Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

OnTray: grocery cart gizmo for spill-free snacking

The only thing that gets me through a trip to the grocery store is snacks -- lots and lots of snacks, to distract my daughter while Mommy decides which cereal has the most fiber and which yogurt is the better deal. But I've dropped her little bowl of Cheerios or peach puffs too many times to count, and she always does the same if I leave it for her to hold (cleanup on aisle 7!). Now there's a product that lets her safely snack on her own and leaves my hands free to fill the cart. It's called the OnTray ($6.99) and it was designed by a mom who was as tired of spills as I was. It's a simple square plastic container that attaches onto any grocery cart handle, and it works like a charm.

I took my 9-month old to Costco the other day, snapped on the OnTray and got all my shopping done without any whining or spillage! Bailey liked it, too, since she could feed herself and not have to depend on me. It also came in handy for free samples, which I could just drop into the OnTray for her! It includes a lid, so you can fill it up before leaving the house and just slide it off when you're ready.

OnTray comes in four colors, is dishwasher safe, and can be bought directly at OnTray2Go.com.

UPPAbaby Easy Fit Car and SUV Sunshade: Don't let the sunshine in

If you are looking for a great way to keep your children shaded in the backseat -- check out UPPAbaby's Easy Fit Car and SUV Sunshade ($8.99 for one). This has my seal of approval for two reasons - it actually attached securely and it really did a good job of keeping out the sun. It was the first sunshade that my toddler could not dismantle. He's ruined quite a few of them (the pretty ones and the not-so pretty ones) that I've tried to put up. The Easy Fit Car and SUV Sunshade was so quickly and easily installed. Just open the shade and attach the four super-grippy suction cups (that you can tighten). The stretch black mesh shade material was great -- I felt like I was looking through a stocking, rather than a typical kid's sunshade. The soft sun blocking material was a big improvement over other kinds we've used and actually easier to see through while driving. Just remember to pick up TWO packages, only one comes in each package.

Features:

SPF 5 protection- blocks 80% of sun's harmful rays

Stretch material allows flexible window coverage up to 17 x 28"

Easy attach suction cups- no scissors, no "cut to fit", no bubbles

Go to UPPAbaby to find a retailer.

Kenzie Klips: Felt clips you'll want right now

Regular readers might know that my daughter has quite the clip collection.  I'll admit it: I love everything girlie and clips certainly fall into this category. I am always thrilled when I find a clip that really makes me think that I definitely need to add it to my -- ahem, my daughter's -- collection.

Kenzie Klips definitely fall into this 'must-have' category. Made of 100% wool felt, these clips have a non-slip strip that ensure that they stay put in even the finest hair. And if you have the type of kid who, like mine, says "me do it" a lot and must adorn her own locks, fear not because Kenzie Klips are designed specifically with chubby little hands in mind and won't unravel at the edges.

What I like about these clips is that they are made over a single prong alligator clip -- these just work better in curly hair like my daughter's -- and that they come in so many designs. And now that my daughter's hair is finally long enough to be pulled into pig tails, I love that all the clips can be made into pig tail holders too. Anyone feel another collection coming on?

Check out the abundant selection at www.kenzieklips.etsy.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Enjoy a FREE Perfectly Pink Flower Hair Clip -- perfect for summer -- with any purchase over $25 when you enter the code CBBFREEBIE into the 'Message to Seller' section at checkout. Expires 7/19/08.

 

Mally bibs: Everything's better in leather

We stopped using bibs in our house when my son started refusing to wear them. He’s rather convincing, so I resigned myself to doing more laundry. Fast forward a year or two, to the day I opened a package from mally bibs. Two beautiful leather bibs -- yes, leather! -- slid out and my son’s shirts have been clean ever since!

Made from special kid-safe leather that easily wipes clean with a wet cloth, mally bibs aren’t your average bibs. But yours aren’t the average kids, either, are they?

Spa Baby Tubs: Turn your bathroom (or counter!) into a spa

Baby: "I'd like to book a 7:30 Spa treatment in the Master Suite? With Mom, please?"

Me: "Let me check our availability..."

Baby: "Look lady, I'm willing to go with Dad if Mom's already booked, I just really need my treatment!"

