How many times have you put your child down for a nap, only to have the doorbell awaken him a few minutes later? Just about every mom I know (including me) has had this problem (except for one lucky mom I know, whose child sleeps like a log through doorbells, phones ringing, everything). That’s why I like the idea of the Bell Blocker. It completely covers your doorbell and tells visitors to “Please Knock,” when in the down position (it can be left covering the doorbell in the up position at other times, making the doorbell accessible to visitors). For just $10.99, the peace of mind this product can provide is priceless. It’s also a great gift idea for a new parent. You can purchase one at InventiveParent.com.

If your child goes to daycare or naps away from home on a regular basis, you know the value of having nap essentials that are portable and easy to clean. I like this fun Vintage Toys Nap to Go set for its inviting print and its convenient handle. It includes a pillow and soft flannel blanket, just right for a nap. Everything is machine washable. You can purchase the set for $42 at myretrobaby.com. Other designs, both masculine and feminine are also available.

It’s common knowledge that many babies love the sounds of ordinary household appliances: the vacuum cleaner, fan, perhaps even the dishwasher. Niko Chainopoulos of Babysounds has come up with an ingenious idea: record these sounds and put them onto a CD especially for babies. Called “Sweet Dreams: Soothing Sounds for Babies,” this CD has nine tracks consisting of about seven minutes each of sounds of appliances including the vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, dishwasher, washing machine, breast pump, running shower, and fan. The concept behind this CD is that while in the womb, babies hear these sounds on a daily basis. Therefore, these sounds tend to calm fussy babies, it is said, since they are used to hearing them before birth. I’m not sure if this really works or not, but it is a unique idea. If you’d like to try it yourself, you can purchase the CD for $14.97 or download the MP3 for $9.99 at CDBaby.com.

This looks like an ordinary, everyday teddy bear - but wait, looks can be deceiving. It’s actually an MP3 player designed specifically for babies and children. Designed to accompany your child to crib or bed at naptime or bedtime, the Lulla-Bear is a soft, cuddly friend who plays 90 minutes of pre-loaded songs and sounds. Lullabies, nature sounds, and play songs are all part of Lulla-Bear’s repertoire. With Lulla-Bear’s built in, stored USB cable, you can connect him to your computer and upload more songs to his playlist. It has a 512 MB memory capacity, is PC and MAC compatible, and takes three AA batteries (included). The sound quality is excellent, too. This could be the perfect solution if your child is a reluctant napper or becomes fearful or anxious at bedtime. Music soothes the soul, and has often helped my son get to sleep when nothing else would. You can purchase Lulla-Bear for $49.95 at StoreCrowleyJones.com.

Bonding between parent and child is so important. Your child will become accustomed to and even conditioned to your familiar scent which gives him a sense of security. It’s one of the most basic human instincts that we should be mindful of, especially when your child is away from you for extended periods of time.

This Bonding Doll Minkee in Chocolate by Twinkle Baby would be such a comfort to preschool children who attend day care. Most day cares will allow for a personal item to be brought in with the child for nap time, and this doll would be ideal. Mom and Dad simply sleep with the bonding doll close to them for 2-3 days and then baby will feel a sense of security when snuggling with the doll and recognizing his parents’ familiar scents.

Made of Minkee (plush polyester) fabric, the Bonding Doll is available in orange, blue, pink and chocolate (above). It costs $19.50 at KangarooBoo.