The Return of Twin Tech

Let's try this again.  I woke up the other day and realized I started this blog and life suddenly got in the way.  The primary focus of the site was to review tech that helped in my daily life in handling my newborn twins.  In a blink, the twins are now 8 years old.  Tech changes rapidly as we all know, so I will try and post my opinions on devices that have not only helped me, but also helped my children.  Some of the reviews will be of tech that are probably reviewed on every other site, but the plan is to review some tech that isn't typically covered for whatever reason or not covered with regards to children using it.  Planned reviews involve audio and video equipment (Sonos, Apple products, projectors/screens), video games/systems (PS5, Nintendo, Pokemon), fitness trackers (Fitbit, Apple Watch), simple how to's with tech issues, and whatever else comes to mind that helps my family navigate the ever changing world.  I will also revisit some of the prior reviews and provide updates on where are we now.  We will see what happens.

Sonos - Greatest Sound Machine Ever!

About two years ago, a friend of mine tried to sell me on Sonos.  At the time, I laughed it off.  I had access to everything I needed in the "cloud" and could use my existing system to access it.  Furthermore, if I needed a wireless speaker, I could always just get a bluetooth or airplay speaker and use my iPhone.  I simply did not have the need or the money to spend on yet another gadget.  For those of you who don't know what Sonos is, here is a link to their website.  In simple terms, it's a wireless speaker system that streams music.

Fast forward to the holidays 2013.  My in-laws wanted to get us a gift and I suggested a Play 1 Sonos speaker.  Sonos had just released a new line of speakers to try and tap into the home theater market.  The Play 1 is a small satellite speaker that alone provides good sound for a small room or in tandem with another Play 1 would offer stereo sound.  I figured I would try the Play 1 and see how everything went.  At the time, I did not imagine it becoming a sound machine for the twins.  After the speaker arrived, we used it for holiday music and it worked well.  It couldn't fill up a large room, but it worked fine in smaller, more intimate settings.  

About a week or so later, I placed the speaker in the boys room to listen to some music.  I went to Spotify and launched a kid friendly playlist.  Soon it was time for their nap and instead of using my old iPod, I decided to find a playlist for nap time.  I found one that started with music and ended with ocean and other white noise.  The list worked great and I've been using it ever since.  

Setup

The setup for the unit is simple.  Plug it in and then either connect it via ethernet or wifi.  You can use your phone, tablet or computer to set it from there using the Sonos application.  

Ease of Use

There are a variety of ways to control your Sonos speaker: a computer, iOS or android device are the most common options.  The original units came with remotes, but they have been discontinued.   I use my computer, iPhone and iPad.  From the application, I simply navigate to what I want to listen to: music from my phone or the internet.  There are tons of internet music options such as Spotify, Pandora, Sirius, Beats Music, Rhapsody, BBC, NPR.  You can save shortcuts to your favorite music which makes it easier to access for future sessions.  You control everything from the app.  There is a play/pause button along with volume controls on the speakers though.

The Pros

As mentioned above, Sonos is easy to set up and you have access to all kinds of music and music applications.  However, our favorite feature is the ability to control volume and playlist remotely.  Once I start the nap time playlist and leave the room, I check in after about 15 minutes to make sure they are asleep.  Once they are asleep or falling asleep, I can adjust the volume down on the speaker and at that point it really becomes a sound machine.

The Play 1 is also small.  As you can see from the picture, it easily fits on our boys bookcase.

The Cons

It's not cheap.  Regardless of which route you go, you will spend money.  

There are also plenty of other devices that you can use for the same purpose.  As I mentioned above, a bluetooth speaker and an iPhone will allow you to play music and access the same apps.  That option can be a lot cheaper depending on what type of speaker quality you are looking for.   

Overall

For us, we couldn't be happier with the Play 1.  We use it for every nap and sometimes during playtime.  If you are looking for a wireless speaker and are on the fence about Sonos, pick one up and give it a week.  We did and I couldn't imagine a day without it.

