wanted: ideas for entertaining 20 mo in restaurants

[nona]

that is a great idea about the pipe cleaner.

has anyone seen any quiet books - like ones that toddlers can learn how to use a zipper, buttons, velcro, snaps, etc?

i can't find any...

[TERESA-E&C's Mommy]

We have a teddy bear with those things, but not a book.  Good Luck hunting!

[Deb_in_oz]

i've seen them in book stores and markets here and on line from US retailers i think.  will have a glance for you online - where are you ?

[nwmm]

There was another post about finding "busy" books in the last day or two.   Although, I thought Deb responded to the orginal poster so maybe I am losing my mind. 

[Aly Mac]

Hi Heather - I remember the 'quiet' book that my aunt made for me and have been thinking for ages that I should make one for Lilly!!! If I get inspired I'll make you one.

Another thing to add to all of this, is to make sure they aren't hungry when you get there - they are so much happier on a full or partially full stomach. We take Lil to bfast mainly and hence we find the morning to be easier.

hth

[Deb_in_oz]

these are like the ones i saw in sydney

http://www.mastermindtoys.com/store/product.asp?product_code=22298&subcat=258&agecat=0&cat=0&brand=83&page=1

http://www.amazon.com/My-Quiet-Book-Soft-Activity/dp/B00000J3LL  and $5 cheaper than another site i found

[Aly Mac]

Goodness!!!$$$$  I think i'll get the sewing machine out!

[nona]

deb - i'm in the states. i've looked in several specialty toy store (boutiques) and toys r us, target, etc and didn't find anything. (i'm looking for those munchkin and baby einstein flashcards too- only website is the babytravellite one. maybe i'll luck out at the grocery store or target. )

i know - those books are expensive. i wish i knew how to sew!! i guess i could hand sew one and use felt and hot glue. i like being crafty but the time i finish cade will already know how to do everything. ha, ha. also, the one on amazon didn't get great reviews. i'm not paying $30 for a quiet booK! i can prob get my mom to make me some activity bags but she can't sew either.

yep, i did ask under product recommendations - which was an accident. i meant to ask under activity. i thought i'd ask again in case someone else didn't see the other post.

aleesa - if you make one, i'll def pay for you to make cade one! i found a doll but i think a book will be easier for him now than a doll.  cade does better on an empty stomach at restaurants b/c he'll eat for a while. if he is not hungry, he will not sit in his highchair. when we go out to eat, we usually order him something as well.

did anyone spend some time looking at the chasing cheerios blog? holy cow! the mom must have more than 24 hrs in her day! she did have some good ideas though. i wonder how old her toddler is? i don't think cade can perform/would be interested in some of those activities.

i think the activity bags would make a great sticky for the activity thread.

[nona]

yep - just found some stuff on lakeshore learning. always forget about that place. the book is $35 . the book is for 3-5 yrs.  they also have 2 dolls - bunny & puppy. each of those are $15. they are aged 2-5 yrs.

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/search/results.jsp

oh,i read on the chasing cheerios blog that the mom checked out activity bags from her library. that is really cool - i will have to look into it.

[nwmm]

A few thoughts for you:

You mentioned you are in the states.  You can always order a book through Borders.  (Are they close enough to you?)  Sign up for their coupons.  They come pretty often via email.  If the book comes in when you receive and email coupon go ahead and use it.  There are notations on the coupon that says the book would not qualifty, but not all the salespeople follow that rule.  As a result, I have a hard time pointing it out that I do not want the discount.  Also, you can google Borders and print a coupon.  They is almost always one for 20%. 

Lake Shore Learning - You can sign up for the teacher/parent card in case they are on sale.  Most people think it is for teachers only, but the salespeople told me otherwise.

[nona]

thank you!