Look Cool While You Drool

Looking for a bib that can withstand a ton of drool and still look cool? At http://www.funkiebaby.com/ your wish will come true. The bibs are soft with the soak proof lining in the middle, so it can absorb all the drool and not get your baby or toddler wet. They have fabulous prints and make other soak proof items including burp cloths and travel mats. The bibs run $20.00

On the Go

About to hit the road and struggling with all the things you need to feed your child while you are out and about? The "Elegant On The Go" set is a great way to stay organized. You can find them in four different colors at http://www.amazon.com/ for $14.96 and on other sites such as http://www.giggle.com/

Bundle Me

As it starts to get a little frosty outside, you want your child to be toasty and warm. JJ Cole's bundle me are so soft and comfy that you wished they made an adult size for your car. You can find many verisons at http://www.jjcoleusa.com/ and they run from $40-60 for infants up through a stroller version for your toddler.

Drinking with Friends

Bottle Pets are cute little animals that cover a baby bottle.

Your child never has to drink alone again! These adorable covers are available

at www.duematernity.com for $18.00. You can select from a variety of animals such as a monkey, lion, octopus or pig...it's hard to pick, they are all so cute!

Baby Bucket

Check out this new way to bathe your baby. No longer do you have to fear your baby slipping out of your hands and rolling into the water. This baby pod allows you to wash your upright and is highly recommended by parents and physicians. You can find it at http://www.giggle.com/ and it goes for $28.00. Recommended up to 6 months of age.

Subscription for Fun

Remember the days of reading Highlights in the doctors or dentist office when you were a kid? Guess what? The magazine is still around and they have launched a new magazine for preschoolers called Highlights High-Five. Geared for ages 2-6 this magazine will be a great monthly surprise for your little one- what kid doesn't like getting their own mail? Plus, the teachers at my school recommended it as a great learning tool. The subscription costs $26.04 for the entire year and you can get it at http://www.highlights.com/

Those Were the Daze

New moms, especailly first time moms can be a little obsessed about tracking their new baby's food intake, nap times, and number of poops and pees. Here is a great tool I wish I would have known about when I was obsessing about such things. Baby Daze is an orginazation tool that is simple and innovative...check it out at http://www.babydaze.net/ $19.95

Hip Halloween

I found these fabulous and unique halloween costumes at http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/. They have everything from pirates to ice queens to Marie Antoinette. Costumes run from $40.00- $100.00 and they are anything but run-of-the-mill.

Fun Chop

If you take your child out to eat Asian food, you have probably experienced their love of Chop Sticks and their total inability to use them. Fun Chop was a product created for children 3 and older and adults a like who are chop-inept. You can get them at http://www.asianfoodgrocer.com/ for a dollar each or the manufacturer http://www.funchop.com/ sells them in bulk, just in case you need 500 (they also list retailers). Or, if you go to a restaurant that has them, ask for a few extra and keep them in your purse. They are a great way to keep your child entertained and teach them how to begin using Chops Sticks.

Shake It Up!

Anyone who has kids knows that during the end of pregnancy and when you have a newborn, you don't always feel like cooking yourself a well balanced meal. Angel Milk shakes may be a great alternative! The shakes contain 100% all-natural ingredients and the balance of nutrients that expectant and new mothers need. They are formulated to complement your physiology and support your pregnant and nursing body. Angel Milk supports your efforts for good prenatal and postpartum nutrition. These shakes are convenient, portable and the flavors sound d-lish!

$20-$32 at http://www.maternitique.com/

101 Things You Gotta Do Before You're 12!

Check out this cool book "101 Things You Gotta Do Before You're 12" by Joanne O'Sullivan. Many might remember the book of things you have to do before you die, this book is geared towards creative activities and trips for kids. In the book you will find totally out of the box experiences that will grow your childs imagination and zest for the unusual. And it will eliminate brain cramps trying to think of neat things to do with your kids. You can by it on http://www.amazon.com/ for $9.95. You should also explore O'Sullivan's other book "101 Places You Gotta See Before You're 12".

Binky Bling

Do you have a upscale occasion or event where you want to dress up your little one? Don't let your childs paci become the show stopper for the whole event. Invest in binky bling from www.pinktaffydesigns.com. The eye candy goes for $30.00 for each pacifier (I would invest in a sturdy clip as not to lose your investment) and there are many designs and colors to choose from.