Pushy kid! Ever since we got a Spa Baby European Style Bath Tub though, my baby seems to think he is entitled to bathe every single day. I've tried telling him that Europeans are notorious for bathing less frequently than Americans but he's not interested in this trivia. He's just loving his spatime too much.

Butt-Ums Up Baby: For a Stylish Change

I'm fanatical about always being prepared for a quick change anywhere, anytime. In the car, at Grandma's house, in the family room, at the park and the mall -- wherever I go with my baby, I need a fully stocked changing kit close by! Which is why I love these compact stylish changing kits from Butt-ums Up Baby.

Cloaked in fun minky fabric and sized just right to hold your wipes and 2 to 4 diapers, these handy kits are perfect for use at home and on the go. The entire kit unrolls in a flash, one-handed. The changing surface is waterproof and generously-sized and the wipes and diapers are stored right where you need them. Near the baby's butt! The Butt-ums up Baby changing kit is small enough to fit in a large diaper bag and convenient enough to throw in or clip onto your stroller for walks to the park or traveling. The kit is machine washable, if things get messy.

If you love to make matchy with all your accessories, check out Butt-ums Up Baby's receiving blankets and travel blankets. Made from coordinated super soft minky fabrics and silky satins, these blankets soothe and comfort babies at home or on the go.

Shop the entire line at the Butt-ums Up Baby website.

Baby Sparewear: Saving you, and celebrity moms too

It happens to the best babies. The public blowout, the sudden spit up, the mashed potato mess. And though you try and prepare yourself for the inevitable, it's easy to get caught out without a change of clothes. Even veteran diaper bag packers such as myself have been known to dress their poor soiled babies in little more than a paper napkin and rush home for a change. For shame!  The problem I had in the past was not having a designated disaster preparedness kit like the one that Baby Sparewear so excellently puts together. Sure I have been known to toss an extra tee in the bag, but then my husband uses it and I forget to check when I head out on the next trip.  We all know this story has a baby wearing a paper napkin at the end, right? And do you like how I blamed my husband?

Alex Casey Baby: Welcome baby creatively

Alex Casey Baby is a great gift destination for babies and kids. I know I'm always looking for new gift ideas -- and I also try to get personalized items whenever I can.

Owner Jill Notkin carefully selected two gifts for my children that were wonderful. She sent a large personalized towel with a hood ($50) for my son Ben. Jill went above and beyond when she used his full name -- Benjamin (a pleasant surprise, because I figured it would be easier for her to just sew B-E-N). The soft cotton terry has a red minky dot hood and cut out red polka dot letters. I love that my 2 ½-year-old asks for his Benjamin towel. After weekly washings, this towel has held up perfectly with no pilling and the colors (royal blue for the towel and red for the minky and letters) look as wonderful as when the towel came to us.

Cherry Blossoms Baby: Heads up for these sweet designs

By Guest Reviewer Kara

If you are looking for a unique, classy hair accessory for your little girl, check out the Etsy shop of Cherry Blossoms Designs.  Cherry Blossoms offers high quality, hand-made hair accessories for infants, toddlers and children. Each blossom accessory is finely crafted with beautiful felt and finished with a sparkly rhinestone in the center.  They are available in a variety of colors and blossoms in both headbands and clips.

We tested out the Ooh La La Cream Hydrangea on a Black Stretchy Headband ($8.25), Infant Sweet Blossom Clip ($5.25) and Infant Rhinestone Sparkle Clip Set($6.00) on my bald seven-month old.  The headband looked adorable and stayed put. The nylon fabric was very soft and flexible, so she enjoyed wearing it.  As for the clips, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they stayed on her head with just a few thin strands of her hair. They, too, are very cute.  We received compliments every time she wore them.  I also liked their Toddler Written in the Stars Clip ($5.00) - perfect for those patriotic occasions, their Infant Tea Party/Birthday Cake Clip ($4.75) and their Desdemona Star Crossed Lover Headband ($8.15) - adorable with a pink maribou puff on a stretchy pink headband.

Cherry Blossoms Designs offers a variety of other unique clips, and can accommodate custom orders.  To purchase, click here.

Moboleez Breastfeeding Hats: The Most Clever Cover-Up Ever!

