Today's Kool Idea: EZ Steam Grill Universal Steaming Insert

The Daily Kool has fallen in love again...with hot dogs! Hot dogs, you ask? We recently took a trip back to New York City and relived a tradition from our younger professional days. You guessed it. The "dirty" dog. You know what we're talking about. Those amazing hot dogs you get on the street corner for a couple of dollars...piping hot dog, freshly steamed buns and all the luscious toppings you can get on top. Getting hungry yet? There's just something about the "dirty" New York City water that makes those hot dogs taste absolutely amazing. We can't figure out what it is, but a "dirty" dog is an experience that everyone who visits the city should have. Your life will never be the same. We just wish we could recreate this hot dog nirvana at home.

Thanks to a local Atlanta inventor, now we can get pretty close. We came across Chris Schutte on QVC last week, demonstrating his innovation, the EZ Steam Grill universal steaming insert. We were intrigued enough to go out and do a little more research. Frankly, the man himself is as inspiring as his invention. It seems that after becoming a victim of today's struggling economy in 2008, the suddenly unemployed father of two was able to turn adversity into profit with a dream fifteen years in the making. And it all started with a typical man's love for the stadium hot dog.

This two-piece combination set comes with two universal steaming inserts (6.5" and 8.75") that are adjustable to fit any medium to large pot to make a perfect hot dog in less than five minutes. Simply place the insert in the pot and boil some water. The "grill" rack design allows you to slip a couple of hot dogs into the water through the cross-shaped center opening to boil, place the buns on top of the EZ Steam Grill, cover and cook for a few minutes. That's all there is to it, folks.

Not ones to be impressed with a one dish wonder (no matter how addicting), it's nice to know that we can use the EZ Steam Grill universal steaming insert to prepare a host of delicious meals besides the hot dog. Imagine the ease of preparing a yummy dish of steamed salmon, tender-crisp broccoli and fettuccine alfredo in a single pot. Or spice up some chicken and asparagus to steam and plate with already prepared brown rice. Love steamed lobster tails with melted butter? A little creativity is all it takes to get a beautiful and healthy meal with the EZ Steam Grill. We love how much versatility this product adds to our existing pots. Keep in mind though, this product does not seem to be designed to feed a larger family at once. Plan on cooking for about 2-3 people for the more complex meals, unless of course you use two pots and both inserts. Hot dogs only take a few minutes, so you could probably do a quick batch for a larger crowd, doing two or three at a time (per insert).

The EZ Steam Grill universal steaming insert guarantees a perfect hot dog every time. Easy to use, reasonably priced (around $15 for the set of two) and oh, so convenient, this "kool" idea is the next best thing to having your very own New York or stadium hot dog vendor. Now, if we could only arrange to have the city's "dirty" water shipped to us regularly, our lives would be perfect...well, almost.

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Today's Kool Idea: FIJI Bottled Water

Okay, we admit it. We are not big water drinkers, and never have been. Trust us...we've given ourselves lectures time and time again about the importance of drinking the requisite eight glasses of water a day, but who are we kidding? We can barely choke down two glasses, and that's with living in hot and humid Florida. While we take responsibility for our irresponsibility just as much as the next person (yeah, right), we wholeheartedly blame the Coca Cola company for our lack of commitment to healthy drinking. How dare they make Coke taste so darn good? We have been obsessed with Coke (the real stuff, not that diet stuff) for as long as we can remember. Scoff all you want, but our Coca Cola addiction has caused a real problem in our household. Our kids are at the age when "do as I say, not as I do" doesn't hold water (had to get that pun in). It's our job as parents to teach our children healthy eating and drinking habits, and the best way to do this is by example. But, we really don't like water. We've tried it all...tap water, filtered water, bottled water (whew, there are a lot of brands out there!), cold water, room temperature water, water with lemon (and/or lime). No matter what we do, the results are the same...blah, blah, blah. Are we prime examples of mature and responsible adults or what?

A friend of ours introduced us to FIJI bottled water a few months ago. She claimed that FIJI water is seriously the best tasting water on the planet (her words, not ours). We always believed that the concept of bottled water is a bunch of marketing hype. Then again, what do we ignorant Coke drinkers know anyway? The FIJI water company claims that theirs is much healthier than other bottled waters, due mainly to their artesian aquifer, which is located at the very edge of a primitive rainforest, hundreds of miles away from the nearest continent. By definition, artesian water comes from a source deep within the earth, protected by layers of clay and rock. Of the top ten bottled waters sold in the United States, FIJI is the only water originating from an artesian source. There is no opening, not even a porthole to the surface. As a result, the water never comes into contact with the air, protecting it from environmental pollutants and other contamination.

