http://www.viewpoints.com/aboutme/hokiejewel Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:05:29 GMT Reviews by hokiejewel http://www.viewpoints.com/Catbird-Baby-Pikkolo-Soft-Structured-Baby-Carrier-review-89094 For my first baby, I used the Baby Bjorn and a sling.  They worked just fine until my baby got to be around 15 pounds, then I had to stop wearing her or suffer through the back pain.  After that, I learned that the Baby Bjorn is not good for a baby's spine anyways.  I sold my Bjorn and began my search for the perfect carrier for baby #2.  I used  the Moby Wrap when #2 was a newborn and really liked it, but as he got heavier, I found the material too stretchy to be supportive.  So... I got a mei tai.  This was ok, but the straps were so long, it was hard to get it on without the straps dragging on the ground.  I borrowed an Ergo, but that seemed kind of bulky and my baby decided that he preferred to face forward, which he couldn't do in the Ergo.  After doing some more research, I bought a Pikkolo and have been sooooooo happy with it!!  It is mei tai inspired (without the long straps) and is quite similar to the Baby Bjorn, except much more comfortable for both mom and baby! ...... Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:05:29 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Catbird-Baby-Pikkolo-Soft-Structured-Baby-Carrier-review-89094 hokiejewel 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/The-First-Years-Sure-Comfort-Deluxe-Newborn-to-Toddler-Tub-with-Sling-review-da737 This baby tub is a really great buy.  It's less expensive than many others, but much nicer.  I recieved this baby tub as a gift when I had my daughter and now I'm using it again for my newborn son.  The sling for a newborn is great -- it's very supportive and comfortable for baby.  My daughter used this tub until she didn't fit in it anymore.  The padding on the tub bottom is very nice.  It cleans easily and while it's a little bulky, it isn't too difficult to store.  It also seems very safe.... Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:48:11 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/The-First-Years-Sure-Comfort-Deluxe-Newborn-to-Toddler-Tub-with-Sling-review-da737 hokiejewel 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Munchkin-Hot-Safety-Duck-Tub-review-5a7d2 This tub is GREAT!  When my daughter outgrew the baby tub, I didn't know what to do with her next.  I definately didn't feel comfortable putting her in the big tub!  I did some research and decided on this duck tub.  It's the best!  My daughter used it until she absolutely couldn't fit in it anymore!  It was soft to sit in and she could reach all of her toys.  I plan to use it for our next little guy when he outgrows the baby tub.  And if it ever gets a hole in it, I won't hesitate to buy another one!!... Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:13:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Munchkin-Hot-Safety-Duck-Tub-review-5a7d2 hokiejewel 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Baby-Bjorn-Potty-review-a0fd4 I have the Baby Bjorn Potty Chair in Red and in White, also!!  My daughter LOVES them.  It is the perfect size for a toddler and she seems very comfortable on it -- in fact, she often doesn't want to get up after finishing her business!!  She likes to hang out on it and read books, etc.  It's very easy to move around the house, the bowl is easy to empty, and it's a very attractive chair (for being a potty!).  The only negative is that sometimes the bowl sticks to her bottom and lifts up when she stands.  I've solved that by adding a couple of pieces of velcro to the underside of the bowl edge.  It keeps the bowl stuck to the chair, but is still easy to lift off and empty.... Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:02:32 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Baby-Bjorn-Potty-review-a0fd4 hokiejewel 5 http://www.viewpoints.com/Babybjorn-Original-Baby-Carrier-review-288c6 I used this baby carrier (Baby Bjorn) when I had my first child, basically because I didn't know a lot about carriers and knew lots of people who liked this one.  It is very convenient and easy to get baby in and out of.  However, it is NOT good for your baby's spine development.  Rather than having the baby in a "sitting" position, the baby's legs dangle.  The Ergo carrier or a mei tai are just as convenient, more versatile,  and much better for baby.  Also, after my first child weighed around 15 pounds, the Baby Bjorn REALLY started to hurt my shoulders and back when using it.  It doesn't have good weight distribution.... Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:52:38 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Babybjorn-Original-Baby-Carrier-review-288c6 hokiejewel 2 http://www.viewpoints.com/Summer-Infant-Handheld-color-video-monitor-review-94091 The Summer Infant Hand-held Video Monitor with 2.5" screen has been the BEST investment!  I am absolutely addicted!  I didn't have this with my first child, but decided to treat myself with the second.  I am so glad I did.  It is wonderful to be able to check on your baby without having to run up the stairs every time, especially when you're busy chasing a two year old.  The image is great - screen size is big enough.  We do get some interference from our phone and wireless internet, but it's not a big problem.  We actually got a second camera for our 2 year old's room.  You can set one camera to channel A and one to channel B.  Then you can switch between the two channels on the monitor to keep track of 2 kiddos.  Note:  you can NOT see both rooms at the same time -- you have to flip between them.  If you plug the monitor in, you can leave the video on.  When it's in battery mode, the video part turns off after a few minutes, but that's good because it takes a lot of battery...... Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:40:24 GMT http://www.viewpoints.com/Summer-Infant-Handheld-color-video-monitor-review-94091 hokiejewel 5