I thought I had seen it all when it came to nursing cover ups. Basically I thought there were only three varieties: the apron, the blanket/shawl and the poncho. But I was wrong! Because a very, very clever mom has come up with a whole new way to cover up when nursing your baby in public. You might even say that she came up with it right off the top of her head ... the MoBoleez ($29.99) is brilliant!

All kidding aside, when I saw this product I had to crack a great big grin. I never would have thought of using a wide brimmed hat to cover my breast while nursing but it makes perfect sense. And it works just perfectly!

Click 'continue reading' for the entire MoBoleez review.

Bows2Cute: Clips to stick to!

By Guest Reviewer: Kara

My seven-month old baby girl is hair challenged, aka bald. I personally don't mind, except for the "What a cute boy" comments. Even dressed in pink dresses, we still receive boy references. So you can only imagine how excited we were to try hair accessories from Bows2Cute. Being a skeptic of infant hair accessories, I was blown away by Bows2Cute. They specialize in "bows for fine, thin or barely there hair".  I was impressed by the quality, variety and customization of these hair accessories. 

Each bow is handmade -- the loops are tight, even and firmly secured to the clips.  They offer such a variety of snappies, headbands and bow styles. The bows offered are mini bows, animal bows, fruit bows, holiday bows and much more. I particularly liked the lovebug and butterfly clips. Every purchase is a customized order. For most bows, you can select from over 60 solid and 50 striped or polka dotted ribbons. You may also select from 6 different clip/hair band options - baby no-slip 1/5", no-slip 1.75, snappie, alligator clip, french clip and pony -o.

The No-Slip clips are Bows2Cute's most popular clip.  The No-Slip clips are lined with felt and available in two sizes (1.5 " and 1.75").  They really do fit snugly with just a few  strands of hair. The alligator clip is recommended for thicker hair, but it stayed on my little girl's bald head. How could I not love that!

CBB Deal: Take 20% off with coupon code: Celebritybaby. Expires June 1st. Shop Bows2Cute.com.

Zutano's sun hats: Cover that keppe!

With summer approaching and pleasant spring weather bringing us outside on a regular basis, don't forget to cover your child's head and protect his face from the sun. Zutano's adorable sun hats are a great way to keep those harmful rays off your little one's face. I love that they tie because Anya was constantly pulling her hats off. (I am hoping that now she's older and has better dexterity that she won't be unable to untie them this year!)

They're offered in an assortment of fashionable Baby Basics prints to coordinate with their Zutano outfits or other clothes. Zutano sun hats are 100% cotton and available in sizes 0 – 24 months. Gwen Stefani’s son Kingston Rossdale was spotted in the Z-love print sun hat!

You can purchase them directly at Baby Supermall and Bugs and Blossom.

Peekaboobaby Nursing Covers: Let your baby dine while dashing

Peekaboobaby's motto is "hip nursing covers for moms on the go". Since I'm always on the go (with a very active toddler and a 3 month old) -- I grabbed the nursing cover that they sent me for review and out we went.

Peekaboobaby sent their nursing cover in the Pom Pom print (pictured to the left). 
I tested it last week at a birthday party -- I slipped it over my head and discreetly nursed on the couch.  The full coverage was great -- I was comfortable and Allegra was happily feeding away.  The cotton was soft and comfortable on my always overheating skin. I also liked being able to "peek" at Allegra as she ate (due to the boning in the neckline). When she was done, I wiped her mouth with the very convenient little terry cloth pocket in the bottom corner.  The adjustable d-ring strap holds the nursing cover on securely.

Click continue reading for the full Peekaboobaby review.

Graco's imonitor Digital Baby Monitor: Can you hear me now?

I'm a big fan of Graco's imonitor Digital Baby Monitor ($89.99) -- because it lets us listen to our baby girl WITHOUT hearing static or interference.  When my son was born two years ago, we used an analog hand-me down baby monitor - but I didn't like it. There was too much static and I would hear the baby downstairs some of the time (we live in an apartment).  We still used it anyway, until it died. Then we got another brand's monitor and it was actually worse!  It interfered with our home phone.  Luckily the third time's the charm, because we love the imonitor. This digital baby monitor is crystal clear and I don't hear any other babies, but my own. The range is huge (I have a large apartment). The two parent units are very compact (literally half the size from our first monitor). They can clip onto your waistband or be stashed in a pocket - which comes in handy when chasing my two year old son around!

