5 Educational Apps for Children

By Brittany Rowland
Kids naturally clamor for your smart phone or tablet because they like the fun games. You yourself probably enjoy a few mindless, addicting apps when you have time to kill. Fortunately, there are also several apps that serve an educational purpose, and kids will still find them entertaining.
1. Word Book and Puzzle Box HD

• For preschoolers to first-graders
• Aids with spelling and sounding out words with phonics
• Designed for the iPad
• Kids can drag letters to the correct places to form words and simultaneously hear the letters sounded out
• Reward system encourages kids to keep playing so they earn more items for their special room

2. Math Evolve

• For kids in early school grades
• Kids use addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication to operate a spaceship to save the world
• Includes multiple levels and bosses to defeat, testing kids’ learned math skills
• For solo play or multiple players
• On the iPad’s touchscreen, players have greater control and maneuverability

3. Phonic Fun & Games

• For preschoolers and kindergarteners learning the ABCs
• Includes alphabet cards, guessing games, letter tracing practice, and memory games
• Enhances fine motor skills
• Creative designs teach lower- and upper-case letters in a memorable manner

4. Foodie the Bug

• Well-rounded app for kids learning about different cultures and ethnic foods
• Designed for iOS devices
• A cute bug flies over various landscapes collecting food ingredients for various ethnic dishes
• Intuitive gameplay involves tilting the iPad or iPhone to move the character

5. The Nutcracker Musical Storybook

• App combines the music of Tchaikovsky with beautiful hand-painted illustrations by Yoko Tanaka
• For the iPad or iPhone
• As much about the classical ballet music as the reading experience
• Includes a story mode, where kids read at their own pace, and movie mode, where they enjoy the music and visuals seamlessly

Baby Monitor Apps for iPad and iPhone

Parents no longer have to be confined to the house to monitor their young children. The BabyPing kit, due February 2012, includes a digital camera with 640X840 resolution and Wi-Fi connectivity. Parents can pull up video of their babies on their iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. Alerts let parents know if their Wi-Fi connection is dropped or if they move out of range of the signal. Video monitoring is possible even in the dark, thanks to BabyPing’s infrared night vision.
The NextStepIP System is another baby monitor system that allows parents to pull up live video on their smartphones and computers. The monitor system includes pan and tilt controls, so parents can survey the entire nursery and catch all the action. Its night vision illuminates the sleeping child for the camera without disturbing the baby’s sleep. With a one-time purchase of an app on an Apple or Android phone, parents have two-way audio communication with the monitor transmitter.
As baby monitoring technology advances in the twenty-first century, parents will be happy to be able to keep a watchful eye over their babies even in today’s busy world.

Best Baby Monitors

Top 10 Rated Baby Monitors 2012

As we surveyed the wide selection of baby monitors available on the market, we kept the following important qualities in mind:
1. Wide range
2. Secure, interference-free channels
3. Clear reception
4. Low battery/out of range indicators
5. Ample battery life
6. Minimal static
7. Two-way audio communication
8. Adjustable volume and sensitivity
9. Bonuses like nightlight, camera, or lullabies

Motorola MBP33

9.5/10

2.8-inch screen with 25 fps 200 meter range Infrared night vision 2.4 gigahertz fhss wireless

Parents will appreciate the peace of mind that comes with this digital video baby monitor from Motorola. The model offers three screen sizes…

Philips Avent SCD510

9/10

1440-min. battery life 100+ channels Rechargeable batteries 8.7 x 3.7 x 6.1 inches 2.6 pounds

A sleek baby monitor from Philips, this Avent device lets you hear the slightest cooing and breathing from your infant. If you prefer, you can turn down the volume…

Angelcare AC2012P

9/10

Includes movement sensor pad, sound monitor, and 2 parent units Rechargeable batteries 3 AC adapters Nightlight

For parents of premature infants or who worry about SIDS, the Angelcare movement sensor can offer a sense of security. The pad rests under the baby…

Angelcare AC420

9/10

1.31-inch screen Rechargeable batteries 8 channels 2 adapters 1.7 pounds

This Angelcare baby sound monitor has remarkably little static and offers eight channels for minimal radio interference. The baby monitor includes a gentle night light …

