Monkey Feet – Messy play for kids

What can I say, the name says it all. Messy Play is exactly what you get.  Monkey Feet have a range of activities for children as young as 6 months through to 6yrs or 8 years (on school holidays). I have been there a handful of times, and am so glad that I decided to try it out. I am not sure of dates, but I think they have been open for less than 1 year, and they are doing a fantastic job.

I decided to try it out with my DD2 when she was 8 months. Before this age, I didn't know they did younger. :( and when we went she had a blast.. She still wasn't crawling then, but she still had lots of fun with our playmates that we went with. They have a range of fun things to do there including playing with slime, water play, crafts, painting and  bubba(Bubber is a soft modelling compound for children. Bubber feels as light as air and as fluffy as a cloud. It never dries out, and can be played with over and over) which is the coolest thing ever.

All the products that are used at Monkey Feet are non-toxic and edible, so if your baby loves to try everything, as most babies do - you know that it won't harm them.  

The experience that you and you child get when you go to Monkey Feet is priceless, the expression is priceless. The activities are always changing, the staff there keep it different, but yet always learning fun.  The babies learn different textures, senses, and fine motor skills, while the bigger kids can be as creative and as messy as they want. And as a parent, I love not having to clean it up (sorry Katrina) lol.

All the information for classes and more about what Monkey feet can be found on there website

http://www.monkeyfeettownsville.com.au/ or there FaceBook page http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Townsville/Monkey-Feet/124428732682?ref=ts

We would love to hear your experience at Monkey Feet.

Tanya xx

Update - 20th September 2010

So, I know at the beginning I said that it would just be baby products that I review, but I am enjoying writing these posts that I think I may extend it to local activities to do within the Townsville Region only.

I have 3 wonderful children DS 8yrs old, DD1 5yrs old and DD2 9mths old. I have only lived in Townsville and there was nothing like this when I was a child.

So if you live in Townsville and didn't know the variety that there is for children, then please keep an eye out and if you plan on visiting I do hope you check out these places. Each of these places all have one thing in common, 'keeping your child's mind active whilst learning'. That is the best thing about it all, my kids have tried every different centre and activities and whilst each child is different, there will definitely be something out there for you little one.

Tanya xx

BootiQ Ruby Trek 3 Wheel Stroller

The Ruby Trek 3 will hold from newborn to 17kg and to 32kgs with toddler seat.

• Open Dimensions: 104cmL x 68cmW x 110cmH
• Folded Dimensions: 85cmL x 68cmW x 50cmH
• Weight: 11kg

So my partner really likes this pram (which is why it stays in his car). This black sleek look stroller appears to have an extra wide wheel base in comparison to other joggers. It's one of those prams that always gets caught on the edge of something as you manoeuvre around the shops. In saying that it is easy to steer with its 360 degree front wheel. The other good things about this pram is that it is ideal for jogging (once your baby is 6 months), comes with deluxe padded seat with removable seat liner and my favourite feature of this pram is the removable bumper bar. A few other things to mention about this pram is that it has a large underneath basket (that holds the pump), a handy pocket at the back of the pram for your keys or mobile and the adjustable handle.

The reason why my partner prefers this pram over any others is that he doesn't kick the wheels, cause he is quite tall, a 4-wheeler prams wheels get in the way. As with most prams the Ruby Trek has multi position back rest and as a bonus you can purchase a toddler seat separately.

The flaws to me in this pram is one that it doesn't fold down a whole lot. Yes you can take these pneumatic tyres off but only the side ones. When putting down you need to make sure the wheel is in swivel (not fixed) so that it can fold properly, hence why it won't fit in my boot so unless you have a big car you can't use it. And the other thing that I don't like is that the shade is not sufficient (it is quite short). Also the length of the pram is quite long – but that is what we adjust to if we want to spend our money wisely as the length is to be compatible to the toddler seat - it is just a matter of getting used to it if you take it out and about in the shops.