Click here to read the full Graco imonitor Digital Baby Monitor review.

Dress Me Up: Organic, understated cool

Seriously, people, if you're not shopping on Etsy at this point I question your sanity!  But then again, I'm on Etsy so often, I'm beginning to question my own.  I recently had another zen Etsy moment when I stumbled across Dress Me Up, an adorable line of organic and upcycled baby products by designer and creator Tressa Brotsky.  The Little Seed, Soleil Moon Frye's eco-friendly baby boutique in LA, likes Dress Me Up so much that they recently agreed to carry the line in-store.  We were lucky enough to test Dress Me Up's receiving blanket and burpcloth set, teething bonbons and rainbow soft block set and all I can say is -- Wow! -- what a find. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full review.

One Lil' Cupcake: The best felt hair clips

I really loved these hair clips from One Lil' Cupcake. I've mentioned them before, but I didn't realize just how much I loved them until Catie actually lost her pink heart clip during an unfortunate incident on the slide. We left the park in tears and I was so busy consoling her that I didn't realize the clip had fallen off until we were well on our way home.

I am so lucky that the kind people at One Lil' Cupcake so generously replaced our heart clip and also made us the proud owners of a chocolate flower and an indigo cupcake! I really, really love these, partly because they stay in her hair 99.9% of the time (note to self: check hair next time head is bumped on slide) but mostly because they are just so darn adorable. I mean really, really adorable.

Click continue reading for the entire One Lil' Cupcake review.

Taia Hair Clips: A collection of sweet hairclips I love

It is really such a blessing that I had a little girl, if only because I get to share all her hair accessories. I love all the clips from Taia Hair Clips, but most especially the chunkier style ones (as pictured here) b/c they look great in my own curly locks! Created by a makeup artist and now stay at home mom of two, Taia Hair Clips are handmade with a Velcro lining that ensures that they won't slip out of even the finest baby hair. With over 74 clips in the collection you are sure to find one you love.

Taia Hair Clips  recently participated in a Valentines goodie bag (Moms for Profit/Hybrid Mom) and gifted Leah Remini with 12 hair clips for her little girl.

Exclusively for CBB Reviews Readers: Enter code celebrity for 15% off your first purchase! Expires 01/02/10. Check out the full selection at www.sweettaia.com. Shipping is always free on orders over $35.

Polka Dot Frogs: A fresh take on a new favorite

Looking for a thoughtful gift for a girlfriend expecting her second (or third, or fourth) child?  Try a burp cloth/diaper clutch set from Polka Dot Frogs, and give her a little something for baby and for solo outings with the new big brother or sister.  Owner Stacy Lang, a mother of three, says she started Polka Dot Frogs both as a way to showcase her love of beautiful fabrics and as a way to share with others a more simplified approach to being out and about with baby. Two weeks ago we received the gift set in lime, and I'm definitely impressed with Stacy's products.

Click continue reading for the entire Polka Dot Frogs review.

Baby Dews: Head scarves for your little one

As a mom of a girl I am always looking for new ways to accessorize her hair -- specifically if it means that said accessory gets her hair out of her face!  A while ago a reader of this column asked me to check out Baby Dews, head scarves for children and babies, and I fell in love.

These adorable scarves are made to look like they're tied on but really they're little headbands with elastic that you pull over your kids head (can't hurt them). Made from vintage material (the selection is unbelievable -- you'll find that you can't choose just one), they are really soft and embroidered with a flower.

These are really adorable and come in sizes small through extra large. Check out the selection at www.babydews.com. Shipping is always FREE!

One Lucky Baby: Thanking my lucky stars for this blanket

There are two types of gift-givers at a baby shower: The registry enthusiasts, and the registry rebels. I used to fall into the former camp, dutifully buying the bouncy seat or diaper stacker, but as I've gotten older -- and had a few kids of my own -- I have a newfound respect for those who dare to bypass the registry altogether. If you're one of these renegade gift-givers, someone who appreciates the thrill of both giving and receiving a gift that is 100% original and handmade, then One Lucky Baby is for you. Owner Erin Vertolli started One Lucky Baby in 2004 after she was unable to find the "fun and sophisticated" items she wanted for her own child, and lucky for us she did! 

