It’s wild what people think of, isn’t it? some innovative mom or dad was undoubtedly juggling a baby and a diaper bag too far, too long and was probably about dropping both. You can imagine it, as we’ve all been there when the diaper bag keeps slipping off your shoulder and you’re repositioning the baby on your hip 20 times for comfort (and you have no stroller because there was no room to maneuver or you didn’t want to be bothered).
That said, meet the Sidekick from GoGo Babyz. A clever fix for a trip to a park, a short hike, tight shopping aisles and more. This diaper bag and carrier in one is pretty versatile with a pouch for all your baby goods and a tucked-away strap support to carry your baby when needed. It’s streamlined, and makes you look like you have it all together (because you literally do).
You can also of course use The Sidekick just as a diaper bag. Whatever your fancy, really. There are double-side pockets for bottles or sippy cups, a removable insulated bottle/snack pouch and changing pad, and note that it’s designed for use by babies with good head control, weighing up to 35 pounds. Here’s a video look at the Sidekick to make the concept crystal clear.
So if the Sidekick sounds like just your kind of bag, comment here to win the Sidekick in pink. I’ll pick a random winner via Random.org on Sunday, May 20th.
Baby’s skin is so soft and delicate, and we hate to ever see our little ones red, itchy or uncomfortable. With allergy season on, many babies can suffer like adults. In fact if your baby has sniffles, itchy skin could be next. The pollen in the air is what triggers many allergic reactions. So if your baby is showing allergic signs, you may want to try exederm’s ultra sensitive line of hypoallergenic skincare products for babies and toddlers.
The line is designed to treat eczema, dermatitis or dry sensitive skin, and it avoids irritants that trigger eczema by using the mildest ingredients possible. Did you know it’s now on shelves at Babies R Us too?
I’ve been using the line for several few weeks on my little guy, and it’s reassuring to know how mild it is on his skin. The complete collection offers an Intensive Baby Moisturizer, Hydrating Baby Lotion, Cleansing Baby Bath, Non-Irritating Baby Shampoo and a Soothing Baby Oil. There’s also a flare-up control cream (for toddlers over 2 years old).
Now I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of the line, and I was surprised how bubbly his bath is and how soothing the lotions are. I guess I thought it might be more medicinal, but not at all. It’s similar to other soothing skin care lines, but it has the secret powers to fight eczema and dry skin. I love how mild I know it is: no fragrances, no colors, no dyes, no parabens; no harsh chemicals or irritants essentially. I’ve even been using it on my older kids as well, and I know adults who also enjoy the children’s line for its gentle ways.
exederm. Mild, yet just the fix for baby’s sensitive skin.
Here’s to those sweet cheeks, chunky legs and Buddha bellies we love to rub so much. May your baby be healthy and happy this allergy season.
There’s always been a lot to luxe-love about Little Giraffe, and now there’s more with their new fun, feather-soft Leggies leg warmers. I just tried my guy in them and must say I Leggie-love ‘em. They have the same plush super-soft feel of their ultra luxurious chenille blankets–one of which by the way you can win here thanks to the generous friends at Little Giraffe, so keep reading!
Over Easter, I put my little guy, Fox, in his Leggies and they were about as soft as our Lionhead bunny. What’s great is the Leggies are so easy to style with so many outfits. You can throw on a onesie and just pop them on and not having to worry about pants or a full-snap outfit. I even put them on under some of his baby gowns when it’s drafty at night. The Leggies are unisex, and I dig the fact the boys can get some fashionable attire too. (They are also hip for toddlers and older kids on their arms or lower legs.)
Trust me that you’re going to love hugging and holding your guy or girl in these cozy warmers. The Leggies set comes three to a box and are perfectly packaged for gift-giving, and affordable at $33.
What finishes off a great Leggie outfit better than Little Giraffe’s Chenille Lollipop Baby Blanket? Want to win one? Who wouldn’t for their baby, toddler or to give as an gift? Fox has the mocha blanket, and I just adore the duality of the dressy, soothing satin side paired with the soft, fluffy chenille side that is backed with their new dot print satin and bordered with a smooth satin stripe. The combination is great for our warm days and chilly nights.
