My Review of Aqueduck Faucet Extender AQUA

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Make hand washing easier, for both of you! Instead of lifting kids up to the faucet (ow!), bring the faucet to them. Aqueduck™ faucet extender stretches the water flow to within kids' reach. Bonus: parents report kids wash their hands more thoroughly, because it's more comfortable and fun. Aqueduck...

Aqueduck Faucet Extender AQUA

We Love This

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

5out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Use, Comfortable, Easy To Clean, Durable, Quality Construction, Good Value

Best Uses: Developmental, Gift, Travel, Everyday Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

Was this a gift?: No

I couldn't be more fond of this product. It's so easy to install, my 3-year-old can do it. Now he can easily wash his hands, promoting hygiene and independence. And I can just leave it on when adults are using the sink as well.

(legalese)

My Review of Deluxe Car Seat PiddlePad Prevents Stains

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Piddle-proof your car seat and stroller, with our bigger, better PiddlePad! It's larger, softer, and stays in place better, guarding your gear against stains and leaks. Contains diaper blowouts and, later, potty training uh-ohs. With quilted Velboa top, slip-resistant, waterproof base, and abso...

Deluxe Car Seat PiddlePad Prevents Stains

Great Idea!

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easy To Set Up, Washable, Practical, Durable

Cons: Hard To Adjust

Best Uses: Toddlers, Travel Strollers, Car Seats

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

My only complaint with this product is that it does easily move out of place as there is nothing to attach it to the car seat. Otherwise, it's been a great relief to have in case of an accident while potty training.

(legalese)

My Review of Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

Potty training? Bed wetting? Our saddle-style mattress protector makes clean-up easier and its more absorbant than others! No more changing the sheets at 2:00 a.m.! Simply place over the fitted sheet and tuck in the extra-long side flaps. It stays put, yet lifts off quickly when needed (buy 2, so y...

Dri Nights Waterproof Mattress Protector Crib/Twin Size

Easy to use, more than expected.

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

4out of 5

Pros: Lightweight, Easily Cleaned, Portable, Easy To Set Up, Easily Stowed

Best Uses: Toilet Training, Hygiene, Traveling, Potty Use

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

This protector covers so much area of the bed that my toddler, who twists and turns throughout the night, will always be on it. It is very easy to install and remove, and tuck in a bag to go to grandma's.

(legalese)

My Review of Multi-purpose Appliance Latch

Originally submitted at One Step Ahead

If your toddler can't resist opening the dishwasher or dryer, you need this simple, self-adhesive appliance lock! Easy for you to open, but impossible for tots. Sticks on instantly. Great for childproofing refrigerators, freezers, and microwaves, too.

Multi-purpose Appliance Latch

Good idea, But easily diverted

By Heather and Ronan from Norman, OK on 4/21/2012

 

3out of 5

Pros: Strong Construction, Useful Application, Easy Use

Cons: Poor Design

Best Uses: Toddlers, Kitchen/Bathroom, Accident Prevention

Describe Yourself: First Time Parent

I got this after my son dumped an entire gallon of orange juice on the floor. However, after seeing me operate once or twice, he can easily unlatch it himself. It's better than others I tried because it will actually stay affixed to the appliance. But definitely for a younger toddler. Mine is just over 3.

(legalese)

My (cheap) Concealed Kitty Loo

These things are expensive pre-made, and most of the ideas I found online still required buying a $100 piece of furniture. I want to move my cat who is 14 years old into our apartment, which doesn't allow pets. So it's imperative to make it look like a cat doesn't live here. So, here is my own kitty loo, on a budget.

First, I hunted at Gordman's, halfway hoping to find something. They're notorious for low prices. I got lucky, and found a shelf of small trunks marked down to 29.99. There were several designs, but the hippie in me got attracted to the tie-dye. Once I got it home, I cut the hole for Leia to enter. Had to remove one of the handles but that side is hidden anyway. Then I lined the interior with self stick vinyl, to protect the cloth and wood from any "miss-haps." In the bottom I folded up a puppy training pad for more protection. I bought a Wonderbox, because they are flexible and eco-friendly. Adding a pan liner, a stick-up air freshener, and a litter scoop, all I need is the cat :) OH, and I spent less than $50 on the whole thing.

Thanks for your support!

Receiving 50 votes, this blog made it into Circle of Moms Top 25 Single Moms!

Dry Nights

It's been a week now of no diapers to bed, just training pants. I've cut off beverages after 7:30, no longer let him take a sippy of water to bed, and have him try to go at 8:30 right before going to bed. He's been dry every morning - as long as I get him to the toilet right after waking. I have the sheet protectors just in case, but even one night with regular underwear was successful. I don't know what to thank for this lucky transition! I was imagining waking us both up in the middle of the night.

Well...sharing.

Ronan was having a sharing problem last night at a friend's. Her son is 5, but she has told me Ronan is the only child he really gets along with. Last night a meltdown occurred over our host's Leapster game. Ronan doesn't have anything like that and the boy was playing a game very much in Ronan's interest - Cars 2. While the other boy was being disciplined for throwing a fit. I attempted a conversation with Ronan.

"What's your most favorite toy at home?"
"Cars."
"If Brodun came over and played with your favorite cars and didn't ask, would you be upset?"
"Yes."
"Well, this game is Brodun's most favorite toy. And you took it without asking. So he's upset."
I paused to let that sink in before I lost him...
"When Brodun is ready to come out of his room, what are you going to do with the game?"
"Share."
Score!

When Brodun was released from time-out, I reminded Ronan about the game, and he handed it over. And the rest of the night he was content with watching Brodun play. It's relieving to know that I am able to come up with some sort of language for him to understand and get over "but I want to play."

Aaaannnnd....crash.

Here comes another bipolar relapse. See the doc in a few days. Have to keep my mind occupied until then. Especially when Ronan's home. He picks up on emotions better than anyone I've ever met.