Let's face it, traveling with little ones can be a stressful experience. We have compiled our favorite products that reduce stress, keep your little one safe and you organized.
Thanks to Ellie Bellie Kids, ever-stylish messenger bags aren’t just for grown-ups anymore! True function (adjustable Velcro straps, interior pocket, and 100% machine washable) has got style in the bag thanks to bold boy stripes and pretty girl pinks. Four styles to choose from, one size fits most. Ellie Bellie Kids’ pint-sized messenger bags have super-sized on-the-go style!
Eating on the go Get set and go in style with Elegant Baby’s On the Go Feeding Set. Packed perfectly in an easy-to clean travel bag, the set includes: four sippy cups with eight lids; two bowls with matching lids; two fork-and spoon sets; and two small snack cups with lids. Choose from pink, green or blue and have fun with the bold stripes and star graphics. It’s style to go thanks to Elegant Baby!
On the go for your child
Take a stroll in style with the Maclaren Volo stroller. Thanks to its 55 lb weight limit (finally a stroller you can put some serious miles on!), and its easy-use design (1-hand fold, lightweight, carrying strap, washable, ergonomic handles), this Volo is a must-have for families-on-the-go. Thanks to Maclaren’s eye for metropolitan style, this Volo is also a must-have for fashion forward families.
Coordinate your travel plans Tell Dad to take a trip with the help of super-cool trip hub. Fun, functional, and free, Trip Hub allows you to make reservations, create itineraries, post recommendations, start family discussion boards and so much more! Tell Dad to travel on over to TripHub.com, and get planning!
Hands free carrier It’s portable comfort and style with PortaMEe, a hands-free child carrier! Lumbar support and a honeycomb gel padded shoulder strap make carrying even your three-year-old (yes, 3!) comfortable. An attached wallet pouch, cell phone holder, bottle holder and optional hooded cape make the PortaMEe fantastically functional, while gorgeous colors, materials and details mean great style.
Keep him close Safety is key when traveling and for those with wiggle worms and roaming tots, safety can be very worrisome. The Giggle Bug Toddler Tracker is an affordable child locator that uses the same technology as cordless phone finders. Simply clip the ladybug to her shirt and keep the activator with you. Press the button and voila, a loud beep quickly leads you to your little roamer. The Giggle Bug Tracker has amazing range and also has a tamper/removal alarm. Find this at One Step Ahead for only $20!
Child "leashes" can be a sensitive topic for some parents. We prefer this backpack harness by Eddie Bauer that is oh so adorable but keeps your explorer close by. Not only a safety device, but this safety pack has a zip-pocket for his toys as well. Available in bear or puppy; the adorable designs makes you feel like he isn’t on a leash. Now the stares will only be to see this adorable find…just $10 at Target.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
v 2 issue 30: Get Organized
Feeling a little unorganized? Many resolve to get organized for the new year and our current issue will help you do just that. Get organized so you can get back to being the super mom that you are.
Organize the Nursery For organizing your changing station, we were looking for just the right tool, and we found it with the ToolBox Caddy. Don’t let the minimalist design fool you: the ToolBox Caddy includes side pockets and bottom drawers, and can hold up to 12 diapers. A built in handle makes it easy to tote anywhere, and smart material choices mean easy cleaning. No assembly required for the ToolBox Caddy…it arrives ready to organize your changing station! Available at piccolinionline.com.
Organizing Bottles A splash of modern style and oceans of function make The Splash Bottle Rack one of our favorite Getting Organized finds. The unique circular design saves on space and keeps all of baby’s feeding accessories off the counter. Your bottle brush stores discreetly in the center, and a shelf provides plenty of room for valves, nipples and pacifiers. This Issue is all about getting organized, so dive right in and get The Splash in one of three fabulous colors at FunkyMonkeyBaby.com.
