Bringing a new baby home from the hospital is an exciting experience. You want to do everything you can to make sure that your baby is safe and secure in your house. The Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor, available at Walmart, will help assure you that your baby is safely sleeping in her room without you having to go in his room and risk disturbing her sleep.
My daughter is six-years-old and we still have a video monitor in her bedroom. She has what we think are night terrors and will cry out or whimper in the night. Before we had a video monitor either my husband or I would get out of bed to check on her. When she was about 2 1/2 years old her pediatrician told us that parents shouldn’t wake a child who is having a night terror. We have had a video monitor in her room since. Having a video monitor in her bedroom is a must for us and allows us to check on her without actually going into her room and risking waking her.
Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor
A typical baby monitor only allows you to hear the baby. The advanced technology in this video monitor allows you to see your baby in real time. The digital zoom provides a clear, close-up view of the baby on a high-resolution, 2.4″ color video screen.
Monitor Screen and Vision Modes
There are different vision modes built in, including a night mode, so you will always have a clear picture. For convenience, there is a built-in clock so you can check the time while you are checking on the baby.
Photo taken at night when my bedroom and my daughter's bedroom were dark - The lines are not on actually on the monitor but are a result of photographing a monitor.
Features active parents will love
For active parents, there is a belt clip on the video monitor so that you can keep it with you as you take care of things around the house. You can bring it with you to any room and you will never feel like you are too far from your baby. With this monitor, there will be nothing to worry about if you decide to close yourself in the bathroom for a bubble bath or head down to the basement to use the treadmill. Your baby will be in your sight at all times. The child unit even comes with a battery back-up so will not lose sight of your baby during a power outage. This Graco monitor operates on a 2.4 GHz frequency, so there will be no interference from other household electronics.
This digital video baby monitor provides new parents with a worry-free experience while their child is sleeping. New parents want to be able to watch their baby at all times. With this video baby monitor, parents can do that. While the baby is sleeping, parents have the benefit of being able to go about their normal routines and baby is never out of sight.
Disclosure: I received a Graco True Focus Digital Video Monitor for review. Graco asked for my honest opinion about the product and did not influence my statements in any way.
You should have seen the ‘shades’ I rigged for my kids in the car when they were infants. We would bring tape in the car on road trips knowing that we need to tape a pillow case to the window and then to my baby’s car seat in order to provide her with some shade so she could sleep without sweating. My husband’s homemade shades more often more efficient than mine because he had more patience to rig up a super duper homemade shade in the back seat of a van, than I did.
If you are on the go often, like most parents are, then you’ll love Snooze Shade. This is one of the few products that I have actually considered a Mommy Must-Have.
I’m sure you will be outside a lot during these summer months so be sure to (1) put sunblock on your kids and (2) keep one of these cool (literally) SPF 50+ SnoozeShades on your infant’s car seat to keep her safe from the sun and heat.
The SnoozeShade for Infant Car Seats is great for:
those times when your baby can’t switch off.. there’s just too much going on for her to fall asleep
encouraging good sleeping habits and better napping when you and baby are out and about
sun protection while taking a walk in the park
protection from the blaring sunshine that comes through the car window while on road trips right when she’s about to fall asleep (speaking from much experience)
The SnoozeShade for Infant Car Seats(Amazon.com link) comes with a storage pouch and is quick and easy to put on your infant’s car seat.
SnoozeShade also makes a shade for strollers, the SnoozeShade Original.
Disclosure: I was provided with SnoozeShade products for purposes of this review. My review is an honest opinion based on my experience with the product and was not influenced by SnoozeShade.
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Technology has changed the world we live in. Especially when it comes to being able to communicate and maintain relationships where geographical proximity is an issue. One of the leading tools in the evolution of technology is Skype. I live hundreds of miles away from my Dad and sister but they see my kids regularly on the computer or iPhone.
In case you don’t already know what Skype is, it is a program that you download onto your computer, laptop, or mobile device, which gives you the ability to talk to, video chat with, and text chat with others who have Skype.
