I just bought this Jumperoo on Craigslist for $30.  I knew we didn’t need it, but it was pretty cheap.  Every time he goes in his exersaucer, he jumps in it!  I thought he would enjoy the jumperoo.  

The first time we put him in it, he was a bit cautious about jumping.  It was a slow little jump, and he kind of whimpered.  I wasn’t sure if he liked it or not.  Now, he definitely likes it.  We have found that if we let him jump for 15 minutes or so right before bed, it wears him out!  

Overall, I would give the Jumperoo  (5 smilies out of 5).  It is a bit bulky, but it folds up pretty well.  The baby likes it, and that is what’s important. 

Most of Thomas’ long pants come with pads sewn into the knees.  They really help protect his knees when he crawls, because we have laminate floors.  They can be tough to crawl on (I know- I tried it!).  The weather has been warming up- last week was in the 80’s every day.  I’ve been dressing him in shorts, and I’ve noticed that he’s a bit uncomfortable when he crawls.  He will lift his knees up and try to move around on his feet and hands instead.  

A girl I knew in high school has a website selling baby gear.  I went on the other day and saw this product.  They’re called Silipads.  They are knee pads that slip on to give extra protection when a baby is crawling.  I thought they sounded great, and bought a pair.

They arrived very quickly, and I immediately put them on Thomas’ knees.  Every time he crawled, they slipped off his knees.  I kept adjusting them, but they kept slipping off.  At least I only paid $9 for them.  I am not sure why they did not work for him. 

I give this product  (2 smilies out of 5).  They earned points for a great concept, plus they’re cute.  Too bad they didn’t work. 

As Thomas grew increasingly mobile, we decided to look for some kind of playpen.  My husband looked online and finally decided on the Li’l Playzone With Lights & Sounds.  It comes with a locking gate on one side, and a “play wall” on the other side.  It’s very colorful, and it doesn’t take up too much space. The “play wall” has a pretend phone, some pieces to spin and push, and several buttons that play different melodies. 

Thomas doesn’t usually like to stay in it when the gate is locked.  Most of the time, we leave the gate unlocked.  That way, he can crawl in and out.  He seems to like that.  If I really need him to be “corralled” for a few minutes, it’s perfect.  I know he’s safe in there.  

I give this play yard  (4 smilies out of 5).