We recently tested a toddler blanket in the Mod Flowers print ($65; see picture, above left).  Measuring 30 x 40-inches, the blanket was the perfect size for our 4-year-old to snuggle with while watching his favorite cartoons. On one side, the blanket is backed with 'minky' -- an ultra soft fabric that Owen loves to feel against his face. On the other side, Erin chose the Mod Flowers print, which -- while not quite as plush -- is still totally soft to the touch.

AngelBug: Clever play and changing solutions

What happens when a Child Psychiatrist & Developmental Specialist designs products for her own children? Inspiration apparently! Displeased with the way that other play mats on the market failed to support her son during tummy time, Dr. Amy Fairchild set out to design the perfect infant play mat. Her wedge shaped Baby AngelBug Kick and Grow Tummy Zone Developmental Mat ($44.95) is unique, ergonomic and a huge hit with infants.

Click continue reading for the entire AngelBug review.

Symmetry Sleep System by Basic Comfort: Stop Flat Head

Basic Comfort just introduced the Symmetry Sleep Positioner ($79.99). This positioner helps to prevent Plagiocephaly (proper name for Flat Head Syndrome), and was designed by Dr. Ricardo Hahn (also known as Dr. Plagio) by combining a repositioning reminder system with medical technology that equalizes pressure on an infant’s skull.

Why am I concerned about this? Recently, the doctor told me that the right side of baby Allegra's head is flat. My doctor told me to try to alternate her sleep position so it does not get more serious.  Baby Allegra sleeps in a co-sleeper, on her back or her side (still swaddled) -- and she usually faces me (on the right side of her head). I didn't even think about putting her on her left side or alternating sides (called sleep rotation). For more information on Plagiocephaly, visit the website of Dr. Plagio (www.drplagio.org).

Click continue reading for the entire Basic Comfort Symmetry Sleep Positioner review & for an exclusive coupon code.

Hottie Tottie Designs: Have a hand in the design

I love personalized baby gifts. To me, they show that you went the extra mile for that new little person in the world. I'm also a softie for anything with my kids' names on it! If you are looking for personalized baby gifts, Hottie Tottie Designs makes absolutely precious products that can be personalized for no charge! 

We checked out one of their laminated bibs. They are nicely sized for newborns and will also work as drool bibs for older babies. And they wipe off very well. My new little darling (who spits up constantly) goes through many bibs a day -- I've found that the laminated ones clean up quickly and easily!!

Since I am also a diaper bag junkie, I loved Hottie Tottie's many darling diaper bags. Check out their cute diaper and wipe pouches, laminated diaper totes - I liked the Hot Pink Flower Power ($99), stroller totes - I liked the Pink Chocolate ($79), and elegant ribbon totes - the Pink and Brown Cotton Candy (left, $60) was my favorite. But my favorite bag was the custom diaper bag - loved the Eiffel Tower Bag. The staff will consult with you on creating a custom bag -- choose from small or large sized, with many different fabrics and options. You can even supply your own fabric -- how fun is that?  Note: allow two weeks for monogramming.

Hottie Tottie Designs has gifted Naomi Watts' and Liev Schreiber's son, Alexander Pete, with a personalized laminated Lime Toile Bib ($13.99).

Shop Hottie Tottie Designs or click here to find a retailer.

BabySense V Monitor: For your peace of mind

It's something that every new parent worries about. Is my baby breathing normally? How would I know if they stopped breathing, even for an instant? This constant worry can lead to sleepless nights and a lot of anxiety. But the reality is that as parents, we also need to sleep as well. And staying awake to watch the baby sleep, is not such a reasonable, long term option. And no, smacking your spouse to make him go check (and possibly wake up) the baby all night long is not acceptable either. Just because he's not breastfeeding and can drink the full-test at Starbucks does not mean sleep deprivation is OK for him either.

Fortunately for me, and other nervous moms and dads out there, we can now get a much better night's rest thanks to the BabySense V monitor from BabySafe. This monitor is easy to set up and simple to use. It slips under the mattress of your bassinet or crib and monitors even the slightest movements your baby makes while breathing during sleep. It will sound a loud alarm if your baby does not move for 20 seconds, or if the unit detects less than 10 micro-movements per minute. You can learn more about how the monitor works by watching this video about the BabySense V.

