Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Kushies Cloth Diapers: Our adventure with cloth diapering

I was shocked at how many disposable diapers we were using per day for my two kids. Then I pictured all of those diapers in a landfill. Scary, huh? So, I decided to try cloth diapers from Kushies for our 5-month-old (and stepped up the potty training for my toddler). There are a few factors for me to consider when it comes to cloth diapering: We live in an apartment and we use coin operated washing machines in the basement. Due to schedules, I can only do laundry a few nights a week. What was I going to do with soiled diapers? How much was it going to cost to wash all these diapers and would I have to wash them multiple times? Since we had just gotten a new diaper pail, the Diaper Dékor Plus, I used it to store the soiled ones. When I needed to use a disposable diaper, I would just use my old pail.

I was really impressed with Kushies' Cloth Diapers. Baby Allegra loved them from the start -- they were so soft and comfortable for her. We tried the Classic Infant Diapers 5 pack ($57.25) and the Diaper Wraps ($8.60 each) -- which you can put over the diaper to give it a little extra absorbency during nighttime, naptime, etc. Kushies' diapers are made with 8 layers of 100% cotton flannelette. They have velcro tabs, so no diaper pins needed. They have a special flap allowing for more absorbency (folded in front for boys and in the middle for girls). The prints are very cute too. During the summer, they can even look like part of an outfit. I definitely had loads of questions - how to wash, etc., but I easily found the answers in their FAQ's.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review & an exclusive coupon code.

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.

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?

UPPAbaby Bubble: Through snow, wind and rain, protect your infant car seat

Ever tried to tote your infant car seat in bad weather? Even using a huge umbrella, one of you is going to get soaked (okay, you are). For a better solution, try the UPPAbaby Bubble ($19.99). It will protect your baby's infant car seat from the elements, whether you are holding or strolling with your infant car seat and you'll get to use the umbrella at the same time.

The Bubble pops right open from its package and fits right over your baby's infant car seat. It will protect your babe from rain, wind, sun and bugs. It's from the cool folks that brought you the awesome UPPAbaby Vista Stroller, which I reviewed last year (click here to read the review).

Kuster Jellybaby Change Mat & Bath Toy Storage: Change' em and clean 'em

A few weeks ago, my toddler came down with Shingles (luckily they were not painful, just a contagious rash). We realized our baby could be exposed through contact on our changing table, which she shares with our son. We had just received Küster's Jellybaby Change Mat ($69.99), which fit right onto the current changing pad on our changing table. Weeks later, my son is fine and we're actually still rotating the different changing pads for both kids (because it really helped to keep things sanitary). The Jellybelly Change Mat comes with a terrycloth cotton liner and fits all standard change stations. Available in blue, cream and pink, the mat is made of very comfortable memory foam and is never cold (important for those middle of the night diaper changes!). The mat is very easy to clean and comes in a plastic carry bag, which is good because this one will be coming on car trips with us. We love it!

If you are anything like us, you have too many bath toys in your bathroom and never have a good place to keep them. We were using a sand toy bucket, but when you toss wet plastic bath toys in it with no ventilation, they got moldy. We ended up throwing out a bunch and and had to buy more. This time, we tried laying them out on a towel to dry, but it took up too much room in our small bathroom. We found a solution in Küster's Bath Toy Storage Pail ($24.99). It's actually two pails together -- one with holes on the bottom that fits into a solid pail. It's designed to scoop up and hold the wet toys and then allow them to drain free of water -- you simply tip the water out afterward. It's also very compact and comes with handles. It takes up less room than the other bucket we were using. Now if my husband would just build a shelf to keep it on....

Buy Küster products at barebabies.com.

CBB Deal: Use code: cbb10offkuster for 10% off.

 

Cozywedge: Cozy up to this bumper alternative

I was worried about using a traditional padded bumper in my new baby's crib due to the risk of SIDS, but I found a great alternative in the CozyWedge ($59.99) from Inspired Ideas. Invented by Margaret Pressler, a mom of three, it's a firm wedge-shaped bumper that won't form a pocket around a baby's nose and mouth, making it a safer choice than a padded bumper.  It consists, basically, of firm foam wedges that you insert into a fabric slipcover which comes available in either 100% organic cotton solid or 100% cotton print.  It is then securely tied to the crib's rails and used as a crib bumper; It fits snugly and won't slip down between the rails.

The company just sent Tori Spelling one for her daughter's arrival next month.

Click Continue Reading for the rest of the review & an exclusive coupon code.

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.

