Safety First - Convenience and Decor Second

I was just in the process of purchasing the child safety locks I posted below for my file and kitchen cabinets - again. The first go around they broke; it seems they can’t withstand the wear and tear that I give them every day opening and closing.  However, these are the most adjustable, flexible locks for cabinets that do not have standard knobs and for people who don’t want to drill holes.

The other suggestion I’ll make is making these in at least a few wood shaded colors. Why are most of the childproof pieces mostly white?  While it may prohibit the child a bit more from attempting entry, it stands out much more, especially when you have an open house and people are looking around carefully.

Last, the only major online store I’ve found that sells these two together is Buybuybaby.com.  Kudos to this store, as they also have a concise range of products that should fit nearly all your childproofing needs!

Mommy’s Helper Slide Latch

KidCo Adjustable Locking Strap

Chopping, Eating and Washing

I’ve been getting some great feedback on the reasoning behind the site, hope the below product suggestions are helpful! Welcome to my new home at Parentville.com!

I want to talk about preparing, eating, and cleaning food.

1) KidCo Food Mill Grinder

This is a great answer for someone who wants to make their own food and get an arm workout as well (and it’s BPA free). But I guess you get what you pay for ($12-$15). Here’s the deal with this one:

- You must grind over a cutting board or non-slip catch-all because liquid will start seeping through the sides.

- When trying to create more space for food to grind, you must slowly pull up the bowl from the base; otherwise, it will lift off quickly and all your food will fall out on the counter.

- You must be aware that you can only physically grind one or two servings at a time (plus it takes several minutes to do)

Here’s my recommendation on Parentville.com, and a link to a better (yet much steeper at $149) alternative. But hey, you’re going to be cooking food for a good year or so, so it’s probably worth it! Plus, you can use it for other adult meals later on.

KidCo Food Mill

Better Option: Babycook

2) Gerber Graduates Mini Fruits Snacks

These look like a nutritious, delicious way to get your baby started on fruit with a pincer grasp. Yet, my daughter’s first, and second, third, etc. reaction to these was to cough in my face. That’s because there is so much powder your baby is swallowing from the freeze-dried technique leaving it on the snacks and in the bag when they stick their hand in it. I would not recommend these, since they can be  replaced by real fruit.  I invested in a $20 Oneida chopper, but even KidCo’s slicer could do the trick.

3) Munchkin Deluxe Dishwasher Basket

This dishwasher rack is like most - you want to put a lot in it, but it only holds so much. Then its lid starts popping off, and it’s difficult to snap back on. My suggestion here is that all dishwasher manufacturers should start thinking about better ways to make bottle and small accessory holders in most models that can snap right into the rack itself. Our apartment came with a dishwasher, so we didn’t have much say in the matter. (By the way, phosphate-free detergent, such as Ecover - which you can get at Whole Foods - is better for your baby and the environment).