I like that this unit is separate from the video/sound monitors that we plan on using. It's not affected by interference and does it's dedicated job without needing to be connected to a wall outlet or plug. The unit is compact and can come with us when we travel -- it works in porta cribs as well as standard cribs and bassinets. To learn more about the BabySense V movement monitor, or to purchase, visit the website.

Bounce a Bye Balls: Bounce your troubles away

When my daughter was an infant, she had colic. Real bad colic. And my husband had a great butt. The greatest butt he has ever had in our over-a-decade long relationship, in fact. This was no mere coincidence -- because the only thing that would soothe my daughter, was walking up and down the stairs. Sometimes for hours. And being the awesome dad that he is, he would do this in the wee small hours. I praised both him and his bum!

Much as I enjoyed the side effects of this particular soothing method, it was exhausting and difficult for us sleep-deprived folks to routinely stairwalk at 4am. We really could have used a more stationary way to soothe our daughter with some gentle bouncing. Perhaps something we could have done with our eyes closed on occasion. We could have used the Bounce-a-Bye Baby ball from Luna Lullaby.

These big bouncy balls (similar to an exercise ball) sit in a stationary base and are designed to blend in with nursery decor. To soothe baby you simply take a seat and gently bounce. It's quite amazing how quickly the motion soothes a fussy infant. They may also be used to ease labor as a birthing ball, and for exercising with after baby arrives. They come in three nursery friendly colors/designs. My poor husband once again has a trim bum, thanks to our current baby, due in about a month's time. I've been on bedrest and he's been running up and down the stairs frequently, once again. But as much as he enjoys staying fit, I'm sure my husband is going to love catching a break from stairclimbing. We can't wait to use our Bounce-a-Bye Baby ball!

Natursutten Pacifiers: Better binkies for babies

I first glimpsed Natursutten Pacifiers at the Mom-2-Be show in Los Angeles and my radar was activated. There was something rather apealling about these simple, squishy binkies. No bling, no colors, but a pure simplicity that is refreshingly modern. And more importantly it was the fact that they are better for babies that caught my attention.

Non-toxic Natursutten Pacifiers are made from pure natural rubber from the tree Hevea brasiliensi. The Natursutten Pacifiers are softer than silicone, and they are extremely hygienic because they are molded in one piece. This means that there are no joints or cracks where dirt and bacteria can accumulate.

These pacifiers are:

• Free of Allergy causing substances
• Free of Artificial color
• Free of Cancer causing substances
• Free of Hormone disturbing substances
• Free of Chemical softeners
• Free of Parabens, PVC, BPA and phthalates

In addition to all this, the soft material and shape of the Natursutten Pacifiers has several advantages. The pacifier easily conforms to baby's natural mouth movements without leaving any marks on baby's sweet face. Despite the softness of the material, it is very strong and has passed strength "stretch tests". Above all, this may be the only binky on the market that is 100% natural, environment friendly and biodegradable. Now that's a happy mouthfull.

Natursutten Pacifiers are available in two shapes and several sizes, from Generation Orange online. Save 10% off anything at the Generation Orange site when you use the code "Orange".

Benk Baby Hats - They actually stay on and are incredibly beautiful

I searched everywhere for a hat that didn't have silly ears on the top and would stay on my daughter's head. Somewhere on the Internet I came across the small dutch label Benk. I love unique finds and I love how tasteful Benk's beautifully, handknitted baby hats, mittens and baby clothes are. Each hat is made from pure delicate 100% merino wool. The merino garments are light weight, breath well and are non-irritant to the skin.

After seeing some images on the site, I immediately contacted Angelique the owner and asked her what colors her hats came in. She explained to me she could do almost any color. I had her send me pictures of two different pinks and a chocolate brown. She was responsive and easy to work with. When I got my hat, I couldn't believe how beautiful and well made it was. I would recommend the FAE or the KEET hat for babies 0 - 6 months. It won't slip off and it's easy to get on fussy babies. There are many other styles to choose from for older babies and toddlers.

To order your Benk hat, contact Angelique here. Benk is offering FREE shipping for all customers.

