Must Have Item: Violet

OK maybe must have is a bit strong. There are only a few musts when it comes to baby and they are all survival items. However this toy is pretty darn awesome. LeapFrog's Violet and Scout are incredibly popular toys and if you are a mom you probably already know about them. But if you are an expectant mom or just looking for a baby shower gift, these interactive pals are a great buy. They come with a USB port in their backs and you can visit the website with your pal plugged into the computer and customize the songs they play, as well as input your child's favorites. Then Violet or Scout will sing songs, and ask questions about those favorites as well as your baby's name! It's the kind of toy that you might think would be for older children, but in my opinion the best part about Violet/Scout is the same part that makes this "toy" great from the minute baby is born: the lullaby paw. Push that lullaby paw once and Violet/Scout will play 2 minutes of "bedtime music", press twice and it becomes 5 minutes, press 3 times and it's 10 minutes. When Addison was a brand new baby it was a God send to have that very portable bedtime routine that helped her relax and fall asleep. Now that she's a little older, it's a great cue that it's time for a nap, especially when we are away from home and she's out of her normal sleepy ritual. Besides, she just LOVES the happy songs Violet sings and she claps her hands when Violet says her name.