Earlier this year a video of two Dutch men experiencing the simulated pain of childbirth went viral. While men will never know the real pain of when push comes to shove, so to speak, the experiment captured people’s imaginations. But what about simulating the less painful and more joyful aspects of pregnancy?

Looking for a way for expectant fathers to feel their babies kicking in real time, Huggies Argentina developed a pair of pregnancy belts that are synched and replicate a baby’s kicks from the mother’s belly to the father’s belly. The belt took four months to develop but had fathers in tears (of happiness) within moments.

Check out the video below showing dads ‘feeling’ their baby move in a whole new way.

The pregnancy belt is not available to buy but if you were given the opportunity to give it a try, would you?

And for those that missed the Dutch guys ‘in labour’, you can check out the video here or see Australia’s own Dr Andrew Rochford undertake a similar experiment in 2009.

(via Mashable)

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Having just added another member to our family, we’re feeling a bit cosier in our car than we’re used to. So we were thrilled when Mercedes-Benz asked us if we’d be interested in borrowing a brand-new ML 250 BlueTEC for a couple of weeks to try out.

The M Class is a midsize SUV range from Mercedes-Benz. Originally launched in 1997 (and first seen in Jurassic Park!), it is now into its third generation. More fuel-efficient than its predecessor, the car claims fuel consumption figures of 6.4 l/100km, which was pretty close to what we got in the time we had it, driving around Sydney and down to the South Coast and back.

Interior space in the ML 250 BlueTEC is generous, with plenty of room in the back for a capsule, booster and another child in between. It also boasts 680L of luggage capacity in the rear with the seats in use – plenty for our family of five to go for a weekend away with luggage and a pram.

The car comes fitted with a range of safety features including nine airbags, accident avoidance system, assisted parking, reversing camera, a tyre pressure warning and a visual rear seatbelt display that came in very handy keeping track of who was belted up in the back.

The MLP for the Mercedes-Benz ML 250 BlueTEC is $80,010. The rest of the range consists of the ML350 BlueEfficiency (Petrol V6), the ML350 BlueTEC (Diesel) and two twin-turbocharged V8 models, the ML500 or AMG-tuned ML63 ($177,900).

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Mother’s Day shouldn’t just be celebrated by those with children already in their arms. The anticipation of becoming a mother is equally beautiful and deserving of recognition. So while those of us with children look forward to hand-drawn cards and cold toast lovingly smeared with Vegemite, mothers-to-be will no doubt appreciate some well thought-out gifts for the coming months.

Something warm and comfortable to wrap a growing baby bump is a must for women who are pregnant over winter. Soon Maternity makes pregnancy fashion flattering and fun, and the new season knitwear is a winter wardrobe staple. The drape cardis ($99.95) are a great option as they suit pretty much every body type, as do the boxy maternity knits ($99.95), which will continue to be a functional wardrobe piece even after pregnancy.

Some pregnancy wardrobe essentials wouldn’t go astray on Mother’s Day either, and Esprit Maternity does it so well. You can’t go wrong with a great pair of maternity cargo pants ($109.95) for edgy pregnancy style, and we absolutely adore the Esprit Maternity Love Tee for $64.95. Queen Bee stocks a huge selection of Esprit Maternity.

A calming candle always gets my tick of approval for gift giving – and what mum-to-be wouldn’t love this gorgeous soy version – it smells like baby powder! Made from pure soy wax, the Mum To Be Baby Powder candle will burn for up to fifty hours. That lovely, fresh baby scent captured in a beautifully packaged candle costs $39.95, from Mum To Be.

Beautiful, stylish and practical – the Olli Ella Mo-Ma Glider is pretty much the bees knees when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts. Destined to become a family heirloom, the Mo-Ma Glider provides a comfy spot for pregnant women to wistfully dream of their future child. And of course, once the baby comes along, it’s the only place to feed and cuddle. Upholstered in stain-resistant microsuede and available in five delicious colours, the Mo-Ma Glider is $1599, from Olli Ella.

Pregnant women have plenty to deal with as their body changes over nine months, including the possibility of stretch marks. A little helping hand won’t go astray, particularly something that smells divine. Mum To Be Organic Stretch Mark Cream is aimed at smoothing and toning skin around the hips, thighs, buttocks and breasts. It contains all manner of delicious things like certified organic shea butter, jojoba oil and rosehip oil. It costs $39.95 and is available from Mum To Be.