The Bugaboo Donkey - 8 months later and The Double BOB

The Bugaboo Donkey - 8 months later 

There isn't much to say that hasn't already been said about Bugaboo Donkey.  It's been up to the task for everything thrown at it.  After 8 months, we are out of the bassinets and into the regular stroller seats.  The transition couldn't have been easier.  It survived a cross country road trip in the back of a minivan, folded with the seats still connected.  This was something that would have been impossible with the bassinets.  The other important feature that has come in handy over the last few months is the basket.  On weekly trips to the grocery store, I routinely put one twin in the stroller and strap one to my chest (our carrier of choice is the Ergo).  With only one twin in the stroller, I can attach the basket attachment.  This is great for quick trips to the store where I don't have to worry about pushing a shopping cart or carrying a basket while pushing the stroller around.  I have also received at least one comment each time I go to the store from clerks or other patrons who are amazed that a stroller has a basket attachment.  In closing out the Bugaboo Donkey review, I can't recommend it enough.  For twin parents with the budget, it is THE stroller to get.

The Double BOB

The only thing the Bugaboo Donkey is not great at is jogging, which we knew when we purchased it.
If you are looking for a double jogging stroller, there really is just the BOB to consider.  Nothing else matches up to it in quality and design.  The only question you need to ask yourself is which BOB should I go with.  When we purchased ours, there were only three models to choose from: An Ironman edition for the hard core runner, a Sport Utility edition for the off roader and the Revolution SE for the everyday user.  BOB has since added a updated Revolution model, the Revolution Pro (the Revolution with a handbrake, adjustable handlebar and drum brakes) and the Stroller Strides (the Revolution with a fitness kit).  We purchased the Revolution SE Duallie, as it served all of our needs.  If the Pro had been available, we might have considered that model.  A comparison of the models can be found at the BOB website.

The Revolution SE has been great for jogging.  It has the smoothest ride out there for jogging strollers that we have tried.  We have used it for walking and jogging on and off road and it's been great.  The only downside so far is its size.  It is large and there is no denying it.  In fact, it makes the Bugaboo look downright small when you compare them folded.  Where the Bugaboo had no problem fitting into our cars with room to spare, the BOB takes up the entire trunk.  Luckily, when we are taking the BOB somewhere, it's not far from our house.

As with everything twin, the BOB comes at a cost.  While it's not a super expensive stroller, it also isn't cheap.  As soon as we made the decision to get a BOB, we started keeping an eye out on sales.  Over the winter holidays, the Revolution SE went on sale and we bought it a few months before we could actually use it.

The bottom line is if you are looking for a jogger, just get a BOB.  Don't think too hard about it, pick the model that fits your needs and don't look back.

The Bugaboo Almost 5 Months Later....

The Bugaboo Donkey Twin - The Ultimate Stroller! - Part 2

The first review on "Twin" Tech Advice dealt with the Bugaboo Donkey Twin.  At that time, our twins had not arrived yet.  While I put the Bugaboo through tests, such as going through doors, pushing it around and getting it in the car, I really had not "put" it through the real test.  The Twins.  It's been almost 5 months and almost a day doesn't go by that the Bugaboo is not in use.  From walks and errands to doctors appointments and traveling, the Bugaboo gets a solid workout.  The questions I'm sure those who are reading this are asking are, "Is it worth it?", "Do you regret buying it?" and "Does it fit everywhere you want to go?".  The answers are simply, YES, NO and ALMOST.

Is it worth it?
For us, it has been.  The Bugaboo has one of, if not the, smoothest rides out there.  It can be used from Day 1 until the end of time.  The seats can be arranged so I can see the twins or they can see out.  You can use car seats or the included bassinets/seats with it.  It has a relatively small footprint when collapsed and stores relatively easily.  It's sturdy and built like a tank.  Last, but not least, and most importantly, when I push it around on the playground I feel like the kid showing up with the latest and greatest toy that everyone wants to play with.  For me, I couldn't imagine using another stroller.  That being said, I've met plenty of parents of multiples that have other strollers they are perfectly happy with.  It was a huge investment, but we use it everyday and plan to use it until the twins go off to college.

Do you regret buying it?