One sip of FIJI bottled water, and we were hooked. And it wasn't just the really "kool" packaging, though we admit that the square bottle is pretty nifty. FIJI bottled water has a pure, clean and crisp taste. In other words, it has no flavor whatsoever...just the way it should be. This is truly a refreshing change from the plastic taint so common with other bottled water brands. Don't just take our word for it, though...we certainly didn't. We were curious enough to hold our own informal blind taste test at home with a group of The Daily Kool family members. We gave each of our testers a small cup of each of the following: FIJI, Evian, SmartWater, Zephyrhills, Aquafina and filtered water from the sink. To keep it as fair as possible, we kept all the water at room temperature...apparently (according to some experts), the colder the water, the harder it is to tell the difference. All but two of our testers picked FIJI as their absolute favorite. Our older son was torn between FIJI and Evian, but eventually chose the latter. Our father was the only one who couldn't tell the difference between any of them...we all looked at Dad like he was nuts (including our four year old).

We know, we know. If we were truly environmentally conscious, we wouldn't be drinking bottled water at all...we'd stick with the tap. But don't forget, although we do recycle everything that we can, we've been die-hard Coke drinkers until now anyway. Baby steps, people...baby steps. Don't get us wrong. We absolutely understand and appreciate the controversy surrounding the concept of bottled water, but at least the FIJI water company seems to be pretty committed to doing their part for the environment. They have partnered with Conservation International to become the first “carbon negative” product in the industry and to save the largest rainforest in Fiji. To achieve this, FIJI first accounts for the carbon footprint throughout the entire lifecycle of their products; then, through a combination of meaningful reductions and carbon-reducing land use and renewable energy projects, the production and sale of each bottle of FIJI water will actually result in a reduction of carbon in the atmosphere by 120% of the footprint. They are also reducing the amount of packaging in their products and leading the charge to expand recycling programs and incentives. The company has an entire site dedicated to educating consumers about FIJI Green.

Here's the bottom line...FIJI bottled water has helped us eliminate the need for Coca Cola in our home, therefore helping us adopt healthier drinking habits for ourselves, and therefore in our children. Sure, it's certainly one of the most expensive brands around, but sometimes the old adage "you get what you pay for" really holds true. FIJI bottled water is, in our opinion, the best tasting water out there. We just might decide to take advantage of their monthly delivery service with free shipping. FIJI bottled water has definitely helped our family keep properly hydrated during this particularly brutal Florida summer. Now that's a "kool" idea!

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Today's Kool Idea: Bamboo Fabric Bedding Sheets

We at The Daily Kool have a confession to make. We have been having a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning lately. Yes, we know we have kids to take care of, places to be and readers to write for. But when the alarm goes off, we find ourselves stubbornly pressing the snooze button (over and over again) and snuggling deeper in our covers. Though we are admittedly a lazy bunch by nature, this is kind of over the top...yes, even for us. It's not our fault, though...really! We have a couple of dear, dear friends who are totally responsible for our recent indolence. We won't mention names, but they know who they are. Boy, are we grateful for them!

We were having dinner with our friends about a month ago and somehow got on the topic of bamboo fabric bedding sheets. Bamboo? We'd heard about the many environmental benefits of bamboo fabric, but we ignorantly assumed that there was no way this material could possibly be that comfortable to sleep on. Our friends insisted that their bamboo fabric bedding sheets were softer and more luxurious than we could ever imagine. Nope, we'd stick with our expensive European cotton sheets, thank you very much.

A couple of weeks later, we received a package from our friends with a note that said, "Just try them." Okay, fine. See the first paragraph of this post for the results. The feeling of these sheets against our skin is almost indescribable ...kind of like a blend of silk and cashmere, but definitely softer to the touch than our cotton ones. And, did you know that bamboo fabric can actually adjust to body temperature? Apparently, the very fast wicking properties allow it to be 3-4 times more absorbent than cotton. Our bamboo fabric bedding sheets will keep us cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Increased air between the body and skin prevent overheating, which is relief for those of us who experience the dreaded night sweats. There's a reason why bamboo fabric bedding sheets have been labeled "the first menopausal sheet."

