Get the Best Family Activities
You can also use your child's favorite Disney character to get the job done. Dr. Fresh Disney Digital Thermometers feature Mickey or Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Cinderella or The Little Mermaid, and give a 10-second read whether used orally, underarm or rectally. $10.99 at drugstores; more info at www.drfresh.com. (9/06)
WHOOZ IN A NAME
You can easily identify your kid's sippy cup, or a water bottle at a soccer game, with BumpyNames Orbit Labels. These stretchy labels, which come in a few hundred names, or can be customized, can go through the dishwasher or microwave; they fit small baby bottles or large sports bottles. Names also come in Braille. BumpyNames in blue or green are $6.95 for a 3-pack. The customized ones, $11.95 for a 4-pack, come in pink, teal or light blue — all at www.bumpyname.com. (9/06)
PLUGGED-IN BABES
Now babies can go to sleep with their iPods; the new iCrib Sound System combines a nightlight with an MP3 player. You can program your iPod, iRiver or Rio with soothing lullabies, and download free Mozart selections at www.munchkin.com. The iCrib attaches to the crib's railing, and features auto shut-off, so you don't have to sneak back into baby's room once she is slumbering away. From Munchkin, $29.99 at Target. (9/06)
REALLY GOOD CLEAN FUN
Plastic placemats can be good for the environment, plus keep kids entertained. Good Clean Fun Placemats, made from corn, come with soy crayons; you can wipe off what's drawn and use the placemat again. When you can no longer reuse the placemat, it can be composted. These come 10 in a package, in "Number Fun" and "Endangered Animals" designs, with four crayons; the adhesive strips on the back keep the placemats secured. From Fresh Baby, www.freshbaby.com. $9.99, available at Nature's Pantry in Westchester, and in NYC at Giggle and Sons + Daughters. (9/06)