Twin Toddler Gear & Toys Archives | Twiniversity #1 Parenting Twins Site

Adorable Boy-Girl Twin Outfits for Your Little Duo

Amanda Hadley — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 10:30:00 +0000

Should twins dress alike or not? That’s the question. My boys are fraternal and couldn’t be more different. They have their own unique tastes. Matching outfits? Nah, not for me. But I do like to coordinate their clothes with complementary colors or fun themes like animals or cars. And when it comes to boy-girl twin outfits, I wonder if this approach would work too. Let’s find out! Now let’s dive into the timeless dilemma: “Where on earth can you find the perfect coordinating outfits for your adorable boy-girl twins?” Brace yourself, as we unveil a treasure trove of our top picks – a delightful blend of familiar haunts and hidden gems – all waiting to transform your little ones into the epitome of style and charm! Twiniversity-approved boy-girl twin outfits Same Same Kids SameSame Kids is a fun twist on buying second-hand clothes. It was founded by a twin mom who wanted to spread the joy of matching twins and triplets in an affordable, convenient way. You can buy or sell (or both) pre-loved matching and coordinating outfits through Same Same Kids. You will find the most adorable “boutique” onesies at half price, Halloween costumes, brand-name shoes, and even clothes with tags still on them! Definitely worth checking out and scoring an adorable boy-girl twin outfit or two! Price: $ The Children’s Place/Gymboree/Sugar & Jade/PJ Place Their online setup is amazing! It’s a one-stop shop for 4-different stores! This website also offers a family matching tab, where the matchy-matchy work is done for you (except for sizes, of course!). What’s also nice about this store is that they have packs of clothes. You can get the same style of shirts in 4 different colors, or pants that are two different colors, etc. A more efficient way to shop and a great way to match your twins without making them identical. Since the other stores are attached to this site, you can add stuff from The Children’s Place to your cart and then hop over to Gymboree all in one sitting. Price: $ H&M The easiest way to coordinate boy-girl twin outfits is by color or theme. I LOVE stripes for this (they are usually easy to find and come in LOTS of colors). Check out these simple H&M t-shirts. Two striped shirts with the same colors but in alternating patterns. Plus, these come in a multi-pack, so you also end up with two other shirts that can easily be used in a different matchy-matchy outfit or for the days you don’t feel like going all out matchy! Price: $ Old Navy Old Navy is the place to find matchy-matchy pajamas for every holiday! Who says matching is only for the daytime (and Christmas)? With Halloween rolling around, check out their Halloween-themed pajamas! While you’re there, you might as well see what else you can find! Look for similar patterns (Old Navy is good with using a specific pattern and tying it into multiple things for the whole family). I searched “matching” on their website and found these cute boy-girl twin outfits! Completely affordable and adorable! Price: $ Olive + Scout I’m in LOVE! Olive + Scout has made my boy-girl twin outfit-matching dreams come true! Look at this cute jogger set with Baller and Athlete across the chest! Tell me you aren’t picturing your twinnies in these right now! Olive + Scout is obviously a boutique-type shop, so the price is a bit higher than the big department stores, but completely worth the spend on a couple of key wardrobe items (like these fall jackets…I have a family photo shoot coming up. Maybe flannel can be the theme?). Price: $$ Little Bipsy I was recently introduced to this shop and have 6 items in my cart right now. The clothes are amazing, and the story behind this company is equally amazing. Little Bipsy’s goal was to create a foundation offering support and resources throughout the journey of pregnancy, providing love and a safe place for babies and little ones. And recently, they were able to move forward with creating The Little Bipsy Foundation. Their first project is providing newborn gift boxes to families at their local NICU + birthing center in Everett, Washington. My twins are NICU Grads, and any organization that supports the NICU is getting my support. Price: $$ The Simple Folk A sustainable brand that uses non-toxic dyes and fabrics. A minimalist look is timeless and classic, and their color scheme is perfect for this fall season. This is the perfect place to get an exact boy-girl twin outfit but in a different color. Same romper (and this one is adorable), but one is green and one is pink. Cute and comfy tie-dye shirt and pants, same design, same fit, same everything, except colors. Price: $$ Zara We all knew Zara made trendy adult clothes, but kid’s clothes, too? YUP, and they are just as trendy as the adult section! Your toddlers will look chic and sharp with some of these designs. They even have faux leather leggings for little girls! I can not pull off the full denim outfits that are making a comeback, but I know my cute little twinnies can! And, if you haven’t jumped on the puffy vest wagon, let me help you on! A must-have item for fall: tiny puffy vests for tiny little humans! Price: $$ Kyte Baby My journey to find a solution for keeping blankets on my toddlers led me to Kyte Baby. With the cooler weather coming, their footed sleepers would be perfect for them! Especially since they don’t keep their blankets on. And when I read their About Us page, it really resonated with me. One of my twins has eczema and gets flare-ups with the change in weather. For that reason, Kyte Baby founder uses bamboo as their fabric. Price: $$ Pepa London Pepa London is for you if you want that special, polished look for your boy-girl twin outfits. Their style has a cohesive… Continue Reading Adorable Boy-Girl Twin Outfits for Your Little Duo

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The Twins’ Stroller Wagon, You Have to Check Out