I’m thrilled to giveaway the Little Giraffe’s Chenille Lollipop Baby Blanket (29″ x 35″) in white chenille with a blue dot satin back that retails for $65. To win, simply leave a comment here on what you love about Little Giraffe. I’ll pick a random winner Friday, April 20th. For extra good luck and keep us with all things Little Giraffe, be sure to like them on Facebook. Good luck!
The highchair you choose will be a constant in your kitchen for years to come, so choose wisely. With my first two kids, we had the oversized plastic highchair that, by the end, I loathed. It was cumbersome, boring and completely uninspired (and it was a high-end brand at the time). These days, highchairs are so fashion-forward, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp, a modern classic. The ingenuity of the design is that it grows with your child, so you can use it from 6 mos. to life, really. My neighbors have three Tripp Trapps and their older kids (4, 6 and 8 years old) use theirs still around the dinner table and love ‘em. It’s really a smart solution that pushes in under a table and out of the way.
Now will you actually keep the chair around for the next 5-10 years? You never know. My guy is going on 5 months and day to day is all I can think about, myself. We just put Fox in the chair, as he started cereal. He seems to love sitting up. A beautiful thing about the Stokke chair is the Baby Set that comes as an accessory. If you have a young baby, get this; it’s a lifesaver. My guy sits comfortably with the padded cushion and is secure. The chair looks contemporary in our house, and all “collateral damage” wipes off the wood frame easily.
Get creative with frame colors, “bucket” seat shades and Stokke offers several different cushion patterns. Maybe go with an orange frame with Art Stripes cushion or purple fame with the Fresh Stripes (seen here). Whatever your kitchen-fancy, have fun with it. Our maple shade frame fits in nicely with our existing table and the cushion pop-of-color feels just right. The Tripp Trapp also comes with a Table Top accessory with different, fun insert patterns.
He’s so handsome in his Tripp Trapp, and his Mini Maniacs bib (I’ll tell you more about them very soon.) Hard to believe this chunky monkey is my preemie who stayed in NICU because he couldn’t eat.
Stokke is such a unique, streamlined, contemporary brand who makes some very ingenious items (their Stokke stroller is off-the-charts smart with a raised-ride system and sleek look). If you don’t no Stokke, you’re modern-day missing out.
Happy highchair days ahead. Let the food fly; it’s can all be cleaned up, right?
If you have a baby, or know anything about 2012 babies, you definitely know Aden and Anais. Their full line of baby products, made of soft, breathable, natural muslin, is all the rage with modern moms.
Many of my girlfriends go goo-goo, ga-ga crazy for their swaddle blankets; when I was pregnant everyone told me, “you have to get these blankets.” (I particularly like them as easy nursing cover throws.)
So now the muslin rockstar masters have a few brand-new things up their baby sleeve, starting with their new mum+bub line of lotions. There’s a hair and body wash in one (something every busy mum will appreciate), an ultra-gentle lotion and a soothing ointment. The line is made from a naturally-derived, pawpaw fruit that’s “gentle enough for baby, yet sophisticated enough for you.” The pawpaw fruit relieves, cleanses and protects skin when applied topically, and it’s been a hit with the Aussies for ages.
It’s quite nice to use something so pure, yet it still has a lovely fragrance. Many of the 100% organic brands work well, but don’t smell so heavenly. The ointment is great for chapped lips (I use it on my little guy weekly) and scrapes, as well as insect bites or wind burn.
mum+bub is free of:
phytoestrogen + parabens + added hormone disrupters + petroleum oils + phthalates + dioxanes from sulfates + gluten and soy + petrochemicals + DEA + artificial colors
Another new addition to Aden and Anais are their organic crib sheets. They’re dreamy. You’ll get peace of mind from the breathable fabric (organic cotton or cotton muslin with the open-weave for liberal airflow). If you love their swaddles, you ‘ll love these too. The designs are modern and fresh.
(Other faves of mine from the Aden and Anais folk? We rock their cozy sleeping bag nightly and burpy bibs and snap bibs daily. Just don’t wash them with anything velcro!)
