https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 30 May 2026 03:26:02 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/issues-with-the-west-elm-graham-glider#post-2928364 Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:50:03 +0000 ab 2928364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine is sqeaking too. I will try oiling tomorrow--any other hints. Anyone fixed this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927163 Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:57:32 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2927163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In our previous house we had a combination living room and play area. I bought toy storage with bins that I didn't mind looking at and cleaned up every night. We now have a separate play room and toys still end up all over the house. The boys are older now and are responsible for cleaning up before bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927160 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 15:51:10 +0000 cake2017 2927160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@greencraftycello: We have a small decor bin(like a wooden crate that goes with our living room) that has their trucks, toys, blocks, dolls etc). If it doesn’t fit in that crate it goes to either their bedroom or playroom. I also store some arts and crafts in one of our kitchen cabinets because I had an extra one. This helps with clutter and organization. I also try to switch out the toys in the crate. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927159 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 13:04:01 +0000 Mommy Finger 2927159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a toy room in the basement and the boys (7 &amp; 9) keep toys in their room. To be honest, the toy room is barely used unless friends are over or if we're down there with them but there is a reason we put the toy room in the basement. They're also at the age where we don't need to be there with them. We have a small box of Legos and a Hot Wheels race track that got moved up to the living room for some reason and we were lax in making them bring them back downstairs. Those toys are now constantly played with. I think the hot wheels track is a few years old and has gotten more use in the last few weeks than in the entire 3 years we've had it in the playroom? So it's a battle I'm not fighting at the moment. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927158 Mon, 20 Jun 2022 02:24:19 +0000 mrs.kiwi 2927158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have toys in the living room. I would prefer not, but my kids ages range from 1-8 so toys are still a major part of our daily lives. They are all in various open baskets and there is a space for everything. Have fun storage/basket shopping 😂</p> <p>I have to say, I was picky about choosing which bigger baby items made it into our house, since those couldn’t be stored away. (Play kitchen, zany zoo, ride-on toys, play mat). It had to be something aesthetically pleasing to me, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927157 Sat, 18 Jun 2022 22:36:17 +0000 bees_knees 2927157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In our last house we had a play room but it was on a different floor. So we kept all of the toys in the playroom, and then had a small(ish) bin that held toys in the main living area. They could rotate toys from the toy room to the living room however they wanted, but only could keep a “binful” in the living room. It worked well, even for my littler kids! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927155 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:30:18 +0000 bhbee 2927155@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree you can make it work - we have 3 kids in 2 small bedrooms and no playroom so living room has a lot. For me the key is for everything to have a place in a bin/basket/clear box so that it can be cleaned up well. Try to hide those where you can and keep them out of the way. And for you to decide how much space you can give up and then curate ruthlessly to fit in that space even as you get new stuff. I find the kids consistently play with the basics so we mostly hold space for blocks, magformers, duplo/lego, etc and then have some catch alls also. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927153 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 17:57:44 +0000 Chuckles 2927153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have toys in almost every room of the house and have a 2.5 year old. I think at this age, they want/need to be where we are and need ways to stay occupied, so it makes sense to have things everywhere. I try to keep the living room for just books, but it quickly collects toys, too. The one thing that helps is having baskets and bins of natural materials to keep toys contained and for quick pick up, instead of having plastic in bright colors. It looks a little less crazy pretty quickly when I can easily throw things in bins that blend in with the rest of the adult space. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927152 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:39:37 +0000 Lahela017 2927152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a 3 year old and one on the way, all of the toys are in our living room. I've just had to accept that that is how it's going to be for awhile. I've tried to get creative with storage though. I have bins of toys hidden away in our entertainment center and two large fabric bins with covers tucked away in the corners of the room. They blend in since they have covers, and you don't actually see the piles of toys. It's a phase, when the kids are older I'll have them store toys in their rooms.</p> <p><a href="https://www.target.com/p/large-rectangle-storage-stripe-bin-gray-pillowfort-8482/-/A-80674148" rel="nofollow">https://www.target.com/p/large-rectangle-storage-stripe-bin-gray-pillowfort-8482/-/A-80674148</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927151 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:26:24 +0000 karenbme 2927151@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a bench that functions as a toy box in our living room. DD is 2.5 and knows where to get her toys and also (thankfully) where to put them away. A lot of other things are kept in the mud room, but she never goes in there to get stuff herself and as a result those toys mostly only get played with if DH or I get them out so almost never. 😅 I’ve been thinking about replacing a tall bookshelf with something with closed storage on bottom for when DD2 arrives this winter because I know the toy volume is going to go up and realistically everything’s going to stay in the living room. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/toys-in-living-room#post-2927150 Fri, 17 Jun 2022 14:43:08 +0000 greencraftycello 2927150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a 3.5 year old and a 2 year old, and their toys are mostly in the living room right now. We don’t have a playroom. I would love to have most of their toys upstairs in their bedroom instead, but not sure how that would work.