Update: Solana Introduces Organic Swaddle Wraps

Solana just introduced organic swaddle wraps ($39.99) in two types, sheer and stretchy. The stretchy wrap really came in handy the other night. My 11 week old has gotten so big and long. I quickly wrapped her in Solana's oversize stretchy blanket and she went back to sleep. Luckily so did I! Solana has 6 new organic swaddle wraps. With trims such as "baby tree" - a swirly green, "pure hugs" - dark blue swirls on light blue, and "flower child" - flowers in different shades of pink; these blankets come in either sheer or stretchy organic cotton. Oversized at 45" by 45", these blankets are made in the USA.

This is one blanket she will not grow out of -- I even doubled it over like a triangle and it still fit her. Most likely we'll stop swaddling her in a few weeks, but it was good having an over-sized swaddle wraps. These blankets can also serve as lightweight covers for your stroller or as nursing shawls.

Click Continue reading for the original Solana review and an exclusive coupon.

These are a few of my favorite things

Here is a list of my recommendations for must-haves for baby. Many of these items are things I had or wish I had.

Nursing
Nursing pads: Lansinoh (thin, contoured, absorbent), LilyPadz silicon nursing pads
Nursing bras- Le Mystere, Grenier, Anita style 5075
Pump: I had the Mustela Pump in Style Advanced but if you work full-time, consider renting a hospital grade model.
Bottles: Dr. Brown wide bottles (if you breastfeed, these have a wider nipple that is more like the breast)
Bottle dryer: Skip Hop Splash

Diapering
Newborn diapers: Pampers Swaddlers
Huggies (best for diaper blow-outs) or Pampers Cruisers
Wipes: Huggies, Noodle & Boo cleansing cloths
For diaper changes on the go: Patemm Pad and Skip Hop Pronto
Mirror for the changing area

Babywearing
Sling: Rocking Mama
Pouch: Peanut Shell, Hotsling
Wrap:
Hip carrier: My husband liked the Playtex Hip Hammock
If you have a Baby Bjorn, get a Baby Bjorn cover from Baby Bella Maya

Baby clothes
Carter's onesies that have no tags
Babystyle's clothes run wide and long
Petit Bateau run small
Bonpoint onesies have no tags, run small
If you live in a NYC apartment with steam heat, you will need lots of onsies for the winter and footy pajamas for the fall and spring.

Announcements and stationery
Tiny Prints and Buttercup Kids

Diaper bags
Fleurville Sling, can be carried messenger or tote style
Skip Hop Dash and Expo
For dads: Guys Infant Gear bags

Swaddle designs swaddling blanket or thin, square blanket

Fisher Price Swing - a LIFESAVER in the early weeks and months
Bumbo seat
Tiny Love Gymini playmat
Tiny Love mobile
Arm's Reach Co-sleeper - better than a bassinet because it keeps baby closer to you
Umbrella stroller: Combi Cosmo DX
Regular stroller: Bugaboo Frog, Baby Jogger City Series

After delivery
Ice packs
Donut for postpartum sitting
Dermoplast (but not antibiotic kind because it will burn)
Bring perineal squirt bottle home from hospital to use on the toilet

Books
Dr. Sears, The Baby Book, The Breastfeeding Book
Harvey Karp, The Happiest Baby on the Block
Elizabeth Pantley, No-Cry Sleep Solution
Dr. Ferber
Baby Bargains
Lila Guide

Magazines
Child
Cookie
Mothering
New Beginnings (La Leche League magazine)

Toys
Tiny Love Double Sides book
Tana Hoban, Black and White books (great for newborns)
Goodnight Moon board book
The Going to Bed Book board book
Pat the Bunny

Lillebaby Eurotote: Carry on and on...

Tired of lugging around that bulky infant car seat? Or are you looking for a way to keep your baby warm in their stroller? The Lillebaby EuroTote ($119) by Scandinavian Child is an alternative way to transport your child (though don't discount babywearing!) or keep them snug in their stroller -- plus several other ways to use it. Brooke Burke, Jessica Alba and Kim Raver have all been recently gifted with this item.

I started testing it around two weeks ago, when baby Allegra was about a month, old. I had started resuming my normal activities -- like taking my son to his twice weekly gym class. But I had a dilemma, how could I get BOTH kids there?

Click continue reading for the full Lillebaby EuroTote review.

 

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.

Picci Bedding: Anything but ordinary!

We had such boring bedding for my son when he was an infant. White sheet, white bumper. No frills, nothing special. For my second baby, I wanted something a little fun (plus his bumper and sheets were so grimy and didn't hold up very well anyway). I came across crib bedding from Picci and fell in love. 

We chose the Hippy Balls Bedding Set ($350), from Picci's Contemporary Collection (pictured to the left). I went with this playful 100% cotton soothing swirly palate of aqua, green, tan and white with chenille accents because it perfectly matched the colors in our Sea and Sky themed nursery. The set contains a fitted sheet, bumpers, dust ruffle and comforter. I liked the fine quality of the bedding (and most likely the bumpers and the comforter will be used as our baby girl gets a little bit older).

