If a man’s home is his castle, then a baby’s home is her sanctuary…at least that what moms would like it to feel like. Think about how less stressed you’d feel if you could sit with your baby in a comfortable glider for her umpteenth feeding of the day, read “Goodnight Moon” under a lamp you wish you could have in your bedroom and settle her down to sleep in bedding that is so stylish, it makes your comforter look like it’s been through the wash one too many times. The Oilo Collection of modern nursery decor and furnishings is one worth checking out. From pillows and crib linens that feature contemporary, bold graphics, to faux leather gliders that are buttery soft, each item in the line is a conversion piece that complements one another perfectly. We’re particularly partial to the bedding, whose clean lines really pop, and come in names that roll right off the tongue like Raindrops and Cobblestone (are you getting sleepy yet?). While this collection doesn’t come cheaply, consider that these products hail from a high-end design company that knows about creating the right look for your home firsthand.
In a Nutshell: Your little one will feel like a prince (or princess) in a room containing these regal
furnishings. And didn’t you always want to be queen anyway?
Who says that only rockers can wear rockin’ duds? We checked out what clothes some of our favorite musicians’ kids are sporting these days, and discovered one thing in common: it’s hip to be little!…Christina Aguilera’s son Max is making tracks with his Thomas the Tank Engine Boots from Western Chief Kids. He was spotted out with Mom making a Petco run earlier this winter in Beverly Hills…Speaking of footwear, Ed Roland of Collective Soul’s son Lennon wears shoes from pedipeds. Wife and mother Michaeline says it’s the only ones she can “easily get on him that actually stay on.” (We hear you, Michaeline; we know what a tug-of-war getting our kids dressed can be!) When it comes to dressing up, Victoria Beckham’s son Cruz likes being over the moon—quite literally. The 4-year-old was wearing a Jr. Astronaut ensemble from Aeromax during his brother Romeo’s birthday party (below)…Even when they’re at home, rocker kids are in style. Yes bass guitarist Chris Squire outfitted his daughter Xilan’s nursery with a Bratt Décor
Chelsea Lifetime Crib finished in antique silver.
When I’m out shopping alone (whenever the moon is blue, that is), I’m naturally able to pay more attention to my surroundings. At times, I’ll see a mom walking with her child on a leash and of course, I think to myself, “Isn’t that a better idea for your dog?” While I can appreciate her attempt to keep her unruly child contained (hey, that’s what shopping carts are for), there must be a better way. I like the thinking behind the reisenthel motherchildbag, a reusable shopping bag that features three handles: two for you and one for your child. It’s a great way to hit the store for a few quick items with a young child in tow. What’s really genius is that I can use it as we walk from the store to our car, and not worry that my 5-year-old will be unattended as we cross the busy parking lot. Plus, it’s inconspicuous enough that I don’t have to inspire pity from childless onlookers.
In a Nutshell: Running in the grocery store for a few things with your kid? This shopping accessory will keep you from spilling the beans and keeping your little one closeby. The Motherchildbag will be available later this month.

Ready to get super-close to your baby? There are two new soft carriers on the market that will make you want to scoop her up and snuggle her inside one of them. Living up to its name, the FreeHand Baby Carrier (left) distinguishes itself from other carriers by the fact that you can position your baby however you’d like–facing in or out, wearing her on your frontside or back–without the need for any inserts, straps or adjustments. How is that possible? The carrier has built-in crossover support, so you can wear your baby in any position and she’ll be able to fit securely (that means no floppy heads, especially for little babes). If you have a toddler who will still happily ride in a carrier (lucky you!), you’ll want to check out the BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier (below) which features an adjustable, ergonomic waist belt that distributes your child’s weight across your hips. It’s designed to fit a child up to age 2 or 31 lbs., so you can enjoy snuggling close even longer now.
In a Nutshell: Savor those oh-too-fleeting moments of bonding with your baby with these soft carriers. The FreeHand Baby Carrier will be in stores sometime this month, while the BabyBjorn Comfort Carrier will be available in April.
