Month: September 2022

The Best Organic Baby Formula Brands of 2022

Post author By
Post date September 29, 2022

Every new parent wants to give their baby the nutrition they need. With all of the different formulas on the market, it can be difficult to decide which is best for your child. “Choosing a formula is a big decision for families,” says Natasha Burgert, M.D., F.A.A.P., Philips Avent’s pediatrician. The good news is that all formulas must meet federal nutrient requirements, and infant formula manufacturers must notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to marketing a new formula.

But as concerns grow regarding food sources, chemicals and pesticides, choosing organic is an option for parents who are looking to minimize their baby’s exposure to certain preservatives and additives. Organic baby formulas go a step further than conventional ones as they have to meet additional federal guidelines to get the USDA Organic Stamp, but Dr. Burgert says there may not be a huge nutritional difference between the two.

Regardless of whether you are purchasing organic or non-organic formula, pay attention to the ingredients in whichever option you choose. Some formulas utilize glucose and corn syrup for their carbohydrates as opposed to lactose which is the main carbohydrate source in breast milk. Choosing a formula that is as close to breastmilk as possible or modeled after breastmilk is key, which is why we did the work for you and rounded up the best organic baby formula brands available in the United States. Here are the best organic baby formula brands, according to experts and parents.

BEST OVERALL

EARTH’S BEST

Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron Milk-Based Powder

Earth’s Best line of infant formulas includes dairy, sensitivity and gentle, which all meet the U.S. FDA’s nutritional requirements and regulations, and are USDA National Organic Program Approved, non-GMO and kosher. The formulas contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and meet all FDA requirements for infant nutrition. This one, in particular, is fortified with iron, DHA and ARA and contains lutein for eye health and prebiotic fiber for digestion too.

Our registered dietitians point out that Earth’s Best formulas are made without potentially harmful pesticides and produced with milk from cows that are humanely raised and not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. “Once we started using Earth’s Best, we no longer had to use gas drops like we did with his previous formula,” one mother from our panel said. “We currently switch between the regular and gentle due to the formula shortage. Because of the low inventory, it can be difficult to find multiple canisters of the same type, but switching doesn’t seem to bother my little guy’s tummy.”

Earth’s Best shared with Good Housekeeping that they maintain rigorous internal standards and testing procedures to ensure their products meet the current national and international food guidelines. They work collaboratively with suppliers and associations from the food sector to continuously refine and improve upon the standards to ensure their products exceed safety and nutrition standards – including reducing the levels of heavy metals that occur naturally in soil and water.

Availability: Earth’s Best is widely available through Amazon’s platform and at retailers nationwide, including but not limited to CVS, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Buy Buy Baby, Bed Bath & Beyond and other retailers.

How we choose the best baby formula

Registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed over 20 organic formula products, evaluating everything from ingredient lists and DHA content to mixability and clumping. In addition to being certified organic, our top picks are also void of corn syrup solids and meet current FDA guidelines. We consulted a panel of parents who currently use the formulas with their infants for their real-life feedback on factors contributing to both parent and baby experience with the product, such as ease of use and baby tolerance. We worked with pediatricians for their insights as well and evaluated testing data and literature provided by the brands to support their claims.

What should parents look for when purchasing formula?

“Choosing a formula is a big decision for families. The vast majority of infants use a traditional, milk-based formula. That’s the type of formula I would explore first,” says Dr. Burgert.

Dr. Burgert adds that there may be different formula additives or “extras” in certain brands, but the fundamental proteins, carbohydrates and micronutrients are very similar in all standard formulas. “Much of the extra value that formula companies claim on the label has little, if any, evidential support.”

But finding the right formula for your baby and one that they tolerate may take some time. “Since every baby is different, feel free to experiment with different brands to find out the one that your baby likes best,” Dr. Burgert advises. “Especially during the formula shortage, know that most babies will easily transition from one brand to another with little fuss. Read your labels to find formula equivalencies, and reach out to your pediatrician for help.”

Is organic formula better than conventional formula?

Organic baby formulas go a step further than conventional ones as they have to meet additional federal guidelines to get the USDA Organic Stamp. That being said, there may not be a huge nutritional difference. “Conventional formula is nutritionally equivalent to organic formula,” Dr. Burgert says. “Some families have a personal preference towards organic formulas, but there is no evidence that is a nutritionally superior choice.”

Both organic and conventional formulas usually contain nutrients like DHA, AHA, prebiotics and lutein which may all have beneficial benefits for baby, but organic formulas do tend to come at a premium price. But if organic eating is a priority in your household, there aren’t any drawbacks to choosing organic formula so long as it meets FDA requirements.

Should I purchase formula from overseas?

Purchasing imported formula online or through a dealer can be extremely risky and is not advised. Infant formula is one of the most highly regulated foods in America, and the FDA monitors all formulas and consistently inspects manufacturers to make sure products are safe for your baby. If they are not safe, the formula will be recalled and customers will be quickly informed. Lack of FDA regulation, shipping and storage concerns, and labeling differences are some of the many reasons why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has expressed strong concern over buying imported infant formulas online. There is no scientific evidence or research to show that imported formulas are better for babies. However, during the formula shortage, the FDA is looking closely at approving some imported formulas from reliable sources but this will be with full FDA oversight to ensure safety.