From the elegant Cotton Collection, you can choose from 13 different styles. If I was going to go for pink, I'd check out the Hippy Flowers ($350) -- a fun modern floral collection of hot pink, pale pink and white, or the Scarlet ($300) -- a classic pink with tiny white ruffles or the Taormina ($300) -- a sweet pink and white set with organdie trim. They have several blue and neutral color bedding sets, also. If you want to go really luxe, choose from Picci's silk collection - absolutely stunning! Choose from Champagne, Caterina, Grace or Aspin.

Founded nearly 40 years ago in Florence, Italy by Paola Cherubini, Picci's gorgeous collections are handmade in Italy from 100% Egyptian cotton and 100% silk. Picci also uses hypoallergenic padding and non-toxic paints in all bedding and accessory products.

Celebrities such as Marcia Cross, Heidi Klum, Usher, Nancy O'Dell, Ming-Na, Tony Hale and Casey Affleck are fans. Picci's Petra bedding set was featured on the season opener of ABC's Extreme Makeover  Home Edition on September 30, 2007.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Shop Barebabies.com and use coupon code CBB-10. This will entitle you to free shipping for any Picci order over $99 along with a 10% discount for anything from Picci.

DaBib: De lovely!

I recently tested out DaBib - funny name, but a good product! You can choose either the Hugs or Giggles style (each retail for $12.99). It was designed by a mom (which I love!).

According to the DaBib website, the Hugs style of DaBib is "a solid blue, pink or yellow micro fiber terry front with a complimentary waterproof backing. All of our bibs feature our patent pending, 'Scrunch Neckline' and the reversible crumb catcher. Its made of 80% polyester and 20% nylon." 

The Giggles style of DaBib is described as a waterproof bib that wipes off with ease! It's machine washable too! It's made of 100% polyester and has a pocket to catch food.

I tested both bibs with my toddler. I liked the Giggles style for mealtime and Hugs for playtime. I liked that it was non-toxic and lead free (tested by an independent lab). 

DaBib has a celeb following. Debra Messing took one of each style at a recent event. Leeza Gibbons called the design "brilliant" and took a few of each style, both Hugs and Giggles.  Kevin Dillon raved about the bibs, taking a few Hugs bibs for his daughter Ava. Expectant mother Constance Zimmer was also an admirer of Da Bib at the 59th Annual Prime Time Emmys.

Ready to buy? Shop dabib.com. Free shipping when you buy three or more bibs!

Abe jones: For your growing individual

I recently came across abe jones, a great line of clothes. As the tag line on the website says, it is style “for your growing individual.” These clothes for boys or girls are individual, unique and gorgeous. They are also beautifully made. I love the boys’ yellow cowboy shirt and the pants are cool enough for any mini-hipster.

The girls clothes are so adorable, that they really do make me wish I had a girl, luckily I have a niece. I love the pleat tank dress  and the infant tank dress. They are beautiful and I’d probably wear them myself. They are girly in a way that even I, who am not usually very girl, can really appreciate. They're simple, stylish and absolutely gorgeous. And the colors are lovely. The T-shirts are really cool too. We have the “Hot Rod” (shown at left) for Grae and Finn is very jealous. I love the gray color and, of course, we all love the image. These are great for both boys and girls and come in sizes from 3 months to 6T. Very soft and comfy as well as super cool.

There are also some lovely ribbon tees for girls that are adorable- a small appliqué of fabric in the front and a ribbon that ties in the back. Finally the lounge sets are perfect for a lazy, wind down outfit. No reason why your baby can’t be stylish while lounging about, too. Grae loves his bedtime lounge set for wiggling around on the floor. Since it’s a nice stretchy cotton top and bottom, it works really well now that he has decided to skip crawling and at 6 months is working really hard at walking. These come in sizes for  6 –24 months.  He’s not really into lounging, he's too busy trying to be his 2 year old brother, but it works for him anyway.

The abe jones Spring/Summer 08 line is coming soon and I’m sure will be just as wonderful. It will be available for purchase online in March. Several items from the Fall/Winter collection on the abe jones  site are currently on sale. Please visit abejones.com for more information, as well as to find retailers that offer these beautiful clothes.  I have to say that these clothes are even better in person than in the pictures and they are beautiful in the pictures.

Especially for CBB readers: go to abejones.com to use coupon code celeb15 for 15% off of all purchases through February 11, 2008.

