Mobility seems like a blessing after a year or so of carrying an infant around from home to store; from table to bed; from place to place. Instead of running to your child when he or she is crying, now they run to you – at least you’re saving a few steps.

But mobility comes with its own challenges. Rather than days of guilt after accidentally taking a corner too sharp and clunking your baby’s head on the door frame, you face days of guilt for not being right beside her when she stuck her head in a cabinet and couldn’t get it out. And then it gets worse.

As they start trundling around the house and then outdoors, it makes you wish for some sort of electronic device that would freeze them in their tracks when they get near a busy street - one of the greatest challenges of parenting – weighing the benefits of letting go versus holding on.

So, I’m always looking for ways to split the difference. This Driveway Guard from KidKusion eases my mind on both fronts. Easy to put up and down – this net stretches across the driveway and keeps children, balls and toys away from the busy street. No, you can’t go inside for a cup of coffee, but you get a few extra minutes warning before he figures out how to get around the net and into the street and that’s all I ask in life these days – a few more minutes.

Some people might file this under obsessive, but worrying about your baby’s weight is a time proven activity of new parents. Now, of course there are those blessed with chubby fingers and toes and nice rounded bellies, but all too often that’s simply not the case. We new parents worry about our infant gaining weight…or actually in not gaining weight and wonder how he or she is keeping up with the averages.

Rather than try complicated methods of using adult scales, why not invest in a scale just right for weighing babies?

This Bebesounds Digital baby scale has all the bells and whistles. Baby can be weighed in the all together or more comfortably in a blanket, the scale automatically deducts the difference. Since I’m always one to look for longevity, I was happy to note that this scale isn’t just for babies. As baby grows it can continue to be a part of his or her routine and help you keep your growth charts up-to-date. Maximum capacity is 44 pounds, which can easily get you through the toddler and most likely the preschool years as well.

The scale is packed with growth charts to measure your child’s growth against the averages which is nice, though you can get a copy from your pediatrician or online.

I’m a big fan of space saving devices, so I really like this Little Tikes Fold Away Climber. Though it drives my significant other nuts, I have always thought that children should have a variety of toys in various spots in the house; I should rephrase that to…all over the house.

I’ve never been one to claim that we don’t have room for this or that. So we’ve had easels on the balcony and toys all over the living room. We have toys in the kitchen and in the bathrooms too!

But I also understand the need for adult space, which is why I like things that can be packed away. This climber with a slide, basketball hoop and climbing wall is great for use indoors or out and can be set up in a minute. As we lived in a rather small apartment when my son was a toddler, this is exactly the sort of thing that worked well for us since it could be hauled outside to a grassy spot or patio and then carried back indoors. On rainy or cold days it can be set up inside without taking too much space and then packed away again.

Though finally seeing a little break in the cold and snowy weather makes us all want to cheer, Spring has it’s own issues.

Yes, of course, I love Spring. I love the daffodils sprouting out, I love the fact that we can finally go outside without wearing layers and layers of clothes. I like the promise of summer.

The rain, however, I can do without. I’ve never been a rain lover, but since becoming a mother I am even less fond of it. You see, while bundling up kids in winter wear is a chore, at least you know they are being kept warm and dry…or at least you can bundle them up enough to ensure that happening.

On the other hand, rain just seems to creep into every nook and cranny that you inadvertently leave open. That’s why I like this stroller rain cover….for a double stroller.

It’s hard enough to get two kids out the door, this makes it easier to keep them dry! If you’ve ever used a stroller rain cover, you know how great they really are – like wrapping your child in a plastic bubble. With an unwieldy double stroller, no matter how proficient you are, having a way to keep out the rain and the inevitable splashes from puddles is a lifesaver on rainy days.

I’ve always been a bit conflicted about Crocs. They are of course, cute, cool and comfy. They are also ubiquitous.

I however, have always been a bit leery because of the fit. Too often I see children running in them, only to trip and land face first because of the backless design. And so, I have not purchased Crocs for my son. He is quite clumsy enough thank you without adding another hazard.

These new Mary Jane Crocs, though, I really like. The dual strap provides the extra safety that I like while maintaining all of the comfort of the original Crocs. And like all Crocs, the footbed conforms to a child’s feet- creating a custom fit – something that just doesn’t usually happen without spending quite a bit of money.

These Crocs are available in a number of really cute colors. I, of course like the pink version, but they come in everything from stylish black to fuchsia. Since they are available in black does this mean they can be worn for a dress occasion?

Sure, kids can wear anything to a dressy event, as increasingly we all can. It’s just that kind of world these days- a Croc world.