It’s great to know the line keeps growing. I’ll keep you posted on all things Aden and Anais.
My guy after his mum+bub bath. Sweet morning dreams.
It’s a sweet concept for sweet dreams for baby. A nice, gentle cushion for our babes, who spend about half their days sleeping.
I know, it seems everything you read says to keep everything out of the crib for baby: no blankets, no bumpers. Well madii & dyl have a Sooki Babe pillow that’s quite nice and safe. I love it because it’s nice to give my little guy some cushion, it’s just about a half-inch high pillow (30 x 21 cms), just enough soft lift for their heavy heads.
The pillow is made from 100% certified organic latex and contains no chemicals. Especially for newborns and infants, the cradle design of the Sooki prevents roll-overs and flat-heads while the contours naturally conform to the child’s head providing correct neck support and spine alignment.
The pillow is self-ventilating and offers maximum air flow, preventing moisture and heat build-up allowing the child to breathe freely in any sleep position. And it is the only pillow that can be washed and keep its shape, Ideal for those with allergies. It’s said to last for 5yrs+.
I rest my baby on his Sooki while napping during the day in his crib and bassinet (I always monitor him) and with his stroller cot.
Now I don’t know if baby’s get headaches, but I think I would with never using a pillow. It’s a sweet, soft little touch to sleep well. The Sooki Babe retails for $43. Here’s a look inside the Sooki Babe pillow, which comes in crisp, clean, white, tight zipper-fit pillowcase.
And by the way, the company makes the pillows for toddlers too: the Mini Me. My older kids use them, and I like them a lot. The pillows have an exclusive flip-wave design that tailors to the growing child with one side slightly higher than the other. It, too, is the only pillow that retains its shape after each and every wash–love that. I also use my baby on the Mini Me just after he eats, to keep his head slightly elevated (again, under supervision of course). The Mini Me retails for $64.
And some background on the concept: “Considering Dylan will be spending half his time sleeping, I had to find a product that was natural, hypoallergenic and most importantly provided the support that he needed. After months of research, the Luxe Pillow Collection was born. Made from 100% certified natural latex, it is the first range of natural and sustainable children’s pillows.” More on the pillows here.
Have you gone green and said goodbye to disposable diapers? If so, you may know this eco good stuff. If not, get it on your to-get list.
We went green for the first time with our third baby, and there’s a lot to learn on the cloth diaper path (which brands are best, which fit your baby, what leaks/what doesn’t), but a simple solution—for whatever cloth diaps you go with—is Rockin’ Green detergent.
It’s simple and works. The key is to Rock a Soak. That is when you fill your laundry machine, let your cloth diapers soak in water and a few tablespoons of Rockin’ Green before you hot wash. It removes stains great. We follow this formula.
Rockin’ Green is dye free, comes in several scents (and an unscented version for sensitive skin). There are no fillers, no enzymes or optical brighteners, is 100% phosphate-free, it’s vegan and great for sensitive skin. The company rocks detergents for hard, soft and normal water conditions (known as Hard, Soft and Classic Rock varieties).
Rockin’ Green also carries Funk Rock, a natural ammonia bouncer, and Melody, an odor-neutralizer and air freshener home spray. With the exception of Funk Rock, all products come in six natural scents, such as Smashing Watermelon, Earth Wind & Orchids, Mötley Clean, Lavender Mint Revival, Rage Against the Raspberry, and Bare Naked Babies (unscented).
We’re talking Baby Dior, Baby Marc Jacobs and more. The luxe lines just kept coming as little ones donned their high style from big-name designers at Bel-Bambini’s opening of their new 2nd floor, now filled with the best in baby and toddler fashions.
The boutique’s couture debut event was an invite-only exclusive private showing to a select group of Orange County bloggers. The fun and fabulous afternoon was hosted by the always-entertaining and splendidly swanky Momfluential (aka, my lovely friend Ciaran Blumenfeld).
The event began with a darling fashion catwalk with babies and toddlers showing their style. The modeling was almost as adorable as the lines from Baby Chloe, Baby Dior, Baby Fendi, Baby Baby Hugo Boss, Baby Jean Paul Gaultier, Baby Stella McCarthy, Baby Roberto Cavalli and more.