Tags baby, Infant formula, powdered milk

Baby Safety Seat

3 Best Convertible Car Seats, According to Experts

Post author By
Post date September 27, 2022

A new baby requires a laundry list of products to keep them healthy, happy and safe. All those things can add up, especially when your little one is growing out of their clothes, toys and essentials in the blink of an eye, so anywhere you can save on space and money is a win in our books. Luckily, when it comes to car seats, nabbing the right convertible car seat means your baby can use the same one from infancy to toddlerhood, and sometimes even longer, since it seamlessly transitions from rear-facing to forward-facing; some can even turn into booster seats!

Unlike infant car seats or booster seats, convertible car seats tend to be more of a permanent fixture in a family vehicle. While in most cases they aren’t able to clip into a stroller and turn into a travel system or be toted around like a carrier as many infant car seats are, you only have to purchase it once, click it into your car and not worry about it for the next few years. Because this car seat will likely last for years and be your one and done, picking the right one for your family, lifestyle and car type is essential so you can get the most use out of it.

The parenting and product experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested over two dozen convertible car seats in the past few years to find the best ones, evaluating safety, company customer service, ease of installation, angle and harness adjustments. We conduct our tests in vehicles of various sizes in every configuration detailed in the instruction manuals. These pics are based on Lab-tested picks, top-performing brands, category expertise and real-life consumer feedback.

Looking for a stroller to go with your new car seat? Check out our favorite jogging strollers, double strollers or lightweight strollers. Need even more recs? Our pros also test all of the must-haves for babies, toddlers and children, from the best baby strollers to top-rated safety gates to hot new toys and everything in between.

BEST OVERALL CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

GRACO

SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1

Even narrower than the original Graco SlimFit, this updated design of our expert-favorite car seat is an easy-to-install option at a comparatively modest price point. Not only can you maximize the backseat space with this ultra-slim (just 16.7″) all-in-one pick, but it grows with your little one from infancy to childhood. Use the rear-facing harness for baby, forward-facing for toddler and the highback booster for your older kid. The SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is meant to take your child from birth all the way through big kid status with convenient features like a 10-position headrest, four-position recline and no-rethread harness.

Unlike other convertible car seats, this all-in-one model transforms from infant car seat all the way up to a booster, giving it a total weight range from five to 100 pounds. Plus, rotating cup holders make this already slim design even more compact, helping to save space in tight back seats. Our experts love how easy it is to install this seat thanks to a clever belting system and one-click LATCH system, and parent testers lauded the no-rethread harness system that made positional adjustments a cinch. No need to worry about squeezing three kiddos in most backseats since you can fit this carseat three across in any configuration (front- or rear-facing).

BEST DURABLE CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT

BRITAX

Boulevard ClickTight Anti-Rebound Bar

This pick from Britax has highly adjustable positioning with a seven-position recline, 14-position harness and two-position buckle with a no-rethread design, making it simple to maintain the perfect fit as your child grows. The padded anti-rebound bar helps stabilize the car seat while in a rear-facing configuration to make your little one as safe as possible. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors and designs great for everyone’s style.

Our Lab pros love that the ClickTight Installation System makes it easy to know when the seat is tightened correctly so you don’t have to fiddle with the adjustments and can install in a matter of minutes. Although it’s on the heavier and bulkier side, which can make it a bit more difficult for smaller cars or those who want to switch the car seat between a few vehicles, we found this pick to be very durable.

BEST CONVERTIBLE CAR SEAT FOR SWITCHING CARS

UPPABABY

Knox Convertible Car Seat

This modern design boasts premium construction, with features including a multi-directional tether to reduce seat rotation, a no-rethread harness, eight-position headrest and four-position recline. In road tests, our pros found that even though installation requires a bit more attention to the instructions, it fits well in a range of vehicle sizes and the brand’s SmartSecure System offers a great visual to confirm a secure fit since the colors change from red to green when when the seat is correctly installed.

While it’s definitely on the heavier and bulkier side (it’s the second heaviest seat in this roundup), the multi-directional tether to reduce seat rotation and side impact pods that help crash absorption make it an exceptionally safe option. The removable cupholder that can be added to either side of the seat is also a great added touch. However, it’s worth noting that this seat is not suited for newborns, with a minimum weight of 14 pounds.

Tags baby, baby safety seat, Safety seats

Baby Products

5 Best Organic Baby Food Brands, According to Moms and Babies

Post author By
Post date September 23, 2022

As a busy parent, time isn’t always on your side. Making baby food from scratch can be stressful and time-consuming, especially when it comes to comforting picky eaters. Fortunately, there are several pre-made organic baby food options that can take the guesswork out of feeding your baby.

Because the USDA’s National Organic Program has established strict rules and regulations governing USDA-certified organic foods, those that carry the USDA organic seal cannot contain GMOs or any artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. Certain studies have shown that organic fruits and vegetables contain more antioxidant polyphenols than conventionally grown produce. Encouraging a rich variety of fruits and vegetables for all ages is key, but organically grown produce can offer some added benefits without GMOs or preservatives.

