(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best furniture for kids

oh yeah I forgot about that! It's "THE CUBE"! (12") We bought it a few years back as a festival accessory, but fit too perfectly to not use it as a nightlight.

It's pretty cool! It's waterproof, and sturdy enough to be used as a chair, and changes colors. Great for camping, parties, whatever.

The answer is a learning tower like this!!! There are lots of different versions, but they all have some sort of railing to make sure they don't fall/step off of the platform. Most also have adjustable platforms so that you can lower it as they grow taller. My son is now 30 mo, but we've been using a tower since around 22 months. He absolutely loves it, and helps me cook and/or wash dishes every night, with the added benefit that he eats a ton of veggie odds and ends while we're working!

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These things come in a range of prices, but I found most seemed to be too expensive. There are woodworking patterns that you can download for free, and if you've got a drill and a bit of skill you can make one yourself for cheaper. Ours isn't too pretty, but we were able to build it for ~ $50 worth of materials.

Yeah, here's Allie in hers: http://i.imgur.com/WRhPT.jpg (dog begging for cereal)

It's like this, (hers is a purple tinkerbell): http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Princess-Flip-Open-Sofa/dp/B001XTJL3Y It's a couch, but then can flip open into a little bed thing. The bed thing has a sleeping bag with zipper kind of sewn into it....(sleeping bag bit is on the opposite side of where you'd sit when in "couch mode").

Hmm, this page shows the sleeping bag side a bit better: http://www.amazon.com/Marshmallow-Fun-Furniture-Slumber-Attachment/dp/B004Z2S4MK/

That amazon price is really high....I think Allie's was $25 or $35, or my wife lied to me....

Edit: yeah, walmart has it for $35 to $40, that's more reasonable. Better pics there too.

It's nice because it's small, squishy (it's all foam and fabric, no plastic/metal/wood), can easily be kicked around. She loves it, since the day Mom brought it home it's "her spot".

A few things...

Soap is a huge oversight.

You have far less water than you need to use all those things and nothing to filter / screen the big stuff out to make boiling easy, to say nothing of a water filter. No way of capturing rainwater that I can see either. If you're going to use bleach to purify, get a few syringes and needles. Light and will help measure accurately.

I'd stick a bunch of the stuff in paper (sugar, flour etc) into ziplock bags (light, handy, especially once stuff is open and spills happen - perhaps include a straw to suck the air out between usings / compact stuff and it might help with keeping the smell down and not attracting animals) and bring more baby wipes. Those go pretty fast, when you're "showering" with them.

I personally have a light nesting set of pots / pans I bought off of craigslist and use them instead of dishes.

Get a small, light cutting board. I started filling cleaned mio bottles with oil, I find I use quite a bit less and it's a lot less messy / wasteful. But a liter of cooking oil can find a use. If you're going to keep the big bottle, take a spare cap that firs, mark it so you don't get confused and punch a tiny hole in it.

Bottled propane is a pain in the ass to find in times like these and the containers are heavier.

A coleman liquid fuel stove can run on auto gas. Not great for it in the long term (i.e. daily use for months), but it can be cleaned, and it's very efficient for the weight. Lots of old timers will tell you it's impossible, they used leaded gas and they would foul quickly. Some people take injector cleaner with them and put a tiny amount in each fill. If you do get a liquid stove, I'd also store a spare gasket or two, just as those are known to fail and it's a pain in the ass to figure out a replacement in the field. If you live in a very cold area (i.e. yes, fuck your winters), some gelled gasoline is a good idea to start them. A liter of gas, 1 medium egg white (absolutely no yolk), salt, blend carefully without flame is easy to make and keeps a while if kept cold. They make a commercial product too.

Also...a .22 cleaning kit should be the right size for most of what you need to maintain the liquid fuel stoves - and you should pack a care kit for your rifle.

My liquid coleman sits under a seat in my van all the time, so weight of it, etc is no biggie. Pack it full of stuff, like a lighter, spatula, etc - and if you can find one, a griddle that fits inside.

If you do stay propane, then maybe an adapter for a full size tank. Hose / regulator won't weigh that much. You might want to look into thermos cooking for the rice to save fuel (and perhaps pack some oatmeal), the weight of a wide mouthed thermos bottle would easily be worth the fuel you'd save.

I don't know how you'd survive a sask winter. Instead of mylar sheets which rip, go for mylar coated car window shades - I got a bunch at Army and Navy for under $2 each and they have survived quite a few years. A lot more durable as they are attached to some sort of semi stiff backing and they have straps. I've used mine a bunch, even sitting on them by a fire every time I go camping (you stay really toasty) and they're mostly still going strong. Toss em in a sleeping bag if you're cold) Pushpins can be used to secure them to the insides of most vehicles. Not a perfect solution.