In conclusion, this pram is most suitable for jogging, a big car and a parent on the go. It can be used on a daily basis if you are willing to put in a little extra effort or simply use in the husbands car. As with all my reviews this pram complies with new Australian standards AS/NZS 2088.

Please feel free to let me know what  you thought of this pram.  More photos in the More Detailed Photos Tab.

Tanya xx

Baby Jogger City Series 'Classic'

The 'Classic' will hold from newborn to 32kgs.

Overall Dimension 116.84 H x 68.58 W x 91.44 L 104.14 H x 58.82 W x 114.3 L

Folded with Wheels 35.56 H x 68.58 W x 81.28 L 42.92 H x 58.42 W x 108.2 L

Folded

Open

Love, love, love this pram... This is the perfect pram, for day to day use, jogging or brisk walking. Pushing this in the shops is comfortable and easy not just for you but a comfy ride for baby with these easy to manoeuvre, 12” pump up wheels. Also having the option of the front suspension wheel to be either fixed or swivel allows each person to customise there needs. This pram is able to hold up to the weight of 34kg, yes! You read right.... Outstanding I know. My son is 7 and not even that weight. I guess it allows for the option of being able to go for a run and still taking your child with you no matter what age.

This pram has so many features that I don't know where to start. :))

Firstly, the extendable canopy is one of my favourite features in this pram, it has 2 view windows and 2 side mesh windows for ventilation.

Although this pram does not have a reverse handle, having this extra canopy allows you to be at ease when jogging or walking as you will know the sun is not in babies face. To recline the seat is with a simple retractable strap that is easy to release to recline and put baby back to sitting up position. The bonus in having a retractable strap is that baby can lay in multiple positions. A 5-point harness allows for safety of babies of all ages and sizes with comfortable shoulder harness pads. A large underneath basket allows for some storage as well as a pocket at the back of the seat.

The adjustable handle allows people to customise the handle to there height preferred.

Grey safety snap that you need to clip & unclip

Fold strap that you Pull towards you

and the pram folds in half.. Simple!

Now to the folding of the pram. No need to push buttons, pull levers, release safety lock. Nope all you need is one hand, and it folds. Wait! I misinformed, you do need to un-clip the safety snaps to allow for you pram to fold. You see you do need to put some safety locks on when you first open you pram and then to fold it you just undo the clips again and pull. Simple, innovative design makes this a fabulous pram.

In conclusion, the fantastic pram meets all needs. Stylish colours, easy steering and for day to day use as well as an easy fold. You can customise this pram to suit your needs with many accessories available as well as toddler seat for you to grow your family at affordable prices. As with all my reviews this pram complies with new Australian standards AS/NZS 2088.

QuickSmart Easy Fold Stroller

The weight for QuickSmart Easy Fold is from 5kg plus.


It is suitable from 6 months and up.

• Dimensions Folded (cm): 59L x 23W x 22H.
  
• Dimensions Unfolded (cm): 94L x 55W x 79H.
  
• Weight Capacity (kg): 15
  

If you are looking for a quick and easy stroller that you want to use to go in and out of places, then this is the one you are looking for I absolutely love mine. This light easy to take with stroller compacts in half instead of the umbrella fold. This then makes it less space taken up in the boot or easy placed in a back seat. This stroller is best used for babies aged 6 months and up, due to the fact that is only has 2 positions, although this is not an issue for me. I guess it depends on size of baby, the reclined position which is released with the 2 x side release collar buckles on both sides of the pram is enough for the baby to sleep in a comfortable position without the head flopping forward.

The Quicksmart stroller is easy to manoeuvre with the front swivel wheels and sturdy back wheels. The basket underneath is there, but not designed to carry a lot. There is also a netting pocket at the back of the seat. The soft padded handle allows comfortable use but in due time can be prone to wear and tear, but for the convenience and innovative design it is definitely worth it.