Amanda Hadley — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Have you heard about the ALL NEW Larktale Sprout Single-to-Double Stroller Wagon? If this is brand-new information, don’t panic. We are about to spill all the tea on this new Larktale Stroller Wagon. Keep reading to find out if this is the perfect addition to your summer fun! Plus, enter for your chance to win a Larktale Sprout Single-to-Double Wagon of your very own! Just fill out the form after you read the blog below. The giveaway ends 07/02/2023 and will be announced within 3 days (excluding holidays and weekends). The Larktale Sprout Stroller Wagon We’re so excited to introduce the Larktale Sprout Stroller Wagon. The Sprout is the latest design from the Stroller Wagon geniuses at Larktale. So why is this stroller wagon so special? The Sprout converts from a single-seater wagon into a double-seater wagon in seconds. No tools needed! The Larktale Sprout is the first of its kind. A size-adjustable wagon designed for city dwellers or those of us who have limited space in our homes. The Sprout can be converted in 5 seconds or less. I can’t even say my twins’ first names in 5 seconds! It’s like they had twin moms in mind when designing this one-of-a-kind stroller wagon. Just like all the Larktale stroller wagons that have come before, the Sprout is made from high-quality materials and offers all the safety features to keep your twins safe. Although space-saving, the Sprout does not compromise the sturdy yet luxurious style we’ve all come to expect from Larktale. So, let’s break down this one-of-a-kind stroller wagon, shall we? Seating Whether you are in single mode or double mode, each seat in the Sprout can hold up to 50 pounds. WOW! This stroller wagon could possibly get you through the first 5 years with twins! The adjustable 5-point harness is a snap. No, really, it’s a simple snap/latch 5-point harness that is super easy to use. This is a MUST for twins. The quicker you get them in and latched, the less chance of having a runner! The shoulder straps are padded, helping ensure your twinnies are at maximum comfort. The second seat (also complete with an adjustable padded 5-point harness) attaches or detaches in seconds, depending on the configuration you are using at the time. If using the single stroller wagon setting, the second seat folds flat to fit in the large shopping basket. Canopies One of the features I always pay attention to when considering strollers is the canopy. They are so important for your child’s comfort and sun safety. Luckily, Larktale does not skimp on their canopies. The Sprout stroller wagon comes with a large multi-position sun canopy with a pop-out visor. Plus, a zippered canopy extension with a mesh airflow panel and a peek-a-boo window. This canopy comfortably shades both seats when in double wagon mode. Push with Ease Thanks to the large non-flat rubber wheels and an all-wheel suspension system, the Larktale Sprout stroller wagon provides a smooth and comfortable ride. Taking the kids off-road, the lockable swivel front wheels provide extra stability on uneven terrain. The Sprout also features an adjustable handlebar with leatherette for a comfortable push at any height. Plus, make sure you grab your coffee before heading out because the handlebar stroller console comes with drink holders (and compartments for other stuff, too) and is included with the Larktale Sprout stroller wagon. Storage The one thing you can always count on in a stroller wagon is storage space. Cause, you know, it’s a wagon! The Larktale Sprout stroller wagon can hold up to 120 lbs total (including children and cargo). That’s a lot of space for stuff! Inside the seating area, the Sprout has four mesh interior pockets with plenty of space for your twinnie’s drinks, books, toys, and even snacks. All within their own reach! So maybe you’re thinking, if I fill the cargo basket with kids, where do I put the rest of my stuff? No worries, the Larktale Sprout has a basket on the back of the wagon. You can put your diaper bag, day stuff, keys, purse, cell phone, and so much more in. In fact, this is one of our favorite features. If your plan is to utilize all the cargo space for stuff and one child, Larktale thought of that too. A mesh cargo divider is included to section off your stuff from your child. Folds Flat The Sprout stroller wagon features a quick and easy fold into a compact and easy-to-lift size. The folding lock keeps the frame folded for transportation or storage. You will need to flatten the canopy before folding, and you will need two hands to fold this stroller. Not ideal, but still completely doable. What’s in the Box? The Larktale Sprout comes with everything you would want already in the box! It comes complete with: Although not necessary, if you do feel like jacking your ride, check out the available accessories for The Sprout (at an additional cost). Accessories There are some great accessories for the Larktale Sprout Stroller Wagon, including a 2-year warranty extension. That’s great for peace of mind if anything does happen to go wrong! Some of our other favorite accessories are: Car Seat Adapter – ( Maxi Cosi / Nuna / Clek)– Make your Sprout stroller wagon newborn-ready with this car seat adapter. This adapter folds with the stroller wagon, so there is no need to remove it. However, if you do need to remove it, it is pressure mounted, so it goes on and off quickly. Ride along stroller board – This one is a fave! It allows for a toddler to ride along on the stroller wagon. The ride-along stroller board has a 2-in-1 design that provides a saddle seat for your toddler to rest on, or you can remove this and add a platform for the bigger kid to stand on. Stroller Fan & Mister – The Larktale Stroller Fan helps keep you or your baby cool and comfortable… Continue Reading The Twins’ Stroller Wagon, You Have to Check Out

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Snow Boots: What to Look For and Brands We Love

