bahbala's Profile

This question was raised on the NY Times parenting blog back in 2010, right before I had my second child. I found all the feedback in the comments incredibly helpful, and I always share it with friends who are expecting their second: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/becoming-a-family-of-four/

I send my son to preschool with something to heat up almost every day. I haven't found a good plastic-free solution, but these GladWare containers with screw-on lids work very well (they are BPA free.) They are cheap, so I replace them often. I sometimes send my smaller Frigoverre containers, too. They are glass, but the teachers haven't said anything about it. I'm looking for better solutions, too, but haven't found much.
here are links:
Gladware:http://www.target.com/p/GladWare-Medium-LockWare-Food-Storage-Containers-3-ct/-/A-13486211
Frigoverre: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/kitchen-and-food/food-containers-storage/4-piece-round-storage-bowl-set/s588563

Ball pit! Your kids are just the right age. You can find balls to fill it on amazon.

Such a bummer! We LOVE ours and have never had a problem with it. In fact, until now it was the baby shower gift I gave everyone...

these oxo lights turned out to be indispensable for me. perfect for middle-of-the-night diaper changes when you don't want to excite baby by turning on the lights, great for checking on baby, etc. they'd be a fun addition to more obvious baby stuff. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=14927344

I get the practicality of the banana guard--but I would not want that thing falling out of my bag at the office--if you know what I mean. Looks like it could be used for something else! ;)

As someone who breastfed for 15 months, I can say that having good posture while nursing is really, really important. Get something that's comfortable, but that you can sit with a straight back in. I imagined I'd want to really lounge back while nursing, but found that it wasn't really comfortable. I used an inexpensive wooden rocking chair with a pad and it was perfect--I'm planning on using it for baby #2 as well. Especially in the beginning, you might be sitting there for 30 minutes per nursing session--you don't want a leg falling asleep, slumped shoulders, etc. And after giving birth you will not want to be straining to stand from the floor with an infant in your arms!
It's a great idea to set aside a special place for nursing to take place, though. I think it helps you stick with it for the long hall. Definitely get something. On the couch, in front of the TV might work in the beginning, but your baby grows, it can turn into a distraction. Kind of like working from the couch versus sitting at a desk...

Land of Nod has a cute set of bedding called "Robo" that might do the trick. The robots don't look like they have a lot of purple in them, but there are grays and blues that echo lavender. It's pictured here with an orange quilt that's really adorable. Maybe show him the bedding and say, "Do you like this? Do you want your room to be in these colors?" He might abandon the literal purple part.

I like ohdeedoh's choices, but couldn't agree less with many of the other 20! That kidco food mill is useless (it only has the strength to mash things that can already be mashed with a fork and is impractical for making baby food in batches.) And the itzbeen timer? Come on! Garbage. And the shears? Ridiculous--the best way to cut up things like pizza and pancakes is with a regular old pizza cutter! Use a knife for things like grapes. Duh!

I do love my gogo kidz travelmate, though!

It looks very similar to some of the Kathe Kruse dolls from Germany. This site has a large selection of them. He might like the Guggli or Sweetheart lines.

http://www.blueberryforest.com/kathe_kruse/kathe_kruse_dolls.htm