On the Go Organization Rock your organized style with the Coco Roll from Petunia Pickle Bottom. A gorgeous Brown and Cerulean Blue Design provides the style we love, while a water resistant liner, double headed zipper and interior pockets for bottles and pacifiers provide the organizers we need! Available with small hobo, long shoulder and stroller clip strap options, you can roll anywhere with this Editor’s Pick. See how fantastic organized can look at PetuniaPickleBottom.com. Airing baby’s dirty laundry is smart, fun and organized with Diaper Bag Organizer Pouches! That’s because Diaper Bag Organizer Pouches allow you to store dirty clothes, clean clothes, goodies to eat and miscellaneous extras in cotton pouches with ventilating mesh backs. Each pouch in the 4-set is cutely labeled, and the mesh backing not only provides ventilation, but also easy visibility. See what a great idea these pouches are? Available at Wrapables.com.
Store those Animals See the softer side of organizing with Boon’s Animal Storage. Another great innovation from Boon, this stuffed animal storage solution also serves as a bright and fun soft seat for your child. Simply fill the oversized plush bag with stuffed animals, and then use the Animal Bag as a super-soft seat. Large zippered mesh windows allow your child to see all of their favorite stuffed toys. This issue we’re tough on organizing and soft on Boon’s Animal Storage! Available in three fun styles at boon.com.
Easy School Notes Note to self: getting organized is as easy as ordering the ‘Note to School’ notepad from Family Facts. Thanks to the notepad’s prompts, you won’t forget important information like grade, teacher’s name or signature, and you will save time by using checkboxes for common communications such as ‘leaving early.’ Family life gets organized thanks to Family Facts, available at SeeJaneWork.com. Permit yourself a little mommy time, and use one of Mom Agenda’s ingenious Permission Slips. These specially formatted notes authorize your little one to stay after school, attend a field trip, or go home with a friend. With a space to add any special instructions or additional contact information, this notepad has you covered. Permission to get organized granted by Mom’s Agenda, available at SeeJaneWork.com.
Get Organized Mom Get organized and get out! Thanks to three adorable organizers, you can hit the town and know that your babysitter will know exactly what to do.
The Parent’s Night Out Notepad from Cheeky Monkey is a fun and simple way to fill your babysitter in on all of the important stuff. Fifty tear off sheets mean that you have lots of fun nights ahead, and a permanent section at the bottom of the notepad means that you only have to write your contact and emergency information once. Add two things to your calendar…ordering the Parent’s Night Out Notepad, and a date for you and yours! Equally adorable and user-friendly is the Sitter’s Cheat Sheet from Snookus. Like a true Cheat Sheet, your babysitter will be able to find all of the important information at first glance. Because the notepad has a magnetic backing, everyone will also know where to find it! Available at Snookus.com. Worried that you could never put enough information about your angel onto one little sheet? Then you need A Parent’s Journal for the Babysitter, from Loralin Designs. With tabbed, preprinted sections for things like favorite activities, food ideas, sleep routine, and special phone numbers, you won’t be spending your time away from home calling home. You fill in the journal once, and then update it with the provided note pad. The babysitter will have a book full of tricks so that you can have a night full of fun!
Monday, January 15, 2007
v 2 issue 29: Problem Solvers
We have the solutions to common problems of motherhood. We think these products will make your life easier, which will make you a happier mom!
Problem: Demanding Baby If your sweet pea is more of a clingy peach, then let the Sweetness Baby Sling help you free up your hands. Every Sweetness Baby Sling is lined in hand-loomed green silk and embroidered with a lotus flower to symbolize the heart chakra, so that your tot truly is held close to heart. With Sweetness Slings you can enjoy sweet symbolism, handsome designs, high-quality crafting, and of course the ability to get some work done!
Problem: Sleepless Nights Getting a good night’s sleep is as simple as a mother’s touch…and mom doesn’t even have to be there. The Zaky- originally created to comfort preterm babies during prolonged hospital stays- is shaped like a hand, scented like mom (or dad), and softly positions and comforts baby when mommy can’t. So ‘Leave a Hand with Your Loved One’ and get some rest!
Problem: Frustration understanding baby Baby talk isn’t just for babies anymore; it’s for anyone that learns the Dunstan Baby Language. Developed by Patricia Dunstan- thanks to her brilliant mother’s intuition and her rare photographic memory for sound- the Dunstan Baby Language teaches you what your baby’s cries mean, so that you can help baby to cry less. A language that means less crying is a language we should all be fluent in!