Twiniversity — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Are you in the market for new snow boots for your kiddos this winter? Don’t miss our breakdown of what to look for in boots and which brands we love! ‘Tis the season for wet, cold, snowy weather (unless you live in the warmer southern states). I am at a point in my life where I can admit it: I do not like snow! I do not want to walk in it, shovel it, or drive in it. But my kids LOVE it. They will spend hours outside having snowball fights, building snow volcanos, and really just stomping around. With that said, finding warm and durable winter gear is a must. Of course, finding comfortable, waterproof, warm, and durable snow boots can be challenging. My kids will wear these snow boots for business and pleasure. When winter comes, our life doesn’t stop. The kids still walk to and from school, and they still have outdoor recess, so their snow boots are important. So what boots do you buy? That is an excellent question, so I had to turn to the experts…You! I turned to our community of twin parents for advice on which brand of snow boots we should consider this winter season. What to look for when choosing winter boots for kids? Trying to find a reliable pair of snow boots might seem daunting. Here are a few basics to keep in mind when you go shopping. Waterproofing Do not be fooled by the words “Water-resistant”. If you have snow-loving, active kids, you need WATERPROOF boots. Ensure the whole boot is waterproof. Believe it or not, some boots are only waterproof at the foot. Making sure the legs are, too will ensure your children are warm enough. Traction Winter weather often brings slippery conditions. Check the soles. Make sure they have grips on them. Be sure to choose a boot with good traction, but without being too heavy and clunky. Easy To Put On Look for easy-on snow boots. No one wants to be fighting with cheaply made zippers or laces every time they need to leave the house. Look for easy zippers that are well-made and have a velcro closure. Fit for Your Boots This one is important. It can be hard to justify not buying a size up so you can try and use them for a couple of winters. The problem is that if they don’t fit well, snow will likely sneak into the legs, defeating the purpose of your toddler snow boots. Lightweight It’s important for little feet to stay warm, but they also need to be able to move around and have fun! Choosing a boot that is lighter and also more flexible without losing the insulation and waterproof properties will ensure that kiddos can have fun in colder temperatures. Breathablility You want to keep moisture away from your kids’ feet, but you also want to let moisture escape. All the stomping and climbing through the snow can make anyone’s feet sweaty. You want a material that is breathable and wicks away moisture. Favorite Snow Boot Brands So, now that we know what we need to look for, let’s talk about brands. Not all snow boots are created equal, and thanks to you, we have a great list of top brands. BOGS Snow Shell Boots Bogs were the #1 recommended brand from our Twiniversity community. These boots have it all. They are 100% waterproof from top to bottom, and feature integrated snow cuffs and gaiters, with ultra-cozy fleece lining making them both lightweight and durable. Bogs are known for their BOGS Max-Wick and DuraFresh natural biotechnology to fight odor and evaporate sweat to keep feet dry. Not to mention, they come in a wide range of designs and sizes and are a pull-on style with bungee top closures. To purchase, click here. The North Face Alpenglow V Waterproof Boots The Alpenglow V Waterproof Boots feature a single-pull quick-closure lace for a secure fit and to keep out snow, are easy to put on and take off, and have a tough protective rubber shell. Completely waterproof from a combination of waterproof leather overlays and ballistic nylon construction with superior traction. A true leader in the hiking community, North Face prides itself on the lightweight and durability of all its footwear. And of course, they are available in a handful of different colors and sizes. To purchase, click here. Merrell Kids Snow Crush 2.0 Waterproof Boot Merrell is one of my favorite brands. My kids love their sandals, but honestly, I have forgotten that they make boots too. The Merrell Snow Crush 2.0 are sneaker-style boots, making them lightweight and super easy to put on and take off. Thanks to the insulation at the toe and footbed, toggle closure, and waterproof upper, feet stay dry all day long. Additionally, these feature an anti-stink lining to reduce odors, and extra grip for superior traction. To purchase, click here. Kamik Kids Snobuster2 Waterproof Winter Boots The Kamik Kids Snobuster2 winter boots are 100% waterproof all-weather boots, with an adjustable snow collar and easy-grab lace lock to keep snow out and feet warm. These boots feature a moisture-wicking thermal guard removable liner and SNOBUSTER sole with multi-directional treads for stability. What’s more, the pull-on style with no laces make these boots super easy to put on and take off. In fact, these boots double as rain boots so you’ll get more use out of them. To purchase, click here. Sorel Children’s Yoot Pac™ Nylon Boots Who doesn’t love a rubber duck boot design, especially on little kid boots? Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance with these Sorel Yoot Pac boots. With a waterproof nylon upper with cozy insulation, an inner boot liner with a sherpa collar (removable and washable) keeps feet warm and cozy all day. Equally important is that they are lightweight, and easy to put on and take off with toggle laces. To purchase, click here. Columbia Powderbug™ Plus II Snow Boot The Powderbug Plus II Snow Boot is a winter warrior! These winter boots feature a felt liner, waterproof… Continue Reading Snow Boots: What to Look For and Brands We Love

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Sensory Bins For Toddlers: Where to Begin