As if the buttery soft comfort of our bamboo fabric bedding sheets wasn't enough, the organic and natural fiber properties make it naturally hypoallergenic. Bamboo is non-irritating to the skin, working extremely well for anyone with allergies, eczema, dermatitis or other skin sensitivities. We found several scientific studies online that demonstrate the antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties of bamboo, resulting in sheets that stay cleaner and fresher longer. Apparently, the natural antibacterial properties of bamboo fabric come from an inherent quality of bamboo commonly called "bamboo kun." Bamboo does not require pesticides to grow because of this natural antifungal agent, which functions in the spun bamboo fibers as well. Okay, we know we got a little technical here, but the bottom line is that bamboo acts as a natural deterrent to bed bugs and mites, with a 99.8% antibacterial kill rate, making it an ideal bedding choice for children as well.

Here’s the kicker...bamboo fabric is completely biodegradable. Bamboo is one of the world's fastest growing, greenest, most renewable resource. It takes in five times the amount of greenhouse gases, and produces 35% more oxygen than an equivalent-sized tree. Plus, bamboo textiles are made from Moso bamboo, not the type of bamboo that giant pandas eat, in case you were wondering (we did). These bamboo plants can grow up to a foot per day, so deforestation is not a concern. Because it can grow so densely without the need for pesticides or herbicides, a bamboo forest has about 40% more biomass than a regular hardwood forest. Bamboo is truly one of the most eco-friendly materials around.

If you decide to try them, make sure that you only purchase 100% bamboo fabric bedding sheets...apparently there are blends out there that do not have all of the same properties and benefits. The real thing is a little pricey, but oh so worth it! We have ours from a company called SleepBamboo.com, but we have found a lower thread count on clearance from Bed Bath and Beyond that you might want to check out. There is a natural sheen to bamboo fabric bedding sheets that may not be for everyone. And keep in mind that they should always be washed on the delicate cycle (tumble dry low) and removed promptly from the dryer to minimize shrinkage and wrinkling, respectively.

There are so many wonderful things to say about our bamboo fabric bedding sheets. Hypoallergenic, environmentally conscious and heavenly to sleep on, these sheets are a perfect fit for any bedroom. Soft, supple and silky to the touch...so luxurious, we never want to sleep on another fabric again. We'll just have to start going to bed earlier in the evening...sounds like a "kool" idea to us!

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Today's Kool Idea: Skechers Shape Ups Fitness Shoes

Okay, so we are quite a few weeks into summer vacation, and we've noticed that we're filling out our bathing suits much more than we expected. Somehow, our plans for getting into better shape have fallen by the wayside. What's going on here? Well, though we are not ones to make excuses (yeah, who are we kidding?), we do have several explanations. The kids are home, so we're finding ourselves parked at fast food restaurants more often than not (hey, we're on vacation too). It's been hotter than...well, you know. And, if we're not suffering in the blistering heat, we're getting drenched in the rain and chased by a flock of mosquitoes. Who wants to exercise outside in that? Of course, the heat naturally brings on our cravings for the sweet stuff, so the kids are eating ice cream almost every day...we can't let them eat alone now, can we? Wouldn't it be nice if we had a way to get into shape without the extra effort?

We've been hearing a lot the new Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes and decided to check them out at our local mall. Skechers have been promoting their new line as a way of toning muscles and promoting weight loss, without setting a foot in a gym. Getting fit while walking, working and shopping? Sneakers that improve posture, strengthen the back and reduce stress on knee and ankle joints? Seriously, folks...who could resist these claims?

Here's the deal...every day, we typically walk on hard surfaces, placing stress on our knee joints and lower back. Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes turn hard surfaces into more comfortable ground with a dynamic rolling bottom, soft foam insert under the heal and a dual-density mid-sole...all designed within the framework of the sneaker itself. The three elements work together to give the feeling of walking on a softer, uneven surface, simulating muscles that aren't usually used when walking on hard ground with standard walking shoes. Added benefits are increased circulation, blood flow and reduced impact on joints and lower back.

Okay, Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes sound like a dream come true, but do they really work? In a word...yes! We've been wearing ours every day for about a week now. We don't have the back and joint pain that we typically feel after a day of running around with the kids. Plus, we absolutely feel the difference in our calves, thighs, buttocks and stomachs when we walk in them...provided we are doing it correctly. Because of the natural instability, we have to concentrate a little more on our steps or our ankles automatically roll inward. We have taken to chanting "sink (heel), roll, push (toes)" as we walk. Interestingly, the brisker we walk, the easier it is to keep our movements smooth and fluid. We wouldn't recommend running in these babies, though.

