droolicious : shopping guides

Droolicious Shopping Guide: Step2 Play Kitchens

Nicole Feliciano — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:58:00 GMT

The latest play kitchen from Step2 toys turns back the clock to Happy Days and rockin’ diners. But will kids think its hip or hooky?

Any parent worth their salt knows that a play kitchen is an all but essential toy. The Step2 50's Diner ($162.58) serves its purpose: It keeps kids away from sharp knives during dinner prep and is a savior for rainy day play sessions.

For years, Step2 has been designing kitchens that appeal to budding Rachel Rays and Bobby Flays. These toys come with all the trendy gadgets and make cooking the joyful experience it was meant to be. The latest model, the 50's Diner, has all the retro touches you’d expect of this era—there is even a jukebox built in! Boys won’t hesitate to get involved in the make-believe scenarios inspired by this toy. Perhaps that’s why it has garnered so many awards.

Unlike the competition, this model offers a place to sit down (called the “patron side”) and savor the fruits of all that labor--in this case a delicious greasy burger and fries. Sadly, like all Step2 kitchens you’ll be visiting Target on a regular basis to stock up batteries (this requires six). And don’t even think about trying to assemble this at midnight on the 24th.

Pros: Racy colors and fun food options, appeal to boys and girls alike.
Cons: Not all families will appreciate the retro cool design.
Best for: Kids who like to flip burgers and slurp shakes.

LifeStyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen: The McMansion kitchen of the preschool crowd. ($241.11)

Pros: The eat-in setting. Plus, the 103 pieces included provide limitless menu planning.
Cons: This expensive model is a space hog (36.25"L x 46"W x 47"H).
Best for: Families with a playroom.

LifeStyle Party Time Kitchen: The sweet and homey kitchen of simpler times. ($152.67)

Pros: Three-sided play allows for more than two kids to get involved.
Cons: Stingy storage space.
Best for: Gender neutral play (e.g. no pink, no ponies, no cupcakes).

LifeStyle Deluxe Kitchen: The Italianate kitchen chef Giada De Laurentiis would pick were she six. ($258.35)

Pros: Kids can grow into advanced play scenarios.
Cons: Cooking area is small, with scant food options.
Best for: Parents who want an investment that won’t look tired in a year.

LifeStyle Dream Kitchen: A compact kitchen with a suburban feel. ($186.52)

Pros: Durable and compact (measures approximately 35.5" x 15.25" x 44.75").
Cons: Electronic sounds can be grating. Assembly requires an electric screwdriver and a couple hours.
Best for: Traditional kitchen role-play.

The Droolicious Shopping Guide: Graco Playards

Chloe20022 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:29:00 GMT

Graco knows what you need…a break. Feeding, changing, rocking—you're exhausted and need a place to put that baby down. Finding a safe a convenient spot to set your little squawker (mommy needs a shower and daddy needs some coffee) is the trick. Graco’s got dozens of playard models--some loaded with features, some bare bones—designed to keep baby out of trouble. We put the newest, the Suite Solutions up against Graco’s tried and true.

Placing baby in a sturdy Pack 'N Play (Graco’s trademark term for a playard) makes everybody happy; baby’s cozy and mommy’s got her hands free. If you plan on putting off your crib purchase for a while, the Suite Solutions can get you through the first few months. The elevated oval bassinet is an ideal spot for a newborn’s nap. Wide awake and ready to explore? Busy babes will coo for the Suite Solutions’ built-in entertainment center. Graco calls it the “soothe n’ amuse machine,” we call it mommy’s secret sleep weapon thanks to the vibrations, music, and nature sounds. While we think the prints are fussy and long for more contemporary looks, we love the Suite Solutions’ practical touches. ($229)

Pros: Accessories galore! Bassinet, shelves, changing table, sun canopy, and integrated soothers.

Cons: Expensive and bulky (this model weighs more than 30 pounds and measures 39H x 29.8W x 41L"), the Suite Solutions is too convoluted for travel.

Best For: Any home with multiple floors where an all-in-one baby station would come in handy.

Silhouette Pack 'N Play: Versatile and sturdy, this playard on wheels can be pushed in and out of rooms to accommodate baby’s schedule. ($149.99-$199.99 dependent upon print)

Pros: Update patterns (love the Deco print) combined with baby soothing system and changing stationmake this an ideal mini bedroom.

Cons: Still heavy (nearly 30 pounds) and with all the extras attached, this model is a pain to take on trips.

Best For: A cozy nest at grandma’s house.

Travel Lite Crib: Lightweight Pack 'N Play model with a few extras, such as canopy and dangling soft toys. ($79.99)

Pros: Weighs less than 20 pounds and is 20% smaller than a traditional Pack ‘n Play. Easy to break down and set up.

Cons: NBA players beware: The 32” length may squish your leggy babes.

Best for: Travel with a tiny baby.

Pack ‘N Play Playard: Roomy, square playard without accessories. ($84.99)

Pros: Easy set up (30 seconds).

Cons: One height setting. Pack 'N Play sheets won’t fit the 38” x 38” space so it's hard to keep mat clean.

Best for: Giving junior a safe place for quiet play while Mommy wolfs down a meal.

Pack ‘N Play Playard in Safari Friends: Value-priced travel companion. ($59.99)

Pros: Roomy sleep space (nearly 40” long) yet compact and light. Push-button fold is a cinch to operate.

Cons: While on the road, you’ll need a separate changing station.

Best for: Family vacations with baby in tow.

The Droolicious Shopping Guide: Phil & Ted's Strollers

Chloe20022 — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:44:00 GMT

Phil & Teds’ inline strollers have allowed parents to remain on the move… even after baby number two arrived. Now the clever Kiwis have added a fourth model to the lineup: The Dash. Touted as the “active urban inline stroller,” the Dash looks similar to its predecessors. But don’t be fooled by the familiar face, the Dash has a few tricks its pared-down relatives lack. ($549.99)

Pros: More padding than the cheaper Classic and Sport models. Adios to the temperamental foot break—Dash has a user-friendly hand break.
Cons: Only two color choices, and the sun shield remains inadequate.
Best for: Anyone with two tikes who are unable to go the distance.

Classic: The original stripped down version. ($299.95)

Pros: Cheap and sturdy.
Cons: Not much padding one color choice. Quirky brakes.
Best For: Budget conscious parents of two.

Sport: Six swell colors. ($419.99)

Pros: Cool colors, better handle than the Classic.
Cons: The foot brake.
Best for: Fans of bold color.

Vibe: Upscale version incorporates a slick aluminum frame. ($789.90)

Pros: Sleek look, adjustable handle and excellent brake.
Cons: Pricey.
Best for: Fat wallets.

Twin: Side-by-Side model. ($549.99)

Pros: Kids can look at each other.
Cons: Wide frame may be a challenge to maneuver.
Best for: Twins.