Twiniversity — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:46:06 +0000

Are you nervous about incorporating sensory bins for toddlers into play? Check out these great ideas to keep your toddlers entertained and contain the mess. Sensory bins and toddlers – sounds like a giant mess, doesn’t it? Well it doesn’t have to be and I’m going to show you how to get started. Sensory bins can sound very overwhelming and messy – oh, so freaking messy. I think it’s one of the reasons parents try to avoid them and as a twin parent, I understand it’s a valid concern. I think another big misconception is that you need a million different things to create sensory bins for toddlers. This is so not true! You can keep a bucket or 2 of stuff on hand for quick sensory bins for toddlers. Let’s walk through sensory bins and their process – you’ll learn that you can control the chaos and mess by what you offer them! Are you concerned about your toddlers sensory processing? Read one twin moms story here about her twins’ sensory processing disorder. What are sensory bins for toddlers? Sensory bins are bins or buckets to keep little hands busy and allow them to explore their senses – mostly touch! You pick a filler (doesn’t have to be messy), a toy/learning component, and a tool. Your toddler can explore the bin safely and you can finish your hot coffee. Your container can be as small as a shoebox or as large as a 50+ gallon sized tote that they can climb into. We also use the bathtub sometimes! Large totes are great for toddlers who love to be active and moving (so, like, all toddlers). Why do toddlers have sensory bins? Sensory bins for toddlers have many benefits! It allows your toddler to explore his/her senses in a controlled environment. They can strengthen their fine motor skills which help with pre-writing, shoe tying, using utensils, etc. Sensory bins also can help toddlers expend some of that extra energy. Toddlers have a boatload of energy. Everybody knows that. Giving them an activity that requires concentration that they enjoy will really help release some of that energy! Exploring their senses can tire them out. I take out our sensory bins for our toddler twins when I am preparing dinner, when I’m looking for something on our screen-free days or when I just need them to stay busy. What ages are sensory bins for? Sensory play can start as early as 3 months old. Before 1 year, I recommend using sensory bottles or sensory bags as it contains the mess and you don’t have to worry as much about swallowing things or shoving things into noses/ears. As always, with anything you hand your toddlers, definitely stay nearby to monitor. Bins are great for 15 months or after. Some toddlers would still benefit from bags or bottles but are usually more engaged when it’s an actual sensory bin. Again, use your best judgment when handing them toys or activities. What goes in a sensory bin? Sensory bins are actually very easy to put together and you likely have all the things in your house already. Keep in mind the likelihood of what your toddler may or may not put in his mouth, ears, nose, etc! First, you need a filler. This can be as simple as water and soap to make bubbles, dry pasta, cotton balls, dried rice or beans, etc. Keep a few of these on hand in zip-top bags in a bin (that you’ll use for sensory play) and you’ll be able to offer sensory bins at the drop of a hat. Looking into occupational therapy? An occupational therapist explains the basics of occupational therapy and sensory integration. Sensory bin filler ideas for toddlers Soapy water (recommend baby soap) Flour Cloud dough Dry pasta Dry beans Yogurt Crushed up cereal Dry rice Dry oatmeal Pom poms Large garden rocks Cooked spaghetti noodles Fake leaves/flowers Sand Cup up plastic straws Second, you’ll need a toy or manipulative. You can use plastic animals, cars, trucks, colored cubes, colored pom poms, etc. This is going to be the thing that they play within the sensory bin. Any toy they enjoy will work. You probably have most (if not all) of these things on hand already. If you want to work on a specific concept, you can do that here. So shapes, colors, etc. Sensory bin learning components Foam shapes Color cards Construction cars Farm animals Bath toys Colored pom poms Colored cubes Blocks Large Duplos or Mega Blocks Lastly, if you want to add another layer of challenge, grab a sensory bin tool. Tongs, toddler tweezers, measuring cups, etc. This gives your toddlers one more thing to play with. Keep some of these in your easy to access bucket with the fillers. Sensory bin tools Tongs Toddler tweezers Toddler magnifying glass Cups, bowls, plates Spoons Measuring spoons/cups Whisk Sifter Potato masher Plastic shovel Pastry brush Craft sticks Keeping the mess contained As I said before, the mess is definitely intimidating but there are ways to contain it if that’s a concern for you. There are a few ways you can keep the mess contained for sensory bins for toddlers. I like to use a high chair mat under their play space. This allows for easy clean-up when you’re all finished. I also will strap them into their high chair for play – super easy because they can’t go anywhere! When possible, do your sensory bins outdoors and use smocks/old t-shirts if you can. There are lots of large sensory table options for the outdoors. This is also when the bathtub will come in handy! Try sensory play in the bathtub! If you’re choosing something very messy, set up near a sink or get some wet paper towels ready to go while they’re playing. Sensory bin ideas for toddlers Ocean play: water (add blue food coloring), ocean animals, cups, and bowls. Horse stables: Hay, plastic horses, craft sticks. Garden: Dirt (or crushed up chocolate… Continue Reading Sensory Bins For Toddlers: Where to Begin

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Toddler Scooter: Join In On Wheely Fun With Your Toddler

Twiniversity — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 10:42:00 +0000