The answer is simply, No.  The Bugaboo is a fantastic stroller and anyway who says otherwise hasn't used one or has another agenda.  Now, is the Bugaboo the most economical stroller on the market? is it the most compact?  Of course not.  If you are on a limited budget, this stroller isn't for you.  Your kids come first and there are so many other things they need more than this stroller.  However, if you can afford it or you have an opportunity to receive one as a gift, then go for it.  We love ours and I can honestly say that I have friends that have purchased Bugaboo's single strollers and not one has ever regretted buying one.

Does it fit everywhere?

The Bugaboo Donkey does not fit everywhere.  As I mentioned in the earlier post, it is wide.  It is even wider with the Car Seat Adapters installed (See below).  Since it has been in use, there have been at least two occasions where we have tried to use the stroller and it wouldn't fit.  What do you do in that situation?  Simply remove one of the bassinets or car seats, place it on the ground and push the stroller through the tight space and then put it back together.  It seems like it's a pain, but really, it only adds a minute or two.  However, if you are in a crowded area and this happens, your best bet is to turn around and try an alternate route.

In addition to being wide, the Bugaboo takes up a lot of space when storing it, especially in your car. One of the tricks we have learned is that if you stand the Bugaboo up in its collapsed mode, you can get a lot more space in your trunk.  This has allowed us to fit the Bugaboo, the bassinets completely assembled and two pieces of luggage in the back of our Tucson.  Every car is going to be different, so I would make sure it fits before buying the Bugaboo.

The Bugaboo Car Seat Adapter

Initially, my wife and I thought we would buy a Double Snap-N-Go stroller to use with our Maxi-Cosi car seats.  After trying two different models (2011 and 2012), the so called "Universal" Snap-N-Go would not work with our carseats.  To say I was irritated is putting it mildly.  My wife then informed me that one of the reasons we purchased the Maxi Cosi car seats was that they were compatible with the Bugaboo adapters.  I immediately went out and bought not one, but two, Bugaboo car seat adapters - a single and a double.  Ironically, both adapters were cheaper than one double Snap-N-Go.  

The double adapter simply snaps in where the bassinets go and the car seats snap into the adapter.  The single adapter allows you to snap in one car seat and then the bag that is included with the Bugaboo.  This comes in handy during quick trips to the store.  I can strap one baby to my chest, keep the other in the car seat and have a basket to put a small amount of groceries in while I shop.  Additionally, the adapters have been a huge trunk space savers over the bassinets.  When doing day trips, we can just take the adapter and have a large portion of our trunk ready for whatever we need.  If you get the Bugaboo, get the adapters if they fit your car seat. 

So, there you have it.  After almost 5 months, the Bugaboo is still going strong and we can't recommend it enough.  

The Hipster versus the Technobaby or how the Nuna Leaf and the mamaRoo came to the Rescue!

When we started registering for baby stuff, I remember looking at what I now know are swings.  I recall looking at this sleek, but minimal looking swing that could double as a chair and thinking that would be nice in the house.  The Nuna Leaf was immediately put on the registry.  I also remember seeing this futuristic looking swing that looked like a half egg on steroids.  At the press of a button, the baby could be riding in the car, swinging from a tree or riding in a kangaroo.  It was called the mamaRoo by 4moms.  At the time, I thought it was just too much both in size and price and it failed to make the registry cut.

We received the Leaf as a gift and loved it from the start.  However, since there were two, we knew we still needed another swing.  On a trip to the store to return some baby items, I once again saw the mamaRoo.  After collecting our return money and looking at the gift cards we had in hand, I decided why not give the mamaRoo a chance.  I mean, most people consider me an early adopter of technology, why not live up to my reputation.  What did I have to lose?  If it worked, then great.  If it didn't work, then back to the store it would go.  To this day, I am glad I took that chance.