Time Out

Need a designated area to put your child in time out? Not that they ever act up, but in the off chance that they would http://www.timeoutspot.com/ offers a cool solution to time out time. The Time Out Spots are made of carpet with a non skid backing and are easy to store and move. The go for $22.00.

Art for the Uncommited

Looking for a fast and stylish way to dress up a room? Wall decals are the wave of the future. At http://www.whatisblik.com/ you can get wall decals to meet any design. There are fabulous retro designs and you can also get for glass and even for your car. They come in kids designs, bold shapes and artsy graphics.

Art Cards

They say that infants and toddlers can easily distinguish high contrast images and Wee gallery (http://www.weegallery.com/) takes full advantage of that skill. For your infants you can place them along the crib to give them something interesting to look at. They have designed beautiful flash cards for your child. They cost $12.00 per box and you have multiple themes to chose from.

What's that?

The Bilibo toy might look a little strange, but it has won numerous awards for sparking creativity in children. It can be taken anywhere and used for anything including scooping, sliding and sitting. It runs $30.00 and can be found at http://www.uncommongoods.com/

Pajama Pillow

Wonder where to store your child's pajamas from one night to the next? Here are some cool pajama pillows that I found at http://www.moolka.com/ search under pajama pouches. Made by a European toy company, these pillows have a zipper in the back to store clothes and make a cute bed decoration by day. They run about $40.00. Moolka does a fabulous job at shipping items. The last time I ordered from the site, I got the item three days later without paying rush charges. I am convinced that they got my order and ran to the airport where they threw my order onto the FedEx plane. Great customer service.

On the Go

Ever sit in a doctor's office or have your child sit in the car and find that they are bored out of their minds? Haba helps solve that problem with their Smart Bag. The bag stores pens, pencils and other goodies on one side and has a hard base on the other side that can substitute for a table top. It can alse be easily carried by your child as a back-pack or purse. They are $37.99 at http://www.oompatoys.com/

Bambu

Bambu is a company that focuses on using Bamboo , the renewable resource, to create housewares. One of the neat thing that they have created is a kids line of utensils and plates that are great for kids and better for the environment. Check out this cook spoon/fork made out of bamboo. The perfect tool to meet any food challenge. You can find the reasonable line at http://www.greenfeet.com/ under kids Bambu.

Smencils

Our daughter recently received a cool gift from her Godmother for her first day of school; it was a pack of Smencils. Smencils are pencils that are made of %100 recycled newspapers and then they are dipped in gourmet scents and sealed in a tube. It is such a cute gift for a child. They come in different size packs and are about $12 for a pack of 10 smencils.

Ready, Aim...Potty!

Piddlers are dissolvable, non-toxic, flushable foam shapes designed to make potty training fun for little boys...and maybe even dads! Piddlers are eco-friendly, made of starch and dyed with food coloring. 30 targets for $5.95

Sleep Tight

This looks a little creepy but it's such a sweet idea. It's an infant positioning system called Zacky Infant Pillow. We all know how it feels when our baby is fast asleep in our arms and the second he or she gets put down...well you know the rest! This replicates the look, feel, weight, and warmth of a parents hands providing soothing comfort for baby. $49.99 at http://www.ababy.com/

Cool Covers

Itzy Ritzy (www.itzyritzy.com) has a fantastic selection of nursing covers for breastfeeding moms who are seeking privacy in public. The covers can also be worn over front baby carriers to keep sun, wind and other inclimate weather away from your baby. Even better, the fabric is made of baby bamboo which is an eco-friendly fabric. So you can be stylish and eco-conscious. They run about $50.00 and come in many beautiful prints.

Baby Burritos

Babies love to be swaddled after they are born and now you have a chic way to do it. Swaddle Keeper (http://www.swaddlekeeper.com/) is a swaddling cloth developed by a Newborn Care RN who was searching for a way to soothe babies. The warm and cozy swaddeling blankets can help your baby sleep and feel like they are back in the womb. For between $22.00- $34.00 you can find an adorable swaddling blanket on the site and help your baby find comfort while they sleep.

