Anne Hunger 3/3/22 Anne Hunger 3/3/22

The top 10 products for tech savvy parents in 2022

You love your smart devices and home automation? You want to add this same convenience to your new life as a parent? This list is for you!

Your parents may say you have it so much easier nowadays with all the technology that helps you plan for your baby, monitor their activities and health, soothe and comfort them. While there are certainly other challenges today for new parents, why not take full advantage of all the amazing technology that can help you ease into your new role as a parent. Here are the top 10 products that support tech interested parents during the precious newborn phase so you can spend more time marvelling at your little one.

In the early days of parenthood your day will be rWe’ve created a shortlist of devices that focus on sleeping, eating and the health of your new bundle of joy.

Tech products to help you and your baby sleep better

First things first: SLEEP! This will be the dominating topic in your house for a while so it is well worth investing in some products that help your baby and in turn yourself sleep better and get more rest.

#1 Cradlewise Smart Crib

This crib revolutionizes this key element in every nursery. Honestly, we wished they would make them in adult size! This smart crib is AI powered, monitors your little one’s sleep through a built-in camera and detects early wake up signs. In those moments, the crib starts bouncing gently, like a parent would, to soothe the baby back to sleep, helping your baby (and YOU) get longer stretches of sleep. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to sleep. Every baby is unique. Cradlewise learns and adapts to your little one’s specific sleeping patterns over time to auto-predict when they need soothing. Another big plus, this crib can be used for up to 2 years compared to the only 6 months use of other smart cribs.

#2 Hatch Rest Night Light and Sound Machine

This multifunctional night light comes with a companion app to set the perfect mood for your little one to doze off and for you to unwind. With the various white noises, lullabies and light colours you can create a relaxing environment for the whole family even during those middle of the night feedings. It also lets you schedule sleep time, nap time and wake up settings which makes it a useful addition for your kids bedtime routine for years to come.

#3 Nanit Pro Baby Monitoring System

Why do I need a non-wifi baby monitor? What baby monitor to buy? Who can access the baby monitor? Are baby monitor apps safe? Can a baby monitor be hacked?

If those are some of the questions on your baby registry research list, then look no further. The Nanit Pro is a proven and tested baby monitor system that thousands of parents love. Beyond the basic function that you expect from any baby monitoring system, the Nanit Pro offers sleep tracking as well as customised tips and guidance based on the recorded sleeping patterns of your baby. It requires wifi connectivity, camera can be accessed through Amazon Cloud even if you are not at home and it comes with an App to enable sleep tracking and scheduling.

#4 mamaRoo4 Baby Swing

4moms is a very established brand, known for their quality products. Their infant swing called mamaRoo can be the perfect place for your baby to chill while you need both hands around the house. The MamaRoo4 is a high-tech swing unlike any other baby swing on the market. It mimics the different ways that you as a parent will bounce or rock your baby. Plus, this bouncer comes with a built-in white noise machine and can connect to any MP3 device to play your own tunes. 4moms also offers a less expensive and smaller swing: the rockaRoo.

Smart products to help with feedings

What is the next big topic? EATING! That’s pretty much all they do at first. Sleep, eat, poop, repeat. It takes up a lot, and I mean A LOT of time to feed those hungry little ones and it can be a major source of anxiety especially for breastfeeding new moms so you better get some support.

#5 Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale

The Hatch Changing Pad not only gives you a convenient place to change your baby’s diaper and is super easy to clean after little accidents. Moms and Dads love this product because they are able to track their baby’s development right at home. You are wondering whether your newborn is gaining weight properly? Drinking enough? The smart change pad lets you track their accurate weight right there in your nursery. You don’t have to go to your paediatrician or wait for your midwife to check on the baby's weight.

#6 Elvie Breast Pump

Elvie offers a silent and wearable breast pump allowing breastfeeding moms to continue to do whatever they need to do without being tied to a wall outlet or bulky device. Moms love it because of its ease of use, it can be worn anywhere which gives moms a great freedom. It slips right into the bra, has no wires and will collect the previous breast milk while you get on with your busy life or take a moment to relax.

#7 Baby Brezza Formula Pro

The Baby Brezza is a true MVP for mixing your baby’s formula. Via an app you can make a warm bottle from virtually anywhere and it’s ready when you need it. No more juggling of formula containers, bottles and water with one hand while holding a hungry and unhappy baby in the other. The Baby Brezza mixes your little one’s favourite bottle instantly which is particularly handy during those middle-of-the-night feedings.

Monitoring baby’s health just got easier

Last but not least, HEALTH! Nothing is more important Inevitably your little one will have her first cold at some point and you want to be prepared for it. As a parent myself, I can tell you that I would go to great lengths to make sure my daughter gets better fast and is as comfortable as possible while we overcome the cold, flu or other issue that’s bothering her. So here are a few products that help you put the worries behind you.