What exactly is a toddler scooter? Check out our guide to toddler scooters, outdoor fun and how to safely engage in this fun activity with your toddlers! Watching the delight on your child’s face as they interact with a ride-on toy or scooter, fills you with joy and pride. Perhaps you remember your first wheely toy; a super cool red flyer tricycle, or a four-wheel wagon that you pulled your siblings or pets around in. Maybe your first toy was a Big Wheels hot rod or a Razor scooter. No matter how you spent your youth on wheels, the joy and freedom of speeding about is a memory that lasts a lifetime. Many parents look forward to the time when they can gift their child their first bike or toddler scooter. What are the best scooters for toddlers? The Larktale 5-in-1 Scoobi is a great option for toddlers. It is completely adjustable to grow with your little one. Get it here. The Radio Flyer My First Scooter is another great one. It has 2 front wheels to help toddlers keep their balance and comes in red and pink. Get it here on Amazon today! SKIDEE makes a toddler scooter that has a removable seat, LED light-up wheels (FUN!), and a rear brake. Get this scooter here. The Razor Jr Lil’ Kick is great for toddlers who want to be just like the big kids. Made from the brand we already know and love, this scooter has a 3-wheel design for added stability and a wide, slip-resistant deck. It is recommended for ages 3 and up. Get it here. The Micro Kickboard has a 3-wheel design, like many toddler scooters. It is lean to steer which really prepares your little one ages 2-5 years for the steering of a big kids scooter. This one comes in more than a dozen colors here on Amazon. This PlayWheels Paw Patrol toddler scooter comes in pink and blue. It is the perfect height for you toddler and the little included accessory pouch is great for storing all your tikes treasure. Get this here. The TONBUX scooter is recommended for little ones from ages 3-10. It has 3 light-up wheels, lean to steer, and the handlebar is adjustable to grow with your kiddo. It comes in 3 colors. Get this scooter here on Amazon today! What exactly is a toddler scooter? A scooter is an ideal way to introduce wheels to younger children. Many toddler scooters are positioned to grow as your child grows. They can be adjusted from a little kid scooter to an older child or adolescent scooter. The parts on the scooters are made to withstand lots of use and rambunctious children. Some scooters are made of plastic while others are made of more durable metal. Whatever your child’s developmental stage, and whatever your budget is, you can find a scooter to match. Here are some of the most common questions that arise as you look to purchase a toddler boy scooter or a little girl scooter. Are scooters good for toddlers? Yes, a toddler scooter is good for toddlers. Using a scooter to help a toddler gain balance while encouraging physical activity are just a few of the benefits of buying a scooter for your child. There are many different styles of scooters that you can find. These various styles include scooters that are specifically sized for younger and smaller children. A baby scooter is basically a ride-on toy that a child straddles and manually pushes forward with their feet. Many of these baby scooters transition into a tricycle that has pedals that can fold in and out. A tricycle naturally lends more stability than a two-wheeled scooter due to the wider base and structure. What age can toddlers use a scooter? There is no specific age recommendation for using a scooter. In fact, many children from 9 months and beyond can sit and scoot on their ride-on toys. Eventually, their motor skills will allow for a standing toddler scooter that can be manually pushed with one foot while standing on the deck plate. Most standing scooters recommend age 2+. Further yet, some scooters for older children offer an electric, battery-powered version that has a throttle so no human energy is required to power their wheely fun. Older children find these especially entertaining. What is the best scooter for a 2 year old? If you run into trouble finding a toddler scooter that fits your child’s needs locally, you can search amazon scooter or kids scooter amazon to flip through the various styles, sizes, and colors you might be interested in. Scooter is a very broad term. Many scooters can be ride-on for younger children. They can have one plate that you stand on with one foot while the other powers your glide. Some have dual plates with a pedestal handle that you wiggle back and forth to power the unit. The more expensive models of a toddler scooter even have the power built-in with their own motor and throttle. The best scooter for a 2 year old will be one that easily balances, and is not too large for them to handle. Can a 2 year old ride a scooter? Yes, as long as your 2-year-old is stable and developmentally ready, they are able to ride a scooter. A great example of a scooter that would grow with your child through their developmental stages, is the Scoobi 5-in-1 scooter by Larktale. You can find this scooter here. Are scooters dangerous for toddlers? Scooters are not any more dangerous for toddlers than bicycles, tricycles, or other ride on toys. Safety is important when using a toddler scooter bike. Finding proper protective gear should be something you’re prepared to do when considering a scooter for your child. Accidents happen and cannot always be avoided; children can be at risk for pinched fingers, skin abrasions, broken teeth and broken bones when riding a scooter. In order to ensure your child’s safety, you… Continue Reading Toddler Scooter: Join In On Wheely Fun With Your Toddler

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Us Booster Seat Safety Standards Under Investigation by Congress

Twiniversity — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 19:51:33 +0000

A US congressional subcommittee is investigating booster seat safety standards as some manufacturers continue to promote 30 lb weight minimums. A US congressional subcommittee was formed in early 2020 to investigate car booster seat safety standards. A new congressional report written by this subcommittee claims that some booster seat manufacturers are giving parents dangerous advice, such as misleading claims, meaningless safety testing, and unsafe recommendations to parents about when they can transition their children from car seats to booster seats. The investigation began after a ProPublica and “CBS This Morning” report in February showed how some booster seats passed US standards, despite video of crash test dummies being violently tossed around during safety testing. New videos obtained by “CBS This Morning” show side-impact crash tests where child-size dummies flail violently in car booster seats, and, in each case, the booster seats passed the tests. How can this be possible? It is possible because there are no federal standards for such side-impact crash tests, so the car seat manufacturers decide what qualifies as passing. For children weighing less than 40 pounds, experts say booster seats may not fully protect them in a crash. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children be at least 40 pounds before transitioning to a booster seat, but U.S. regulators still allow for children weighing as little as 30 pounds to use a booster seat. When Should I Switch My Child to a Booster Seat U.S. House Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Katie Porter launched a House Oversight Committee investigation involving seven brands of car booster seats following the February report: Chicco, Britax, Evenflo, KidsEmbrace, Baby Trend, Dorel and Graco. Read the Investigation’s Findings The Subcommittee’s investigation found that manufacturers of booster seats have endangered the lives of millions of American children and misled consumers about the safety of booster seats by failing to conduct appropriate side-impact testing, deceiving consumers with false and misleading statements and material omissions about their side-impact testing protocols, and unsafely recommending that children under 40 pounds and as light as 30 pounds can use booster seats. House investigators found several makers have since adopted a 40-pound minimum, including Evenflo and Graco in early 2020. But Baby Trend and KidsEmbrace continue to market their booster seats for children as little as 30 pounds. Chicco’s website now has a 40-pound minimum, but “CBS This Morning” bought a booster seat Tuesday that was labeled 30 pounds and up. “As a parent, I’m begging people to please not put children under 40 pounds in a booster seat,” Porter said. “What we’ve seen from this investigation is terrifying and heartbreaking.” Reps. Porter and Krishnamoorthi launched a website for parents to share complaints and concerns about booster seats. 10 Rear Facing Car Seat Mistakes

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Is My Kid Too Young for a Nintendo Switch?