Back to School

Whether your child is starting school or pre-K, a backpack is in order. Created By Dante Beatrix (http://www.dantebeatrix.com/), these adorable backpacks are perfect for your little one. You have your choice of many animals or you can even chose a "furry" backpack. They run about $38.00. You should also check out their Eco-backpacks entirely made of recycled plasic drinking bottles. How great is that?

A Room Without a View

Here is the answer to a child's room without a view...decorative adhesive window film. This easy to apply, peel and stick film is not your grandma's window treatment...it's way cute and a unique finishing touch! At www.designyourwall.com you can get this reusable, red floral adhesive for $65.00 (18 in. wide 49 ft long). They have many styles and patterns to select from!

Hospital Chic

Its the greatest moment of your life, why leave it up to a gown that is ugly and has been worn by thousands of others? Dear Johnnies is a company who caters to the fashionable crowd. Their designer hospital gowns come in stylish prints just what you need to make you feel better and they will look great in all those pictures. They range from $68.00-$72.00 and can be found at http://www.dearjohnnies.com/.

Handle It

Check this out...a cute, unique cover for your infant car seat. You can cover your sleeping baby while still having the ability to use the carrying handle. The web-site is www.handlebaby.com

It's the simple, innovative products like this that make life with a newborn so much easier!

Drip Stik

Summer may be waining, but ice cream and frozen treats are delicious all year long. What isn't so great are the sticky hands and stained clothes from the dripping treat. Well, now the problem has been solved by a product called Drip Stik (http://www.dripstik.com/). In one end of the Drip Stick, you can place an ice-cream cone and for Popsicles, you just flip it over and place the treat in the slot made for Popsicle sticks. You can buy them in all sorts of colors and they cost around $8.00 for a set of two.

The Art of Photography

Turn your favorite photo into a work of art! http://www.customphotoarts.com/ will take any photo and transform it into the style of art you select...charcoal, watercolor,oil, and pop art among others. You can have the art printed on high quality paper or canvas. It costs $99 for the art design and the price goes up from there depending on the size and material you desire. Check it out!

It's Like NetFlix for Toys!

http://www.babyplays.com/ is a site that offers a monthly toy exchange program. You select the toys you want from the web-site, they ship them to you and when you are finished, just send them back in exchange for more new toys! All you need to do is select a plan based on the number of toys you want per month ($35-$65 per month). All of the toys are lead free and sanitized after every use. Can you imagine not having to purchase or store a bunch toys that the kids outgrow or get tired of after a few weeks of use? This is a convenient and extremely eco-friendly way to play!!!

Big City Baby

Every major city has it's own lilaguide. A lilaguide is a reference book for family friendly hot spots in your local area. The book includes retail & resale stores, restaurants, parks and much more. This is a great gift idea for new parents! $16.95 at www.lilaguide.com

Great Clips

Is this the cutest hair clip/barrette you have ever seen??? This and other adorable clips are available for only $7.50 at http://www.lbellebaby.com/ What a unique gift for the little girl in your life!

Peas In a Pod

This is called a nesting pod and it's basically a modern day play pin for babies! It's pretty large and can be folded up and taken anywhere...the park, the beach or your living room! They have a great selection of fabrics to select from. Take a look at http://www.thenestingpod.com/

For a Cause

Tom's Shoes have recently gotten a lot of attention not only because their shoes are becoming popular, but also for their good cause. For every pair of shoes purchased, Tom's will donate a pair to children and/or adults in need. You can visit their site at http://www.tomsshoes.com/ and for $36.00 you get a pair of shoes for your child and for someone who really needs them.

Horsing Around

I was in a toy shop over the weekend and spotted these cool colorful latex horses called Rodys. They are made in Italy and not only do they look unique, but the web site claims that therapists use them to help with coordination and other learning skills. They are made for children ages 2-4 and they can grow with you child. Depending on the age and size of your child you just add more air. They come in an array of colors and go for $42.99 at http://www.rodytoys.com/.

Sweet Shoes

Check out these skips by Sweet Shoes at http://www.urbanbabyrunway.com/ They are adorable shoes for about $26.00 and they have great boys styles as well. The sizes only go to 24 months, so buy them while you can.