What about communicating with your preverbal toddler? All signs point to Baby Signing, and few do it as well as mocobabies. Designed to help you play, interact and engage with your little one, mocobabies makes signing easy with simple graphics and clear descriptions. We recommend mocobabies’ Flash Cards and Reminders to help you start really seeing the world through baby’s hands.
Problem: Germ Phobia Thanks to KozyPal shopping cart covers, you don’t have to let your little one get cozy with shopping cart germs. Handmade with a universal fit, and offered in over 250 fabrics with fabulous options like the bottle holder and detachable pillow, KozyPal shopping cart covers are a must have for all you stylish, germaphobic, shopping mommies.
Problem: Pregnancy Mishaps Mommies to be, keep your pants on with Belly Ups! Made of super-fine nylon, the garter-like Belly Up is comfortable enough to wear all day, is undetectable under clothing, and is gentle enough to use on even delicate fabrics. Machine washable and available in three colors (black, nude, pink hearts), Belly Ups get two thumbs up. Rock your maternity style, sans the belly button pop, with the help of Miss Oops Popper Stoppers. Unlike bandaids, Miss Oops Popper Stoppers are paper thin so neither your bellybutton or your Popper Stopper will show under your outfit. They’re also latex free, medically approved and feature an adhesive free center strip to prevent irritation. Let Miss Oops help you 'stop the pop'!
Problem: Unruly Hair If your little one suffers from frizzy dry hair, don’t let it ruffle your feathers, because FuzzyDuck is here to smooth things out. The FuzzyDuck collection was formulated by a mom determined to tame her own frizzies and spare her curly-haired daughters the same battle; the collection includes shampoo, conditioner, detangling spray and anti-frizz gel. Totally effective without the use of sulfates, alcohol or silicone, FuzzyDuck is clearly a smooth operator.
Tired of hair draping in her eyes, or just need to keep that unruly hair back? These two adorable hair clip companies are the answer. Both companies clips will not slip in fine baby-hair though each uses a different method. Ribbies Clippies uses color-coordinated foam grips in each clip while No Slippy Hair Clippy uses magnents. We love that both companies combine style and function to create super adorable clips. Shop RibbiesClippies.com for modern styles and HairClippy.com for classic girly styles.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
v 2 issue 28: Winter Wonderland
It's a Winter Wonderland. Keeping your tot warm and stylish is no longer a challenge with our current issue. Stay bundled and warm!
keep her warm Skipping Hippos’ ponchos are as much of a traffic stopper as, well, skipping hippos. Gorgeous fleece in rich chocolate browns, bold fuschias and pretty periwinkle are adorned with skipping hippo’s signature accoutrements- matching tassle, puffball fringe, ric rac and flower adorned ribbon- to create a piece worthy of any winter wonderland. With sizing from 6 months through 4T, and 14 colors to choose from, there’s a Skipping Hippos Poncho for every little girl to fall in love with.
yo, my baby
Yo My Booties Signature Booties are pure angora, pure bold style and pure fantastic! There are 14 delicious colors, (you’ve got to get Ecru, and Chocolate, and probably Lime…) but only 2 sizes (small: 0-3 months, medium: 3-6 months) so order fast before baby is too big! Winter without yo my booties is no wonderland at all…so visit yomybooties and give the gift of pure glam.
dual purposed warmth The dual-purpose design of Super Natural Baby’s Blanket Poncho is so genius, there’s got to be some divine inspiration. Keep the center tied for a stylish blanket or untie it for a very glam poncho. The Blanket Poncho features high-quality fleece (in burnt orange or khaki) and high-style cotton trim (we love Full Bloom). This winter, let your snow angel experience the super natural delight of Super Natural Baby’s Blanket Poncho.