#8 VAVA Smart Baby Thermometer

Fevers can be really scary and it’s important to have a thermometer you can trust AND that you can use properly without your little one fighting you every step of the way. The VAVA baby thermometer is a safe and easy way to monitor the baby’s temperature not just once, but over time and as the fever develops. This product is unique because it is 24 hours real-time monitoring so you can constantly be checking your baby’s temperature, alert you when their temperature is concerning and also gives you that sigh of relief right when it finally comes down.

#9 Owlet Smart Sock Baby Monitor

If you are looking for even more information on your baby’s well being than the recently relaunched Owlet Dream Sock or the Dream Duo may be for you. The Owlet Dream Duo includes the Dream Sock, camera, and dream app, which all work together to help parents create a healthy sleep schedule for their little ones. The Dream Sock monitors the baby's heart rate, blood oxygen level and temperature throughout the night and alerts parents via the app if anything is out of the ordinary. Since this functionality recently caught the attention of the FDA in the US, this feature may temporarily not be available in your region but will be back once Owlet obtains the required approvals.

#10 Grownsy Baby Nasal Aspirator

Babies are breathing through their nose. They have to learn over time how to breath through their mouth. This is what makes a stuffy nose so much more troublesome for them. Therefore, a nasal aspirator of some sort should be on everyone’s baby registry. The Grownsy one is our favourite as it is powerful, quiet, easy to clean AND has light and lullabies to distract your little one while you clear out that snot.

Kevin Huang 10/15/21 Kevin Huang 10/15/21

Car seat + bassinet stroller

The best combination for travel with your newborn

First of all, it is a legal requirement to have a car seat for your newborn and if you give birth at a hospital they will not let you go home without one. Since car seats are a no brainer when it comes to your baby’s safety on the go let's look at bassinets (also sometimes called carrycots). Although there are no legal requirements, the list of benefits for your baby’s safety and development is long.

About 5 years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics added sleeping in car seats for long stretches to its list of unsafe sleeping practices. This is exactly where the bassinet comes into play. It provides you with a safe place to sleep on the go. This is the peace of mind we want all Glüxkind parents to experience.

Do I really need a car seat and a bassinet?

Expecting parents often contemplate whether they really need a bassinet vs using only the car seat while out and about for the first few months. Way too many baby gadgets are advertised as “must haves” and while some of those products really are lifesavers, others collect dust and clutter your home.

“Car seats - outside of moving cars - are not safe for naps or overnight sleep.”

— Dr. Harvey Karp

Well, bassinets definitely fall into the first category - MUST HAVES. They are by no means to be seen as interchangeable to having a car seat but much rather complement them. Together, bassinet and car seat enable you and your child to go on your first adventures in the safest way possible.

While the car seat offers the highest protection when travelling in your vehicle, the bassinet provides the safest environment during stroller walks or naps on the go. It allows your baby to lay flat and move freely without being in a constrained position that is typical for car seats. During those first few months newborns sleep up to 19 hours per day and it is important to provide them with a safe place that supports them in adjusting to their new environment.

Is it safe for my baby to sleep in a car seat?

In addition to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ advisory related to babies sleeping in car seats, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning parents not to let a baby sleep in any product that positions an infant at an incline. This means any position where their head is higher than their feet, which includes car seats. So the answer is no, it is not safe for your newborn to sleep in the car seat for extended periods of time, especially outside of moving cars.

What makes a seated position unsafe for infants?

The danger comes from the baby sleeping seated upright or on an incline. “When your baby is seated, her heavy head can fall forward causing difficulty breathing and even suffocation,” explains Dr. Harvey Karp. “That’s why car seats - outside of moving cars - are not safe for naps or overnight sleep.”

“Especially if a baby is under four months, it’s very, very important to move them if they’re sleeping in a car seat,” says Sarah Lazarus, DO, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

That said, don’t panic if your baby dozes off in the car. Sometimes that’s just your last resort to get them to calm down and get the sleep they need. The white noise of the engine with the jiggly movements remind your little one of the womb, their safe place that helps them fall asleep easier. The constant motion keeps babies stimulated and promotes breathing. However, the AAP recommends that you move your child to a flat, firm surface as soon as you leave the car.

Why isn’t everybody using a bassinet?

Bassinet strollers have always been very popular in many European countries where Cities are generally more walkable and the daily use of car seats for infants is less common than in North America.

With frequent trips in cars, the use of bassinets may seem cumbersome and it is yet another piece of gear that needs to be assembles, disassembled and packed up into the trunk. In addition, bassinets used to be only offered by premium stroller brands and are now finally available with more economical products.

To sum it up, we recommend you to get both, a good car seat and a bassinet stroller as there are a lot of benefits to using one as soon as you are leaving the car for more than a quick errand. See our blog post on “Should I buy a bassinet?” for more information on how the use of a bassinet supports your little one’s development.