</p> <p>Does anyone keep their toddler’s/preschooler’s toys in their rooms and out of the main living areas? Really sick of staring at toy clutter :sad: but not sure if it’s reasonable/realistic for kids to bring down 1 or 2 toys at a time to play with. Open to ideas! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923412 Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:45:07 +0000 Littlebit7 2923412@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did a pb teen daybed for our daughter. It has upholstered sides and back so it’s comfy to lounge on. They put it together so that’s also an upside<br /> It will easily take her through her teen years based on the style<br /> I’m going to do a monte design daybed with trundle for my son. I’m pro daybed over here. Easy for sleepovers! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923253 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 18:12:58 +0000 minimalistmom 2923253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mommy Finger: @BUNBUN: Thank you for the advice!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923216 Tue, 06 Apr 2021 10:25:30 +0000 BUNBUN 2923216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got an ikea twin bed w headboard and put it in the middle of the wall. It's a platform, no boxspring, so not too high. At first, we put a big floor cushion next to his bed when he slept. He never gets near the foot of his bed when he's sleeping, so I think it would work at least as well as a daybed. I considered a daybed but wanted the versatility to be able to switch the bed position in the room as he grows. I think there is also room for a mattress underneath, which we will get when he's old enough for sleep overs </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923197 Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:23:01 +0000 Mommy Finger 2923197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS2 went from crib to a daybed with no problems. We had it in his room since he was a baby since his room was the guest room and the daybed was in our office. Our office is now the office/guestroom and it just made sense to use what we had for him when it came time. I was nervous b/c the bed is a little higher than I would have normally had for a kid and I'm pretty sure he's fallen out of it but that was more recently as a 5 yo as he's been sleeping side ways lately. :) I grew up with a daybed that included a pop up trundle but now as a parent, those things scare me. So we just have a cheaper twin mattress that we slide under the bed and sometimes DS1 pulls it out when they want to have 'brother time". So no issues here! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923170 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 15:19:13 +0000 minimalistmom 2923170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bhbee: Thank you for the info and I really like the toddler blanket hack. Makes perfect sense! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923168 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 11:23:10 +0000 bhbee 2923168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have the ikea hemnes daybed and just moved our second toddler into it! I love it for that age because the high sides kind of mimic the coziness of the crib (but it’s not too high overall if they fall out). The storage drawers under it are HUGE and so nice to have. We rarely use it as a trundle but that’s a nice feature too. Bit of a beast to put together thanks to the trundle but doable. Oh another nice feature, it really makes the bed feel larger than a twin so if you need to lay down with them it feels like a lot more space. And the walls hold in all the toddler loveys and toys/books they are always bringing to bed (at least at my house!). </p> <p>Only downside to daybeds - they are a bit of a pain to make. Instead of a twin size comforter/duvet we have used a toddler size comforter and now a cozy throw blanket so it fits without hanging over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/thoughts-on-daybed-for-2-year-old#post-2923167 Sun, 04 Apr 2021 09:56:21 +0000 minimalistmom 2923167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LO is almost ready to move out of the crib and the way her room is set up, I am thinking a daybed makes most sense because I can put it in a middle of a wall like a crib. Any thoughts about why that might not be a good idea? Or anyone have one for their toddler? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917669 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 18:29:32 +0000 PinkElephant 2917669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caitcat: Yes! Home Depot has a lot of furniture. I'll look if I decide to go the tabletop &amp; legs route - thanks for the reminder! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917668 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 18:28:46 +0000 PinkElephant 2917668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: Thanks! I'd definitely want the bigger size - we have a massive basement and I want them to be able to spread out. We have a lifetime table but it is really heavily textured, as you mentioned, and is the type that folds in half, so there's a bit of a gap in the middle. I'm looking for something dedicated that I won't have to pick up and move out of the playroom ever.</p> <p>And yes to easels! I was about to sell ours because we rarely use it, but I think I'll make an effort to use it this year if we're home all year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917667 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:58:33 +0000 PinkElephant 2917667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caitcat: haha I bought them desk chairs on casters that spin to go with their new desks, because the kitchen chairs they were using last year were just too big for them....I'm probably going to be so, so sorry I did that.....</p> <p>@ilovepie: Oooh...I've got caddies (and bought more this year so each kid can have their own)....I'm thinking of doing a rolling supply cart as well. But I didn't realize those were paper trays - Target has something similar. I may pick up a few. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917664 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:18:07 +0000 ilovepie 2917664@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have two tables in the kitchen, nothing linkable or fancy though. But important than the desk for us is a caddy with markers, pencils, and scissors, plus containers with stickers and paper. Anything else my 4 &amp; 6 year old have to ask for, but those they can get on their own. We like these paper trays with lids <a href="https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/teaching-resources/bins-organizers/neon-lakeshore-paper-tray/p/TT192" rel="nofollow">https://www.lakeshorelearning.com/products/teaching-resources/bins-organizers/neon-lakeshore-paper-tray/p/TT192</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917663 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:55:36 +0000 caitcat 2917663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: The chairs are tricky...they had some “toddler table” size chairs for a while (when the kids were really little) and the kids just stood for some stuff, I think. They have kid desk chairs now that can adjust in height. They spin though, so there’s that... 