Tiny Tales: catcher and keeper of baby’s first stories

Tiny Tales is an amazing idea. I cannot say how much it means to me to have had this to try out. When my first son was born, I had plenty of time to write everything down. His baby book has every detail of everything he did from the moment he was born (until his brother was born anyway) and is full of pictures. Actually we have 4 or 5 albums full of pictures. For baby two, all of that fell by the wayside and we have nothing done. We have maybe a handful of pictures of him in the hospital and in his first days home instead of the hundreds we have of his brother. He has an album, but it is still empty, completely,  and he is now 6 months old. We would have no record of anything he’s done in his life beyond his birth date if it weren’t for Tiny Tales.

Tiny Tales gives you an acrylic box with a pad for recording milestones and a set of dividers. We have the “Baby Tales” kit. And thank goodness we do. The box contains two 4x6 notepads (you can leave one at home in the box and take one with you if you really want to be ready) and four dividers for baby’s first year.  The clear acrylic box makes it easy to see what’s inside so you easily remember to mark important moments down on the pad and the dividers make it easy to organize the sheets or add photos. They suggest that you compile the results into an album of baby’s first year. Hopefully we will someday transfer the contents of Grae’s “Baby Tales” into his very nice, empty album along with all of the other mementos and the piles of photos we have managed to compile. Without Tiny Tales we’d be missing the important details like when he first rolled over and sat up and everything else he’s doing very quickly every day.

The pads offer check boxes to get you started and a place for the date and notes on the details. Also available are “Toddler Tales,” “Expecting Tales” and “Personalized Tales” that you can customize with your own divider headings. Refill pads are also available. Any of these, or all, would make a great gift.

Especially for CBB readers, visit www.tiny-tales.com for 10% off with coupon code CBB through February 4, 2008.

Reviews Roundup: Baby shower presents that will comfort and soothe baby

Sometimes finding the perfect gift to give at a Baby Shower might seem impossible. But it doesn't have to be. If your goal is to find something that will wrap baby in comfort and warmth, these are great picks to consider.

Mio Piccolo luxury blankets this is a good idea for Grandparents or others with a larger budget in mind. Parents adore receiving an indulgent gift they would feel too guilty to buy for themselves. These plush and comfy blankets are handmade to order, cost approximately $120 and measure 28x30. Right now Libellulacreations.com has them for 25% off on their site, that's a savings of $30, making the price $90.

Robeez are a great idea for the budget-conscious.  These soft leather booties are a baby staple, and there are plenty of adorable gender-neutral styles.  Every parent will ooh and aah when looking at the tiny pair, and the Robeez are always remembered long after as a thoughtful and practical gift.

Need more ideas? Click here to see more great shower picks.

Reviews Roundup: Baby shower presents that provide something for mom, too

I have two favorite baby shower gifts to give. And both involve buying Mommy some valuable time.

My first favorite are the Tiny Love baby mobiles. I received one as a present for my own shower and it was my most useful gift. From the moment I placed it on my child's crib I was in love. And my daughter loved it, too. She loved watching it from even a very young age and it gave me a great chance to take a shower. It soothed her to sleep and entertained her exactly when needed. When I purchase it for friends now, I pick up the Symphony Light & Motion Mobile - Nature mobile.

 

My other favorite gift is another Tiny Love product, it's the DVD MagIQ. I am not one of those moms who believes in letting your youngster watch TV. But I also believe in everything in moderation and sometimes a simple shower is needed. The DVD MagIQ is the sweetest, cuddliest little plush toy. With a sensor that calibrates to the DVD it comes with. He sings along with the DVD and the songs are catchy and cute. My peanut would sit for that DVD for at least 20 minutes, and most of it was spent snuggling with the plush or messing with his cool textured feet or glowing belly button.

Time alone is a true blessing to any new mom and both of these products buy you some of that -- in limited quantities, but time nonetheless.

Medibuddy: On the Go First Aid Kits

Like most moms, I try to carry at least band-aids with me when we go to the playground or indoor place spaces, in case of accidents. But what if my child really hurts himself (luckily it hasn't happened yet). Could I take care of even a minor injury? What should I have with me?  These are questions that I'm sure have gone through your head too.

Me4kidz.com attempts to solve this issue with their on -the-go Medibuddy Kid Friendly Kit ($4.95), which was created by a mom. It has 40 items packed compactly in a eyeglass case size plastic pack. It fits perfectly in a diaper bag, car trunk, or stroller basket. And for that low price, it makes sense to keep one in your diaper bag or stroller and one in your car. It's also perfect for vacations!  I don't leave home without it anymore.

The On-the-Go Medibuddy Kit contains:

(15) 3/4 “ X 3” Red, Blue & Yellow Crayon Bandages
(1) 3” Knee &  Elbow Bandage
(1) Sting Relief Pad
(4) 2” X 2” Gauze Pads (2 Two Packs)
(3)  5” X 8” Antiseptic Wipes (sting free)
(1) Burn Relief Cream
2) Antibiotic  Ointments
(12) Kid Friendly Fun Stickers                  

All products are latex free. The price is reasonable and I like that I don't have to worry that I won't be prepared if my son falls down and scrapes himself. 