When it comes to age, our nutrition experts point out that baby food stages are not standardized, but there are general guidelines used by many brands. Remember that every baby develops differently, and some babies are ready for stage 2 before they are 7 months old, while others may not be ready until closer to 10 months old. Talk to your pediatrician to guide you throughout the process, and remember that it’s important that babies go through the stages on their own time.

As a general rule of thumb, Stage 1 foods usually consist of a single-ingredient puree and are perfect for babies 4-6 months old. Stage 2 foods are best for babies 6-9 months old and start with more than one ingredient. Stage 3 foods are for babies 9-12 months old and they come in many different textures and new flavors. Stage 4 foods are for infants who are at least one year old and are usually indicated for introduction of table foods.

To make sure you’re offering your child the best product, we’ve tested multiple brands with a panel of kids, moms and editors to see which organic baby food is best for your baby. We also provide information on the steps each brand is taking to minimize heavy metals in their products. Here are the best organic baby foods for 2022:

former farm

Organic Fruit and Vegetable Mix Baby Sampler

This line of baby food bags and cups was co-founded by Jennifer Garner. Every ingredient is USDA certified organic and sustainably grown. Our nutrition experts say Once Upon A Farm sets itself apart from the other brands we reviewed because the blend utilizes a cold-pressing process to lock in the nutrients, taste and texture of farm-fresh ingredients. Testers said their kids loved the flavor, and one parent said she liked the packaging that required refrigeration, which made her think they were “high quality.”

Once Upon a Time Farm is the first baby and children’s food brand to receive a Purity Award from the Clean Label Project, a third-party nonprofit that tests for more than 400 environmental and industrial toxins, including heavy metals. Their new Infant Advanced Nutrition Blend also received a 1,000-day commitment from the Clean Label Program, the first certification in the U.S. to require enhanced nutrients and regulation of heavy metals, toxic compounds and melamine in baby food.

belly

Organic Baby Puree Bags

Founded by a practicing neurosurgeon, this line of organic baby foods from Cerebelly focuses on incorporating 16 brain-supporting nutrients into every product from sachets to snack bars. Our nutritionists point out that organic products are vegan and contain no added sugar. Parent testers appreciated the “thoughtful and healthy mix,” and babies loved them too. They also offer salty bone broth puree with 5 grams of protein per sachet for children over 11 months。

Cerebelly bags have a Clean Label Program Purity Award, which means they’ve been tested for more than 400 contaminants, including heavy metals, chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and more.

Hall America

organic puree

The beloved European baby food brand is now bringing their organic products to the U.S. Holle USA offers organic purees, fruit and cereal bags, goat milk products and more. Our nutrition experts appreciate the brand’s use of raw materials that meet biodynamic and organic standards. Parents love that pouch packaging is BPA free.

In addition to meeting European standards, Holle USA shares with Good Housekeeping that they also take into account guidelines set by US congressional committees. They focus on the main guidelines for testing heavy metals in finished products. To ensure their products are safe and clean, and to ensure brands properly inform consumers, Holle revealed that they are in the process of being certified by the Clean Label Program. “Self-regulation is not enough,” said Holle USA CEO Ron Blitzer. “As consumers become more aware of the health effects of heavy metals, the Clean Label Project is staffed with scientists and experts in the field to guide us along this path to properly monitor and validate our test results and product ingredients.”

happy family organics

Happy Family Organics

Mom Shazi Visram founded Happy Family Organics to provide parents with a variety of healthy, organic baby food options. Our nutrition experts love that the brand offers 100% USDA organic bags and jars (including new organic and renewable lines), as well as hearty meal bags and organic oat cereal for Phase 2. Pear, zucchini, and pea bags are popular, as are apple, guava, and beet bags. As your kids grow, they can enjoy more Happy Family Organics products, including teethers, puffs, cookies, vegetable straws, serving bowls, easy mixes, and more. In the absence of science-based federal standards for all products, Happy Family shared with Good Housekeping the internal goals they set to reflect FDA guidance that does exist. They also implement best practices from industry experts and urge their suppliers to look for farms across the country and around the world that have the lowest possible levels of these naturally occurring elements in their soils.

Plum Organics

Plum Organics carries all USDA organic bags, puffs and teethers. They have items for all stages and their stage 3 pouches help develop baby’s palate of table food by blending organic turkey, chicken and beef. One of our moms gave her 10 month old a bag of Plum Organics Just Prunes every morning and says it keeps him regular. Our other kid loves the Mighty 4 mix of fruits, vegetables, grains and Greek yogurt. Plum also really pays the price by donating their Super Smoothie bags to children in need. Also, they have a page on their website with different recipes on how adults use food. Plum Organics shares with Good Housekeeping that Sun-Maid conducted rigorous due diligence on the Plum Organics brand prior to its recent acquisition. They continue to work with the subcommittee, as well as the industry as a whole, to address these concerns and ensure that Plum Organics is the best food from the very first bite. “We are actively evaluating our processes and products to create the best baby food options,” a Plum Organics spokesperson told us.