😂 </p> <p>We got a desk from Ikea recently and it was SO hit or miss with what they had. One of my friends just got a table top and adjustable legs from Home Depot or Lowe’s though - so there might be some similar ikea-ish options elsewhere? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917662 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:39:42 +0000 PinkElephant 2917662@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@caitcat: Thanks! If we had an old table I would totally use that. I was eying tables similar to the one you posted; what's held me up is knowing what chairs to get! Do you know what sort of chairs the grandparents have?</p> <p>@gotkimchi: That's a good point I wouldn't have thought of. I'll be sure to read reviews carefully.</p> <p>I may just get a cheap IKEA tabletop, but I reallllllly don't want to go there, and judging by the fact that practically everything I click online there is out of stock, I expect it is slim pickings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917661 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 16:36:51 +0000 PinkElephant 2917661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: There was literally no selection, so I'm not thrilled with what I got, but they'll do. I bought last night, and they are sold out this AM. I'm going to replace the drawer pulls, and probably coat the edges in washi tape to add interest/cover any shipping damage. I might even do their names in vinyl decals or something... </p> <p><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/orren-ellis-zehr-writing-desk-w000549911.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/orren-ellis-zehr-writing-desk-w000549911.html</a></p> <p>I wasn't ready to buy the nicer Land of Nod/PB Kids desks (kids are rough on their things at this point), and I needed something with a decent amount of storage to keep their rooms tidy. My original plan was to get two IKEA ALEX drawer sets per kid and join them with a tabletop, but the ALEX drawers are sold out at every IKEA within an hour of my home and not due back until at least the end of August.</p> <p>It's disappointing. There are so many pieces that were there back in Jan/Feb that are allllllll just sold out. Literally, if you go to Overstock or Wayfair or anything, it's just page after page of sold out desks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917654 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:59:04 +0000 catgirl 2917654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gotkimchi: It does have a slight texture. I was planning on grabbing a smooth desk pad or using one of my less used cutting mats - something than can be easily put down for writing but picked up for other crafts. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917653 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:49:21 +0000 gotkimchi 2917653@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catgirl: is the top of this table textured? We have a lifetime kids table but the textured top maybe writing a problem for my kindergartener </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917652 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:35:27 +0000 caitcat 2917652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use an old kitchen table set up in our basement for arts and crafts with my 5.5 year old. I'd prefer it to be a little shorter for her...but we just got her a desk that's more her size, so she might be able to sit there instead for some stuff. if she prefers. The girls' grandparents got an adjustable height table that they use at their house for crafts - it reminds me of a school table. Adjusting the height has been helpful so it grows with the kids. Not the most attractive solution in the world, but it gets the job done and they say it's easy to clean. I'm not sure where they got it, but it's kind of like this: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-School-Activity-Adjustable-Height/dp/B07J4V2PZ8" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-School-Activity-Adjustable-Height/dp/B07J4V2PZ8</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917651 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:27:23 +0000 catgirl 2917651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD has a small table in her playroom, but there is no way she could do schoolwork surrounded by all of her toys. I think she would also have a hard time at our dining room table for a long term school solution.<br /> I have this table that I use for fabric cutting and my crafts but we plan on using it for DD this year. I like that the height is adjustable because we can use it for a variety of things. It's not in stock from the brand directly but is carried at a lot of stores. It might be tight for three though.<br /> <a href="https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-80387G-4-foot-adjustable-height-table-commercial#" rel="nofollow">https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-80387G-4-foot-adjustable-height-table-commercial#</a></p> <p>They have a bigger version that might be better for fitting three kids, if you have room: <a href="https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-80565G-6-foot-adjustable-height-table-commercial#" rel="nofollow">https://www.lifetime.com/lifetime-80565G-6-foot-adjustable-height-table-commercial#</a></p> <p>I also picked up an easel for her to do art, I only have one DD but most easels are two sided. So two of them could use it while one is doing something else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/arthomework-table-whats-your-setup#post-2917650 Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:12:08 +0000 oldschooolmama 2917650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just use our kitchen table as does most people we know. The Pottery Barn Large table might be a good option- </p> <p><a href="https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/carolina-large-table-chairs-set-chestnut/?catalogId=10&#038;sku=8945434&#038;cm_ven=PLA&#038;cm_cat=Google&#038;cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Play%20Tables&#038;cm_ite=8945434&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5rDyp77m6gIVE4bICh1-6wRTEAQYBCABEgL3APD_BwE" rel="nofollow">https://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/carolina-large-table-chairs-set-chestnut/?catalogId=10&#038;sku=8945434&#038;cm_ven=PLA&#038;cm_cat=Google&#038;cm_pla=Furniture%20%3E%20Play%20Tables&#038;cm_ite=8945434&#038;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5rDyp77m6gIVE4bICh1-6wRTEAQYBCABEgL3APD_BwE</a> </p>