For the house, you could obtain the original Medibag Kit (which has 117 items). They even make a Medibag kit for pets!

Shop for this and their other products at me4kidz.com. It is also available at Babies R Us.

Peanut Shell's New Nursing Covers and Baby Wraps

Danielle, our publisher, gave me my first pouch-style sling almost 2 years ago. It was a fleecy light green Peanut Shell Pouch-style Sling and I loved wearing my then- infant son in it.  She and our Reviews Editor, Teba, showed me how to wear it properly.   Marcia Cross, Brooke Shields, Dayna Devon, Jenna Elfman and Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) are all fans of the Peanut Shell Baby Slings.

Now, poised on the end of my second pregnancy, I was delighted to learn that the company now makes stylish nursing covers and baby wraps,  in addition to their gorgeous pouch-style slings. I recently tested out the Red Yoko Nursing Cover and the Girly Skull Baby Wrap.

The nursing cover in the Red Yoko print ($29) was adorable and very well made. The cover has light boning on the top (so you can see baby, but people can't see your goodies).It's is made of a light cotton fabric that was comfortable against my skin (and I'm sure it will be comfortable against my new baby's).  The bottom corners each have a storage pocket made of a soft cotton jersey fabric. The cover also comes with a matching burp cloth - how cool is that!!  I liked that you could match their nursing covers to the pouch slings.  I like to match things, so I will probably order the matching sling after baby comes.  The nursing cover folded up very small (as does the pouch sling), making it easy to tuck in your diaper bag. This nursing cover is perfect as a stocking stuffer or a belated Hanukkah present.

I also tested out the Girly Skull Baby Wrap ($99) - a voluminous black baby wrap with a girly skull applique. I liked this wrap a lot (having only used the Ultimate Baby Wrap before). According to the Peanut Shell's website, the wrap "utilizes both shoulders, for a 2 shouldered carry that evenly distributes the weight across both shoulders and your back. The design is a long cascade of specialty stretchy fabric that you wrap around your body to create the perfect carry for you and your baby."  Even being 8+ months pregnant when I tested this out, it held my 24 pound squirmy toddler sturdily and I still had fabric to spare. The 2 shouldered carry really supported his weight and took the natural strain of carrying him off my back and shoulders. Just remember to spread the fabric out over your back. Using the wrap to carry Ben was easier than carrying him around in my arms. I think a wrap is perfect to use with a newborn/infant, I intend to use this when my daughter arrives in January. Having my hands free will be great with a toddler! 

There are two other choices for wraps with appliques - Riding in Style - a blue, teal and crystal motorcycle image or Cupcake Couture. If you prefer, you can also get a black solid colored wrap for $69.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Order now through December 15th and use promo code PSWINTER for 10% off (retail only).    Valid through 12.15.07. 

Kumquat: the perfect clothes to keep and to give

Kumquat makes the most adorable clothes. Not only are they cute and stylish, but they are comfy too. Offering a wide variety of styles, these exceedingly cool baby clothes for boys and girls are offered in sizes for preemie through 24 months. There is so much to choose from. The line offers several prints and stripes each season for their very cute onesies, pants, skirts, dresses, tees, kimono wrap tops, blankets and so on. There are just way too many options to mention and each one is cuter than the last. I was lucky enough to receive two of their Fall 07 boy gift sets to try out on my son, Graedy. We love them. They are soft and stretchy and the fit is perfect. Plus they are adorable. He looks so cute. We have the airplane and the polar bear. Each one came with a long sleeve lap tee and a pair of pants that can be worn together or mixed with anything else. They are a really great gift option, as are any of the other items. The gift sets come in versions for both boys and girls that are perfect for the new baby gift.

Kumquat offers so many things I love that I either need more babies of my own or many more babies to buy gifts for. The clothes for girls are so cute they make me wish I had a little girl. They are very stylish and girly in a way that even I, who is not very fond of girly- girly anything, can love. I especially love the girl’s “Heartbeat” (featured for gift sets on the catalog page) and “Black Dandelion” (photo above, left) gift sets for Spring 08. The Spring 08 line offers more great prints and stripes as well as some very cute seersucker and, of course, the gift sets. The very fashionable clothes are not just popular with me and Graedy, Kumquat appeared in an episode of Sex in the City and more recently was worn by Danielynn for her 1st Birthday party as seen on The Insider and in US magazine, as well as here on CBB. You can find Kumquat at www.jujubeaneboutique.com or visit kumquatbaby.com for more information.