A painful separation that often occurs for various life circumstances is the distance between grandparents and grandkids. Often grandparent, aunts, uncles, cousins and family friends don’t live as close to their loved ones as they would like, thus missing out on milestones such as a baby’s first step or a first homerun. But with technology the way it is today a connection is just one click away, and grandparents can be right there with their family at the ball park or in their grandchild’s home via a Skype video chat. Grandparents don’t have to miss their grandchild’s ball game because of proximity. Skype video chat allow grandparents to cheer on a loved one.
I’ve been using Skype quite a bit the last couple of weeks and have learned how Skype can make life easier and help me reconnect with people in my life like never before.
Here are some unique ways Skype can make life easier (and more fun!):
Have a virtual tutor for your child via Skype during summer break
Use earphones for a more private Skype conversation
Among the unique ways to use Skype also includes the ability to have a tutoring session or study time with someone who would otherwise not be around.
If your child needs to study math or has homework you just can’t help with, Skype with someone who can, for one on one attention. These tutoring sessions can be done from the comfort of your own home and you can save time and money while getting your child homework help or summer tutoring.
Use Skype while shopping – get advice on that fabulous dress or shoes while you’re at the mall
Take a best friend with you as you go shopping. I have been known to send my sister a photo or two while I’m in the dressing room at the mall. She lives hundreds of miles away but I almost always get her advice on the dress I’m trying on or a pair of shoes I adore, before buying.
Here’s a tip: Have your child use earphones during the tutoring session so she can better concentrate on the conversation. Earphones are also great to use while you’re at the mall trying on clothes for your sister via Skype and you don’t want the lady in the next dressing room to hear everything your sister is saying about your choice of clothes. 🙂
Skype is available to on many devices
Another wonderful feature of Skype is it’s accessibility. Skype is able to run on PCs, mobile phones, android devices, iOS devices, iPhones and Mac computers. This means that wherever you are and whatever you want to share with a loved one, you can do it on your mobile phone.
Do you have important timely information that is best communicated face to face? Don’t regret not living close to your family, it’s a fact of life, just make sure you bring your iPhone and your family can be right their with you when you need them most.
There is no comparison to actually seeing the person you are talking to be it your grand parent or your parent. Skype brings someone who may be a world away into your living room via your Mac, PC, iPhone or Android device.
Skype allows users to catch up with mom who you might not haven’t seen since the holidays. Skype makes all these things possible where they never were before, and it can help you connect with the world in a brand new way.
Here are some very interesting research findings around Moms and technology
Skype Moms and Technology Infographic
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Disclaimer: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.
A down pillow is something luxurious to sleep on. Unfortunately, I’ve learned over the years that down pillows can be a bit expensive and some people have allergies to down. DACRON®, and Fieldcrest have come up with the answer. It is a down alternative pillow that is filled with a special DACRON® memory fiber fill. This pillow is affordable for any budget, is as soft as down and has an added benefit..you do not have to fluff this pillow every night! The memory fiber expands to its original size every time. Pretty great, right? There are also no pinfeathers to poke through the fabric in the middle of the night.
The Target Fieldcrest Luxury Pillow w/Dacron Memory Fiber down alternative pillow is covered with 300 thread count cotton sateen fabric. That means the fabric has 300 threads to every inch. Most cotton pillowcases will have 150 thread count, which feels like a typical cotton fabric. A 200 thread count sateen feels smooth and luxurious. The 300 thread count cotton sateen will feel like superior luxury without the extravagant price tag. The pillows cost less than half the price of regular down pillows.
Fieldcrest Luxury pillow filled with DACRON® Memory Fiber
If you suffer from pain in your shoulders, upper back or neck, this new pillow is large and wide enough to offer full support while you sleep. Quality rest does not just come from the mattress alone. The most comfortable mattress cannot help if the pillow is not comfortable.
This hypo-allergenic product has a decided advantage to natural down. While natural down must be taken to a dry cleaners experienced in handling natural products, these pillows are machine-washable. They can be cleaned and hung to dry at home. This saves money for the customer while providing the ultimate in comfort.