Preparing for a new baby is daunting, so helping future mums to tick a few things off their list can be a sanity-saver. Baby bouncers have stood the test of time as a tried and true way to keep baby happy and occupied while mums and dads are busy with other things. And the BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft is a classic. It’s a cosy spot for baby to kick back and the gentle rocking motion created by the baby’s own movement is soothing. The bouncer retails for $199, and you can find a stockist near you at BabyBjorn.

One thing I wish I’d done while pregnant was keep a journal. Life goes so fast once babies are born that it’s difficult to remember those feelings of excitement and anticipation in the lead up to births. The Human Nature Nest Journal is a beautiful keepsake to gift to an expectant woman. It’s designed for recording and storing memories for children up to the age of five, so it’s a great pre-birth gift. It comes in a handy lever-arch folder which stores neatly on a baby bookcase for display. It costs $79.95 from Curly-Top Creations.

I can hand-on-my-heart say I wish someone had given me this book when I was pregnant with my first child. I blindly went into breastfeeding thinking of it as an innate action both my baby and I would take to like ducks to water. That’s very rarely the case, so a good dose of reality is one of the best gifts that can (lovingly) be given to a pregnant woman. Breastfeeding: Real Mums Tell You How is a wealth of practical advice, encouragement and support – without any guilt or pressure. It’s full of useful tips and stories from real mums. It costs $19.95, an e-book version is also available for US$7.99.

Giving this amazing carrier to a mum-to-be is like gifting her an extra set of hands. I can wax lyrical about the benefits of baby wearing, but suffice to say anything that can give a mother more freedom and child the comfort of being close to mum is a blessing. The Minimonkey Baby Carrier bears weight on the hips, back and abdomen, rather than the shoulders. And for the ultimate test of longevity, this carrier can be used for newborns, right up to children who weigh eighteen kilograms. It’s available from Kiekaboo for $129.95.

Comfort is paramount, both during and after pregnancy. This could possibly be the best combination of pre and post-pregnancy nightwear – the Sorella & Me Organic Nursing Nightie. The pleat detail means there’s plenty of room for belly growth, and the built-in bust support means there’s no need to wear a nursing bra to bed once baby is born. The nightie costs $89.95, from Sorella & Me.

A sturdy and stylish baby bag, which actually looks nothing like a baby bag, would surely be on the list of most pregnant women. Tribe Bags’ creations fit the bill perfectly, particularly the Orchard Tote. Creased patent leather means fashion isn’t compromised, while the deep interior filled with pockets makes it a functional bag once baby comes along. Available directly from Tribe Bags, the Orchard Tote costs SGD$549.

Swimming during pregnancy (be it indoors while the weather is cool) is not only fantastic exercise, but a great relief to tired feet. And if you can do it in style – more power to you! The Pez Dór Marine Lurex Stripe Swimsuit is just about the sweetest maternity wear for the water you’re likely to find. Oozing glamour and fully lined for comfort, the suit is available from Aqua Maternity for $120.

Dads-to-be take note: you simply cannot go wrong if you give the future mother of your child a beautiful yet practical gift for Mother’s Day. Case in point – an Il Tutto Nico Tote Berry. It both sounds and looks delicious! Totally rocking with its bright exterior, yet fully functional with a host of baby-related goodies inside, this bag will put a smile on the dial of just about any mum-to-be. Priced at $249, it’s available from Il Tutto.

Finally, a beautiful dress that can be worn pre and post pregnancy will be gladly received by a mum-to-be as a gift that keeps on giving. The Mesop Sahara Drawstring Dress is elegant and simple, with an empire waistline making it easily worn during and after pregnancy. As simple as it is, it’s also a statement piece, thanks to its beautiful hemline and drawstring neck detail. It’s available from Adore Maternity for $129.

The post Mother’s Day 2013 gift guide – mums-to-be appeared first on Babyology.

If we told you we had found a t-shirt that will keep your children entertained whilst you get a massage, and all you need do is chill out on the floor, would you believe us? No, it’s not magic, it’s just an awesome product designed for parents, by parents.

BKY Kids have just released a third batch of Car Play Mat Shirts after selling out the first two. No doubt these will also go gangbusters. You may get some strange looks in the toy section as you meticulously select toy cars on the merits of their tyre texture and rubber quality, but it will be worth it when the little one is giving you a ten minute massage, complete with sound effects.