Especially for CBB readers: Use code CBB to receive free domestic shipping and flat rate international shipping for the month of December at www.jujubeaneboutique.com

Dream Baby Safety Gates- Protect Wide (Open) Spaces

We're finally done renovating our kitchen. Since we have an active toddler and a baby on the way, we wanted to make sure we had a good kitchen gate to keep the kids out.  We needed a pressure-mounted gate because we didn't want anything that would leave a mark on the new cabinet or the wall (we knocked down the wall that was between the kitchen and the dining room).

To make this even harder, we needed an extra-wide gate that could be extended to 54 inches. They just don't sell that width in the huge baby stores and online. I actually could only find one company that made such a wide, extendable gate. Luckily Dream Baby, owned by Australian-based company Tee-Zed, makes an extra wide hallway gate with extensions.  I had reviewed this company last month.  Click here to read that review.  You can also use their great gates to protect your Christmas tree or holiday displays. 

To close off our kitchen, we chose the extra wide hallway gate  in black (which will fit spaces from 38" to 42") with two 7" extensions. The fit was perfect. We chose the black color which matches our appliances and counter top!  White is also available - but the black looks so terrific. The pressure-mounted gate and extensions were very easy for my husband to install. With this gate, you can get pick extensions from 3" ($12.99 each ), 7" ($18.99 each) or 10" ($23.99 each). This one-handed gate is very easy for adults to work (and I love that it automatically shuts behind me). Also, you can open it in both directions - so cool.  I had never seen that before.  A very helpful function when a toddler has planted himself in front of the gate and is trying desperately to get inside. My son has been trying to open it himself, but hasn't been able to figure it out (yeah!). I believe it is so secure that he won't be able to figure it out for years.

Thank you Dream Baby - you saved us from having our toddler run amok in our new kitchen!!  Click here to find a Dream Baby retailer.

Red Castle's Fabulous Footmuffs for Babies and Toddlers

Stroller bunting is a required item for my child. We walk outside a lot, in all kinds of weather, here in NYC. I love putting taking him outside, snuggly and warm in his stroller blanket (and skipping the uncomfortable winter jacket when I can). The cuddlier the stroller bunting, the better.

Red Castle, brought to the US by the very smart Euro-Baby brand, makes the fab Red Castle Whizz Stroller and the new Red Castle Sport Multi-Position Carrier.  Did you know they also make stroller accessories that will fit on practically every type of stroller? They recently sent me one of their Red Castle footmuffs for stroller use and the Topsit Plus Footmuff for an infant car seat.

We tested out the Footmuff in Frosted Brown with the Turquoise lining. Ben loved snuggling in it (and it fit several of our strollers perfectly). You can also use this in a carrycot before your baby can sit up as cozy, warm bedding. The two-way zippers makes it easier to take your child in and out of it. Just zip off the top blanket layer off if the weather requires it. This footmuff is stain repellent, breathable, wind and waterproof.  It was long enough to ensure that he could use this next year also.

For infant carseats, Red Castle's Topsit Plus is a intelligent idea. Simply place this waterproof, warm, fleece lined outer cover over your child's infant car seat. No need for complicated snowsuits or tugging a jacket onto a sleeping or cranky, wriggling baby.  The fitted hood keeps baby's head warm too. I love that the Topsit Plus is warm, stain-proof, zips up or down easily and is machine washable (always a plus). We will be taking this to the hospital with us in January (when I give birth) to take the new baby girl home in. I didn't really want to put a snowsuit on a newborn - too huge anyway and its hard to keep a child swaddled in a car seat. This way, I know she'll be safe and warm and we won't have to worry about a jacket. Since this product easily slips over the infant car seat, it does not interfere with straps, buckles or safety requirements. We're loving it!

Click here to find a Red Castle retailer.

Solana Swaddle Wraps

My husband and I are big followers of Dr. Harvey Karp, who recommends swaddling as part of his 5 S's for calming a baby (swaddling, shushing, swinging (NOT SHAKING), sucking (pacis) and side-positioning the baby). Thanks to my cousin Andi, we knew to know this before our son arrived two years ago. We had trouble swaddling Ben, due to our own inefficiency in wrapping him up. But with Solana's lightweight blankets made of muslin or gauze, we will be ready to swaddle baby #2 a little better.

According to Solana's website, "Our 100% cotton, soft and thin baby swaddle blankets are designed to comfort babies without overheating them. They are also made large enough to ensure a secure swaddle for either a small or big baby. Because our fabrics are so breathable, you can still feel the shape of your baby through the wrap. This allows you to not only get a good grip but your baby can also feel the warmth and comfort of your arms and hands as you hold them." And, of course, the prints and patterns are also cute (another plus).