For more of Doryn's tips and reviews, please go to www.dorynsdish.com

The Swing Scarf: Cover that swing and clean up playtime

Germ alert:  Moms seen everywhere squirting antibacterial gel on hands, covering shopping carts and restaurant high chairs with fabric to protect their tots. So what could have been next:  protective mittens, masks, or ... maybe covers for the swings at the park?  Does it sound neurotic?  Not at all.  The Swing Scarf ($28) is a simple and adorable solution to cover up the baby bucket swings at the park, which we've all seen can be pretty cruddy with outdoor and baby-related gunk. It fits well into the market space that is getting crowded with products that appeal to a Mom's natural aversion to exposing their kids to germs in public places. I was skeptical about using it as I immediately thought it might come across as anti-social among my neighbors at the playground. And on my third child, I also thought that I was over most of the germ neuroses--turns out, I'm not. My then 5-month old son was gumming everything around him, so rather than the usual swipe with a baby wipe onto the public surfaces, I undid the scrunchie-like band around the Swing Scarf (threw it around my ponytail for safekeeping), and in 15 seconds, Leo was swinging clean!

Most of the moms at the park thought it was a chic, fun and comfortable way to line the swing.  Were they just being nice because it was a novelty and I was soliciting their opinions, and do they really think I'm just another germ-phobic new mom?  Don't know, but also don't care, as I proudly line shopping carts and squirt away with the gel.  And it was simple as pie to use:  two holes for the legs, and a quick tie on each side.  The Swing Scarf is also very giftable for baby showers, as it comes beautifully wrapped.  And yes, our diaper bags are full with so many other fabulous accessories, but this one can be left in the car or stroller basket. Cheerful fabrics, easy to launder, and kudos to another mom-entrepreneur at the helm!  Free shipping for CBB readers through February 12 (no charges will appear at check out--no code to enter!).  Click here to purchase The Swing Scarf.

My Blankee: Repurpose that car seat in style

Baby Allegra is using a lot of her older brother's hand-me downs. Which I am fine with (and she doesn't care anyway). But when it came to using something like her brother's infant car seat, I wanted to girlify it up a bit.  Rather than buy a new one, we are using an adorable Infant Car Seat Cover from My Blankee ($99), with a hood. I picked the Watermelon Retro Dot Velour -- a snuggly white velour with brown, pink and celery green polka dots, it's pictured to the left, (with a JJ Cole Bundle Me on top of it.)

Installing My Blankee's Infant Car Seat Cover was easy. I have a Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat, but this car seat cover will fit most types of infant car seats . The infant car seat cover slipped on easily and stayed on securely. The hood was a little harder to attach. You pull the attachments out of the hood that it came with -- I had to unclick it and it was a little stubborn. Then use the regular hood attachments to attach the new hood (that part was simple). The hardest thing was actually picking what pattern and fabric I wanted. Click here to see the choices. You can also get a large and extra large size car seat cover (to fit a convertible car seat).

We also checked out one of their cute pillows. Covered in blue raised dot velour fabric, trimmed with satin, the small pillow (8" x 8")  was perfect for my two year old -- he loved cuddling with it. My Blankee has a lot of marvelous products for baby, like cuddly luxury blankees, baby clothing (check out the creative hooded baby capes), children's clothing, as well as baby bibs, hooded towels, and bumpers and dust ruffles for cribs. They also have spa quality robes (which would be a great gift for a expectant mom's hospital stay). You can also get adult- sized blankets. Since I spend a lot of time in my recliner nursing Allegra, a plush throw from My Blankee could come in handy during the many, many late night feedings!! You can personalize a lot of their fab products, like blankees, bibs, pillows, and crib sets. How awesome is that?

Constance Zimmer, Tori Spelling, Cynthia Daniel, Gwen Stefani and Angelina Jolie are all fans of this company's products.

Shop My Blankee.

Lovely Little Lovelies Baby Hair Clips: For your lovely child

Lovely Little Lovelies describes exactly what these are. My daughter was born with a HUGE head of hair, so since day one I've been searching for the perfect bows and clips. And believe me, there's one to match everything! It's so much fun. I am not particularly a bow person so I found these clips to be different  and absolutely beautiful. You can tell that the owner Liz pays very careful attention to every clip she makes. She was very accommodating when I had asked her to make certain ones for me in a smaller version for my daughter who is 4 months and with a velcro piece inside to stay on (they literally do not move on her head) and that I just wanted one clip, not a set. 