Our Skechers Shape Ups are honestly one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes we now own, and we feel great walking in them. We love that they come in a variety of styles and are available for both men and women. Though we haven't found the men's style online, they are in our local Sketchers store. The boat-like sole makes them all look fairly clunky, but the lift certainly makes us feel and look taller...we can use all the help we can get in that area anyway. The bigger soles are supposedly right in fashion...well, maybe for teenagers, but they look pretty silly on us. That's okay, though. The benefits are worth being a source of endless amusement to our friends.

Skechers Shape Ups fitness shoes have certainly changed the way we walk, and are one of the "koolest" investments we've made this summer. They are so comfortable, the fitness benefits are just an added bonus. Check out their video for more information. Skechers Shape Ups just may be the answer to getting in shape by simply standing and walking. Now, if we could just lay off the ice cream...

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Today's Kool Idea: Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush

Have you ever noticed how it's the simple things in life that give us the most pleasure? A child's laughter...a morning sunrise...the Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush. Okay, call us crazy (and trust us, many many people have), but we at The Daily Kool absolutely love it when a kitchen gadget gets the job done right. Those of us who own anything by Oxo know that their products usually do. Yep, we admit it...we are big Oxo fans, and have been since we got our first kitchen gadget about ten years ago (yikes, has it been that long?).

The Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush may not be our first kitchen gadget by this top notch company, but it certainly is one of our favorites. In our humble opinion, this vegetable brush is, without a doubt, the best on the market today. Perfect for use on root vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and beets, the Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush's strong and sturdy nylon bristles dislodge dirt deep in the nooks and crannies, regardless of how round, bumpy or odd the surface. Don't be deceived by the term "flexible"...there is nothing flimsy or floppy about this product. The handle is all Oxo Good Grips, ergonomically designed to comfortably fit the palm, while providing an outstanding, non-slip grip with less tension on the hands than a traditional vegetable brush.

We love how the Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush follows the contours of our vegetables for a thorough clean, without damaging the skin...all with surprisingly little effort. Keep in mind that this brush was designed for use with firmer vegetables...we do not recommend using it on the delicate ones, like mushrooms or tomatoes. We do find that the Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush is perfect for removing wax off of our apples and other fruit from the supermarket. Also great for removing the silk from a corn husk...just be careful not to scrub too hard.

It's truly amazing how much thought and effort has gone into the design of such a little gadget...no wonder the Oxo Good Grips line has earned the Tylenol/Arthritis Foundation Design Award and is regarded as on of the icons of Universal Design. The Oxo Good Grips Flexible Vegetable Brush is one of the most frequently used kitchen tool in The Daily Kool household and well worth the $4 price tag. How "kool" is that?

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Today's Kool Idea: EatSmart Precision Pro Digital Kitchen Scale

Well, judging by the weather, summer is definitely just around the corner here at The Daily Kool, and boy, are we in big trouble. Bathing suit season is almost here, and we have totally been neglecting our healthier eating habits these past few months...yikes! Time to get back on track and start watching what we eat. Thank goodness we have The Biggest Loser finale coming next Tuesday for inspiration. Those contestants are amazing...an absolute inspiration to everyday people like us who want to improve our health and increase longevity. And, while The Biggest Loser contestants have had many tools at their disposal to help them shed those extra pounds, one of the most important has undoubtedly been an old standard...a kitchen scale.

Believe it or not, there are several features you should consider when purchasing a kitchen scale. Capacity, precision and price are our top three. There are so many choices for a kitchen scale on the market today...The Daily Kool believes that no one does it better than EatSmart. For our home, the EatSmart Precision Pro digital kitchen scale is hands-down one of the best investments we've ever made...and it definitely gets more of a workout than we ever do (unfortunately...sigh).