The Nuna Leaf

What I consider to be one of the minimally looking swings on the market is the Nuna Leaf.  The Leaf moves just as it sounds, like a leaf falling from a tree.  It swings on an single axis point, from side to side with just the slightest push.  It can also be locked in a stationary position by pressing on a lever near its base.  There are no batteries to change, no cords to trip on, it's just a simple elegant swing that can be put anywhere in the house.  One of the most important features was that it could be used from birth to 130 lbs.   A full review of the specs can be found at Nuna's website.  The toy bar was purchased separately.  For us, it is great to put the baby in the Leaf and gently give it a push and the baby is off and floating away.  Whenever it stops, which usually takes a few minutes, we can give it a slight tap/nudge with our foot and the Leaf is off again.  In my opinion, it is the Hipster of the swings.



mamaRoo to the Rescue

Now to the mamaRoo.  I love it.  Yes, I am a tech guy, but I am also the dad of twin boys.  While the Nuna Leaf is elegant and minimal, the mamaRoo is just the opposite.  It is big, loud and definitely doesn't blend in well with the surroundings.  However, it has been a life saver on a number of occasions.

The mamaRoo is the technology king of swings.  It has 5 unique motions - car ride, kangaroo, tree swing, rock a bye and the ocean.  These motions are created by moving from side to side and up and down.  The mamaRoo also has a number of built in nature sounds and can be hooked up to an mp3 player via a headphone jack located in the base.  The volume can be adjusted and the speaker is loud enough to fill an entire room.  Additionally, the seat can also be set to recline, although to be honest, we just recently moved it from the cradle to the sitting up position.  There is also an newborn insert that can be purchased.  I would recommend this for any small babies.  We used our insert until they were almost 14lbs.  The weight limit of the mamaRoo is 25 lbs.  Additional pictures and specs can be found on the 4mom website.

Now, why would you need the mamaRoo and how did it come to my rescue? One of the biggest problems for parents with twins is that each of you only have two hands.  This is especially problematic when only one parent is at home with the twins.  When it rains, it pours.  For example, the twins are tired.  You think to yourself, now is a good time to put them in their crib for a quick nap.  You start to put them down and suddenly it's like their mattress is made of hot lava or is a bed of nails.  Both are suddenly screaming louder and louder.  This is a time for the mamaRoo.  I place one in the mamaRoo, set it on car ride, and put it on high.  He almost immediately calms down and allows me the chance to take the other in my arms and rock him to sleep.  After that, I can take him out of the mamaRoo and rock him to sleep.  However, most of the time, he is out like a light too.  At that point, it's just ramping down the speed of the mamaRoo slowly and then putting him to sleep in his crib.  I can't recommend the mamaRoo enough.  It has been a life and sleep saver.  

The Leaf vs. The mamaRoo

It is unfair to compare these swings to each other.  In my opinion, both are exceptional at what they do.  The mamaRoo is great for being able to put a baby in it, press a button and it's off to adventure land.  It has every option you could imagine except for a remote.  Which to be honest, would have come in handy, but probably would not be the safest idea.  However, it also has a limited life span and is pricey.  The Leaf is minimal and sleek and will be used for years to come, but requires some attention and is also priced higher than other swings.  I highly recommend both for the reasons above.

Motorola MBP36 and SafeToSleep Mats!

Well, these posts are long overdue.  For those parents with kids, I am sure you will understand that before the babies arrive you think you will have all the time in the world or at the very least some time to do things.  For those who are expecting, just beware that free time seems disappear.  As promised and better late than never for those reading this blog, here are some more reviews.

Motorola MBP36

The MBP36 was last years baby video monitor by Motorola.  It was recently updated with the MBP41 although you can still buy the additional cameras separately at many stores.  While the 41 has a cleaner design, all the reviews I have read indicate it may be a step backwards.  Without having used one, I cannot comment on that.  I will say that based on those early reviews and the extremely strong reviews on the MBP36, I purchased that model from Babies 'R Us.  It is my understanding that Babies 'R Us is the only vendor to sell two cameras with one handheld monitor.  With the combined packaging, you save somewhere around $50 versus buying the normal single camera package and then an extra camera.  After extensive use, the camera is great.  The unit is easy to set up and I was up and monitoring within minutes of unpacking the box.  Picture quality has been great and scanning between the camera has worked as advertised.  I do wish it had the option to view both cameras at once, but I can understand that it would have made each of the screens pretty small.  The monitor also can have four cameras connected to it at one time.  I purchased an extra single camera and adding and deleting the camera is simple and just requires holding the pairing button on the bottom of the camera.

