishing more than one body onto one mattress. Bring on the sleepovers!

Find out much more about the Foocot and all of Joovy's high quality products by visiting them at Joovy.com and connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the Foocot that I received from Joovy in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion about this product.

i play., Inc. Winter Accessories and green sprouts Organic Velour Blankie Animal {Review & Giveaway}

As fall turns into winter here in the Midwest, it always makes me think of two things.

One, I don't like winter.

Two, I'm thankful for durable, high quality gear that I can count on to keep my kids warm and comfortable throughout all of the cold days that we endure.

Fortunately for Little Sister B, I only have to reach into her closet to pull out her Waterproof Insulated Snow Bib from our i play., Inc. review last February. After all, these incredible snow bibs kept every snowflake off of her last winter day after day (and barely even look worn now), so I have no doubt that they will provide the same stellar performance this year.

Although this year will be even better thanks to the addition of our new favorite winter accessories: the Fleece Earwarmer Cap, Fleece Mittens and Mitten Clips from i play. as well as the adorable Organic Velour Blankie Animal from green sprouts.

Available in Navy or Pink combinations, these Cap, Mittens and Clips are available for infants through toddlers to keep their heads and hands toasty all winter long. 

I love that the fleece-covered flaps of the hat completely protect little ears and the inclusion of the Velcro closure under the chin ensures that it won't blow off in the wind or let cold air in the sides. As opposed to other, lightweight, flimsy hats that we have owned, this one features multiple layers of fleece that provide warmth as well as a cute style.

Even better, it is reversible! If there is a chance that Little Sister B ever gets tired of the Pink Floral, we can easily flip the whole thing over to show the solid pink microfleece lining instead.

As much as we have loved this hat, the arrival of the i play. Fleece Mittens and Mitten Clips has been an exciting occurrence that has been thrilling Little Sister B (and me) every day since.

These warm fleece mittens (also available for infants through toddlers) feature an elastic wrist opening with a Velcro wrist closure. The combination makes them easy for Little Sister B to put on and off by herself, while also providing a way to stay tightly closed to keep out any cold or snow.

Add in the overall thickness of the bright pink fleece and the non-skid palm patches for added protection, and it's no wonder that these are my daughter's favorite mittens!

However, as well as keeping her hands safe and warm, I love that these mittens also provide me with less worry over loss due to the convenient Mitten Clips!

Gone are the days of my youth when I had a piece of string running up and down my sleeves to tie my mittens on, as these clips are a quick, convenient, stylish alternative.

Simply attach one end to the mitten and one end to the end of a coat sleeve (they even have safety clips to help prevent pinched fingers), and you won't miss having to say, Where are your mittens?, What happened to your mittens? and Why do you only have ONE mitten? over and over again.

With a retail price of $13 for the Fleece Earwarmer Cap, $9 for the Fleece Mittens and $5.50 for the Mitten Clips, the combination of all three has provided the perfect way for Little Sister B to stay bundled up and happy all winter long.

Speaking of happy, we're always on the lookout for great products that will make wonderful, joy-providing gifts for the new babies of our friends, so we couldn't be more excited about being able to soon gift the Cornflower Lion Organic Velour Blankie Animal from green sprouts.

Available in Rose Bunny, Cornflower Lion or Sage Panda designs, this plush blankie doll is just right for small hands to grab and hold. Created from an organic cotton/poly velour and lightly filled with cotton, this cute animal not only provides babies with a soft pal, but parents don't have to to worry about it being unsafe if it goes into their little one's mouth.

Retailing for $15, all of this cuteness and plush softness is making me want to keep Cornflower Lion for myself!

From adorable layette to sweet little rain boots to toys that will bring a smile, i play., Inc.'s high quality and affordable prices will keep you coming back for more. Available online or in retail stores across the country and worldwide, you can easily find these amazing products throughout the internet or check them out in person at your favorite nearby store.

And, thanks to i play.'s generosity, two people will get to do just that, because...

One lucky person will have their choice of the size and color Fleece Earwarmer Cap, Fleece Mittens or Mitten Clips from i play. and one lucky person will have their choice of the Rose Bunny, Cornflower Lion or Sage Panda from green sprouts!

Enter using the Giveaway Tools form below — simply enter your name and email addres and click on each entry that you would like to complete. Follow the directions for each individual method, entering in the necessary information when asked. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to let me know.

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A big thank you to i play., Inc. for providing the aforementioned products for me to review as well as one product each for two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll. 

Enjoy Pampers Radio Stations now on Pandora {$25 Toys 'R Us/Babies 'R Us Gift Card Giveaway}

In a conversation with friends recently about favorite apps, one that was mentioned that received multiple head-nods was Pandora Radio.

On a mission to play only the music you love, Pandora is a free online service (available in your home, business, car or from your phone) that allows you to create customized radio stations that play only what you want to hear. Simply enter the name of one of your favorite songs, artists or genres into their system and it will scan almost a century's worth of recordings to find songs with musical similarities to your choice.

Pretty amazing that you can take one favorite song and suddenly turn it into a listening experience full of current and soon-to-be favorite songs picked just for you, isn't it?

So what's new with Pandora to make it even more appealing? None other than two Pampers radio stations, one geared towards babies and the other designed for toddlers, allowing parents to select which works best for their child(ren).

For help with soothing newborns, the Baby Lullabies station is filled with calming, relaxing songs sung by current artists to help babies (and tired parents) unwind. For the toddler crowd, Toddler Sing-a-Longs is an entertaining station filled with fun songs that your child is sure to recognize and enjoy.

As an added bonus, listening to either of these stations will give you limited-time, on-screen offers from Babies 'R Us and Toys 'R Us, so you can enjoy saving money while you groove (or relax) to these great tunes.

Find both of these new stations by searching for "Pampers" on Pandora.com or by following this link. Unfortunately, the Pampers Radio stations featured on Pandora and the limited-time Toys 'R Us and Babies 'R Us offers will only be available until August 12th, so take advantage of this valuable resource for wonderful music and extra bargains while you still can.

Ready to celebrate Pampers partnering with Pandora? Thanks to Procter & Gamble, Pampers' parent company, one person will be ready to take advantage of those special deals and discounts, because...

One lucky person will win a $25 gift card that can be used at either Toys 'R Us or Babies 'R Us!

(Enter with the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any questions or problems entering, there is a video tutorial found here that can help.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A big thank you to Procter & Gamble for providing a $25 Toys 'R Us/Babies 'R Us gift card for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.