Twiniversity — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 15:07:28 +0000

Disclosure: Twiniversity received a copy of New Super Lucky’s Tale for Nintendo Switch to review. The thoughts and opinions here are 100% our own. If you grew up with a Nintendo 64 in your home like I did, you may have already run out and grabbed your kiddos a Nintendo Switch so they can grow up with the same gaming experience as you did. Our Nintendo was played by everyone in the house. We all had our favorites. My mom favored Tetris, my dad loved Pitfall, I was a Crash Bandicoot gal and my sister loves her some old school Mario. It was the first piece of technology in our home that brought us together. I’ve always been on the geekier side of the coin and I’m what folks would now call an “early adopter” so typically we were some of the first to be well versed in X by the time it became mainstream. I can remember having a Nintendo before more of my friends who initially thought that it was nerdy, but once it became popular, they all had one too. Because of my early adopter-ness, I’ve discovered some fun games before my friends and would beat them (or try to) before they even started playing. I’ve had an eye for things that might become trendy since I’m a youngin’ and I recently came across a game that we fell in love with on the Nintendo Switch. We first covered the Nintendo Switch when it launched and you can read our first look at the Nintendo Switch here. What age is Nintendo Switch suitable for? The Nintendo Switch is really for kids 6 and up. Does that mean that younger kids aren’t playing? Nope. We have family members as young as four that play along with the older kids. But since most of the titles can be a little complicated for a 4-year-old, we think your kiddos should be 6 and up to get the maximum amount of use out of it. Well, that’s only to say that you are actually buying it for the kids and not yourself. Sometimes parents may want something and they “buy it for the kids,” like I think my dad did with our original Nintendo. If that’s the case, don’t be ashamed to splurge on yourself. It’s super fun! Is Nintendo Switch OK for 7 year old? We’ve seen this question come up on Google a lot so we figured we’d throw it in here to cover it, but if you just read above, we think that the Nintendo Switch would be perfect for kids who are 7 years old. When all is said and done, when it comes to the question of what age is Nintendo Switch for, you know your kiddo best and should make that call on your own. Are there educational games for Nintendo Switch? Yuppers! Currently, there are over 75 educational titles available for the Nintendo Switch (found here) and more are added daily. There is a slew of topics covering math skills, geography, word search, even puzzle games which help with problem-solving skills. While “technically” the majority of the titles would be considered just plain ol’ fun, the geek in me wants to tell you, that even “fun” games in moderation teach you something. Hand-eye coordination, complex problem solving, and sometimes the overall feeling of accomplishment are found in EVERY Nintendo game. While all titles should be age-appropriate, there can always be an aspect of education if you look hard enough. (Says the gamer geek mom.) Is Nintendo Switch for little kids? So we chatted about this a bit, but in conclusion, I’d say yes. I think the kids will get a big kick out of the old school games involving characters like Mario, they will love titles like Super Lucky’s Tale. Recently we got to play Super Lucky’s Tale which is a Nintendo Switch game that allows you to join Lucky (a sweet little fox dude) on his journey through the Book of Ages. Your job is to recover the missing pages from Jinx, a kitty evil sorcerer (Don’t think we don’t get the “Meet The Parents” reference Nintendo! We see you!) Our favorite part of Super Lucky’s Tale was the collectibles. Not sure why kids love gathering so much, but there are literally THOUSANDS of items you can collect. They also were really impressed by the wardrobe selection. Lucky can adventure around in some sweet-looking duds. The gameplay was a bit challenging at times, but the rating “E for Everyone” was appropriate. Even a novice Nintendo Switch player should be able to easily navigate the world. That should help you to answer what age is Nintendo Switch for, right? You can order Super Lucky’s Tale today on Amazon or on the Nintendo website. You can check out some other great titles there too. Latest Posts

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11 Awesome Toys That Twins Can Share

Twiniversity — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 04:00:46 +0000