My biggest concern before I purchased the unit was how the camera would operate at night.  The night vision on the cameras were originally flawless.  In the beginning, the twins were sharing a large crib with one sleep on each end and I could clearly make out details both of them at night without a problem.  However, once we transitioned them into their room and their own cribs, I did discover a problem with my second camera.  While the day mode worked great, the night vision mode did not.  I appeared that a few or more of the LEDs were not firing properly.  All I could see was a shadow of the baby.  After contacting Motorola's customer service, they immediately sent me a replacement camera which is working great.  

One of the only negatives of the camera is that it is not iOS compatible.  Motorola does make an iOS model, but it does not come with a handheld monitor.  As I did not want to hand off my phone or iPad to the baby sitter every time I went out, we decided the handheld was the better choice.  Finally, I will note that the temperature readings given off by the unit seem a few degrees higher than the actual temperature in the room.  This has not been an issue since I am aware the unit has this tendency.  Overall, I would recommend the unit if you can still get it.  

SafeToSleep Mats

For whatever reason I am a constant worrier.  This has always been an issue for me and I knew once the twins arrived, it would wreck havoc on my sleeping.  While shopping one day, I was introduced to the SafeToSleep Mat.  For those who are not aware, this mat monitors the sleeping pattern of infants by measuring the baby's movements, no matter how small.  You can read more about the mat at the SafeToSleep Website.  The mat comes with its own monitor or you can use an iOS device.  My preference is to use an iOS device as it has more customization options.  However, be advised that you could only pair one mat to each iOS device.  This meant I needed to use my iPhone and iPad if I wanted to monitor both mats.  If you purchase a mat, I would also advise getting a package of additional covers.

The mats were easy to set up and use.  All you need to do is add batteries, turn the mat and monitor on and place the baby on top of it.  The mat can be set up to alarm you when the baby's breathing is too fast or too slow, the baby falls off the mat, or the baby stops breathing.  There are more options available under the iOS app versus the supplied monitor.  This was another reason we used an iOS device.  

The first couple nights with the mats seemed to be a little trial and error.  The boys were about 5 pounds when we came home and bundled with heavy blankets.  There were a few false alarms where the boys would be on the mats and it would indicate a low breathing rate.  However, upon examination, the boys were fine.  After realizing this, I would still check on them when the notification went off, but not be panicked.  That being said, after about 3-4 days, the false alarms seems to stop.  I attributed this to their weight gain and also using a lighter swaddle blanket. 

Now, are the mats for everyone?  Probably not.  They are $299, and if we were not given them as a gift, I would probably not have bought them since we would have had to purchase two.  That being said, did I love having them when the twins first arrived home?  Absolutely!  With one of the twins having been in the NICU for breathing issues, the mat gave me an added bit of security.  Yes, there were a few false alarms in the beginning. However, after they were about 6 pounds, the mat worked perfectly for us.  The only reason we stopped using them was the boys got too big and my anxiety level dropped down to normal.  

In closing, I have read some user posts online that state the mats are a gimmick and don't work.  I will say that I was extremely happy with the SafeToSleep mats.  Are they perfect?  No.  Will you occasionally get a false alarm?  Probably.  In the end, you need to decide if it's worth it for you.  For me, it was.

Twins Arrive Early

It's been awhile since my last post.  I had every intention of writing more frequently, but as everyone with kids know - once they arrive, life changes.  The twins arrived five weeks early and after a few tense days at the hospital and the NICU, everyone came home safe and sound.  

Everyone has now been home for two weeks, which has given me a chance to use most of the gadgets we purchased for the twins.  Over the next week or so, I will try and pull together some reviews of the Motorola MBP36 camera, SafeToSleep mats, ComoTomo bottles and update the Bugaboo Donkey Duo.  Needless to say, I have been impressed with each of these products.  If anyone has any questions before the review is up, please feel free to ask and I will try to respond accordingly.  Now to get some shut eye before the twins wake up and demand food.