Tags baby, baby food, organic baby food, Organic food

Baby Clothes

4 Best Baby Halloween Costumes That Are Perfect for 2022

Post author By
Post date September 22, 2022

You’ll only get a Halloween or two before your kids decide what kind of Halloween costume they want. But what about their first few outings? You are in full control and you can pick and choose that super cute baby Halloween costume.

Some things to consider when choosing a baby Halloween costume: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to look for costumes that won’t trip over those early walkers (so make sure the shoes fit and don’t hang too long), are made of fire-resistant materials, and the hat won’t slip into the eyes On the top, there are no sharp accessories to poke. For babies, you can skip the mask (you want to show off their sweet faces anyway), and you should check the clothing for loose strings or holes that can tangle or pinch little fingers and toes. A simple diaper change (and maybe a spare gear) is a good idea if you want to avoid some “tricks” later.

Within those parameters, though, there’s still a huge range to choose from, from pop culture favorites like Star Wars and Stranger Things to furs that make them look like cuddly stuffed animals One piece of stuffed animal. And, if you have other kids in your party that need to be dressed, we also have ideas for toddlers and older kids. (Or maybe you want to get involved and make it a family outfit?)

ruby

Baby Ewok Clothing

The people who dressed up as Ewoks when they first appeared in Return of the Jedi are now dressing their kids as Ewoks, which is kind of cute. Clothing comes with a jumpsuit, headgear and booties.

QIAONIUNIU

calf clothing

Dressing up babies as cows for Halloween? very pleasant. This outfit is made from beautiful, warm flannel.

Skunk Baby Costume

It’s especially fun to dress up your little skunk as a cute skunk if they’ve been a little pissed off lately. The garment is a jumpsuit and is available in sizes 0 to 24m.

ruby

baby shark costume

Get candy doodle doodle doodle. Then run away beep beep beep beep. (You can also join as Shark Mama and Daddy.)

Tags baby, baby halloween, halloween, halloween costumes

Baby Clothes

6 Best Baby Halloween Costumes That Are Perfect for 2022

Post author By
Post date September 21, 2022

You only get one or two Halloweens before your kid decides what they want their Halloween costume to be. But for their first couple of outings? You’re in total control, and you get to pick that ultra-adorable baby Halloween costume.

Some things to consider when choosing a baby Halloween costume: The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to look for costumes that won’t trip up those early walkers (so make sure the shoes fit well and nothing too long hangs down), are made with flame-resistant materials, have hats that don’t slide down over eyes and don’t come with sharp accessories that can poke. For babies, you can skip the masks (you want to show off their sweet faces anyway), and you should check the costumes for loose strings or holes that can tangle or trap small fingers and toes. And easy diaper changes (and perhaps a backup outfit) are a good idea if you want to save yourself from some “tricks” later.

Within those parameters, though, there’s still a big range to choose from, from favorite costumes from popular culture like Star Wars and Stranger Things to those fuzzy animal one-pieces that make them look like huggable stuffed animals. And, if you have other kids in your party you need to dress, we have ideas for toddler costumes and big-kid costumes, too. (Or maybe you want to get in on the act and make it a family costume?)

BEST DISNEY BABY COSTUME

DRESSY DAISY

Baby Snow White-Inspired Costume

Heigh-ho, it’s off to go trick-or-treating! This shop also has dresses in the style of Rapunzel, Cinderella and others, and they go up to size 6.

Baby Duck Costume

Baby? Cute. Baby duck? Cute. Baby dressed as baby duck? TOO CUTE. With this costume, you get the romper, tights, shoe-covers and headpiece. Quacking is all you.

BEST HALLOWEEN COSTUME FOR BABY BOYS

DISNEY

Baby Buzz Lightyear Costume

This stretchy, one-piece costume is so easy, they can wear it to infinity and beyond — and, with the new Lightyear movie, they’re going to want to! Then again, if you’re more of a down-to-Earth family, there’s also a Woody equivalent.

BEST DIY BABY HALLOWEEN COSTUME

OSHKOSH B’GOSH

Baby Eleven Costume

Sure, we’re still reeling from the most recent batch of Stranger Things episodes. But babies are more of a match for Eleven’s OG, Season 1 look, since their hair is usually the right fit. You just need this blue windbreaker, a smocked pink dress, tube socks — and some Eggos.

BEST CHARACTER BABY HALLOWEEN COSTUME

STAR WARS

Baby Yoda Costume

There’s no doubt who the cutest baby in the galaxy is: yours. But if we had to pick a second choice, it would be Grogu, aka “Baby Yoda.” And with this robe (complete with hand covers) and headpiece, they all can be one and the same!

MICHLEY

Baby Panda Costume

Because everyone looks good in black and white. Bonus: This costume has a zipper on the bottom for easy diaper access. This style of costumes comes in other animals, too, including a pig, a unicorn and a hedgehog, among many others.

Tags baby, baby halloween costume, halloween, Halloween dresses

Baby Clothes

5 Best Baby Halloween Costumes That Are Perfect for 2022

Post author By
Post date September 20, 2022

With that big, floofy mane, no one will be able to miss your little lion. The mouse rattle comes included, too.