I think the best part of Lovely Little Lovelies are the fact that Liz obviously has amazing taste because the colors and the ribbons she chooses are beautiful. She is willing to help you with your needs, and I promise you, you will not be dissapointed with the quality. The details on some of her button clips are perfect and beautiful. I think I am going to be ordering some more soon ... to add to my already 10 or so clips!

For more of Doryn's reviews and tips, go to www.dorynsdish.com

Why I bought my.... Amazing Miracle Blanket

I've mentioned before that I am swaddling-challenged. When my son Ben was an infant two years ago, my husband and I had such a hard time getting the swaddling right (we were following Dr. Harvey Karp's Happiest Baby on the Block's techniques). The blanket would always end up coming untucked and my baby would let me know his displeasure. We ended up sleeping less and less and got crankier and crankier.

My husband's friend had sent us two of the Amazing Miracle Blankets as a new baby gift -- and we quickly fell in love with them. Finally we could get the swaddling done quickly, even in the middle of the night. We quickly bought several more and rotated them so we always had a clean one on hand. He slept better and a was very calm baby. We swaddled Ben until he was about 4 months old (and still wish we could go back to the days that a securely wrapped blanket would help my boy sleep). Pictured up on the top left is a happily swaddled sleeping Ben and his daddy. I love this product so much that I often buy it as a new baby gift.

Enter second child Allegra (who at press time is 3 weeks). While I love the muslin swaddle blankets that I've tested -- at night, every night, she's in the cotton Amazing Miracle Blanket, swaddled happily. I can wrap her up easily in my sleepy exhausted state. The Amazing Miracle Blanket is 100% cotton and has two inside flaps to secure the arms.  There is also a longer flap to cross over both arms and a long flap to wind around the baby to secure them. On their website, miracleblanket.com, you can watch a video to figure out how to use the blanket. I only wish there was a way to keep it closed, you have to tuck it in somewhere and sometimes its hard to find a place. 

Winter special: Shop miracleblanket.com and buy now and get 10% off all blankets. If you have twins or triplets, take 15% off orders of two or more. 

The Clean Burper: The way to burp

Don’t you love when you’re all ready to go out for the day or the evening and you pick up your little cutie pie and BAM, spit up on your outfit? My daughter has acid reflux and with that comes a lot of spit up no matter what medicine or formula she is on. Regular burp cloths are just not big enough to catch what my daughter so proudly leaves on my shoulder.

I recently ordered The Clean Burper after seeing an advertisement and I absolutely love it! Not only does it fit perfectly on your shoulder, but it absorbs well, is very soft and is the perfect size for Mom or Dad. It covers you really well back and front because let’s be honest, they don’t spit up in one direction! This is definitely my favorite new baby item to date!

You can get one at cleanburper.com for $20

For more of Doryn's reviews and tips, go to www.dorynsdish.com.

QuickZip Sheets from Clouds and Stars

My two year old was sick with an upset stomach a few nights ago. After my husband scooped him out of his crib, I had to quickly change his sheets. Usually changing a crib sheet is a hassle. You have to untie the bumpers, and even though it's supposed to be snug fitting for safety reasons, putting on a clean tight-fitting crib sheet when you are trying to get your baby back in their crib isn't very easy.

I have been testing out the Clouds and Stars' QuickZip Starter Set - which consists of the QuickZip Sheet and Zipper Base. Clouds and Stars was started by two moms, Joan and Elizabeth. When I had to quickly change my toddler's sheets the other night, I didn't have to untie his bumpers, all I had to do is unzip the QuickZip Sheet from the Zipper Base and zip on a fresh, clean QuickZip Sheet. After putting my son in new pajamas, he was back in a clean crib immediately.

Click continue reading below to read the entire QuickZip Sheets review.

Kensington Baby - Hat's off (or on!)

Newborns need to wear hats constantly to keep in their body heat. And since this is my second child, she is wearing lots of hand-me downs, especially from when her brother was a baby. Which means lots of blue, green and yellow hats. Not very feminine or even cute. Owner Claire Cintel from Kensington Baby was kind enough to send my newborn All