LilSugar

Pimp My Ride: Gadgets and Accessories to Make Tots' Scooters Their Own

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:32:08 PDT

Now you're scootin! During a recent visit to camp, I couldn't help but notice the lineup of scooters parked just inside the main entrance. There must have been 20, and aside from a few that were marked with kids' names, it was virtually impossible to tell them apart. There's no question that tots love scooters as a fun alternative to walking or biking, and they're a great way to encourage exercise. Before parking your lil one's ride in a sea of Micros, Razors, and Kickboards, check out these fun accessories to make their scooter their own.

Source: Flickr User Ed Yourdon

Bounce Around: Join in the Summer's Hottest Pogo Stick Craze

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 05:46:22 PDT

Violet's about to get her head in the clouds! Jennifer Garner was spotted out running errands over the holiday weekend, where her big purchase was none other than a trusty pogo stick! The classic toy, which had its heyday in the roaring '20s, is making a comeback this Summer with several popular manufacturers producing updated versions of the bouncing stick. Take a look at five of my favorite pogo sticks, including the one mama Garner purchased for her 5-year-old tot (just be sure to buy a safety helmet along with the stick, before giving it to your lil bouncer)!

5 Water Toys to Kick Off Summer

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 27 May 2011 05:46:54 PDT

Splish splash! Summer means beach, pool, and tons of sun for mamas and their tots, so before heading into the holiday weekend, take stock of your water toys to make sure they're up to par – meaning they're free of holes and mildew from last Summer. If you're in the market for some new playthings, check out these five toys that will make the most out of your time in the water!

Sunny Days: 10 Great Toys to Take Kids Outside

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 04 May 2011 05:47:46 PDT

April showers are behind us turning thoughts to the sunny days of Summer! Before Memorial Day weekend sneaks up on us, stock up on the latest and greatest toys to encourage tots to head outdoors. With new toys at the ready, kids will be begging to enjoy the fresh air. Check out these 10 new toys for outdoor fun.

YBike Will Have Tykes Riding in No Time

Rebecca M Gruber — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:30:00 PST

Run like the wind. Any mama who's visited a park in the past two years knows the balance bike craze is showing no signs of slowing down. The bikes, long a teaching tool for lil ones overseas, have reshaped the way American tykes have learned to ride a two-wheeler.

The latest to join the lineup on the bike rack is YBike ($80), a plastic version of the bike that is designed for the younger tots. With a unique motorcycle-like design, including an extended front fork angle, and available in four bright colors, the bike is sure to catch kids' eyes. The company sent over a fun orange version for us to test. Keep reading to see what I thought.

Who is this product designed for? Though the instructions that came with the bike state that it is designed for tots ages 2-5, it seems better suited for younger ones, probably 2-4 that are ready to move beyond the tricycle.

What sets it apart? The lightweight, injection molded plastic makes for a light bike that can easily be transported to various locations. With two closely aligned rear wheels, the bike is more stable than traditional walking bikes, and it can stand independently, a real plus for teaching lil ones to turn and stop. It can also be used both in and outdoors, making it great for enthusiastic kids who insist on riding their bikes at all times.

What could be better? We found the steering column, and wheels, to be a bit stiff, slowing the biking experience. While this is great for a new rider, more experienced ones may find it discouraging. The plastic wheels also make for a louder, less smooth ride than their rubber, pressurized cousins.

How long did my child ride it? Though my son is used to a metal bike at school, he was very comfortable on the YBike and rode it for a half hour straight.

Would I buy it? If I were buying a gift for a 2-year-old, I would buy this bike in a second! For older tots, who are closer to riding a two-wheel bike, I would seek out a balance bike with rubber tires and only two wheels for an easier transition to a pedal bike.

Share your favorite products, toys, and trends with other parents! Start sharing your opinion on millions of must haves for your tots in our Product Reviews group!

White Out! 10 Incredible Snow Toys For Families

Rebecca M Gruber — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:00:35 PST

Forecasters are predicting a white Christmas for much of the nation, so many parents are searching out the best snow toys. From the fastest sleds (including a gas-powered one!) to the most accurate snowball-throwing machine, these products will give families a snow day to remember!

Dive Into Summer Fun With Toss Across

babysugar — Sat, 29 May 2010 05:00:00 PDT

Everybody in the pool! With the long weekend, community water holes, as well as backyard swimming pools are open for business and kids are grabbing their goggles and getting ready to dive in. As part of your Summer pool prep, stock up on some new pool-friendly toys and games that will entertain tots long after their marathon cannonball contest.

Toss Across Splash ($40) brings tic-tac-toe into the water with a floating game board filled with Xs and Os. Players toss beanbags at the board to turn over the targets and reveal the Xs and Os. The first one to get three across, wins. The game, designed for kids 8 years old and above, involves strategy, skill, and physical activity as the players dive after the beanbags. Tic-tac-toe has never been so wet, or so much fun! For more pool-worthy picks, check out the items below.

Wild Planet Outdoor Antics ($25)	Swimways ESPN Swimming Challenge ($35)
Toss Across Splash by Fundex Games ($40)	Hot Potato Splash ($15)
Flip The Frog With Lily Pads ($18)	NERF SOAKER WARS SHOT BLAST (Blue) ($20)	Swimways Crazy Chase Dive Ball ($10)

Retro Pedal Cars Keep Lil Drivers in Style

babysugar — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:00:59 PDT

The playground may be filled with scooters, plastic Dora-mobiles, and battery-operated vehicles, but I'll take an old-fashioned pedal car any day of the week. As the weather warms up and we find ourselves spending more time outdoors, lil ones' eyes start to shine when an unusual ride-on toy makes its way through the park gates.

These classic ride-on toys don't just look good on the road, they encourage physical activity from tots, working major muscle groups as they pedal their way through the park. The cars' sturdy steel-body construction and real rubber tires make them tough enough to withstand years of abuse as they make their way over potholes and uneven pavement. And while these beauties may cost more than their more modern relatives, their classic production will keep them in one piece long enough to be handed down to younger siblings who are eager to get behind the steering wheel.

Wee Ones Are Gonna Get Wet: Summer Sprinklers

LilSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:00:00 PDT

When it's hot, hot, hot, children like to get wet! Rather than packing up and heading to the beach or pool, cool off in your own quarters by investing in a fun-hose attachment. The inexpensive sprinklers help kiddos of all ages keep from breaking a sweat on lazy afternoons. With animal-, garden-, and reptile-themed squirters available, your backyard may soon be the neighborhood water park. Check out these fun and budget friendly options!

Non Voyage: Pitch a Tent For a Backyard Adventure

LilSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:45:09 PDT

If your kids are climbing walls begging for an outdoor adventure, but time and a budget are keeping you close to home this Summer - invest in a tent or tot-sized teepee that can be used for many nights out under the stars in the backyard. Kick the adventures off with a scavenger hunt through the yard or a "hike" around the neighborhood. Barbecue up some dinner goodies - chili and franks - and nosh on smores before hitting the hay. Then, wake your wee ones with a grilled breakfast when the sun comes up. Since these practical accommodations cost next to nothing, allow your children to invite their friends over to join in on the fun. Consider purchasing a star map for the kiddos to chart constellations and have a storytelling competition.