It’s not surprising that they have been so popular, at only US$22 plus $9 postage. The shirts are unisex and available from a size S to XXL.

I’m off to get one for the hubster; if I could lie on my tummy right now I would be getting one for myself. On second thoughts, I could always wear it backwards and let the toddler drive over her little brother while I snooze? There’s no reason it can’t be a mountain-top town map.

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Dads can feel very much on the outer when it comes to baby wearing hype. Of course, most mums have tried it, but dads certainly love to wear their new babies too. And what of the kids we’re raising, who also need to see examples of men wearing babies? 

Etsy’s Freja Toys sells the most beautiful knitted babywearing daddy dolls – it immediately captured my attention and my heart and I emailed it off to friends who both wear their four-month-old baby son a whole lot.

It’s a fine example to set to our little people, who might one day go on to have their own children, that babywearing isn’t just up to the female. This lovely dolly comes with a knitted baby and daddy, plus a choice of ring sling or sling wrap. There’s a daddy doll with blonde hair or one with black hair.

It’s $42 from Etsy’s Freja Toys. Add a mummy (or another daddy!) to the mix too, if you choose!

(via Bambino Goodies)

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They’re gorgeous, functional and are just for the boys. If you haven’t already fallen in love with these swimming shorts, you will when we reveal the feel-good factor that drives their manufacture.

British luxury swimwear label Love Brand & Co has launched a fantastic collection of swimming shorts for boys and men. They’re made from quick-dry fabric, have a relaxed but tailored fit and finish above the knee, making them great for fun in the water. They also come in a great range of block colours and clever designs that translate well into either boys’ or men’s swimming shorts.

But here’s that bit of information we promised earlier. Five per cent from the sale of each pair of these shorts is donated to ensuring the survival of endangered elephants in the wild. Bet you didn’t see that one coming – it’s literally, trunks for trunks!

Love Brand & Co actively supports the Elephant Family, which was founded by Prince Charles’ brother-in-law, Mark Shand. The men’s swimming shorts have a little nod to the charity project, with silver tusks adorning the ends of the drawstrings.

The boys’ shorts come in sizes to fit children from one to nine years old, and cost £69. The men’s shorts cost £119, and Love Brand & Co has free worldwide shipping.

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Home theatres and small children aren’t a great combination. Cables and speakers provide plenty of opportunity for damage to children and equipment. Fortunately, a new class of products is emerging that provides an alternative to a traditional surround sound setup.

The Yamaha YSP-2200 is a ‘soundbar’. It uses sixteen small speakers and an included subwoofer to create a surround sound field by reflecting sound off the walls of your room, which does away with the need for rear speakers. Its petite form factor lets it sit underneath a television, taking up minimal space while still delivering a big sound.

The YSP-2200 retails for $1,299 and has 7.1 surround sound , 3D compatible HDMI, and an easy to use Automated Calibration System (it took us less than five minutes to set up).

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We promised we’d let you know when this excessively appealing little gadget became available for sale, and sure enough, just in time for the 2012 festive season, you can place your pre-orders!

While there are some who have managed to embrace a mostly paperless existence, many of us simply don’t cope without a written or printed list. We told you about the Berg Cloud Little Printer in December 2011 and now the product is a reality, slated for shipping in about two months. Be one of the first to try it out by placing your pre-orders now. At a cool US$259, it’s no bargain buy, but we think the novelty factor will attract those who love something unique and useful.

It’s a seriously cute, tiny printer that works with your smartphone. Little Printer links with all sorts of online publications, newsfeeds and applications to create an amazingly beautiful, personalised ‘micro-newspaper’. Watch the video clip below to see the Little Printer in action and pre-order from Berg Cloud for delivery in mid-October or afterwards.

(via Engadget)

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Whether you’re a new father or an old hand, I just wanted to wish all the Dads out there a Happy Father’s Day.

The post Happy Father’s Day appeared first on Babyology.

Dads are always at their most awesome when you’re a child, so imagine how ecstatic the kids will be when they don the same sandals as dad!

It’s hard to find a hip sandal, it really is, so I’m positively ecstatic that the funky and very popular European Avarcas Pons sandal is a style the whole family can wear. That’s right – both the kids and dad can step out in matching footwear.