Levana BABYVIEW20

8.5/10

Energy Star-rated adapter Built-in nightlight and lullaby player Night vision 150-foot range 2.5 x 1.1 x 5.8 inches 1 pound

You’ll feel relieved to be able to hear and see your baby sleep with this Levana digital baby video monitor. The camera monitors your child while you go about…

Lorex LW2003

8.5/10

Two-way audio communication Rechargeable batteries MicroSD recording (saves up to 4,000 images) 2.4-inch LCD display 450-foot range

The Lorex LIVE Snap baby monitor offers ample range of up to 450 feet. The video monitor provides decent video coverage of your child in his or her crib…

Graco 1773028

8.5/10

900 MHz 2,000-foot range Vibration technology

We were impressed with the Graco Secure Coverage Digital Monitor for its static-free reception and its reasonable price of $44.87. The parent unit is light…

Summer Infant 02620

8.5/10

5-inch screen 3 channels Electric powered 900 MHz technology 350-foot range

Parents will appreciate being able to see their child sleeping with this Summer Infant baby video monitor…

Sony NTM-910YLW

8/10

900 MHz technology 27 channels Built-in rechargeable battery 1.9 x 4.2 x 4.2 inches 1.3 pounds

An affordable baby monitor from Sony, this model provides a wide service range with an out-of-range indicator. The monitor conveniently clips to a belt…

Safety 1st 8026

7.5/10

Electric with battery option 7-inch display (B&W) 49 MHz 14 channels

For a no-frills baby monitor, this Safety 1st model provides remarkably clear audio from your infant’s room. With a belt clip, you can easily carry around…

Baby Monitor Buying Guide

A Baby Monitor Buying Guide

A baby monitor gives parents some freedom to do tasks around the home while their child sleeps, all the while letting them monitor their child’s noises so they know when he or she awakes. If you’re looking for a baby monitor, you first need to decide if you want digital video in addition to audio. Video monitors are generally more expensive than traditional audio monitors, but some parents like the peace of mind that comes from being able to see their baby at any time, day or night. With the frightening reports of SIDS deaths, some parents are also springing for monitors that detect movement and sound an alarm if the baby stops breathing.
Whichever type of monitor you choose, keep the following aspects in mind as you shop:
Range
A baby monitor with a long range gives you greater mobility, but it can also pick up more interference the farther you stray from the transmitter. Look for models that include an out of range signal.
Analog vs. Digital
Analog monitors are less expensive, but the sound quality can suffer, and nearly anyone can pick up the radio signal. Digital monitors generally have better sound quality and are more secure, giving you privacy.
Video
If you spring for a video monitor, consider models that allow you to pan and zoom, letting you view the nursery as well as the baby. Most video monitors have night vision. Some include perks like a nightlight, a camera, and preloaded lullabies.
Sound lights
No matter how clearly a monitor receiver picks up sounds from the nursery, you may not be able to hear it if you’re vacuuming or running the dishwasher. Look for models that feature LED sound lights, which show you the noise level in your baby’s room. Some baby monitors also vibrate, so you’ll be sure to notice when your baby needs you.
Low battery indicator
You don’t want your batteries to run out, leaving you under the illusion that your little one is sleeping peacefully when he may be crying frantically. A good monitor should include a low battery indicator that lets you know when it’s time to charge it.

10Rate Announces its Top 10 Baby Monitors for 2012

10Rate Announces its Top 10 Baby Monitors for 2012 | Motorola and Angelcare Win Best Quality and Best Value Awards

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Tuesday, April 24th 2012

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10Rate.com editors and reviewers rate and review the 2012 best baby monitors on a scale of 1 to 10.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) April 24, 2012