With an 11lb capacity, amazing accuracy and approximate $25 price tag, the EatSmart Precision Pro digital kitchen scale is a terrific value. It is compact, yet the extra large LCD display makes it easy to read...plus, it's attractive enough to keep on our kitchen counter. We love the tare (zero) feature which allows us to automatically subtract the weight of a plate or container holding our food. Even better, it uses standard AAA batteries (as opposed to the more expensive CR2032 button ones) which we always have lying around the house. Add the four measurement mode (grams, ounces, kilograms and pounds) and a stable platform with five rubber feet to eliminate sliding, the EatSmart Precision Pro is a simple, yet effective digital scale for any kitchen. The only problem we've ever had with this product is when we want to measure ingredients in an extra large bowl or plate. They will partially cover the display, making it a little difficult to read...this is such a minor issue, though, it's hardly worth mentioning (but we will anyway, of course).

Not only is the EatSmart Precision Pro digital kitchen scale invaluable as a tool for measuring food for weight management, but it is an absolute must have for any home baker. Precise measurements are the difference between success and failure in baking. Dry ingredients such as sugar and flour should always be measured with a kitchen scale, instead of standard measuring cups. There are too many variables (air pockets, compression, etc) that can intefer with pastry perfection...regardless of how much flour you get into your scoop, you can ensure better accuracy with a quality digital kitchen scale like the EatSmart Precision Pro.

Though the EatSmart Precision Pro digital kitchen scale is perfect for our household needs, the company has taken technology one giant step further with their latest innovation. In addition to traditional food measurement, the EatSmart Digital Nutrition scale also analyzes the nutritional content of ANY food by portion size, and is the only scale on the market that allows you to calculate nutrients for any food with a USDA Nutrition Facts label. For those of us who need a more comprehensive educational and behavioral modification tool, the EatSmart Digital Nutrition scale is definitely worth checking out.

Healthy eating choices, regular exercise and controlled consumption are the keys to proper weight loss and management. We never have to guess about portion sizes with our EatSmart Precision Pro digital kitchen scale. Putting our food on this scale today will help keep us off The Biggest Loser one in the future. Summertime, here we come!

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Today's Kool Idea: Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer

Every Saturday, we take our youngest child to a gymnastics class with a group of five friends that he's been with since his four-month old Mommy and Me class. This past weekend, three of them canceled because of influenza concerns, particularly the swine flu. Sure, a children's gymnasium is indeed a breeding ground for germs...after all, we are constantly telling our own children to keep their hands out of their mouths and nose (picky, picky). But unless you are willing to put your child in a bubble, he or she is undoubtedly going to be exposed to germs. As parents, the best thing we can do regarding the swine flu and other influenzas is to make sure that we take reasonable precautions to prevent infection, and call our pediatrician at the first signs of illness.

The primary modes of transmission of infection are the mouth, nose and eyes. Therefore, parents should constantly enforce good personal hygiene habits in their children...particularly frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after being out in public. Who are we kidding, though? There are many, MANY times that hand washing with soap and water is just not feasible. In these cases, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an extremely effective alternative. Major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recommended the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty. CDC recommends that children in school may use alcohol-based hand rubs as an alternative to hand washing.

Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer is the one The Daily Kool family uses. It is also the hand sanitizer of choice at our kids' schools. With its unique formulation of 65% alcohol (anything lower than 60% isn't enough, according to clinical studies), Purell breaks down the germs' cell walls, causing them to die. Though we always recommend supervising children when using the Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer, it's also nice to know that according to the APIC, "alcohols applied to the skin are among the safest known antiseptics."

Though we realize that alcohol is a safe antiseptic, we still feel better knowing that once hands are rubbed dry, the alcohol in the Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer evaporates completely in seconds, leaving no harmful residue. Our kids love using it, particularly the foam formula, so there is never an argument when we take it out. They have several handy versions, including these cute, portable ones. Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer works great, smells decent and doesn't dry out our hands. We also like the way our hands feel after using it...Purell really leaves them clean and refreshed.

While nothing beats washing with soap and water (get them to wash through an entire rendition of the ABCs or Happy Birthday), Purell Instant Hand Sanitizer is a very convenient and inexpensive alternative when a sink isn't available. Hey, check out the Purell sanitizing hand wipes also...they are a particular favorite of ours, especially at restaurants or the park...hands down (no pun intended) the best wipes around! With so many wonderful products, Purell is definitely a "kool" way to help prevent infection from the swine flu and other influenza viruses.

