Hello again! It's been awhile since I've done a baby items post. You can view my other editions here, if you want. Here are some of the bigger toys/chairs/swings Norah has had/is currently using.
Birth-6 months (approximately):
1. Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper- We used this a ton for Norah and she even slept in it her first three months of life (mainly because we were moving/didn't have a crib in our apartment). I would recommend it. It's nice that it's cozy feeling for baby, and it's easily portable. It also has a vibration/music setting. (They have a newer version now that can rock by itself.)
Verdict: Yes- my favorite/most used newborn item.
2.
4moms MamaRoo swing- This is a newer version than the one Norah has, but it's very similar. This swing is like the Apple of baby items. It's amazing, but you have to decide if the money is worth it to you. There are 5 different motion and speed settings, and 4 sounds settings. You can also hook up your ipod to it. It works well until your baby can sit up unassisted. Norah is 8 months now, and we had to put it away because she could lean over and the undistributed weight made the machine make a crunching sound like it would break (it didn't, but she was getting too big for it). It's a great swing, but honestly it was not our most used item because it's not very easily portable. Norah really doesn't like to be alone, so we more often used the smaller, portable swings/chairs that we could move from room to room where we were.
(I could see myself using this a lot more with our second baby, while I am trying to play with Norah. The different setting really are awesome.)
Verdict: Very cool, but could get by just fine with something cheaper/simpler.
3.
Comfort & Harmony Cradling Bouncer- The picture is what Norah has, the link is to a slightly different one because hers was discontinued. We used this fairly regularly. It's easily movable from room to room in your house, but it doesn't fold up or anything for transporting outside your home. Norah liked it for the first few months, but as soon as she got more curious/active we didn't use it as much.
Verdict: I liked it, but I wouldn't say that this particular seat was any better than any other.
4.
Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo Activity Gym- These mats are expensive, but I really like them. I love the alphabet, so this one was super cute. Norah got it for Christmas. This is perfect for about 2-5 months where they are curious but not mobile. It's great for laying on their back and also for tummy time.
Verdict: Yes, I like it.
6 months + (approximately):
1.
Baby Einstein Activity Jumper Special Edition, Neighborhood Friends- Again, the picture is the one Norah has, the link is to the newer one they have. (Can't believe how fast things change!) Norah absolutely loves this and it's one of her favorite things. She loves to jump, pull on the toys, and push the music buttons. She loves to make sure she can still see us when she's in it, though, and doesn't love to be alone. She most sits in it next to the table when we are eating dinner.
Verdict: Yes! Norah has been using this since about 4 months, and is 8 months now and still uses it. It's one of her favorite things. (Once Norah started actively crawling, she didn't like it anymore and wanted to be on the move!)
2. Fisher Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat- Frog- My mother-in-law got this for Norah, and I love it! I would definitely recommend this; it's one of my favorite baby items ever. I personally like it way better than the Bumbo seat (although they have improved it a lot I think)
. Your baby has to be able to hold their head up and sit up with support to use this. Norah has used it since about 4.5 months and still uses it often (almost daily) at 8 months. I love that it supports them all the way around. When Norah sat in the Bumbo, she kept leaning forward (before she could sit up well on her own). I would definitely recommend. (They also have a lion seat with a tray!)
Verdict: Yes. It's a must.
Update: Norah is 14 months and I still use it occasionally. She's definitely getting too big for it, but it works for those times when I need her to be still for a minute (like if I'm putting things in the oven or something). It's stable enough that she can't move in it or tip it over. You can use it for so long- you should get it for sure!
3.
Baby Einstein Sea Life Door Jumper- The link is slightly different than the picture because I couldn't find the exact one Norah has. Norah hasn't had this for super long, but I like it. We got it because she loved jumping in her Baby Einstein Activity Jumper so much that we thought she would love it. I wondered if it would be safe, but it seems very sturdy. If your baby loves jumping, this would be great. The only problem is it takes up a doorway.
Verdict: Yes.
Update: Norah never really liked this, but I think we got it too late. She was already used to her other jumper, so she never took to this one. Hopefully our next kids will like it!
8 months + (approximately):
These next two items are Norah's newest toys, and she is loving them!
1.
V-Tech Sit-to-Stand Walker- We ordered this as a more "grown-up" toy for Norah. You can sit on the floor and play with it, and also learn to walk! You can also take off the toy board and just set that on the ground too as a flat surface. Norah loves it- it's her new favorite thing! There are lots of different things to do on it. I looked at lots of walker toys online, and to me, this one looked most interesting/had the most to do.
Verdict: Yes, would recommend, Norah loves playing with this!
Update: Now that Norah walks independently, she doesn't enjoy this as much anymore, but for a few months she played with it almost daily. She loved it!
2.
Bright Starts Havin' A Ball Activity Table- I can't believe this is discontinued already! I also researched lots of activity tables before purchasing, and this one looked like it had lots to do on it, with a variety of things. I also thought Norah would love the ball aspect, and she does! Can't believe she is old enough to use this! She can stand relatively well with hands on something, but not by herself yet, so this table is perfect for now and for her to grow into. You can also take the table legs off and have it be a flat base on the ground. Norah is loving it! So many things to keep her entertained.
Verdict: Yes, would recommend.
Update: Norah really enjoyed this table for months also! It was a good purchase.