Made in Spain using premium grade materials such as buttery soft natural leather for the uppers and eco-friendly recycled rubber for the sole, Avarcas sandals are destined to become a staple for summer wardrobes. Fancier than a pair of thongs or flip-flops, the classic Avarcas Pons can see you out from the beach to dining out with ease thanks to the smart covered foot piece, while the slingback keeps this footwear on the edge of smart casual.

Available in a myriad of colours from neutrals through to gorgeous neon shades, children of all ages can enjoy classic style Avarcas Pons (priced from US$48) or the closed heel Frailera style (priced from US$42).

Mens Avarcas Pons sandals are priced US$75 from Avarcas. Delivery to Australia is available for a flat fee of US$15 or if two or more pairs are ordered, delivery is free!

Avarcas adults and kids sandals are now stocked locally in Australia at Red Nest for $68.

The post Perfect for Father’s Day – Avarcas leather sandals for dads and kids! appeared first on Babyology.

Father’s Day always seems to creep up on me (yes, I know, it’s the same time every year!) and I get a bit panicky about coming up with good ideas in time. Fortunately for me – and you – the Babyology team has so many good Father’s Day ideas that we could have compiled two Babyology gifts lists.

Let’s kick off with the first thing that my husband wants once he surfaces every morning – coffee. If the dad in your life knows his ristrettos from his macchiatos, it’s hard to go past this rocket espresso cup. Big enough to fit a double shot inside, at $33 there’ll be plenty of change left over for coffee beans.

On the other end of the beverage scale, you could invest in the Hario Cold Water Dripper. At $295, it’s cheaper than many an espresso machine and the cold drip method produces a concentrated coffee perfect for cool summer drinks. It has the added bonus of making your kitchen look like a science lab, and I’ve never met a man who wouldn’t love that.

Once the morning coffee is dealt with, it’s time to get dressed. Dad will look very dapper indeed in a custom made business shirt, like these ones from Indochino. Indochino make bespoke clothing for men at very reasonable prices and come with the tick of approval from our creative director, Ben, who has only good things to say about his recent purchases. There is a huge range of clothing and accessories, with custom made business shirts $99 each, although at the moment they are offering a three shirt bundle for just $229. Oh, and shipping is free!

Of course, dad needs to look great in his casual clothes too – why not update his tees with something from the range at Kindred Gifts? There is a great selection in organic cotton and they’re only $44.95 each.

How about a stylish watch and belt to go with those new clothes? This belt is from US-based Rancourt & Co, who specialise in handsewn men’s shoes. The belt is made from stunning Chromexcel leather and will set you back US$95. The watch is a whole different story – it’s the Bell & Ross Vintage WW1-92 – a design inspired by the watches of military aviators in the 1920s. At a price somewhere around $4500, it’s probably not going home with you – but it never hurts to dream!

Stunning, right? It’s the Brixton camera and laptop messenger bag and we love it. For US$269, it has room for a DSLR, a couple of spare lenses, a thirteen-inch laptop and even an iPad tucked into the back. Handcrafted from water-resistant waxed canvas and leather, it has removable dividers inside so you can customise it to meet your needs. It’s available in three colours.

If an overnight bag is higher on the list, we love these ones from Bakker Made With Love. At $215 each from Scallyoop, they’re handmade in durable and stylish canvas with waterproof interiors, and there are seven different designs. The perfect excuse for a kid-free weekend away, we think!

If you’d rather something with the very personal touch, a personalised keyring from Babatude might be more your style. For £95, these sterling silver key rings can be personalised with a drawing on the front and message from your kids on the back. It’s definitely a gift dad will use every day!

And finally, it’s time for the big boys’ toys…

Computer gaming is definitely in a very different place to thirty years ago, but if you’re buying for the kind of dad who’s a bit nostalgic for the video games of his youth, he’ll love the iCade iPad Arcade Cabinet from ThinkGeek. Just slide the iPad into the cabinet and bluetooth connection means it’s ready to go. All you need do then is download the Atari’s Greatest Hits app which includes up to one hundred classic Atari games for iPad. The iCade is US$89.99 but you’ll need a freight forwarder or a friend to bring it home from the States for you.

The Parrot AR Drone 2.0 is the coolest of all remote controlled devices. Not only can you control it from your smartphone or tablet, but the camera in the belly of the drone will record its flights to view later, along with all relevant stats about your spy missions using the phone app. It costs US$299 but pays off a zillion cool points. It’s well worth checking out the videos on their site to get an idea of all the nifty things it does.