Children love down alternative pillows too!
These pillows will make a wonderful addition to any bed. They will make great gifts for friends or family members who are having trouble getting enough rest every night. Use these in a house, dorm room, RV, boat or anywhere rest and comfort are needed. A good night’s rest is a sound investment.
The global business director for INVISTA’S Dacron® Fiberfill business stated, “Compared to other super-soft down alternative fiberfills, DACRON® Memory Fiber fiberfill offers a full hand and resilience.”
My husband and I have really enjoyed resting our heads on our new Fieldcrest Luxury Down Alternative Pillows, available exclusively at Target stores and Target.com around June 17th, the last couple of weeks. They look fabulous on our bed.. so much better than the flimsy, fluff filled pillows we had on our bed before.
This down alternative pillow is available at Target and bears the DACRON® fiber quality seal.
Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. I received two pillows for review purposes.
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I bet you thought just Moms post photos of their kids online, didn’t you?
With the popularity of social networking websites like Facebook on the rise, Dads are posting more photographs of their kids than ever via their smartphones.
A recent study found that 56% of new Dads post family photos online at least two times a week. With built-in social networking features of the Nokia Lumia 900 Windows phone, sharing pictures with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter is a snap. The Nokia Lumia 900 is like the Swiss Army Knife of work-life-balance – it offers loads of features that make everyday tasks faster.
Nokia Lumia 900 Windows phone for AT&T
This Father’s Day, give your husband or father the Nokia Lumia 900 jam packed with the features that will help Dad get the most out of his free time:
People Hub/Camera – Updating his social networks has never been easier or faster than with built-in Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. With Windows Phone, it takes only four seconds to take a picture and upload it to a social network. It’s simply faster than other phones.
Office Hub – With the Office Hub, Dad can edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents right from his phone. He’ll even be able to skip out a few hours early and play hooky at the baseball game by sending email and updating those documents from anywhere.
Groups – Put Dad in charge of the family reunion this year. With Groups he can easily group people together – family, friends, or colleagues – and pin them to his start screen. He can then check on all their social media updates in once place and keep everyone updated on the annual family get-together at once.
Music + Videos – The Music + Videos Hub in Windows Phone puts all of Dad’s media in one place. It’s his destination for all things media and entertainment, including finding and playing his favorite songs, videos or podcasts; listening to FM radio; and downloading or streaming music from the Web. And, if Dad hears a great new song but doesn’t recognize it, he can use the new Bing Music feature to identify the song and take him to Zune Marketplace to purchase or stream it
CNN News app on Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone
Apps
ESPN ScoreCenter: Bringing him scores, news, and standings from hundreds of sports leagues around the world. ScoreCenter offers the most comprehensive global sports coverage available on the Windows Phone.
CNN: The best news on mobile is only the beginning. This Nokia-exclusive app enables you to help take citizen journalism to the next level. Get top stories delivered via Live Tiles and receive “real time” iReporting. Even submit your video stories for the world to see.
Flixster: be the first Dad on the block to see all this summer’s blockbuster action flicks. With Flixster, Dad can view the top box office leaders, upcoming movies, and new DVD releases, and watch high quality trailers for over 15,000 blockbuster and indie flick.
MSN Onit: Every day, dad will find new photos of beautiful cars, financial tips and fitness tips, style advice and sports updates, DIY from steak grilling to demolition–plus a touch of science, a touch of entertainment, and a laugh or two.
The Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone from AT&T is a premiere device priced at $99.99 with a two-year contract, making it an affordable gift for Dad that doesn’t skimp on quality or user experience.
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Disclosure: I was not compensated for writing this post. I received a Nokia Lumia 900 for review purposes.
comes with a storage pouch and is quick and easy to put on your infant’s car seat.
The global business director for INVISTA’S Dacron® Fiberfill business stated, “Compared to other super-soft down alternative fiberfills, DACRON® Memory Fiber fiberfill offers a full hand and resilience.”