10Rate reviewers and staff selected 10 of the best baby monitors for 2012, assigning each a numerical rating as well as awarding three models that stood out for quality, value, and budget. Testing and consideration for this Baby Monitors Top 10 list were given based on the following set of nine criteria:
1. Wide range
2. Secure, interference-free channels
3. Clear reception
4. Low battery/out of range indicators
5. Ample battery life
6. Minimal static
7. Two-way audio communication
8. Adjustable volume and sensitivity
9. Bonuses like nightlight, camera, or lullabies
The annual Best Baby Monitor 2012 awards list was headed by the Motorola MBP33, winning the Best Quality spot and a near flawless 9.5 out of 10 rating. The review noted several strengths of the digital video baby monitor as follows: “The model offers three screen sizes; the medium one, at 2.8 inches, runs at $169.90, and is large and clear enough to give you a good view of your infant. The monitor offers a crisp picture resolution, even in the dark with infrared night vision. Other perks include digital camera functionality, room temperature monitoring, adjustable volume, and 5 built-in lullabies. For a wireless monitor, we were impressed with how well it worked, with no interference from other wireless devices in the home.”
10rate's editors also gave the Best Value Baby Monitor award to the Angelcare AC2012P. With a rating of 9 out of 10, the review boasted, “The pad rests under the baby and sounds an alarm if it detects no movement for more than 20 seconds. Additionally, the sound monitor offers a clear connection and has a great range. You’ll appreciate being able to ‘see’ the baby’s noise level even if you can’t hear it over a vacuum cleaner or dishwasher. It’s handy having two parents’ units, also, so both mom and dad can rest assured that their child is safe. For all that the set offers, the $95.29 price tag seems very reasonable.”
Additionally, the Best Budget award from the Top 10 Best Baby Monitors list went to the Safety 1st 8026 Crystal Clear Monitor, for which 10rate noted, “For a no-frills baby monitor, this Safety 1st model provides remarkably clear audio from your infant’s room. With a belt clip, you can easily carry around the unit as you go about your business; it allows for a range of up to 400 feet. The battery life is ample, too. An indicator light lets you know when the juice is running low so you can charge it with the included AC adapter. While there’s a faint static sound, it’s not enough to hamper its basic functionality. It may not be the fanciest model available, but it more than serves its purpose and costs only $26.16.”
Angelcare was the only brand featured for multiple models in 10rate's Baby Monitor Reviews. While only featured for one model, the Philips Avent SCD510 review had this to say of earning second place in overall rating: “A sleek baby monitor from Philips, this Avent device lets you hear the slightest cooing and breathing from your infant. If you prefer, you can turn down the volume and still detect noises from the nursery thanks to the LED light indicator. With DECT technology, the sound is crystal clear and highly sensitive; with over 100 channels, you won’t have to worry about interference from cell phones or other wireless devices, and your baby monitor’s channel will be private and secure.”
10rate.com conducts reviews in various product and services categories and publishes “Expert Top 10 Lists for Everything in your life.” The company's web site strives to “Make it Easy” to select from the hundreds of choices there are in the product and service market place. All products and services are thoroughly researched by the company’s expert editors prior to receiving a rating on a 1-10 scale. In addition to product reviews the company’s editors write guidelines, buying guides and articles on various topics surrounding each product or service category covered to help educate the consumer.

Baby monitors cause radio interference

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The Yomiuri Shimbun/Asia News Network
Thursday, Apr 19, 2012