Read our list of 11 awesome toys for twin toddlers. These toys are twin-tested and mother-approved and will give your home a little extra peace. Playtime with twins can be delightfully stressful. The fact that twins, after months of sharing a womb, do not come into the world with an inept sense for cooperation is just flat out wrong. Trying to figure out what toys that twins can share without causing a fight is a huge challenge. To help your sanity, I’ve put together a list of toys, games, and activities that prevent a mid-afternoon melee and save you from having to buy the exact same toy in the exact same color. I’m not sure if these companies had twins in mind when creating these toys, but I sure do appreciate them. And you will too. Toys That Twins Can Share 1. Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Servin Up Fun Food Truck The Laugh and Learn Servin Up Fun Food Truck by Fisher-Price was a big hit with our twins. There are two sides of interactive play and it comes with lots of play pieces. There are three levels of learning, so there is longevity with this fun food truck. It teaches about creating, recycling, counting, and the key component, sharing. The songs are actually pretty catchy too. 2. Mega Bloks First Builders Big Building Bag We bought this set of Mega Bloks for our twins’ first birthday, and they still are not tired of them. These blocks are great through preschool and maybe even beyond that. Mega Bloks are big enough that little ones can’t choke on them and big enough to not double as little landmines when walking in the dark. They are great for developing fine motor skills, learning colors, and creativity. Bonus: it comes in its own storage bag! 3. Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Musical Play Mat While the Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Musical Play Mat is a fun gift for the kids, if you did not birth John Legend, this could be considered punishment for parents. Size-wise, both kids can stomp away. There is an option for a memory game or, as my children so beautifully prefer, create their own music. 4. Chalkboard and Jaq Jaq Chalk A classic for all kids who love to color. We put a chalkboard on the wall in our living room so the twins can draw as they please and Jaq Jaq chalk is dust-free, which helps cut back on cleaning. This pack of chalk also comes with two of each color – phew. 5. 3-in-1 Radio Flyer Grandstand Wagon This involves some parental assistance, but I personally think a wagon is essential for toddler twins. This particular Radio Flyer Grandstand Wagon has two cup holders for kids and two cup holders for adults. It also doubles as a bench which becomes big enough for adults to sit too! This wagon is made of plastic making this easy to keep clean. It turns easily and is a pretty smooth ride. 6. Melissa & Doug Catch & Count Wooden Fishing Game I’m a big fan of Melissa & Doug toys in general, but this Melissa & Doug Catch & Count Wooden Fishing Game is particularly great for twins. With two magnetic poles this game is fun for the twins to catch the fish either together or one at a time. It’s suggested for ages three and up our twins have not yet mastered all the skills this game offers, but it is definitely teaching them how to take turns and learn their numbers. 7. Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk Sure, this one has an element of risk if there is one favorite princess, but this Disney Princess Dress Up Trunk comes with 21 pieces for dress up and allows kids to mix and match. Stickers give kids the opportunity to personalize the jewelry. This box-of-fun comes in a cute trunk-like storage case. Full disclosure, I have not personally purchased this one. However, I did hear another twin mom praise about it and it looks like so much fun! 8. MU ALL-IN-ONE Children’s Play Table The MU All-In-One Children’s Play Table is the Christmas present my twins will be getting this year. This one is on the pricier side, however, it grows with your twins until age eight. The MU Table takes a Montessori approach and has different activity disk options, like a Lego or Play-Doh mold, for purchase to keep this fun and interesting. The toy bag is in the middle is perfect for quick and easy clean up. No matter how fun the toy, sometimes kids just want their own. These options come as a two-pack! 9. Prextex Race Cars Remote controls are really good for hand-eye coordination. This durable set of Prextex Race Cars comes with a cop car and a race car. Each car comes with a play figure driver and makes its own sounds. Each controller only has a forward and backward button which makes this a great toy for kids to learn without being overwhelmed. Age recommendation is three and up. My twins are two and the driving is not pretty, however, they can handle them. They run on different frequencies so they can be played together without mixing signals. 10. Fire HD 10 Kids Edition Tablet Screen time gets a lot of grief but these tablets are very effective for keeping twins quietly entertained on road trips when you need them. The Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet is perfect for twins (it’s a Twiniversity parent favorite!) and it lets the parents set the controls. You can set up parental controls online so you can mirror the tablets by logging in on the device so both kids can watch the same show or play the same game at the same time, or not. The option is theirs. One thing to note, if there is no wi-fi, you must download the shows or games beforehand. They also come with kid cases so they can drop, drip, throw, and… Continue Reading 11 Awesome Toys That Twins Can Share

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Cybex Sirona M Convertible Car Seat Review

Twiniversity — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 17:45:34 +0000

Hey guys, it’s Julie from Twiniversity and I’m here to tell you all about a new, fantastic car seat that has just hit the market and it’s really revolutionizing the baby industry. This is the Cybex Sirona M with Sensorsafe 2.0 technology. Sensorsafe Technology So what’s so great about this seat right? Let me show you. This right here, this clip, this is where the Sensorsafe 2.0 technology lives. So this clip is going to tell you through an app on your phone if your child is stuck in a hot car or if your child is overheated in the car or too cold in the car. cybex sirona m Or it’s also going to tell you if your child takes this clip off and tries to be a Houdini and tries to take off their seat. Which we all have in our life right? So this car seat is going to be great for your whole family because that app that syncs with this piece can be connected to your spouse, grandparents, your best friend, anyone that you want to be connected to this seat. So let’s go in the car and take a closer look. Which Way to Face Hi Nora. Nora is going to help us out with this demonstration. All right Nora is two years old so she is in the forward-facing position. If you have a child under two you should have a child in the rear-facing position. cybex sirona m Or you can actually rear face longer than two years old as long as you’re not reaching the height or weight maximum of the seat. At that point, you would then need to turn it around forward facing and you would need to consult your manual to determine the different height and weight. Features All right let’s look at a few features I want to show you before we delve into the Sensorsafe technology which is my favorite part of the seat. cybex sirona m Okay so right here we have a 12-point adjustable harness. This is a no-rethread harness so you’re not going to have to take the cover off and rethread that harness each and every time your child grows. You just pull it up or you push it down and you want to make sure that if they’re forward-facing that the seat belt is going to lie at or above their shoulders. If your child is rear-facing it should be at or below their shoulders. Okay, so we’re actually above right now so we’re all good to go. And then we’ve got our seat belt nice and snug. Pinch test passes. There’s no pinch in the harness so we’re all good with that. cybex sirona m So you know we all have that kid who’s a little Houdini and escape from their car seat while we’re in motion. That’s always fun. So if your child is able to undo their chest clip while your car is in motion this is the sound it will make. Did you hear that? Then you could be like oh who unbuckled their seatbelts and then you can clip it back on for them. Alright, so this sensor safe clip is really phenomenal. So what’s going to happen is when you’re driving your car once you park the car and turn the car off then this will start to beep to remind you that your child is in the back seat, okay? Then four minutes will pass and if you haven’t gotten them out of the car it will beep again. So once you get out of your car it will know and it will beep again so you know your child is in the car. They need to get out of their car seat. Then if you continue walking 20 feet or more from your car you will start getting notifications on your phone to remind you hey there’s still a kid in your car you need to undo that belt. cybex sirona m Now the reason why it’s 20 feet is because if you just want to step out of your car and pump gas or something. So it won’t go off if you’re right around the car. It waits until you’re far enough away indicating that you’re really not coming back. So then if you don’t respond to the notifications it’ll send a notification to everyone else in your family that has this synced up with the app. So your spouse, grandparents, your best friend – I would say hook up anybody and everybody that you know uses their smart phone on a regular basis so they will be notified that something is wrong and that your child is still in their seat. cybex sirona m And it will give the address of the location of the car. So they can run out and see what’s wrong if you’re not responding to your calls. Because you never know. You may have dropped your phone somewhere. You may not have noticed it went off. So this is yet another failsafe that Cybex has put into it which I think is really great. One feature that I really love about this seat is it also tells you the comfort level of your child. So if it’s getting too hot in the backseat of your car and it goes above 85 degrees you’re going to get a notification about that. And similarly if you’re in a really cold environment like me, I live in Chicago and it gets really cold in the winters, it’ll let you know if it’s dropping too cold. So that’s a really nice feature so you can have peace of mind to make sure that your child is comfortable. Now it has the ability to show up to 16 seats on the app. So on the app you’ll be able to see each individual chest clip and they’re numbered one through up to 16. So you have a whole passenger van… Continue Reading Cybex Sirona M Convertible Car Seat Review