Anne Hunger 9/21/21 Anne Hunger 9/21/21

Best stroller accessories for fall

What are key items that keep you and your baby dry and warm?

As we are heading into the fall season, those late summer days are coming to an end. Now you will probably continue to be out and about, even on rainy or snowy days. We want you to be prepared for those. Here is a short list of fall and winter weather gear for your baby AND yourself that will make outings during the coming months just as enjoyable as your summer strolls.

What are key fall weather accessories for your little explorer?

The every day companion: the rain cover

This one is really straightforward but there are a few things to watch out for.
In most cases, rain covers for the toddler seat come with your stroller if you buy new. If not, tailored rain covers are usually available through the stroller manufacturer’s website or any of their retailers. The included covers are typically for the seat and usually don’t fit well over a bassinet (if you have a stroller that includes one). So before you go out with your fall or winter baby we’d recommend getting a rain cover that fits the bassinet well.

Getting the matching covers for seat and bassinet ensures full coverage for your little one and ideal protection from rain and snow without any leaks. If those aren’t available for your specific stroller brand and model, there are generic options from independent brands. Either way, choose one that is durable. The rain cover will be crunched up and stowed away in the stroller storage frequently and should withstand this kind of use.

Safety tip: Dry the rain cover right after your walk to avoid any mold developing inside the folded rain cover and it’s ready to use when you need it.

Must-Have: Footmuff

THE cold weather gear for little ones! A footmuff is great to protect kids in their seats from wind, rain and cold weather. It’s like a super cozy sleeping bag for the stroller seat, keeping them nice and toasty. Some stroller brands have their own accessories but there are also plenty of independent brands who offer functional and stylish models.

One of our favorites is 7AM Enfant because of their stylish urban designs and use of vegan and functional yet pretty materials. They are offering a broad range of models that fit all popular stroller models.

Safety tip: If you choose an independent brand for your little one’s winter gear make sure that it is compatible with your stroller and allows you to use the seat belt properly inside the muff to keep them not just warm but also safe.

Car seat cover for quick transitions

If you move around outdoors with your baby in the car seat, there is a cozy cover option as well. Babies shouldn’t wear too many layers in the car seat to ensure the straps are tight enough. This can make it challenging to keep them warm during transitions in and out of the car. That’s what the car seat covers are for. They are a puffy cover that fits the majority of car seats seamlessly, slipping on and off in seconds and fitting snugly thanks to a convenient elastic base. It's a true timesaver.

Safety tip: Remove the cover once you are back in the car to avoid your little one overheating as the car warms up again.

Storm cover for rough weather conditions

Similar to the rain cover the storm cover wraps around the stroller seat to protect your little one from rain, snow and wind. In addition, it acts as insulation thanks to its added padding to provide more protection from the cold. Not a must have for most geographic areas in our opinion but if you live in a particularly cold location you might want to add this layer for increased protection and warmth.

Now, how do YOU stay dry and cozy during walks?

Umbrella or shall I say MUMBRELLA™ ?

Chances are you’ve been on a rainy stroller walk before. The options are to either wear a rain jacket and not be completely sheltered from the rain or hold an umbrella for yourself while pushing the stroller with one hand. Neither of those options are really comfortable. This is where the hands-free umbrella for moms (and dads) comes in. It is built to protect from the rain and snow, so you can stay dry while pushing the stroller with BOTH hands. It’s definitely a really-nice-to-have for the pacific northwest where the next rain cloud is never far away.

Hand muffs for the win!

Mom’s and dad’s hands get cold and uncomfortable really quickly when exposed to the weather while pushing a stroller. Yes, you can just wear regular gloves, but there is a more convenient solution that allows you to transition easier in and out of the gloves and stay cozy during winter walks. Hand muffs attach right to the stroller handlebar which makes “runaway mittens'' a thing of the past. Who hasn’t lost a glove on a cold winter walk - while juggling a stroller and a fussy baby. Just slip your hands in and stay toasty. When your little one needs something, slide your hands out, do what you need to do, and slide right back into those toasty muffs. Transitioning between pushing the stroller and tending to your little one has never been easier.

There are many options out there, some are individual muffs others are more like a classic tube muff wrapped around the whole handlebar. We like the ones from 7AM Enfant that let you select matching stylish weather gear for you and your little one.

Last but not least, don’t forget about your safety!

Add reflectors to the stroller

As the days get shorter those morning walks or after work adventures likely happen during dusk and dawn where visibility is limited. Stay visible as you cross the streets by adding reflectors to the stroller. Some manufacturers have their own kits that nicely integrate with the stroller design but you can also use any other reflector kit for bikes, backpacks etc. to increase your stroller’s visibility while out and about.