The quick 2 step fold is very simple to use. Picture 1 - Pull the lever back and pull the lockable red circle latches (which is on both sides of pram) up towards you. Picture 2 - is the pram folded in half after you have pulled the 2 lockable red latches up.  Picture 3 - is the red lever just above the basket and you pull that towards you and the back wheels fold forwards so that it is in the standing up position.  You can find more photos in the More Detailed Photos Tab

In conclusion, this stroller which is best used for me for running the kids into school is one you can't go past. Definitely worth the dollars, plus you can also choose from a range of colours & designs that best suits you. Light, easy and compact the new way a stroller should be. As with all my reviews this pram complies with new Australian standards AS/NZS 2088. 

Please share what your thoughts on this pram if you have had a different experience.

Tanya xx

Baby Bjorn Original

From newborn (at least 3.5 kg/8 lbs and 53 cm/21 ins) up to 11 kgs/25 lbs

Well this is one of my favourite carriers and I would highly recommend this brand and style to everyone. The original is simple and easy to use. This durable baby carrier brings you and your baby closer together in style and comfort all while your baby is safe. The carrier allows for you to be hands free. I have 3 kids, so the carrier was ideal for me picking up and dropping off my kids to school as I still had hands free to hold my Prep daughters hand to keep her safe whilst crossing roads if need be.

The instructions are printed on the inside of the carrier. They are there for useful and easy to remember guidelines. There are 3 heights to adjust baby in carrier and the first starts with 3.5kg, through to 10kg, although this maybe a while before use is made of it, if you have a small baby it is definitely worth the wait, plus it is for safety reasons.

The original Bjorn is so easy to put on and take off. If your baby falls asleep whilst in there and you want to put them down, you can simply undo all the fasteners so that you are not trying to pull the baby out of the carrier and disturbing them. The fasteners are simple and are easily guided with colours to match the red with the red side and blue with blue. It is simply 3 easy steps to put on. - you put the back on like a backpack, connect the centre to create the leg holes and then do the side fasteners up (well one and then put baby in and then the other). Whilst your baby is small and still learning to strengthen the neck muscles there is a support there so that it helps them. There is also holes for there arms, but that is your choice to use them or not. My dd2 always loved to have her arms curled up under her head while she slept in it against my chest.

When they get older and can support their head, you can then just fold the support down. And when they get older again you can face them so they can see the world. My dd2 loved that she could take everything in and see what was going on.

The wide straps allowed for me to carry dd2 until she was 7 months, as she is a big baby she exceeded the limit of 10 kgs. At the beginning even when she was so new, it took a little getting used to on my shoulders, but once your body has adjusted it is the best thing ever.

In conclusion, comfort, durability and style make this Baby Bjorn Original carrier worth it. On the upside, you can choose different colours. You can also get more styles in the Baby Bjorn range.

Please feel free to leave your comment and what you thought of this product. 

Tanya xx

Hello!

Hello, 

Well this will be my first post on my new blog.  I am very excited!!

Welcome to Bello Baby Review. 

The idea behind this is simple - I feel that I have dealt with so many different baby products and now I want to share my experiences with the community.  Why have I had the pleasure to play and experience lots of products?  Because I used to own a pre-loved baby shop, that allowed me these opportunities.  Now my shop has closed down :( and I wanted to still be part of the items that are created for our wonderful little darlings to experience, and as a mother of 3 I want the best of the best, but also quality of product and if you can find it cheaper than that is a bonus. 

So this is what I want to do.  I want to share with you my experiences with any products that I have owned or been able to use, and find out what is good and what is bad.. Not that anything is ever bad, it just may not be the one for you.  And if I can help in saving you the trouble to find that out before you buy it then that is one more person I have helped.  

To help  you understand my perspective in these reviews, I am 155cm and only a small frame.  

I hope you enjoy reading my reviews as much as I enjoy writing them.  I will only be reviewing the essential baby items that are required for any mothers out there whether you be a first time mum or you are having your 3rd, 4th or 5th baby.  There maybe a odd review here or there, but please let me know if you are wanting a review on any particular baby item or product and I will do my best to get my hands on the item.  Also feel free to leave comments or ask questions. 

Tanya xx