Plain mylar? Noisy, teary, annoying. I don't think it's ever survived a trip. You can buy it for cheap from aliexpress if you are going that route though.

A pot scrubby is another good idea. Sometimes you don't have any fine sand to clean pots with.

I personally take one of these mesh basket organizers. Folds up flat, is fairly light and is great for drying pots, pans, organizing stuff, etc.

These things in case it's not clear.
http://www.amazon.com/Home-Cube%C2%AE-Hanging-Storage-Organizer-Compartments/dp/B00HAA8316

I've also begun to pack a mouse trap. Light weight and can be a huuuge bullshit saver. And an axe/hatchet.

Get their parents a night at a hotel. Or cleaning service for a month or three.

If you really want to spend the money on stuff, a lightbox is super cool. Costs about $100, with easily $50+ on cool blocks and things to go on it. It is useful and fun for kids from 1 to... adults? Everyone. Lightboxes are cool.

I use a Saucer chair. It's comfortable, doesn't take up any room and perfect price. Go to Amazon.com and search "Saucer Chair" and you can find some for around 50 bucks. If you want to go all out Check This One out, It's the one I use and it's 59% off. Or if you want one that is less pricey try this one as well. I have that one too and it's 50 at Amazon but if you live where there is a Big Lots they have it for 20 bucks and that's where I bought it. Cool thing about these is that you can fold them up and put them away when you are not using them. But I do love the first one I posted more since it looks more Modern and it goes with my furniture.

Very cute space! Love the wall color. I realize I went a little overboard. But I'm stuck under a sleeping baby and this was fun! :)

If it were my space: Twin bed along on wall with large window, pillows arranged as daybed. Dresser on tall wall. In front of that a low table/kids table. Fun rug underneath to create the feel of a separate space. 2 high Cube shelving unit in between sitting/table space and rest of the playroom. Cube units allow for access on both sides. TV mounted up in corner of the tall walls. Triangle flags draped across the ceiling over sitting bed/table section

Cube Units: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9Z9RD5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_flCYDbDJ7DFHW

Foldable Storage Cubes: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076X3XPFP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kwCYDb906R4ZJ

Triangle flags:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FMM9QDF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_CSBYDbGEJNE63

Window sections become desk unit, toy storage, or dress-up space.

Kids desk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071H85712/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8qCYDbY8NF55K

Toy storage or dress-up storage
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YKGV5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_obBYDbZWKYHSV

Umbrella hooks for dress-up space
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KS3CEKW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ejBYDbQFMWTJY

Circle mirrors for dress up space
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076V48V25/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8oBYDb086GCZZ

Rest of playroom open space. Toy storage/toy kitchen/playhouse along tall wall

I'd go with one of these for several reasons. First, if you get it in the right color you've got a great piece to go with your shelf. Secondly, now baby girl has her own place to enjoy all those books she's acquired! It's a great piece for play -- when she's a "mommy" rocking her baby to sleep or being an imaginary school teacher. It's a piece that will last and can be passed down to future little siblings. I had a rocking chair as a kid and it lasted forever and had so many uses!

I actually use this as a strategy during therapy sessions for children with low muscle tone. This is very normal. When children don't have to think about their bodies they are better able to focus on the activity in front of them.

For example, if you have ever seen a child sit in a W-sit this is because that position essentially locks a child into place and they don't have to use their core muscles to hold themselves up (for the record try to not let your child sit this way, it's terrible for them). Children in a w-sit are better able to attend to their toys because they aren't working as hard to physically hold themselves up. The same goes for your child in a high chair: they are in a fully supported position. Also, as you mentioned, you have created a physical structure/enclosure for the child, which helps with attention and focus.

If you decide to transition to a toddler table, you can always try a cube chair which has the same type of effect as a high chair: excellent support and provides a little bit of an enclosure on each side. They're really great for early childhood seating, and also are at a lower risk for tipping, unlike a 4-legged chair.

For all your short people needs, here is a fabulous stepstool for only $13. No more jumping to try and reach things. No more asking your tall friends to come over and bring something down for you. No more climbing haphazardly unstable furniture. This stepstool will provide a stable, comfortable, height advantage to make all your needs come true. And lucky 13 a number worth more than leprechaun gold!

I bought this last summer and really love it; easy to put together, looks great: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017GVMILE/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I would recommend taking down the cabinet if you can... As it's just too big to be above a bed like that.

