I wrote this review/blog post while participating in the Kids II Blogger Campaign and received monetary compensation and/or free products to facilitate my review.
I’ve teamed up with Baby Einstein today to help promote their 20th birthday! I can’t believe it’s been 20 years- I’m just stressed enough about little Sophie’s FIRST birthday, and that’s still 6 months away (but don’t think I haven’t already started planning for it)! She has been playing more and more with toys, and it is so much fun to watch her discover new things- just as I’m discovering new things (like Baby Einstein) with her! In celebration of their birthday, they have a bunch of free party printables available (Cupcake toppers, Banners, Invitations, photo props and more)!
I loooove playing with my kids and watching them play with new toys. It’s probably one of the very most fun parts of being a parent, to be honest. Sure, having these little beings that YOU created and brought into this world and are somehow also keeping alive (say what?!) is incredible in and of itself, but having kids is also just a really great excuse to act like a kid again yourself. And how fun is that?!
There really is no greater joy than seeing the world through the eyes of little ones. Singing silly songs, dancing like a lunatic, blowing bubbles, reading your favorite classic children’s books over and over and over, playing chase, spinning in circles, building blocks, using your imagination- it kind of feels like that all gets lost somewhere in the journey to becoming an “adult.” And how boring is that?
Something that I find amazing and exciting and so important: children learn by playing. I mean, isn’t that so cool to think about?! Play isn’t just a fun thing that kids want to do- it’s a necessary thing that kids need to do in order to grow and learn! I just love that. It makes me so happy, that something so innate is that way for a very good reason.
We love Baby Einstein toys because they aren’t only really fun to play with, but they encourage discovery too! Since playing is how kids learn the best, might as well take it to another level! And that’s just what they do. Clearly, Sam is a BIG fan of the toys- and Sophie, too! :) Sam will just pick up the little toy piano or guitar and bring it over to me so we can make music together! As a musician myself, this makes my whole world every time he gets joy from playing music!
Also, while I really love actively playing with my kids, one of the great things about these toys is that they’re easy for them to play with on their own (they don’t need any help operating them) and thus they can also play independently for a while so that I can get some things done, too. It’s so cute seeing them play with them together already, too. Ahhh sibling love. :)
p.s. This little radio is one of our holy grail of baby products (I even featured it as a baby registry must have!) – both babies have loved it and it is a life saver as a car toy to calm down those tantrums, too! HIGH FIVE for that!
So here’s to finding our inner child again. Here’s to getting down on the floor with our kids and playing, teaching, learning and growing, together! Because, yes, we have a lot to teach them, but gosh do they have an endless amount to teach us, too. :) And isn’t it amazing how much they learn and grow in just their very first year here on earth?! It’s incredible- and also I’ve noticed, goes wayyyy too fast (especially the second time around)!
Speaking of that first year, Baby Einstein has shared how to plan your baby’s 1st birthday, and some fun printables! Also check out some party ideas here! They are having an awesome giveaway on their Instagram page! And we’re hosting one here, too! YAY!
We’re giving away a whole Baby Einstein 1st Birthday prize package!
TO ENTER:
1. Subscribe to my blog using the button in the upper right sidebar.
2. Follow me (@katie_did_what) and Baby Einstein (@babyeinstein) on Instagram and leave a comment with your Instagram handle and one of your favorite ways to play with your kids!
Good luck! Giveaway ends 8/9 and winner will be announced here! EDIT: Congrats Sara! Check your email! :)
xo
Instagram handle: jana.antil
One of my very favorite ways to play with my son is to get outside and walk as much as we can in the fresh air. I point out all of the birds and trees, and he has such a fun time seeing everything around us!
My instagram handle is @mckenziemwalker
I love reading to my son! He is finally at the age where he actually enjoys paying attention to the story, even if he doesn’t understand it yet. He will be turning a year on August 24th and we are expecting our second due January 18, 2017! I also love sitting him in front of me and passing a ball back and forth! He’s gotten really great at it, his daddy is pretty proud ;)
PS I just found your blog a week or so ago and LOVE it! I’ve been reading all of your pregnancy/baby posts mostly! So fun, your little family is adorable!! I also created an amazon registry yesterday after reading your registry checklist post! SO smart, I don’t know why I didn’t do it with my first.