We’re sure there are plenty of dads out there who’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to buy themselves a crate of Green Hat Workshop’s Planks. Pick up a box and watch the creating begin – once the kids are in bed of course! Prices begin at $64.95 for a box of one hundred, but if you’re really keen, you can get a crate of one thousand and let dad build his own colosseum.

Finally, let’s end on a cultured note – with a book. Dads who know too many ’80s movie quotes are sure to love Ready Player One - a kind of dystopian sci-fi novel packed with references to 1970s and ’80s pop culture – think The Matrix meets The Last Starfighter! Get the full lowdown with The New York Times review and all the price details at Booko.

What a marathon! We hope we’ve sparked your imaginations as you get ready to pick the perfect gift for dad. Happy shopping!

The post Babyology has your Father’s Day gift dilemmas sorted! appeared first on Babyology.

Father’s Day is fast coming up on the calendar and we’ve unearthed a few gorgeous DIY activities you can do with the kids to surprise dad on his big day!

Socks are a staple Father’s Day gift in our home, my cherubs each give a pair along with their other gifts so I will most definitely be printing out this free sock band label from Hello Lucky. Simply print them out and stick over the existing label with glue or tape – what a simple way to tizzy up a pair of socks for dad!

Here’s a couple of projects that are just the thing to spruce up dad’s desk! From Martha Stewart we have a decorated notepad cube. Children can draw something special for dad on the sides and maybe a sneaky note or two on random pages between blank sheets to surprise him with later on, long after Father’s Day has passed.

Parents show us how with a few empty tins, some paint or coloured card and coloured rubber bands, children can easily make a personalised stationery caddy for dad’s desk – there should be no excuses for dad not being able to find a pen then! It’s at Parents that we also saw this great sign for dads using spaghetti, glue, paint and cardboard.

If you have the time in advance and fair whack of patience, these treats of the edible variety will be a hit with the whole family, not just dad. There’s no denying that they look fancy, that kind of far-too-hard fancy but I’m assured it’s all to do with the construction. Brownies, cupcakes and cookies have never looked so good. You can find out exactly how to make these plus print out the templates for boxes at Bakerella.

One of my favourite blogs, Eighteen25, always has fantastic craft ideas for every occasion. I adore this project A Book For Dad. It’s a free download that you can print off at home, have your children write in their thoughts and stories and present it in a photo album style booklet.

If dad is a bit of a sweet tooth, he’s bound to love being on the receiving end of a treat filled Tie Pot. A great afternoon activity which involves painting a terracotta pot, making a flag and filling with sweets, you can find all the details at Make It and Love It.

We’d love to hear what you have planned for Father’s Day, feel free to comment below and be sure to see our previous Father’s Day DIY post for even more craft ideas.

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A good dad bag is a very rare, specific thing indeed. It cannot, repeat, cannot look like a dad bag. It must be chic, understated in design if not colour and be able to carry all those baby essentials. To address this, we decided to do one of our roundups. Hang on!

First up is the All Kings Men Runway Model. Yes it’s technically a laptop bag but hey, it can still come out with dad and baby with a bunch of nappies and wipes inside!

There’s nothing quite like a backpack for going hands-free with baby and we adore the Herschel Little America for $129 from Rushfaster.

It’s an oldie but a goodie – the Petunia Picklebottom Scout Journey is a long-time favourite at Babyology and we believe this design will continue to endure. And no he needn’t be concerned that the words Petunia Picklebottom will be emblazoned on the bag. There’s a very low-key and chic-looking Scout on the front panel.

The Storksak Jamie is so elegant I just had to buy it in black for my own husband and I still catch myself admiring it most days.

We love the simplicity and price tag of the Eastpak Authentic Cleaver grey bag – there are other colours available for $149 at Rushfaster.

We rather love the matte messenger style of The Brixton from Ona for US$269 plus shipping. Doubling as a laptop and camera bag, we’ve just added a third use for it – dad bag.

It’s a neat Carhartt Messenger bag for $79 from Rushfaster.

This groovy kit dubbed the Fullmoon is from Gravy Bags and perfectly unisex for dad to take out and about, conducting nappy changes on the go.

The post Great man bags – a dad bag roundup appeared first on Babyology.

Can’t surf? Fear not, these bodacious boards look just as amazing riding the waves as they do leaning against an art-barren wall.