Your baby is nothing if not a Wild Thing, so throw this on and let the wild rumpus begin. The costume is in two pieces: the bodysuit with an attached tail, and the hood with the crown.

Want to come up with a simple-but-clever matching Halloween costume? You can do it! All you need is this headband set and a denim bodysuit.

To the moon! Your baby will feel like they’re floating in space with this costume, which includes diaper snaps for easy changing. It also comes in pink.

Hail to The King! Your baby will feel like a superstar in this outfit, which comes with the jumpsuit, hat and booties.

Tags baby, baby halloween costume, clothing, Halloween dresses

Baby Toys

7 Best Sensory and Fidget Toys for All Ages

Post author By
Post date September 19, 2022

All toys are meant to give kids some kind of experience, whether it’s role-playing toys that fostering the imagination, outdoor toys that get them up and active, artsy toys help get their creative juices flowing or educational toys like STEM play sets that teach kids about certain educational topics. But sensory toys focus in on touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell and try to direct kids’ attention to one or more of those sensations.

BEST BUILDING SENSORY TOY

BRISTLE BLOCKS

Bristle Blocks

For a building toy that provides some extra texture, Bristle Blocks come with interlocking pieces made of soft, rubbery spikes. The big bucket of pieces also encourages open-ended and imaginative play. Ages 2+

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR TODDLERS

EDUSHAPE

Textured Sensory Balls

This set of four see-through balls come covered in nubs for a tactile sensation that babies don’t get from smooth ones. As they get older, they can also roll and track them, working on both gross and fine motor coordination. Ages 6 months+

BEST FIDGET TOY FOR OLDER KIDS

ANTSY LABS

Dice Fidget Cube

Designed for kids with restless hands, this cube from Antsy Labs has six sides with different functions on each face. Some have buttons to push, switches to flip, wheels to roll, or toggles to click. And at 1.25″ cubed inches, it fits in the palm of a hand. Ages 6+

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS

Playfoam Pals

This is really two toys in one: Kids can dig through the Playfoam to find the collectible toy — and then use the compound to build, smush, and play. Bonus: It never dries out! Ages 5+

KINETIC SAND

Kinetic Sand

Kinetic Sand always feels like the perfect, wet, sand-castle-making sand from the best spot on the beach. With this kit, kids can use molds and tools to scoop, shape and squish the sand. It also comes with three pounds of sand! Ages 3+

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR BABIES

THE FIRST YEARS

Massaging Corn Teether

For babies who need extra oral stimulation, this teether provides soothing vibrations when those little mouths bite down on the corn cob. It helps soothe sore gums when your baby is teething, but they might enjoy the sensation even when they’re not. Ages 6 months+

WIKKISTIX

WikkiStix Activity Set

These bendable, waxy craft sticks are compact, so they’re great to stash in the car for long trips or keep in a backpack to pull out while you’re waiting at a doctor’s office or for your food at a restaurant. This kit also comes with a booklet of ideas for a craft projects. Ages 3+

How We Choose the Best Toys

Before including our favorite picks in an article, the Good Housekeeping Institute does rigorous toy testing to ensure we’re recommending only the best. Many of our choices come from our annual Toy Awards, where we test each item based on the following criteria:

✔️Safety: Our engineers and analysts make sure that each toy reaches all safety standards. They also assess things like pinch points and make sure toys won’t shatter into small pieces to pose a potential choking hazard.

✔️Ease of Use: We look at each toy to evaluate how simple it is to assemble, how well it’s constructed and how durable it is during play.

✔️Kid Approval: Aside from testing each toy for skill-building attributes, like how well it develops social-emotional skills, all our final decisions come from more than 100 children, ages 1 to 15, who assess the fun factor!

Tags intellectual toy, kids toys, sensory toys, Toy

Baby Toys

6 Best Sensory and Fidget Toys for All Ages 1

Post author By
Post date September 17, 2022

All toys are meant to give kids some kind of experience, whether it’s role-playing toys that fostering the imagination, outdoor toys that get them up and active, artsy toys help get their creative juices flowing or educational toys like STEM play sets that teach kids about certain educational topics. But sensory toys focus in on touch, sight, hearing, taste and smell and try to direct kids’ attention to one or more of those sensations.

“Sensory toys stimulate the tactile system through various textures, vibration, temperature or weight,” says Shelli Dry, ODT, a pediatric occupational therapist. “Visual toys can light up, flash, run in patterns and stimulate color receptors by changing colors. Vestibular toys would be things like swings, rocker boards, scooter boards, skateboards and spinners — toys that move through space in different directions and different speeds. Auditory toys may have music, metronome beats, chimes or bells.” Even those ubiquitous pop fidget toys have their purpose, offering a satisfying push-pull for kids with busy hands. Just watch out for toys that do too many of these at once, Dr. Dry cautions, since those may be overstimulating.

There are many advantages to these types of experiences. “Sensory toys are beneficial to all ages and abilities and not limited in use,” Dr. Dry says. “They may be used to activate or to calm, to encourage engagement and hand-eye coordination, and to increase participation and turn-taking. The key is to analyze each toy’s properties and find the one that best matches your child’s interests.”

