This is not an actual review, since we don't have this gadget. And I make a point to not review/recommend things we don't own, but this is something that I really would have wanted and most definitely would buy now if I was expecting or had a newborn (it'll have to live in my baby shower gift idea list instead). Assuming that it works well (and based on all the positive Amazon reviews), I really wish I knew about it before (I don't think it was around yet - I believe it was released in early 2007), since it really would have come in handy. I don't know how many times I wondered or asked J how long it had been since their last feed or nap when the boys were babies.

It's called an Itzbeen, and is basically a device that has multiple count-up timers, a clock, and an alarm. The timers count the time since the last diaper chance, feed, and nap/wake time. There is another miscellaneous timer (I would have used this for pumping, but you can use it for medications or whatever), as well as a clock and alarm (which can be silent - a must). There is even a switch to help you remember which breast you last nursed from and a night light and lock to prevent accidental resets. These guys really thought of everything. Basically, it takes all the guesswork out of the first few weeks of a newborn's schedule (when you are most sleep-deprived). It might seem extraneous, but I swear I would have found this to be a lifesaver if we had one of these when the boys were just born. I was always wondering about the timing of things, and it would have helped eliminate some of the worry (there is already plenty to worry about). It's exactly what I needed at the time. The price is fair, at $25. It's a bit more than I'd like, but certainly not as overpriced as it could be, especially relative to how much baby stuff costs. I think it would have been most useful during the newborn period, but by the time I had heard about it, A was several months old (he was also our second baby and things were a bit easier). But it's definitely something I'm going to consider putting in baby shower gift bags from now on. Ingenious.

Tags: Amazon, gear