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5 Mom and Kid Approved Apps for Ages 2-6

Twiniversity — Mon, 28 Jan 2019 04:00:24 +0000

Before I had children, I was the perfect parent. I knew you should tell the kids ‘no’ more than ‘yes’; if they don’t do what they are told, you ground them. They will have what they need, and some of the things that they want. Their days will be filled with imaginary play, and I will not allow them to watch TV, play video games, or eat sugar. Enter reality. I bribe my kids with sugar, I turn on a movie to occupy them while I try to get something done, and they earn time on the tablet by doing chores, listening well, and by doing what is asked of them, the first time they are asked. There are no sick days in parenthood, so I have been known to allow a little extra screen time when I’m not feeling well. Screen time is a reality, no matter your views and opinions on the subject. I won’t be surprised if by the time my twins go to kindergarten their school supply list includes a tablet or computer. My six-year-old is learning how to write code on an iPad, in kindergarten. My take on this whole situation is this: By keeping my kids away from the screen, I am keeping them from learning a skill that will be very important in their future, plus, they will be exposed to it no matter what, so at least if I’m the one allowing it, then I get to decide what and how much they are exposed to. My biggest requirement for an app is education. The app must have some educational value, especially for my younger kids. I have allowed my six-year-old to download a couple apps that are just fun and not educational, like Mario Run. Next, it must be user-friendly and at their learning level (I say this because the age recommendations aren’t always accurate). Finally, it must be fun and engaging; or really, what is the point? If your kids don’t enjoy the app they will just spend their time perusing Netflix or sending emoji-filled text messages to your contact list (I speak from experience on this one). Here is a list of my top five MoM (and kid) approved apps for two to six years olds: Endless Alphabet (2+ years old) Endless Alphabet is an interactive spelling and vocabulary app. There are 100 words to choose from, and each word features an interactive puzzle with talking letters. Choose a word and it will appear on a notebook page in plain letters. Adorable little monsters run across the screen, scattering a second set of colorful creature letters around the page. Tap a letter creature and it responds by making the letter’s sound. Drag the letter to its match in the original word. If put in the wrong spot, you hear an “uh-uh” noise. Once you’ve finished spelling the word correctly, an animated definition is offered. There are no high scores or time limits; your children are allowed to learn at their own pace with this app. My two-year-olds have already repeated multiple letter sounds they have learned while using Endless Alphabet. And even after months of playing, the animation and silly letter sounds still engage and make my kids laugh. There is a free version of this app, that includes advertisements and a limited number of words. I do not pay for many apps, but I do recommend purchasing this one; no ads and full word access is worth the $8.99. Balloon Pop (+18 months) Balloon Pop is the first app I downloaded for my singleton. The concept is simple: balloons slowly float up the screen and you touch the balloon to pop them. Choose from four game modes: normal, ABCs, numbers 1-20, and colors. Pop the balloons to hear the alphabet, numbers, and colors. Keep the kids stimulated and the game challenging by deciding how large and fast (or slow) the balloons float by. The free version of this app contains no advertisements. You can purchase the full version for $2.99. It includes more details in the balloons. I purchased the full version recently and I didn’t even know we were missing anything and honestly my kids couldn’t care less that there are 4 more types of balloons to pop! Stack the States 2 (4+ years old) Stack the States 2 brings the 50 states to life as you learn U.S. geography. The first phase of this app is a trivia game about the 50 states. Answer the questions correctly and earn a state. The goal is to collect as many states as you can and stack them on top of each other, trying not to tip the stack over. Once your stack reaches the checkered line, you’ve completed the level. With every level you complete, you earn a new state on your own personal map of the United States. As you earn more states, you begin to unlock the free bonus games: Map It, Connect 2 and Capital Tap. This app is definitely for older kids as the trivia questions require reading, so non-readers will need parental help. My six year old loves stacking the states on top of each other, and laughs when they topple over. She loves the bonus Map It game and has been placing all 50 states correctly on a blank map of the United States since age 4. This app does cost $2.99, but it is completely worth the money. Tiny Hands Sorting 3 (2+ years old) Tiny Hands Sorting 3 is a set of sorting games. The game board consists of 12 levels, ascending from easy to difficult. Sort shapes by size, sort monkeys, birds, and hedgehogs into like groups, and count to 3 and sort cute little beetles are just a few of the fun games included in this app. My twins are so proud of themselves when they sort everything correctly that there are lots of “I did it” and clapping whenever they play this app. The free version of… Continue Reading 5 Mom and Kid Approved Apps for Ages 2-6

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