Lots of parents like to DIY their own sensory bins, filling them with things like dry pasta, rice, water beads or sand, along with toys and tools that kids can use to hide and dig through to find again. But if the DIY route isn’t your thing, these best sensory toys of 2022 are always at the ready, waiting to give kids a fun, tactile experience.

Many of these are favorites of the toy testing experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab, and a few have even won Good Housekeeping‘s Best Toy Awards.

BEST OVERALL SENSORY TOY

HAND2MIND

Sensory Fidget Tubes

Watching the glitter, colors and other materials traverse these fidget tubes offers a calming experience for kids who need a minute to cool down. This set comes with four tubes, a glitter tube, a fidget tube, a reverse hourglass and a gravity spinner, but Hand2Mind also has tubes that focus on color-mixing or look like a cute cloud, among others. Ages 3+

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BEST TOY AWARD WINNER

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Sensory Bin: Ocean and Sand

You can create your own DIY sensory bins, filling them with different compounds, toys to hide in them and tools to dig and scoop them. Or you can buy this ready-made sensory bin, which offers a variety of sensations and textures. The ocean and sand bin has water beads, sand, ocean animals and tools for digging and scooping, but Creativity for Kids’ other bins, with themes like construction zone, dinosaur dig, gardens and critters, ice cream shop, mermaid lagoon, outer space and race track, have different compounds and toys in them.

BEST POP FIDGET SENSORY TOY

FAT BRAIN TOYS

Dimpl Digits

The Dimpl Digits toy, a Good Housekeeping Best Toy Award winner, features the numbers one through 10 in a rainbow of bubbles that give a satisfying pop when you push them in. Flip it over, and you’ll find the numbers in Spanish, too. Younger kids might prefer the smaller, original Dimpl that has the same pushing sensation without the numbers. (And maybe you or an older child might want a Simple Dimpl keychain for yourself?) Ages 1+

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR BABIES

SASSY

Developmental Bumpy Ball

This squishy ball is covered in easy-to-grab bumps that each offer a different texture for babies to explore. It also has cool colors, bold patterns and stimulating rattling sounds. Ages 6 months+

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR GROSS MOTOR COORDINATION

OMNISAFE

Balance Beams

For kids who want to play The Floor Is Lava at home, these balance beams are a great way to help them work on balance and coordination while having fun. If your home setup doesn’t have enough room for a whole balance-beam course, you can also try using stepping stones. Ages 3+

BEST SENSORY TOY FOR ACTIVE KIDS

CHAMPION SPORTS

Scooter Board

For kids with boundless energy, scooter boards get them working their muscles (especially if they try to use them on their bellies). If your home setup doesn’t work for this kind of scooter, at-home trampolines are another way for them to expend excess energy. Ages 3+

Tags baby, Baby Toys, intellectual toy, Toy

Baby Appliances Baby Products

9 Best Baby Toothbrushes for Tiny Teeth

Post author By
Post date September 16, 2022

It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but how young should you start introducing this habit? Tiny toothbrushes may look cute, but are they really effective? You’re probably not looking forward to struggling with your baby to properly run a brush over all their new teeth, but it’s important to start young. As soon as your baby’s first tooth arrives you should start brushing or wiping their teeth. Not only will this help you and your little one get used to brushing, but it helps keep their newly sprouted pearly whites clean from plaque and bacteria.

We spoke to pediatric dentist Naveen Kwatra and orthodontist Amy Barrer, both at MVP Smiles in Gaithersburg, MD, to help answer some of your concerns when it comes to introducing your newest family member to oral hygiene. You may be overwhelmed by the variety of styles and options when it comes to baby toothbrushes, but as Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer explain, “The most important part of brushing teeth is the mechanical brushing [action]. In general, it’s the physical removal of the plaque and bacteria on the teeth.” So when it comes to picking between finger brushes or 360 brushes, they say it’s really just your personal preference. As long as the teeth are being brushed, you’re doing great!

We chose each baby toothbrush in this roundup based on picks tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, top-performing brands and expert recommendations. Looking for something with a little more power? Check out some of the best electric toothbrushes for adults and kids. Here are the best baby toothbrushes of 2022, according to dental and parenting experts.

• Age: 0-3 years

This adorable giraffe toothbrush is just as cute as it is easy on teeth and gums. The self-standing brush keeps the head away from the dirty counter so there are fewer germs to worry about. Kids will appreciate the easy-to-hold handle and soft bristles for their baby teeth. The brand recommends rinsing the brush in warm water before and after each use as a best hygiene practice to maintain cleanliness. It’s a more fun version of an adult toothbrush, and the similar shape and soft bristles will help prepare your little one for their daily oral hygiene routine.

• Age: 0-3 years

Since the CDC recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, getting a pack of four like this one is a great value option. The wide handles are perfect for tiny hands that are just learning how to hold a toothbrush, and the fun colors will help keep your little one interested. The short neck and small brush head are designed for tiny mouths while the colored bristles indicate exactly how much toothpaste is needed for each use. Plus, the handle of the toothbrush does double duty by functioning as a teething ring!

