Babble Australia

Little New Yorker Onesie

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:45:10 +1100

Even if you don’t live in New York City, this outfit is sure to create a smile, particularly among mums who love shopping. Perhaps your kid can hail a taxi wearing it?

It’s made of 100 per cent cotton and comes in a matching gift box. Available at Bibi and Mimi for $US20 (plus shipping to Australia).

Big Deal: All Kids T-Shirts Are $US12 At Busted Tees

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:30:38 +1100

A good way to start thinking positively about a change of season is to start figuring out what kind of awesome t-shirts you’re going to make your kids wear. Today over at Busted Tees all kids t-shirts are on sale for $US12.

My favourites are the dinosaur themed “Never Forget” and “…ask me about dinosaurs”, but recently I’ve come to appreciate the reversed letter “You’re Handsome” (pictured above). Everyone loves a positive message when looking at themselves in a mirror.

BustedTees Kids T-Shirt sale, all shirts are $US12 (except the shirts that are already $US10). Busted Tees.com/kids

EcoSaucer: The Environmentally Friendly Frisbee

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 14:30:52 +1100

Both figuratively and literally green, the EcoSaucer is an environmentally smart Frisbee alternative made from recycled plastic milk jugs that are collected, processed and assembled in California. And, not that you or the kids will be spending much time chewing on the thing, but the EcoSaucer is also free of BPA and phthalates – which, come to think of it, could be good news for the family dog.

$US8 (plus shipping to Australia) from Grasshopper 510.

Nintendo Preps DSi XL For April 15 Launch, Asks What Else We’d Like To See Bigger

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 12:00:01 +1100

Let’s see… my bank account… the kids’ bedroom… our PC’s hard drive… page views for this post…

As part of its pre-launch endeavours for the upcoming, bigger and badder DSi XL, Nintendo is asking folks worldwide what things, places or emotions they’d like to see 93 per cent bigger – that number, of course, being the screen size increase the DSi XL makes over its predecessor, the DS Lite. Plenty of people have chimed in so far via Facebook, Twitter and other outlets, and you can check out some of the video responses (all of which are totally safe for work) here.

Featuring dual 4.2-inch screens, the DSi XL hits Australian retailers on April 15 in burgundy (pictured) and bronze finishes; and though it promises to bring eye-popping new life to your existing DS games, the system also includes three pre-installed software titles: Brain Age Express: Math and Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters (both rated “E” for Everyone) to help keep your brain in shape, and Photo Clock, which lets you customise your system clock with pictures shot using the DSi XL’s camera. And, like its smaller sibling, the DSi XL also features PIN-activated parental controls that let you manage the content your kids can access.

As for the “93 per cent” question, you can still weigh in on it: Just visit Nintendo’s Facebook app or Twitter poll to contribute your thoughts. And if you’re only 93 per cent of the way toward saving up for one, you still have a few weeks to collect those extra few bucks. Aussie pricing isn’t available yet, but it’s set to be “more than the DSi”, which retails for $299.95.

First Look: 2010 Bumbleride Indie Twin

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 10:00:14 +1100

Recently we told you about the new 2010 Bumbleride Indie. Today we’re going to tell you about the 2010 Bumbleride Indie Twin.

Seeing the stroller upon opening the box I was impressed by the sleek appearance. It really does catch your eye and you’ll marvel at its lightweight welded tubular frame and the plush seat and canopy fabrics. The twin is essentially two single Indies joined at the hip with the only major difference being two front wheels instead of one. The big, air-filled tyres are quick release and will make for a smooth ride on any surface. The front wheels have a locking pin which will instantly transform the stroller into jogging mode. You’ll have no problem pushing this stroller along as the adjustable handlebar is huge. This handlebar can transform from a bumper bar to infant seat adaptor bar too.

This is a big stroller and it measures up at 74cm wide. You may find you’ll have to fold it to negotiate through household doors, but luckily enough folding is easy. Simply pull up on the two handlebar catches and then over she’ll go. There are two built-in carry handles which should make storage an easy affair, and the twin will easily slot into the average car boot.

There’s a giant net basket underneath, so it’s roomy enough to carry things on the go. A plus is the big foot brake. There’s no fussing around, just step on it, and it’ll lock securely in place. The back rests of both child seats are independently and infinitely adjustable and will lay flat if need be. Each footrest will adjust too and the 5-point harnesses will keep your kids secure.

The 2010 model provides an extended sun canopy and a UV safe mesh viewing window so you can see what your little ones are up to when pushing along. The rear of each canopy has a handy zip up pouch too.You get accessories with this twin stroller too. These include a tyre pump, a full rain cover, infant bumper bars, a cup holder and a jogging strap.

This super lightweight stroller weighs in at only 15kg and will accommodate two children up to a maximum of 20kg each. The stroller will also accept infant car seats from a range of manufactures including Peg Peregeo and Graco. Overall this is a premium product, which is reflected in the price, but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

You can order online at Amazon.com for $US679 (plus shipping to Australia). There are four colours available: Ruby, Spice, Vita and Seagrass.

Calico Critters Cozy Cottage

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:15:21 +1100

Go hopping mad for this quaint cozy cottage. Part of the Calico Critters collection, this cottage comes furnished with a bed, stove, ladder, table and chairs. You also get a food dish, knife and cutting board to play with in the kitchen.

This already comes assembled, which is a plus, and is made of plastic and fabric. Price is $US49.95 at Sensational Beginnings.

Roy G. Biv Gets His Own Rattle

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:15:34 +1100

Earlier today, we covered a rainbow-coloured dollhouse puzzle, but for the smaller colour-wonderer on your shopping list, this rainbow rattle also does the trick in seven colours (white included). Made from organic rubberwood, the rattle gets its strength (and its chew-resistance) from a chemical-free kiln drying process, and its colour from non-toxic, water-based dyes.

$US15 from Grasshopper 510.

Deciduous Puzzle Springs To Life On Your Tabletop

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:15:28 +1100

Get the kids in the mood for autumn with this Deciduous Puzzle from Anthropologie, which lets you add leaves and apples to the branches of a lovely, three-dimensional tree. Featuring 170 pieces in all, it’s made from a combination of cardstock and recycled paper, so you can even return it back to the earth someday. Someday far, far off, that is.

$US38 from Anthropologie.

It’s A Rainbow World; Our Dolls Just Live In It

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:15:32 +1100

Made from solid German Alder wood and coloured with non-toxic, water-based dyes, this rainbow house gives your favourite doll family a safe, cosy living space to call its own. But when you feel like thinking outside the blocks, you can piece together the set—17 abstract shapes into furniture, guest rooms or a completely new structure. Need a place to keep all the pieces? The house’s frame lets you do that, too.

$US56 from Romp.

This Is Cake.

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:15:44 +1100

Whether she’s headed to a birthday party, a play date or the park, creating the perfect outfit for your princess will be a cake walk thanks to Glug Baby. This Cake Tee is cute, modern, playful and sure to please. I’d call it a wearable conversation piece. It comes in sizes 2T up to 6. You can preorder for delivery in late March. Make sure you use promo code “PRESPRING” to save 10% on every pre-order item you purchase. The Cake Tee retails for $US30 at ArteBebe.