My son really enjoys using the MATA 4-piece dinnerware set. He finds the froggy feet to be amusing and they keep his cup pretty sturdy as well. The handles are great for clumsy fingers. As a preschooler, he doesn’t use the bib any longer but the bowl and cup can be used for ages and the cup can be used without the lid. There’s a suction rim on the bottom of the bowl that is removable for washing, though I find those things never work, no matter what they’re placed on (toys, bowls, etc.) Wash them up in the dishwasher, microwave food in them—it’s safe! A set that is cute and fun for kids but very inexpensive for $2.99 at Ikea.com.

I have an Ikea Barnslig Djur bib and it is sturdy, easy to clean, and it’s big enough to cover most of baby’s front. It’s colorful and cute, but best of all, it’s inexpensive. You can get a pack of 2 bibs for $3.99. I suggest carrying one in the diaper bag and keeping one at home for daily use. The only downfall? It’s not available at Ikea.com, but who doesn’t love a trip to Ikea?

Proving yet again that it pays to live near IKEA, this LEKA play mat is adorable and affordable. Retailing for $29.99, this mat has all of the features of much more expensive models. I love the bright (but not obnoxious) colors. Unfortunately, this product is only available in stores. You can see it online at ikea.com. It would make a great, affordable gift.

 
While on a mothering forum, I clicked a link to the Spoling Change table from ikea.com and was instantly in love with it. Though I have two change tables already, and don’t need one, I want to direct others to this folding change table. It is sleek, handy, and has lots of compartments for storing baby necessities. The net underneath the table converts into a laundry bag; it just zips up. If you’re in a small space, what could be more useful than a folding change table? I can see it as a useful travel item as well. You’ll have to hit the store to get this black and white $69.99 space saver though; it’s not available online.

Browsing through the IKEA Web site makes me hugely jealous of the lucky folks who live near one of their stores. There are just so many fun and affordable items to drool over. I really like the look of this Fabler Prickar Rug. Though it retails for just $24.99, it rivals some much pricier kids’ rugs that I have seen. It measures 133cm x 133cm, and would be perfect for a bedroom, playroom, or mudroom. It is available in either pink or light blue. If you aren’t lucky enough to have a store near you, you can purchase one online at ikea.com.

If you love the look of modern baby furniture but don’t have a limitless budget to work with, check out this Antilop High Chair from IKEA.  The chair is made from steel and polypropylene.  It features a safety belt, and is designed to be easy to clean and to provide frustration free assembly and disassembly.

This chair looks very modern and it seems that it would be very easy to keep clean.  Best of all, it costs only $19.99.   You can check it out at IKEA.com.

We are getting ready for a big move this summer, and I think that it is time to think about redecorating the kids’ rooms. I’ve been looking at IKEA a lot, because they offer so much for the money, and I am really captivated by this little table.

Although it doesn’t really fit in with our existing color schemes, I love the bright cheerful colors and the simple design. I also love the fact the it has a drawer to stash away little treasures (also known as clutter).

Best of all, the drawer is designed with a stopper so that little hands can’t pull it all the way out and dump the contents! It measures 18 7/8″ W x 15 3/8″ D x 15 3/8″ H. It is available in eaither this stunning blue or an equally pleasing bright red.

You can buy one for $24.99 at www.ikea.com. It does require assembly.

IKEA’s Mammut bedside table was also reviewed at thesuzette.com.