My new little guy and I were invited to get in on the fashion. So he modeled this classic Baby Dior number in 3-mo size.
From fancy and preppy to funky, graphic looks, the high-end styles from Bel-Bambini are a refreshing addition to the OC baby style scene.
A litany of incredible raffle prizes included the soon-available Quinny Moodd stroller, the Stokke Bouncer and Carrier (not available until March), a Naturepedic organic mattress, the Bloom Fresco Loft High Chair, 4moms mamaRoo, Baby Bjorn Travel Crib, plus products from aden + anais, ah goo baby and many many others.
If you haven’t visited this haute new baby stop in OC, and have a little one or are shopping for someone who does, you must drop by. A video look below at the luxe land of Bel-Bambini for an up-close introduction to their high-end offerings from bath and bedding to to-die-for nursery furnishings and accessories.
Bel Bambini – Newport
1800 Newport Boulevard
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
p: (949) 650-2828
If you’re a little carrier-intimidated by all the belts and buckles (I so can be), this may be the no-worries carrier for you. No buckles or contraptions, just 4 soft straps to wrap and you’re ready to go. Its, easy, breezy, comfy. And baby’s legs can be tucked in nicely as newborns and popped out as they grow (up to 35 lbs.). Best yet, you can win one here (see below in bold to win).
My husband and I sported the FreeHand Mei Tai™ around The Grove in LA this weekend and we quite liked its ease, comfort and simplicity. And honestly, the baby was in snug-heaven. Fox was all wrapped up cozy and close to the chest and slept the whole time–like he was back in the womb. And later on Sunday, as the baby hit a fussy-patch, when nothing would soothe him, I thought about the Mei tai, popped him in and sure enough, it worked–instantly calming him as I gardened in the yard.
The padding is just the right amount and I’m a fan of the urban prints, as well as the simple, thin cotton fabric. It’s nice to carry a baby around and not feel like you just put on some football padding.
The design is said to borrow its concept from an Asian style carrier that has been used for centuries. It has an easy tie-on style that fits you and the baby well, and it can be worn safely on your front, back, or hip (we’ve only tried front of course with our newbie).
There are 10 fashion-forward FreeHand Mei Tai™ prints to choose from (see below) and all Mei Tai’s are reversible to a solid color (for Dads who don’t do prints, I’m thinking). Here’s my husband, former Marine, who was cool with the Jane-design here. I think he looks pretty Dad-cute in the print personally.
Have a baby or know someone with a new baby? Togetherbe is doing a chic giveaway with me here for the next week. Just comment on this post and say why you might like to win the Freehand Mei Tai Carrier. The winner will be picked randomly on 2.17.12.
And by the way, some Freehand Mei Tai carrier 411 (retails for $72):
Newborn to 35 lbs.
3-in-1 Carrier: Front, hip, or back carry
One size fits most
Quick and easy to put on and take off
Padded shoulder straps and baby head support
Folds up nice and compact
No buckles or inserts to worry about
Reversible to a solid color
Look for more rockstar picks from me here. And you can find me anytime at DebbieintheOC.com
New mom (again!) Debbie Lavdas set out to find the latest gear for little ones.
BY DEBBIE LAVDAS
What’s a new parent to do? The baby marketplace is filled with an overload of “now” and “next” and “latest and greatest.” It can be overwhelming when trying to sort through it all. I know this all too well, as I’m the exact demographic that all these new products are targeting. A mom (again) and six years out of the new-baby scene (we have two other children), I was on the hunt for the smartest, most stylish and most ingenious baby must-haves.
So, if you have a baby due soon, here’s my list: everything from a 360-degree orbital stroller with engraved skateboards to a space-age-looking swing/bouncer hybrid to the latest green line of lotions for babe and mum. Enjoy the gadgetry and sophisticated products of all things baby for the lucky newbie parents and newborns of 2012.
We just gave birth to our little guy, Fox, who helped us try out all of the items.
Here’s a look below at the 4-page Feature Story in this month’s Jan. 2012 OC Family Magazine.