There were 22 cases of radio interference from 2006 to 2010 that are believed to have been caused by baby monitors, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry said.
In a case earlier this year, a water purification plant was unable to wirelessly receive data from a pump station in Kanagawa Prefecture because of interference caused by radio waves from a baby monitor.
According to the ministry, many of the 22 cases of radio interference occurred in Okinawa Prefecture, where many US military bases are located, as well as Kanagawa and Nagasaki prefectures. Monitors imported from the United States are believed to have caused radio interference. In some cases, trouble occurred at cell phone base stations and with radios used by parcel delivery companies.
Baby monitors, which parents can use to check on their babies from remote locations, and similar monitoring devices are popular in the United States and other countries.
Monitors produced in accordance with foreign standards are offered for sale on the Internet and are becoming widely used in Japan. However, some devices do not meet Japanese technical standards.
According to the Kanagawa prefectural government, the Samukawa water purification plant in Samukawa in the prefecture became unable to wirelessly receive data from a pump station in Kamakura, about 20 kilometers away, on Jan. 8.
The data, normally sent every 10 minutes, was needed to keep track of operating conditions and water levels at the pump station. The prefectural government reported the trouble to the ministry's Kanto Bureau of Telecommunications.
The bureau investigated the incident, and two months later it traced the interfering radio waves to a baby monitor installed in a house several hundred meters from the water purification plant.
Because the radio waves emitted by the monitor were 1,124 times stronger than the standard for weak radio waves, the bureau instructed the user to stop using the device, which was made in China.
Because the Radio Law does not regulate the importation or sale of the monitors, the bureau and the Kanagawa prefectural government have called on people to refrain from using monitors without a logo to certify the products meet Japanese standards. They also asked sellers of those monitors to refrain from selling them.
The Samukawa plant covers more than 100 unmanned pump stations and distribution reservoirs in the southern part of the prefecture, and uses automatic wireless communication to check on the operations.
Contact with the pump station that was affected by radio interference has since been switched from wireless communication to wire communication.

Nurse accused in baby theft denies being 'monster'

CONROE, Texas (AP) - A Texas woman accused of kidnapping a newborn boy after fatally shooting his mother says she is not "some sort of monster" and people should not judge her until they know the facts.
Verna McClain remains jailed without bond after being charged with fatally shooting 28-year-old Kala Golden-Schuchardt and snatching her 3-day-old son on April 17. The infant was later found safe.
Houston television station KHOU reports (http://bit.ly/IJVfj6) McClain said during a jailhouse meeting Sunday that she was "the same person everybody knows and loves. Don't sit and look at me as if I'm some sort of monster. I'm not."
But the station says McClain also said she is paranoid and mentally "borderline."
Investigators say the 30-year-old nurse had suffered a miscarriage and was reportedly desperate to find a child.
___
Information from: KHOU-TV, http://www.khou.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Pregnant Jessica Simpson May Have To Be Induced Soon, Says Expert

2 hours ago by Bonnie Fuller

If Jessica is in fact nine days overdue, as some media outlets have reported, a top obstetrician/gynocologist says she will HAVE to have her baby within a couple of days!

Jessica Simpson has appeared to be pregnant for so long that even Katy Perry has tweeted, “I’m getting anxious.”

Well, we’re sure that no one wants to have that reported baby girl more than Jessica does.
But Jessica’s obstetrician will be monitoring her extremely closely at this advanced point in her pregnancy, explains top NYC obstetrician, Dr. Christina Senor.
“Once a pregnant woman goes over 41 weeks (as Jessica would be if she’s nine days late), she would have a sonogram twice a week to monitor her baby,” says Dr. Senor. “We would also be checking to see if a woman’s cervix is induceable. If it’s soft, shortened or possibly already dilated one to two centimeters.”
The problem is that if a woman’s cervix isn’t “induceable,” the drug used to induce, Pitocin, is unlikely to work,” says Dr. Senor. “The condition of the cervix is crucial to making a decision.”
As long as Jessica’s baby is doing well in utero, then her obstetrician will allow her to make the decision about whether she wants to be induced. However, if sonograms show the baby’s condition is not optimal, her obstetrician will want to induce, says Dr. Senor.
“As we get to 41 weeks of pregnancy and beyond, it gets to be more and more dangerous to keep the baby inside the mom’s body because the placenta may no longer give the baby enough nourishment, particularly if the mother is over 35,” explains Dr. Senor.
The critical point for Jessica will be at 42 weeks if she hasn’t delivered yet. At that point obstetricians will usually try to induce, no matter what, and if the induction isn’t successful, they would do a C-section, says Dr. Senor.
Despite Katy Perry’s concern, Dr. Senor assures Hollywood:ife.com that it’s quite common for women – even celebrities like Jessica – to past their due dates, even to 41 or 42 weeks of pregnancy!
In any case, Jessica – we’re all looking forward to the birth of your beautiful baby!
So HollyMoms – have any of you gone well past your baby’s due date before you delivered?

– Bonnie Fuller

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