While we languish in the long months of winter, our thoughts drift back to sunny days, warm beaches and family fun. It won’t be long before those balmy days return, and along with them, all manner of water-based activities. How perfect would these beautiful boards look cutting through the waves?

Designed by Coco Republic, the Surfcraft boards make an impact, both for their divine craftsmanship and striking designs. The boards are manufactured by one of Australia’s finest retro-shapers, Apache Studio.

They’re made using a rather rare technique of covering the polyurethane in fabric, before coating them in fibreglass. Not just any fabric, mind you, but exclusive Sparkk fabrics, which have a distinct retro feel. So if you’re a grommet when it comes to surfing, one of these boards makes a beautiful artwork.

The Surfcraft boards come in two styles: Mini Malibu (seven foot) and Mini Simmons (five-six foot), and prices start at $1695.

(via PicoCool)

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Geeks unite – now you can let everyone on the road know a little about your family… especially if you hail from a galaxy far, far away.

I’ll lay my cards out on the table from the outset – you’re not likely to spot My Family car stickers on my ride. They’re simply not my thing – and they certainly polarize parents into the lovers and the haters.  But Star Wars, well that’s one of my true loves. Herein lies my dilemma.

I’m still torn as to whether I’m partial to these Star Wars Family Car Decals. I’m thinking I actually love them. They’d certainly give me a chuckle if I saw them on a car. I love how they can be personalised, Star Wars-style.

If you’re not a Star Wars freak like me, you may tune out a little here – but the inherent humour in creating a Star Wars sticker family is too good to resist. Is the dad in your family a Darth Vader, or more of a Chewbacca? What about a slave Princess Leia mum? Are your kids Ewoks or little Storm Troopers? There are days I could swear my children know exactly how to play with my mind – they’re Yodas for sure. Ok, enough – I’m having way too much fun here.

A pack of fifty Star Wars stickers, featuring nineteen different characters is US$14.99 from ThinkGeek, and delivery to Australia is available.

So, are you a lover of stick figure family stickers on cars? Do you have a set on your vehicle?

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It’s favourite post time and though it’s tricky to select only a handful from what seems like a squillion awesome things, I’ve done it!

I’m a crafty type of person so whenever I’m given a craft roundup to do, I embrace it like a hot glue gun to felt. I couldn’t pick just one craft feature post, but I did manage to whittle it down to just two. The Valentine’s Day DIY was a real eye opener to how many shades of pink there are and of course unearthing some really special ways to spend time with the children making gorgeous things for those we think are super special.

I found Karton cardboard furniture nothing short of amazing. Such a fantastic idea for temporary furnishings and the like, and a complete step-up from repurposing the box your fridge was delivered in. How very clever!

Automoblox have had a soft spot in my heart for a few years now and we have built up a small convoy. Upon discovering new hot-rod models for release, I knew one had to be on my son’s Christmas gift list. Automoblox vehicles are such amazing quality and when not being played with, look sensational displayed on a shelf.

I’m the recipient of dozens of love letters and drawings from my children every week and my husband gets, well… nothing, which leads me to my second favourite craft post for Father’s Day. I loved that these crafts that weren’t too ‘out there’ and could be hung in an office or kept in a desk drawer to remind Dad how much he is loved!

Finally, the Brinca Dada Dylan doll house won my heart. Doll houses have come such a long, long way since I was a child that it just amazes me to see something as glorious as this. Makes me wish I was six inches tall so I could move in and enjoy bountiful natural light and a rooftop garden.

Until next year, that’s five favourite posts – I’m going to petition for maybe six or seven favourites next year!

The post Lexi’s favourite posts appeared first on Babyology.

What would have happened if Darth Vader had decided not to conquer the universe and instead become a stay-at-home dad to son, Luke?

There’s charm and humour in Jeffrey Brown’s new book, Darth Vader and Son.

Using familiar parenting scenarios, Brown has captured Luke Skywalker’s childhood with dad, Darth, to perfection. There’s a nice combination of in-jokes for Star Wars fans and the kind of stuff parents hear all the time. For example, in one scene, little Luke is asking Darth an awkward question, “Dad, why is it called the ‘Death Star’?” and in another, Luke is using the Force to raid the biscuit jar.