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Today's Kool Idea: Touch N Brush Toothpaste Dispenser

Our children are active members of the toothpaste clump club. If you have kids, you probably know what we're talking about. Every morning, the bathroom sink is literally covered with globs of toothpaste. At night, parents control the tooth-brushing routine in The Daily Kool household, but in the mornings, the kids run the show. Don't get us wrong...we want our children to learn to brush independently. But, honestly, if it wasn't for our Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (see previous post), our formica-style bathroom counters would stay forever stained. Since our kids have a preference for the strawberry flavored stuff...well, let's just say that every morning we see red...lots and lots of red.

We saw an infomercial last week for the Touch N Brush toothpaste dispenser. Granted, it was one of the more obnoxious ads we've seen...but nevertheless, could this be the answer to our toothpaste troubles? The Touch N Brush claims that it can hold any size toothpaste tube, and that it will dispense just the right amount easily and mess-free. It looks like a breeze to install...press the suction cup base onto the surface, insert a tube of toothpaste and place on the cover...that's it! Pretty "kool", huh? To dispense the toothpaste, simply press your toothbrush against the lever and it drops right out.

We like that the Touch N Brush doesn't require any batteries (pretty novel, huh?), but we do question just how durable the plastic lever is. Hey, we admit it...our kids are tough on household items. For $20, we hope this toothpaste dispenser can take a little beating. Since we are perpetual middle squeezers, the vacuum force of the Touch N Brush should definitely stretch our dollar by getting every last bit of toothpaste from the tube. We can also see this product being ideal for someone with arthritis, carpal tunnel or other hand ailments. There could be a question of how sanitary the whole process is...after all, unless you plan on getting more than one, everyone in the house will be using the same Touch N Brush. It's not any different than sharing a toothpaste tube, though (which our kids do).

The Touch N Brush toothpaste dispenser just might be worth taking a closer look at for us at The Daily Kool. A convenient product that saves space and keeps an area cleaner is always a welcome addition in our household. Plus, it makes a great gift for anyone with a smaller bathroom or sloppy kids...or both, as in our case. Our children would definitely like using the Touch N Brush for their independent brushing...ah, their dentist would be so proud.

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Today's Kool Idea: Baby's 1st Toothbrush (Angel Brush) by Baby Buddy

Poor baby! One of our dearest friends has been having a problem soothing her seven-month old teething baby. He is getting four teeth at the same time and is understandably miserable. A dentist once told us that if adults had to go through the agony of teething like our babies, the majority of us would need some major pain medication just to be able to function. Yep, our pain tolerance definitely decreases as we get older, folks. For those of us who cry over a paper cut (it's okay...we admit it also), knowing this makes it that much harder to see our babies suffering. So, what can we do to give our little ones some relief?

We at The Daily Kool have sought several options to help alleviate our babies' teething pain over the years. We've tried several teething rings, blankets and toys...one of our children favored his teething blanket (purchased at our local supermarket), another one preferred to chew on toys (and our fingers...ouch!). However, there was amazingly one product that all of our babies fell in love with...Baby's 1st Toothbrush (Angel Brush) by Baby Buddy.

Yes, you heard us right. We used the Baby's 1st Toothbrush as a teether for our babies. Oh, do we love it when a product serves a dual function in our household! Baby Buddy recruited the expertise of a dentist to design the H-shaped head of the Angel Brush. Baby's 1st Toothbrush has tiny, soft bristles to clean all sides of top and bottom teeth and gums at the same time. How "kool" is that? Not only does the Angel Brush introduce good dental hygiene to our infants, but it will also also relieve that painful, itchy feeling that comes with teething. We love that the small size and shape make Baby's 1st Toothbrush easy for an infant to hold and maneuver. It's made of 100% food-grade silicone (BPA, Lead & Phthalate free), and though it is a little strange looking, the texture was a favorite for infant gnawing. We kept several of Baby's 1st Toothbrush in our home (and diaper bag)...they were a particularly great distraction for our babies during diaper changing.

Okay, to all you cynics out there (you know who you are)...yes, we are well aware that the baby teeth all fall out as our children get older. But, baby teeth are just as important to take care of as permanent ones. Okay, we didn't buy it completely either...but our pediatric dentist insists this is true. It is highly recommended to clean your baby's gums even before the first tooth comes in...go figure! Baby's 1st Toothbrush by Baby Buddy will get your little one accustomed to having something poking around in his mouth, making it easier for you keep his teeth and gums healthy...even if you use it mostly as a teether (like we did). We bought a two-pack at our local baby store to give our friend next Saturday, and hope her infant loves the Baby's 1st Toothbrush as much as ours did!

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