Doctors recommend not to swaddle the baby with heavy blankets (risk of overheating). Since our apartment building turns up the heat way too high, especially in the winter, we will be using Solana's Swaddle Wraps to keep our baby comfortable and calm!!  Celebs also love these wraps - they've been gifted to Tori Spelling, Marcia Cross and Samantha Harris.

These lightweight swaddle blankets are hand-made in Australia. The website also has detailed swaddling directions for those clueless parents like me! 

Solana was started by Teresa Marcum and Sunny Willmington-Wight. They each had two children and discovered swaddling was too hot in the Arizona heat. So they tried swaddling with larger squares of lightweight cotton. They were also big fans of Dr. Karp. "They decided that using their wraps with the 'Happiest Baby' soothing techniques was something every mom should have in their book of baby tricks! And so Solana Babywear was born! As the company evolved and as they did more research, the friends were excited to discover that recent medical studies and physicians were recommending swaddling to help prevent colic, SIDS and Shaken Baby Syndrome; and that they also recommend swaddling in nothing thicker than a t-shirt to help prevent SIDS linked to overheating. Thrilled that they could offer a product to help moms protect their babies and to help everyone get a good nights sleep, Theresa and Sunny heartily pursued their dreams. They now proudly offer a wide range of loose-weave, breathable and over-sized swaddling wraps so moms in every climate can help to soothe and protect their babies."

We're loving Solana. You can get the starter two pack for $20 or the special or limited editions for $30 each. A portion of the proceeds go to Shaken Baby Syndrome Charities.

Exclusive for CBB Readers:  Use code 'celebrity' for a 10% discount off your entire order.

Shop Solanababywear.com

31 Weeks Pregnant: Bumpil On The Way -Maternity Pillow that converts to so much more!

I'm 31 weeks pregnant this week and my leg cramps had been growing steadily worse. The only way I was getting relief from the leg cramps has been to jump onto my feet in the middle of the night. I'm also not sleeping very well. I asked to review the Bumpil On The Way (retails for around $59) to see if it could help me feel better and get some rest. It did and I got an added benefit!

You can use the Bumpil On The Way to cuddle up with, prop your back up or under your legs. One week with the Bumpil On The Way, propping up my legs, and they've basically STOPPED!!  I hate sleeping on my side, so I use pillows to prop my back up (so I'm kind of tilted onto my side).  I am just not comfortable totally sleeping on my side (neck issues). I was using the Bumpil to prop me up also, but once I saw it stopped my leg cramps, I was in heaven and just cannot go back to using it any other way. I'm still not sleeping, but I don't think the Bumpil On The Way can help with that!!

This product is so multi-functional!  After you give birth, use it as a nursing pillow in your lap (its doctor and lactation consultant approved!). When your babe is a little older, use it to prop her up so she can see the world. Then just unzip it and you can make a safe space for tummy time or a portable infant play area (just slide the bumpers into place). A cute little satin tummy pillow is inside also. Just be sure to place the baby on the floor (don't use the bed or table - not secure). I love that you can use it in so many different ways!  The Bumpil is also machine washable!! Which is wonderful after your baby spits up on it!

Anne Dockendorf is the inventor and the head of the Bumpil Company. According to their website, "Beginning with her need for comfort during pr pregnancy and occurring again when she attempted to use a breastfeeding pillow that failed to work as well as she had hoped it would, she was frustrated.  Moreover, when she wanted to lay her infant daughter down nearby and was unable to lug a heavy playpen around with her after having a C-section, she, as many mothers do, placed pillows around her daughter as a barrier.   This method was easily undermined by baby rolling against or pushing the pillows out of the way.  The solution was to fix the pillows in place.  With this, this mom-inventor along with a team of engineers created a lightweight place for baby and folded this special infant area into the maternity and infant nursing pillow now available on the market." 

The company also offers the Bumpil Original Pillow (retails for around $46) - also great for maternity sleep support, as a baby head and neck support and infant play area.  Anne discussed the difference between the two pillows via email, "There is a big difference between the two pillows.  The Original is more like a body pillow or an over-sized bed pillow that opens to become a rectangular infant area.  The On the Way offers many other features such as feeding support, positioning aid for sitting baby at an incline, and tummy-time (all of this can be accomplished by removing the small crescent pillow).   Its ergonomic shape better contours the pregnant belly.  The On the Way can also be opened to become an infant area which is round, whereas the Bumpil Original is rectangular.  Only the On the Way offers the convenient pocket for toys and supplies.  Our customers indicate an 8 to 1 preference for the On the Way."

I think this product is a must-have for pregnant and new mamas and I highly recommend it. You'll be using it from pregnancy to when baby starts crawling!! 