While I liked Darth carrying a wailing Luke to bed saying “It is pointless to resist, my son. It’s bedtime” my favourite illustration is Luke sitting in his booster seat in the Death Star, asking “Are we there yet?”. This is closely followed by a picture of Darth unwrapping a gift from Luke – a red polka-dotted tie – with Darth saying “Thank you, my son” but thinking to himself , “I can’t wear this.” A familiar scenario, dads?!

With more than fifty pages of Brown’s clever illustrations, you’ll be convinced that Darth would have made a terrific dad.

Find Darth Vader and Son online at Readings – it makes a terrific gift for dads.

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This is one of the coolest gadgets we’ve seen in a while – and I’ll admit from the outset, it’s one for the big kids as much as for children.

The Sphero Robotic Ball is the first gaming device of its kind – controlled using a smartphone or tablet. It contains all manner of technical things that I can’t possibly fathom, that allow a smart device to control its movement. Take a look at the video below to see just how amazing it is, and I’ll fill you in on the specs after you get your head around what it does.

The Sphero can be controlled by an iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Android device, using Bluetooth connection. There are several apps for the Sphero, including Golf – which allows you to use your smart device like a golf club. The ball also has a built-in camera, which can take video or still shots. And just to blow your mind a little more, the ball can also be used as a controller for on-screen games.

The Sphero can change colour, is charged using a docking station, and will last for more than an hour without needing to be charged.

While it may seem like just an adult toy, I can see the appeal for older children, and how it might aid in hand-eye coordination – although, of course, the main premise centres  around fun!  The Sphero Robotic Ball is only available in the US, for $US129.99, so you’ll need a kind friend or re-shipper to grab one for you from Gizmine. Just to give it that extra bit of street cred – check out the video of US President Obama having a go on the Sphero below.

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What’s not to love about classic toys? Reminiscent of simpler times, with a charm all their own, they give adults just as much pleasure as children.

These tin toys tick all the nostalgia boxes – vintage look and feel, with simple wind-up movements that never cease to impress little ones. Let me introduce you to this band of misfits.

I’ll start with my pick of the bunch, Cowboy with Whip. This plump little fellow sits atop his trusty steed at mid-gallop. The cowboy swings his lasoo while the horse rears when the toy is wound up. He is incredibly detailed, and comes in a 1950s era box, which looks like a perfect replica. He’s recommended for children over the age of six and costs $27.95.

Then there’s Fantastic & Co Bi Plane Fighter for $39.95. The clockwork powered propeller gives the toy a touch of authenticity, and accompanied by an imaginative child’s obligatory plane noises, it comes to life.

The Ice-cream Vendor is just adorable – wind him up and he’ll deliver a cool delight to the entire neighbourhood. And he’s just $15.95.

There’s also a great selection of robots, including Fantastic & Co Lilliput Robot, based on that first, boxy tin toy robot from Japan. He just oozes retro-cool, and can walk the walk – as long as he’s wound up. The Lilliput Robot is $49.95.

The tin toys are available from the beautifully eclectic Childrens Dept, which ships all over Australia for a flat rate of $9.95.

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I’m a big fan of wagons -they’re the perfect option for those who want all the space they’ll ever need for a small to mid-sized family of up to three children. It looks like Australian families may have the option of a Jaguar wagon by the end of this year.

It’s the aesthetically-striking Jaguar XF Sportbrake wagon which recently made its first appearance via spy photos and an official announcement from Jaguar in March – it will officially launch at the Geneva Motor Show.

If you’re like me and love to know a bit of the nitty gritty, The Motor Report lists the following features for the new wagon:

Jaguar says the XF Sportbrake’s rear cargo space offers 1675 litres of space with the seats down, making it a solid rival for the 5 Series Touring and A6 Avant – although it falls short of the E-Class Estate’s cavernous back half by around 270 litres. Rear storage, with the back seats in their upright position, is listed at 550 litres.

The wagon’s wheelbase remains unchanged from its sedan stablemate, although the longer roofline means rear passengers benefit from an extra 48mm of headroom.

Highlighting its focus on practicality, Jaguar has only specified diesel engines for the Sportbrake for now, including the 202kW/600Nm 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 and the new 140kW/450Nm 2.2 litre four-cylinder diesel. Both variants will be offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission only, and self-levelling air suspension replaces the sedan’s coil springs at the rear.

The word is that the Jaguar XF Sportbrake wagon may be in Australia in the last quarter of 2012! Do you prefer a wagon to an SUV?

(via The Motor Report)

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