Wondering if it’s worth spending money on a fancy schmancy mobile for your infant’s crib? Well, that depends. In my parenting of three experience, I’ve discovered that mobiles really do stimulate and entertain infants, some more than others. Hmmm, guess that probably means the experts know what they’re talking about when they say mobiles are great for development.

While there are so many mobile options to choose from, non-motorized, homemade mobiles to the hi-tech variety, I personally give Tiny Love’s Mobile Line two thumbs up. As infants, my children loved the Tiny Love Symphony-in-Motion Mobile that I attached to their crib.

How do I know? The captivating characters and classical musical stimulation instantly soothed them. Long after it was time for the mobile to come out of the crib for safety reasons, the detachable musical box continued to provide my children comfort.

My children weren’t the only ones who liked Tiny Love. When I had a problem with a mobile part, Tiny Love’s customer service department happily sent me a replacement. As for value, that Symphony-in-Motion mobile oversaw the first months of three newborns. I think that says something right there.

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Age: birth +

I had my eye on a drop-dead gorgeous moses basket when I was pregnant with my first child.  The bedding was beautiful and the basket appeared rugged.  Did I buy it?  No.  Why not?  Because a shopping companion convincingly explained that it wouldn’t be worth the expense.  The baby would outgrow it too quickly.  It would take up too much space.  I’d never use it.  Who was I to disagree? What did I know about babies and their preferences?  This companion had already birthed several babies.  I hadn’t even seen the inside of a labor and delivery room.

By the time baby #2 arrived, I still had my eye on that moses basket.  But my friend’s words still stuck with me.  Sure, I had baby experience now and could see the practical value of a moses basket, but I again resisted purchasing one, even though I really wanted one.  When baby #3 was on the way, I decided it was now or never.

I spent hours researching the ”perfect” basket.  I agonized over the decision, comparing thread count and cushion thickness.  It’s a tough choice after all, especially when you’re faced with cool designs by manufacturers like Hoohobbers and affordable, quality baskets by Badger Baskets.  Speaking of Hoohobbers, that company’s award winning baby products and moses baskets can’t be beat–the bedding patterns are trendy and you can actually wash the duvet designed bedding without losing beauty in the wash.

Those hours of research paid off.  I ended up putting my baby in that moses basket everyday.  It came in especially handy when I wanted a shower.  I would haul the lightweight basket into the bathroom, putting it and baby on the floor beside the shower–talk about a relaxing experience for both mom and baby.  I only wish that I had used a moses basket with my other babies! 

As far as baby gear goes, I’d rank a moses basket in the top ten of cool baby items.  Sure, maybe you don’t *need* one in the way you *need* diapers or milk, but having a moses basket is a real treat–think icing on the cake.  Just think, having one allows you to create a mini nursery wherever you happen to be in the house.  And, don’t forget, once baby outgrows the basket, you can get further mileage out of the basket by converting it into a handy toy or blanket storage basket.                

Gearing up for baby, eh?  If hip is your style (like it is for daddy celeb Hugh Jackman), add something Babylicious to your baby shower wish list, like Babylicious Bedding.  As featured on Parents.com, Canada based Babylicious offers fresh and groovy nursery products, like changing pad covers, sheets, and “fringe” crib bumpers which eliminate the “should I or shouldn’t I bumper the crib” question. 

Oh, in case you’re wondering what’s so cool about “fringe,” let me tell you.  Instead of using a controversial traditional bumper that ties alongside the crib rails, “fringe” ties to the top and hangs like mini flags for an ultra chic look. 

If you like funky, unique designs (think, Zutano), you’re going to fall head over heels in love with Babylicious.  But you don’t have to take my word for it.  Parents.com, celebrities, and baby-Wise’s own Kimberly, also think Babylicious rocks. 

I’m nearly convinced that one of the best gifts for a toddler/pre-K aged-child is a train table–with trains and a bunch of accessories, of course!  My children (and the children of nearly every parent I know) are drawn to them whenever they spot one, such as at Barnes and Noble or at the pediatrician’s office.

While the floor or dining room table may seem like an okay place for train play, nothing quite beats a train table that is specifically designed to keep kids busy for hours by encouraging imaginary play, while also neatly containing train parts.  A separate play space for the kids is a nice perk of a train table—fewer train parts to step on around the house, fewer times asking (okay, let’s get real here, begging) your kids to “clean up” their toys.

A quality train table can last for years.  Even after your kids outgrow the table for train play, it can be used as a versatile storage table (most train table manufacturers offer deep storage drawers as an add on accessory) or as another surface for doing other activities, like school assignments or art—some parents elect to paint a table’s surface with chalkboard paint for extended use.

There are a number of popular train table manufacturers, including reasonably priced tables by KidKraft (which offers tables in a choice of color, complete with colorful and fun play surfaces).  Baby-wise.com offers free shipping on orders over $99—that makes giving a train table gift this holiday an even merrier idea.