No matter how careful we are or how prepared we are as parents we just can’t forsee every circumstance or situation. Being able to “see” that our baby is safe and secure can go a long way to peace of mind. The BébéSounds LCD Flat Panel Color Video & Sound Monitor could really help.

Usually we have our newborns in the bassinet or crib right next to our own bed. But when they’re transitioning to their own space this is a good way to feel secure - for the child too. They might have some anxieties about sleeping away from parents also.

Both camera and screen may be wall-mounted. The flat color screen measures 5.5″.  It can connect to your TV or VCR. The BébéSounds LCD Flat Panel Color Video & Sound Monitor is 900 Mhz, with a 400 ft transmission range. A/C adaptors are included, and it also works on 6 “AA” batteries (sold separately). You can buy one for $189.35 at OneStepAhead.com.

Sweet and soft with soothing sounds inside. That’s the Sleep Sheep promise. Just gazing at him makes me want to cuddle up under the covers. He’s designed right down to the last detail, with 4 sounds, adjustable volume, automatic turn-off function, and even a tab secured by Velcro for attaching him to the crib (on the outside for safety.)

One of his sounds is mama’s heartbeat, but the others sound soothing and lovely as well. Some babies, my son included, choose one stuffed friend and take it everywhere, relying on it for comfort and familiarity.

My advice is never allow the favorite friend to enter stores or public places (we almost had a nightmare on our hands when ours was lost in a big store) but take it everywhere else you go for that remembrance of home.

Selling for $21.50 at babymallonline.com, the Sleep Sheep by Cloud B is a great shower gift, new baby gift, or mama purchase.

My son’s Nana just bought this fire engine for him. Made by Playskool in a cushy soft-touch material and with fun crashing, siren, and engine sounds, he has more than enough fun with it! The Playskool Wheel Pals Cushy Cruisin’ Fire Engine isn’t overly loud, so as not to annoy Mom, but makes just enough noise and is just bright enough to amuse a toddler boy.

It’s made for crashin’ and smashin’ and what little boy doesn’t appreciate that? There’s a matching Wheel Pals Police Car to go along with it, made with the same cushy material and vivid colors. I like the soft-touch design, because it’s good for my 2.5 year old but also safe for use by visiting babies of a younger age (rated 12M and up.)

Decently priced, at $12.99, I found the Wheel Pals Cushy Cruisin’ Fire Engine at hasbro.com.

My son has the Little Tikes B.C. Builders I-Fell Tower and after the initial confusion over how to put the tower together, he has had no trouble throwing it together and either pressing the button to knock it all down or using the dinosaur’s tail to destroy it.

He’s a fan of puzzles and couldn’t be any happier than when he’s playing with something that involves assembly. What little person doesn’t love destroying (with permission!) what he’s built up?! Perfect for the imaginative preschooler mind, the colorful set comes with a dinosaur that makes constructions noises, boulders, a tower, and some cavemen.

You can get yours at amazon.com for $58.20.

A sweet splurge for your budding ballerina, the Novelty Shapes Petal Tutu is the kind of gift a toddler girl’s dreams are made of. Even if your child is not in dance, I think having a collection of dress-up clothes is wonderful for a child’s imagination.

You can even add music (press a button on the tutu and hear it play!), such as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, for an additional $5.00, something I certainly wouldn’t pass up when purchasing.

Made with shimmery tulle, Petal Tutus come in sizes specified by you. Measure your child’s waist and record that with your ordering information. Other options include tulle color and petal shapes - shamrocks, butterflies, snowflakes, hearts, stars, and moons.

Choose the ideal tutu for your little dancer for $34.00 at lilsweetboutique.com.

Cutest toy ever! That’s my rating for the Manhattan Toy Froggy Frenzy. It comes equipped with hungry frog sounds whenever one of its three bug friends is put in or out of its mouth. There’s a handy door for retrieving (and storing) insect friends and the vividly colored item is sure to please any little eye…and some of the big ones too! For $39.95, I think this guy could make a fun gift for a child’s birthday or a fun purchase by a parent for their child’s play room. It would certainly look snazzy up on a shelf or dresser in a pond themed nursery; imagine a pretty shade of green on the walls and the shade of purple featured on Froggy Frenzy for bedding, throw rugs, and curtains. I found it at babyoliverboutique.com.