Lost and Found

While looking for iron-on name labels for school clothes, I came across a web site called Oliver's Labels (http://www.oliverslabels.com/) where they have labels for shoes, mini labels, iron-on labels and bag tags. The coolest feature is that each label contains a special tracking code system in case your item is ever lost. The labels contain a web site that the person who found the item can log onto and it connects to you via your email account. Brilliant and private all at once! Imagine having a mechanism in place to reunite you with your childs lost shoe. I bought 60 labels for $23.00 including tax and shipping. Check it out

Take Note...

Keeping a journal is great at any age and I think these way cute, eco-friendly journals will encourage kids to do so. They are only $9.00 at www.paperposey.com The site has all kinds of design options that kids are sure to love. The company that makes the journals uses 100% recycled materials so the tree hugger in all of us can feel good about this purchase!

Under the Stars

Check out this nightlight by artist J Schatz (http://www.jschatz.com/). The ceramic egg emits light at night to produce a star filled night for your little one or for you. The egg lamps come in many colors to fit any decore. They sell for $135.00 but are a nightlight that will grow with you child and will never go out of style.

Natural Diapers

My sister bought some Natural Choice environmentally-sensitive diapers for us to try out and I have to say that we were impressed. Stuck between not liking cloth diapers and feeling guilty about diapers in landfills, these diapers are a great option. The environmental benefits are as follows:

Totally chlorine-free pulp and usess 20-30% less petroleum-based materials than the leading brands.

Backsheet and topsheet material made from annually renewable resources

• 30-40% more sustainable materials than the leading brands


• Comparable features and performance national brand premium products


• Full stretch side panels
  

You may be able to find these at your local grocery store, if not check out http://www.amazon.com/ where you can get a pack of 180 diapers for $53.00

Oopsy Daisy!

http://www.2littlemonkeys.com/ is a web-site that has some hip art for kids rooms. Most wall art for young ones is your typical ABC's, princesses and trucks...not true for this web site. My favorite section of the site is called Oopsy Daisy Art. Soooo Cute!!!!!

Three In One

Check out Zoobies Pets that I found at www.geniusbabies.com/. They are stuffed animals that open up to become a pillow with a plush fleece blanket stored inside. And if you wanted to get creative, you can also use these to store your childs PJs during the day. They cost $29.95 and you can choose from a pink hippo, red ape, giraffe or a crocodile. Best of all, each animal comes with a unique African-safari name!

Nap Mats

Its that time of the year when its time to go off to school or if you are just enrolling your child in daycare, you know that naptime is essential to keep them going all day long. A nap mat is perfect to keep them warm and comfortable while away from home.I have been looking for cool nap mats and came across these that are custom made. You can custom order the mat by fabric, by length and add a name plate if you wish. Or you can order a mat that has already been pre-made. Mats run from about $90- $140 depending on your choice. Check them out at http://www.custombabybotique.com/. Plus they do a ton of other items that are personalized.

Charms to Cherish

Forget hanging your child's artwork on the refrigerator, make it into jewelry instead! All you need to do is upload the art and for $ 95 www.mammytags.com will turn it into a silver "Doodle Tag" charm. Jewelry and your child's masterpiece...can it get any better than that????

Paint Your Own Polo

At Ralph Lauren (http://www.ralphlauren.com/ under Children) they have added a great new way to customize a polo. Kids now can paint there own! On the site it gives instructions on how to have a Paint Your Polo party. And best of all, the net profits from the sale will go to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Pediatic Art Program. They run about $45 for each Paint your Own and once you are done, you can upload it and they will post it on the site.

Organic sunscreen

A friend of mine led me to a site called Organic Divas (http://www.organicdivas.com/) On the site they sell cosmetics, but they also have a few baby producs including this sunscreen. Here are a few words about the sunscreen that I copied from the site. "A new study released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in March of 2008, revealed that 97% of Americans are contaminated with a widely-used sunscreen ingredient called Oxybenzone that has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage. A companion study published one day earlier revealed that this chemical is linked to low birth weight in baby girls whose mothers are exposed during pregnancy.UV Natural Baby Sunscreen DOES NOT contain Oxybenzone."

Metro Baby

If you love photo cards as much as I do, you have got to check out http://www.metrobabycards.com/. I ordered my sons birth announcements and I just ordered his first birthday party invitations. The prices are great and the card designs are so creative and hip. There are coordinating thank you cards and address labels as well!