• Age: 3-12 months

This banana toothbrush is a fan favorite for a reason. Aside from its super cute design, its ergonomic handle and silicone brush head are ideal for baby hands and teething mouths. It combines the best aspects of dental care with a cute toy and can even be placed in the freezer for maximum soothing during teething. According to the brand, the entire brush is made from a single piece of silicone, making it pliable and bendy — perfect for little ones’ chewing or brushing needs. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors and shapes, like an ear of corn or a dragon.

• Age: 3-24 months

Finger brushes like this one are great for new parents looking to help establish a healthy oral care routine. Not only is it easy to navigate around your baby’s mouth and ensure you’re reaching all the teeth, but its soft silicone bristles aren’t too rough on small baby gums. The triple-angled brush head helps get all sides of those tiny teeth quickly and efficiently, and the thick, double-sided design means that teething babies won’t be able to hurt you when they bite down. For maximum hygiene, use the included storage stand to keep the brush clean between uses.

• Age: 0.5-4 years

This double-sided toothbrush helps tackle both top and bottom rows of teeth at the same time. This brush won a Good Housekeeping Parenting Award in 2020 for its easy-to-hold handle and soft bristles that make it safe and simple for kids to learn how to brush on their own. We love that the safety barrier means little ones won’t readily be able to push the brush too far back, but they’ll still have no trouble reaching their molars. Plus, its shape is perfect for small hands to use on their own.

• Age: 0-3 years

For little ones seeking sensory stimuli, an electric toothbrush like the BabySonic is a great option. With gentle vibrations, soft bristles and a comfortable handle, this brush brings all the benefits of electric brushing to your littlest family members. The suction base helps keep the head off the counter and the LED 30-second timer is perfect for teaching toddlers independence when they handle the brush on their own with supervision. Once they get older, simply replace the brush-head with the toddler-designed version. Keep in mind that both Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer say generally children under 8 or 9 years old don’t need an electric toothbrush, so speak with your pediatrician or dentist to determine if it’s the best option for your little one.

• Age: 0-6 years

This set grows with your little one from infancy to childhood. It includes four different brushes starting with the finger brush that’s great for a teething baby’s first brushing experience. Next comes the extra-soft silicone brush and massager followed by the slightly more robust brush designed for toddlers around 1 year old. Finally comes the nylon bristled brush perfect for older kids. Available in a variety of fun colors, kids can get used to taking care of their teeth on their own and with their parents’ help. The soft materials are made for sensitive gums and teething littlies.

Age: 6 months +

Featuring triple-angled bristles, these brushes aim to reach all the nooks and crannies of your baby’s teeth. Included a brush for babies and one for toddlers, this set grows with your child. The first brush has silicone bristles, a removable safety stopper to keep your baby from gagging and an easy-to-grip handle for little fingers. Switch to the toddler brush at around 18 months with its suction cup bottom that keeps the head away from the counter.

Age: 6 months +

For all-around cleaning, this 360 brush has bristles on all sides of the head to clean the front, back and sides of each tooth as easily as possible. The soft bristles keep teeth and gums clean without irritation and the smiley face safety shield ensures that baby doesn’t push their toothbrush too far back in their mouth. Use the suction base to store the brush upright. Plus, we’ve had great experiences with the brand’s other products like their manual breast pump.

How we choose the best baby toothbrushes

Our team at the Good Housekeeping Institute reviews baby and toddler gear of all kinds. We’ve tested almost all of the picks on this list and have consumer feedback for several as well. Our product experts sifted through countless five-star reviews to find the best brushes, and spoke with real parents to figure out which are also kid approved.

We’ve used our experience and expertise in kid and adult toothbrushes as well as baby products to determine what materials would be ideal ergonomically and what is best suited for your little ones. We consider safety, texture, additional features, materials, ease of use and more when choosing our favorite picks. These picks are made up of our expert’s favorites and popular brands with rave reviews from real Good Housekeeping consumer reviewers.

Do I need a baby toothbrush?

Yes. Once your little one’s teeth start popping up, you’ll want to give them a brush twice a day. “It is important for parents to start cleaning their kids’ teeth as soon as they erupt into the mouth. Even a washcloth will do!” say Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer in a joint statement. “It is very important to brush and/or wipe them clean!” Not only does this help establish a good oral hygiene routine and get your baby used to the habit and feeling of brushing, but the bristles will remove sugars from their milk, formula or baby food that would otherwise cling to their gums.

As for when it’s time to start seeing a professional, Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer recommend visiting a dentist for your little one by age 1. “This visit is more important for the parent to learn about healthy habits such as diet and oral hygiene.”

What to consider when picking a baby toothbrush

In order to pick out the perfect toothbrush for you and your little one, consider the following factors:

✔️ Materials: Silicone brushes are great for doubling as teethers. Brushes with nylon/synthetic fiber bristles are more similar to adult brushes they’ll use later in their childhood. Either way, Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer suggest that you stick to a brush with softer bristles since harder bristles have been shown to “wear down the enamel of the teeth.”