warm and safe sleep A sleeping baby is a beautiful thing, especially when the baby’s wearing a gorgeously soft and cozy Gustav Maxwell sleep bag. Gus & Max’s bedding collection has long been a Tot Trends (and celebrity) favorite and the addition of coordinating, luxe sleep bags is a wonderful thing! There are eight rich colors to choose from, and one Ultra Soft fleece to fall in love with. Help baby bag some stylish z’s with the Gustav Maxwell sleep bag available at babygeared.com.
cover up Cold winter days are ahead, but once again, Oeuf NYC has you covered with their Oeuf Cover All Hat. Made of 100% alpaca, the Cover All Hat protects little heads, ears and necks in pure style. And with sizes up to 4T, and 6 sweet color combinations to choose from, they’ve got your little one’s covered for years to come.
wrap him in warmth This winter tiny toes need teddy toes, a fabulous swaddle blanket with feet. Made of the finest fleece and completely trimmed with satin, baby will love being wrapped in the pure warm softness of Teddy Toes. You’ll love that Teddy Toes’ design prevents baby from twisting the garment, and promises both you and baby a better night sleep! Thanks to Teddy Toes, your little one will be stylish and warm from head to toe this winter.
Monday, January 01, 2007
v 2 issue 27: Editors Picks of 2006 Part II
More of our favorites from 2006. These products made us say wow and deserve a second look.
editors pick: baby legs Cover up those cute little baby legs with….BabyLegs! Babylegs are one size fits most leg coverings that are useful to cover legs when wearing bodysuits, or for keeping legs warm when pants rid up. They are perfect to throw in your diaper bag and pull on when the evening chill begins, great for under a dress or when wearing a onesie. Not only are they cute and draw lots of adult attention, but your baby will love looking at the patterns.
editors pick: patricia ann designs On every baby needs list are blankets…and lots of them. Along with about a million flannel receiving blankets, you do need a few lux blankets for those trips out into the real world. Patricia Ann Designs specializes in the most luxurious blankets and accessories for baby. We are talking fabulous! So soft and silky, their line is top notch. You can find this beautiful collection at only the most high-end retailers, including Nordstrom’s. You will spoil baby with the luxurious feel and the look…absolutely fabulous, darling!
editors pick: patemm Calling all moms! Sick of wrestling with your little man to change his diaper? We've found the perfect solution for you! Drum roll please...Patemm Pads! This circular changing pad will leave you wondering how you ever managed before it came into your life. Not only does it provide a large space for changing baby, it also converts into a carrying case complete with handles. With pockets to stash diapers, wipes, and a change of clothes, you'll have everything you need while on-the-go. Patemm Pads are available in two sizes and twelve fabulous patterns. They clean up easy due to the oilcloth material. Compact, chic, and easy! Buy yours at patemm.com today.
editors pick: pastel toys We love these toys by Pastel Toys and think they should be on every new baby’s wish list. Not only are they beautiful pieces that make a wonderful addition to the nursery’s décor or baby’s favorite toys; but these toys also have a wonderful story behind them. Made by adults with special needs at the village of Kishorit in Israel; each piece is handmade the old-fashioned way, with the resident craftspeople sanding the cut forms to its smooth kid-friendly finish and painting the toys with non-toxic milk-based paint. Each toy receives individual attention and is subject to rigorous quality control. These fanciful, quality toys are built to last, promising hours of fun now and for generations. Their construction helps the residents of Kishorit become self-sustaining by teaching them marketable skills, enhancing their self-esteem, and supporting the development of their village. When you buy a toy from Pastel Toys, you help Pastel Toys help them. Each box contains the story of how Pastel Toys are created so the receiver will appreciate the craftsmanship of this gift as well.
editors pick: bubble & squeak Bubble and Squeak is the hottest new diaper bag company on the market. Created by a Swedish gal who began her diaper bag company literally on her kitchen table. She decided that the current diaper bags on the market just didn’t wow her like her pre-pregnancy handbags. These bags are oh so fabulous and can fit in your current bag or stand alone. They carry all your needs in a neat, organized fashion. With three sizes to choose from you will find the perfect fit for your needs. Their petite diaper bag is a cute little carrier, perfectly sized to carry essentials for baby or your toddlers needs. With 5 pockets, there is a place for everything from diapers and wipes to binkies. A perfect bag to keep in the car for short runs to the store. We love their Diapering Kits, tri-fold kits to organize all of your changing needs all complete with a changing area. Available in small or large, with the large kit containing 5 pockets for outfits, diapers, wipes and creams. What are fantastic about Bubble and Squeak kits, aside from their functionality, are their fabulous prints. We look forward to seeing more from this adorable company.