Anyway, have a great day and God bless you and your sweet fam! :)
Xo, Kenzie
Instagram handle is: @mckenziemwalker
I love reading to my son Parks! He is finally at the age where he will actually sit and let us read to him, and he does seem to enjoy it! I also love sitting him in front of me and passing a ball back and forth! Working on those sports skills ;) Our son will be a year on August 24th and we are expecting our second January 18th! We are super excited and so blessed!
I just recently found your blog and am loving it! I’ve been reading a lot of your pregnancy and baby posts, and I just created an Amazon baby registry after reading your registry must haves. SO smart, I don’t know why I didn’t do one with our first.
Your little family is so darling! I love following along :-)
Anyway, have a great day and God bless your sweet fam!
Xo,
Kenzie
Oh goodness, so sorry to comment twice! After my first one it wasn’t showing up, hence the multiple comments!!
Oops :) Feel free to delete one of them! I can’t figure out how.
Hi! My Instagram handle is @mommamorrison
On of my favorite ways to play with my daughter is read with her and then act out the book. Lately it’s been “Caps for Sale” and she’s obsessed with throwing her hat down just like the monkeys do! She also loves music so dancing is a close second for playtime! Oh, and that little Take Along Tunes Thing?! HUGE hit at our house too, especially for long car rides!
Thanks for doing this giveaway!
My boys are 3 months old so our favorite way to play is tummy time. We do it in our arms, on our legs, on our chest, on a mat, on the bed etc. we love that we can talk and make eye contact with them as they play. We also put brightly colored toys in their view. They love the baby einsteins toy that lights up and plays mozart. As a former teacher I know how important play is so we will continue to make play a part of our everyday lives.
Instagram handle: Ashes1love
Following both! NJBeachGrl
Reading xoxo
@jimenezsunshinee
My son is a little silly he loves it when I make monster noises and Chase him around the house. He also loves it when I read books to him I was subscribe to baby Einstein’s monthly book club. Got a little expensive so we stopped. we have a pretty good bundle i like to read to him he will pick out a book and throw it at me when it’s reading time. He’s a little brutal but I’m glad he love it when I read to him.
My little girl is 16 months old so things are always new:) we discovered how fun cotton balls are this week. :)
@rachelmccloud
@carrotslayer
Rayne (4 months) actually prefers Baby Eistein to any other toys I’ve gotten him. He loves watching the light up star and light up cell phone we’ve gotten him! Right now, we lay those in front of him when he rolls over to encourage him reaching during tummy time! And he loves talking to them. We are a Baby Einstein loving household!
My instagram handle is @mandapandagirl
My little monster boy is 7 months, and on the move. I love to put him in his walker and see his interaction with our pups. He thinks they are the best and the funniest things to watch. We also enjoy our rides on the golf cart through the neighborhood. We live in Texas, where it is the dog days of summer and 100+ degrees, so anything that can help beat the heat is best.
We use our Baby Einstein bouncer and jumper everywhere we go. I love love LOVE their toys….almost as much as baby boy does.
I don’t think I wrote down my email correctly :( so I’m commenting again to make sure I got it right ;)
Also, I’m @carrotslayer
instagram: @katielisa
I have a 22 month old and 2 month old. We love the baby einstein ball that helps with dexterity and the take along tunes since we are on the go a lot! Getting out of the house makes us happy!
Instagram: saranichols2412
My two year old LOVES to play kitchen, so she is constantly making food for myself and my 6 month old. It’s super cute to hear her talking and saying things I say in the kitchen ;). The baby loves it as well. We also enjoy anything that plays music, and sing and dance a lot!
Instagram @thegrowingfamilylife
My favorite ways to play is to sing silly songs together. It always puts a smile on their faces and gets them up and moving around:)