✔️ Type: Brushes for little ones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 360 brushes and ones with silicone bristles to electric brushes and finger brushes. You might need to try a few different types before you find one that is most comfortable for you and your baby. While all the types we included are equally effective, some may be more comfortable for your little one than others.

✔️ Size: Both the brush head size and grip size are important to consider. Smaller heads are better for little baby mouths according to Dr. Kwatra and Dr. Barrer, and fatter handles are easier for little hands to manipulate.

Should your baby use toothpaste?

Toothpaste is actually less important than you think when it comes to brushing your baby’s teeth. “The most important part of teeth brushing is the physical removal of the plaque,” Dr. Kwatra explains. According to both dentists we spoke to, once you start meeting with a dentist for your baby, they’ll be able to let you know when it’s the right time to start incorporating toothpaste. “Fluoride-free toothpaste is the best to use for babies,” says Dr. Barrer. “It’s recommended to use a very small smear of toothpaste, much less than one may think! We usually recommend an amount equal to a small grain of rice.” Speak with your pediatrician if your child requires additional fluoride. This usually depends on where you live and if there is fluoride in the water.

Tags baby, baby toothbrush, children's toothbrush, mother

Baby Appliances

THE BEST STROLLER FANS TO KEEP YOUR BABY COOL ALL SUMMER LONG

Post author By
Post date September 15, 2022

During the summer, it’s natural to want to be outside as much as possible, even if you’re pushing a stroller. But that can get uncomfortable, and potentially even dangerous when temperatures rise and things really heat up — which is why having a stroller fan (or two) can make your outing much more comfortable for your baby.

Babies aren’t great at regulating heat. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that whenthe heat index is over 90º Fahrenheit, babies should stay indoors. But even temperatures below that can be hot and uncomfortable when you’re strapped into a stroller. Stroller fans are affordable solutions to this parenting problem that help cool your baby down by circulating air around their sweaty little selves.

Key Specs:

Attach Style: Bendable Arms
Bladeless
Run Time: 4 to 18 hours, depending on speed

Looking for a fan with a clip instead of arms? Here’s a great option. Yes, it looks a little like Wall-E, but that only adds to its charm. It’s powerful, lasts a long time, and best of all? It’s dead quiet. Parents say that while it gives off a dull whirring, it’s nothing that would interfere with your child’s rest.

Key Specs:

Attach Style: Clamp
Bladeless
Run Time: up to 6 hours, depending on speed

The main reason parents love this stroller fan, and the reason I’m including it, is that it’s very safe and very easy to attach. It could have a bit more power and run time, in my opinion, but the fact that fingers aren’t getting hurt at all on this one and that it’s a universal clamp is enough to win fans.

Key Specs:

Attach Style: Bendable arms
Blades
Run Time: 4 to 6 hours, depending on speed
Misting Element

If you’re looking for a next level refreshment, this is the fan for you and your children. It features a misting function that’s very light but noticeable and refreshing. The easy-to-fill basin holds 60 milliliters of water, and it lasts about an hour, according to reviewers who are big fans of these fans (sorry — we couldn’t resist squeezing a pun in there!).

Key Specs:

Attach Style: Bendable arms
Blades
Run Time: 4 to 14 hours, depending on speed
Light and Aromatherapy Element

While you shouldn’t use the aromatherapy diffuser around your baby for safety reasons, the LED light is positively mesmerizing to babies. It’s the perfect one-two punch to get a good nap going — a breezy outdoor setting and a lighted fan. It’s hypnotic, and parents who use this fan say that it works, especially for cranky babies at twilight who are fighting sleep.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

When you’re buying a stroller fan, you want to consider a few things: how it attaches to the stroller, is it bladeless or does it have blades, how long the charge lasts, and bonus features.

How Does It Attach? Most stroller fans have octopus-like arms that wrap around the handle of the stroller to face baby. However, a few fans have clasps or lobster-style clips.
Bladeless or Bladed? Bladeless fans, like the Skip Hop, are safer stroller fans for baby’s fingers, but don’t always have the oomph that traditional, bladed models like the HomeFairy offer. Regardless of the blade style you choose, we recommend that every fan be kept out of your baby’s reach.
Run Time: How long can you run the fan on one charge? If you’re going to be out for a while, do you need to bring a backup or a charger? Just as most things go with parenting, plan for success and think about this before you head out for the day!
Bonus Features: Some fans have a mist feature that your baby might find lovely (or hate, it could go either way), and others light up so that you can see baby in dim evenings. While these features aren’t necessary, they are nice to have.

We included the best of every type of stroller fan on our list. However, it’s important to note that they are not a solution for hot weather, and that you should still always look for signs of heat stroke or overheating in your baby. According to Children’s Health, the signs you should look for are:

Elevated body temperature, between 100˚ and 104˚
Cool, clammy skin even in hot weather
Goosebumps in hot weather
Fainting, dizziness or overly lethargic behavior
Headaches (grabbing at head/ear and crying while doing it)
Increased sweating
Super angry
Increased thirst
Muscle cramps or being overly stiff
Nausea and/or vomiting

Read on to find the coolest of stroller fans for every kind of summer stroll.

Tags baby, fan, mini fan, stroller fan

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