To hide the non painted part you could make yourself an easy tall unique headboard out of cammo fabric that matches your walls and carpet colors, some rope, grommets and pipes.
http://www.amazon.com/Headboard-Camouflage-Design-Green-Frame/dp/images/B001662QKO

http://shop.vtarmynavy.com/camo-fabrics-fish-net-and-canvas-material-c11.aspx

http://www.etsy.com/listing/163712507/military-digital-marpat-marine-corp?ref=related-3

https://www.google.com/shopping/product/8518791785428979397?hl=en&q=grommets&num=20&bav=on.2,or.&bvm=bv.53760139,d.aWc,pv.xjs.s.en_US.1iFepK0GFHA.O&biw=1024&bih=672&dpr=1&tch=1&ech=1&psi=wTRWUr-GNubkyQGpkICIDQ.1381381314121.5&sa=X&ei=yDRWUoTCBsLWyQGTkYCoDA&ved=0CJ4BEPMCMAY

The tall silhouette will be nice in a small room.

Then you might get wooden rolling blinds. You can get blinds with liners or liners to put on Woden blinds for more privacy if needed.

http://t.homedepot.com/Decor-Blinds-Window-Treatments-Blinds-Shades-Bamboo-Shades-Natural-Shades/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbt0v/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&searchNav=true

On the wall across from the bed you can, if you want do a diy slat wall with inexpensive slat boards. They can hold staggered shelves that can hold whiskey bottles and mikitary memorabilia.

http://www.remodelista.com/products/mandal-wall-mounted-headboard

Or just do staggered floating shelves. You can buy them at Home Depot, ikea or lowes etc...

http://spousebuzz.com/blog/2013/01/5-creative-ways-to-display-military-memorabilia.html

Depending on the memorabilia you have, you can frame some for art for the wall opposite the window...

A lamp for your sidetable http://www.target.com/p/threshold-pharmacy-desk-lamp-bronze/-/A-14215677


If you keep the cupboards you might cover them with removable chalkboard paper to make them black
https://www.google.com/search?q=removable+chalkboard+contact+paper&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#hl=en&num=20&q=removable%20chalkboard%20contact%20paper&sei=2jJWUtO6DOSMyAHWzoDYAQ&tbm=shop

Or a set of cammo monograms on each cabinet door

http://www.babymilano.com/Interlocking-Monogram-Green-Camo-Wall-Decal.html?gclid=CL-Lus-7i7oCFckRMwodCx8AGQ

And center the bed under the cabinet and get rid of the book case as superflippy suggested.

Well you should get rid of the bookcase whether you keep the cabinet or take it down.

If you're

getting blank T-shirts buy a variety from Amazon, you'll find a much better variety than at stores and once you find on that fits they'll have better variety. Also they have a generous return policy. This especially helpful if you're big(muscular or fat) and short I have a hard time finding shirts that fit me in the shoulder but aren't too long. Also at least for men's clothing I've never bought the kids version of anything but belts since the fit is always terrible.

Also grab one of those plastic folding step stools they're perfect for getting that extra 6-12in but are actually quick enough to setup that you'll actually use them.

Also If your buying boots you can watch online manufacturers for clearance they have periodically for their biggest and smallest shoe sizes.

Car LPT buy japanese, they're made for shorter people.

My secret for jumping more higher is big quads.

My friend did. They aren't very comfortable. For $400 you can buy tools, a donor office chair from Goodwill, and a good condition seat from the local pull-it-yourself junk yard and still have a ton of cash left. I paid maybe $50 in total to build something similar using a seat out of a rear ended Honda Accord Coupe. The best desk chair I've ever used though is an old lounging chair I put caster wheels on. It looks like this.

We have this one . It has been great so far for my son. He turns 3 in a few days and his grandparents bought it as an early birthday present. I went back and forth for about a year as to whether we needed one. Space is kind of tight in our kitchen and there weren’t a lot of places he could use it without being in the way of drawers and cabinets. About 2 months ago he decided he just HAD to eat at the counter and chose a collapsible step stool to drag over there. But that wasn’t very safe because he would not be careful as toddlers often aren’t. I like the one we have because the profile is slimmer than many others and the step up can be folded in if you need the floor clearance. Since it arrived he’s eaten 90% of meals on it, whoch has been fine because family sit downs are rare for us right now with a 4 month old as well. He has also started “helping” me cook now that he is at a proper height to really reach things on our high counters.

Love these! I've been trying to convince myself to spend the money for so long. I just can't justify it, unfortunately.

These are available on ebay and amazon, for anybody interested. There are a few different sizes as well.

We have this one:

KidKraft 26166 Round Table and Chair Set, White/Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EGW45WG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7JfXCb3FKR1PZ

I love that you can stash toys in the center it makes for easy clean up and looks modern enough to go with the rest of the house!

Daughter is 4 and still uses it!

I use this box
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B011624Q4Q/ref=pd_aw_sim_63_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=NYB53E0M486VXYXQ55T6
It's great as I have a 1 year old and he can't get into it.

I Vote for my egg carton solution of storing my minifigs. It was very cheap and it even came with a dozen eggs.

The http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-L4080BL-Dimensions-Gaming-Capsule/dp/B011624Q4Q doesn't even come with breakfast options.