editors pick: bella materna & tummy honey We found a line that is sensuous, sexy, luxurious, and comfortable. Bella Materna is a fresh face on the scene of maternity wear. Like a breathe of fresh air, Bella Materna gives you new options for the months you're growing your new love. This amazing time in your life doesn't need to be spent in your sweats. Bella Materna's line is truly comfortable. Combined with its elegant beauty, you are sure to shine. The Bella Materna collection includes panties, nursing bras, camisoles, sleepwear, transition, workout, and loungewear. Made from high quality, imported Italian Nylon/Lycra and French lace, this luxurious line is sure to please. Now, let's talk nursing wear. This is a difficult time for living fashionably. Bella Materna offers classically designed, beautiful nursing wear that makes nursing easy while looking and feeling your best. Their nursing wear is so luxurious and timelessly classic, that you will be wearing it long after your nursing days are over. It's been two months since your bundle of joy was born and you’ve lost nearly all of your baby weight. You may now have focused your attention to the few minor blunders on your tummy that weren’t there before baby. We all dread them and hope we aren’t destined to look like our mothers (which is pretty much a matter of certainty)…Stretch Marks! Don’t panic! We have personally tested Tummy Honey Stretch Mark Solutions and are lovin’ what we are seeing. This cream will help get rid of unwanted belly marks relatively quickly. This product worked so well on our test mom that we personally are recommending this product. Please note that to see full results you should be using this product twice a day for two months. We noticed results beginning in just two weeks...our test mom's skin was smoother (lessening the rippling look) and her stretch marks began to fade. While they are not completely gone, the results are significant. Mothers Intuition, the makers of Tummy Honey, state that stretch marks will be reduced 30-70%. So, what are you waiting for? For only $24.95 what have you got to lose...besides a few marks!
Tell Dad to take a trip with the help of super-cool trip hub. Fun, functional, and free, Trip Hub allows you to make reservations, create itineraries, post recommendations, start family discussion boards and so much more! Tell Dad to travel on over to TripHub.com, and get planning!
It’s portable comfort and style with PortaMEe, a hands-free child carrier! Lumbar support and a honeycomb gel padded shoulder strap make carrying even your three-year-old (yes, 3!) comfortable. An attached wallet pouch, cell phone holder, bottle holder and optional hooded cape make the PortaMEe fantastically functional, while gorgeous colors, materials and details mean great style. 
Safety is key when traveling and for those with wiggle worms and roaming tots, safety can be very worrisome. The Giggle Bug Toddler Tracker is an affordable child locator that uses the same technology as cordless phone finders. Simply clip the ladybug to her shirt and keep the activator with you. Press the button and voila, a loud beep quickly leads you to your little roamer. The Giggle Bug Tracker has amazing range and also has a tamper/removal alarm. Find this at One Step Ahead for only $20!
Child "leashes" can be a sensitive topic for some parents. We prefer this backpack harness by Eddie Bauer that is oh so adorable but keeps your explorer close by. Not only a safety device, but this safety pack has a zip-pocket for his toys as well. Available in bear or puppy; the adorable designs makes you feel like he isn’t on a leash. Now the stares will only be to see this adorable find…just $10 at Target.
Note to self: getting organized is as easy as ordering the 
Tired of hair draping in her eyes, or just need to keep that unruly hair back? These two adorable hair clip companies are the answer. Both companies clips will not slip in fine baby-hair though each uses a different method. Ribbies Clippies uses color-coordinated foam grips in each clip while No Slippy Hair Clippy uses magnents. We love that both companies combine style and function to create super adorable clips. Shop 