Want to grab the Bumpil On The Way or the Bumpil Original Pillow for yourself or a pregnant/new mom? Shop www.littleinfinity.com. 

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use coupon code SAVE5 which is good for $5.00 off the purchase of either Bumpil pillows.

The Baby Briefcase- Get Organized with Your Precious One's Paperwork

Update: Coupon code added to bottom of review.

I am not the most organized person. In fact, I actually misplaced Ben's original birth certificate when he was only a few months old and and had to get a duplicate one.

So, when I was offered the chance to review the Baby Briefcase ($29.95), I jumped on it!!  All your important papers in one place? Do you remember how much paperwork came home with you from the hospital (and all the other things to save, from doctor's visits to official records). Too much paper!!  And being a harried new mom, I was just sticking papers on my desk and then wonderfing why I couldn't find anything.  What a fabulous idea (and great baby shower gift!!).

There is plenty of room inside (click here to see what's inside). Contains 15 inside folders, a thank you note tracker (no more losing that tiny scrap of paper you were writing down the list of gifts given on), 2 baby wallet info cards (how many times do you forget your pediatrian's number and NEED IT A.S.A.P when you are out somewhere). You can customize the labels on the folders also.  There is also a place for a pen - but you have to provide your own.

The best thing that I liked about it, is that its compact enought to fit in most file cabinets (or in my case, my closet). The next time you need to get baby's info out, its all in one place. To an unorganized mom, this product is a godsend. Ben's information is already in one Baby Briefcase and baby #2 will have her own.

This is also great to stick in your carry-on when you go on trips, domestic and abroad (though I would leave a copy of the information at home too, just in case).

This product was created by a mom, Tamar Shay, who was amazed that her baby's paperwork weighed more than her baby!

Want to get one as a gift or for your own little one? Shop http://organizedfromthestart.com/.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Use coupon code: coolmom for 5% off as well as free shipping.

The Kangeroo Towel by Small Made Simple

Check out the Kangaroo Towel ($48) by Small Made Simple - such great product to gift or add to your registry. Attach it to your neck, take baby out of the bath all snuggly and warm. No more fussing with a super wriggly wet baby!

When my son was an infant, I was nervous enough about bathing him, this product would have made getting him out of the tub and warm much easier! The Kangaroo Towel is so named because the towel is snapped to make a soft pouch to wrap your baby in. This is not a baby carrier, so you have to hold onto your child when they are in it. I intend to use it with my baby girl, who's due in January. Maybe it will even make my husband confident enough to bathe her without me (it took him 21 months to start bathing our son alone).

The design is clever and I LOVE that you can make it shorter (and thereby smaller) , for the younger babes.

The website gives tips for wearing and even shows you step by step. Because my son is such a splasher in the tub, I wouldn't wear it until the bath is over (otherwise the towel would be soaked too). I don't mind being a little wet, but I want my child to be dry when I wrap them in a towel! The product is thick and absorbant, as well as constructed nicely. I would even recommend getting two, so you always have a clean one!

For a list of retailers, go to smallmadesimple.com or shop online at mom4life.com.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Mom4life.com will give you 5% off and free shipping with coupon code: CBB.

18 Weeks Pregnant: BabyPlus Prenatal Education System

You want to give your unborn baby a good start. You eat the right foods, get plenty of exercise and rest, take your vitamins, etc... But what about starting their education early? Many people play music or read to their baby, which is wonderful, but what else can you do for them?

The BabyPlus Prenatal Education System  ($149) was created by Dr. Brent Logan, a developmental psychologist who directs the Prenatal Institute in Seattle, WA. "Dr. Logan’s 25 years of research have demonstrated that prenatal stimulation using heartbeat-based sounds of increasing complexity is the most effective means of communicating with your developing child."

According to their website, the program is described as "a series of 16 scientifically designed sounds that resemble a mother's heartbeat. The rhythm of the sounds increases incrementally as the pregnancy progresses. The BabyPlus sonic pattern introduces your child to a sequential learning process, built upon the natural rhythms of their own environment."

I found it very easy to use. You are supposed to use it twice a day for an hour at a time, which may be hard for some mommies (especially second time mommies like me) to find the time. I found that I was using it after Ben went to sleep and then right before bedtime. Sometimes I even strapped it on during Ben's nap and relaxed myself. The heartbeat sound was very soothing.

Dr. Logan recommends you begin using it between weeks 18- 32 and continue for the remainder of your pregnancy. As of press time, I haven't felt my baby moving yet, but the company says, "They (the babies) frequently respond with soft, repeated movements accompanying the rhythmic patterns. Mothers report this to be comforting, and have confirmed that their babies anticipate, recognize, and seem to enjoy this activity." 

As an educator, I applaud this device. I think we should do as much as possible to give our babies the best adva