You can’t be too safe when it comes to traveling with your kids, especially in the car. If you are looking for the latest development in car seat safety, you’ve found it: Britax is enhancing its line of convertible booster seats with the Frontier 85, a combination booster seat that offers the greatest height and weight capacity currently available. Now, your child can weigh up to 85 lbs. and be 20 inches high (in a seated shoulder position) when secured with a 5-point harness. When using the belt-positioning booster, those numbers jump up to 120 lbs. and 65 inches. What does all that mean to you? Your child can remain in his safety seat longer–perhaps much to his chagrin, but as parent, you know that safety always comes first. Frontier 85 offers tremendous versatility, with 10 harness and 3 buckle strap positions. You’ll also appreciate those little extras like the no-re-thread harness and the color-coded belt guides (if you’re like me when it comes to figuring out gear, a little ‘cheat sheet’ that can get my kids buckled up and ready to go faster is a big plus.)
In a Nutshell: We’re just plain “wowed” by the Frontier 85’s functionality. Anything that keeps our kids safe and secure gets our attention in a big way. Look for this Britax car seat in stores later this month.
Those comfy portable seats you bring to the beach and the park are now perfectly sized for little one, from babies to big kids. The Go & Grow Chair is meant to go wherever you go with your family. And it’s works as soon as your baby can sit up; there’s a 3-point harness to keep her in place, loops for attaching toys and a tray and sun shade, both of which you can remove when not in use. As she grows, simply fold the seat cover into the front pocket so she can stand or stretch if she wants to (you know how fidgety she can get when she’s sitting too long…). And when your baby is no longer…well, a baby, Go & Grow turns into one of those chairs that looks just like yours, so your kid can relax and join you on your picnic. And when it’s time to head home, just fold it up, pop it into the lightweight bag and you’re ready to go. Now if you can only get your kid to carry it home herself, you’ll be golden…
In a Nutshell: With this lightweight chair, you’re ready for a little companion to join you at outdoor concerts this summer.
Nobody knows the discomfort of a wet behind quite like your baby does. Sure, it may annoy you to have to change her so often, but she’s the one who’s feeling the wetness. Pampers has just enhanced its line of Swaddlers and Cruisers with a special Dry Max technology–in plain English, that means a more absorbent diaper that’s reportedly 2o percent thinner than the original brand. (We’re all for less bulky!) Pampers with Dry Max will be available in stores beginning in March.
In a Nutshell: Diapers that are thinner and stay drier long translates to fewer trips to the changing table for you. And that means fewer “contributions” to the diaper pail–and more ways to help save the planet.
There’s no denying it: Your child will undoubtedly get thirsty at some point today. And we all know how much kids prefer to get hyped up on sugary sweet libations than the stuff that does a body good. Well, how about the stuff that does a brain good? The folks at Wat-Aah! are on to something. This line of water that contains no sugar, calories or coloring is smartly packaged in four functional varieties–bones, brain, energy and body–designed to not only quench thirsts, but satisfy the nagging “why do I have to drink water?” query. We love that it comes in a cup holder-friendly, whopping 16.9-oz. recyclable bottle–perfect for the car ride to soccer practice.
In a Nutshell: You can lead a kid to water, but you can’t make him drink it. Finally, a line that makes it cool to drink up.
Bonus: Wat-Aah is sponsoring the 2010 New York International Children’s Film Festival, being held from Feb. 26-March 21. To enter to win a pair of tickets to a selected showing, follow Wat-Aah on Twitter or visit Wat-Aah’s blog. Winners will be announced on Friday, Feb. 26. Good luck!
Baby bottles have come a long way since the old-fashioned glass ones that needed to be sterilized. As their designs become more sleek and easy to clean, they become…well, attractive. (Who knew drinking milk could be so trendy?). The latest BPA-free bottle to catch our eye is one that happens to have a catchy name. The Very Hungry Bottle sports a curved shape that practically beckons baby to drink up, while the silicone nipple has a textured nipple meant to mimic your breast. We especially liked the no-skid bottom, which makes it easy to fill the bottle and attach the nipple with just one hand (you know how talented we mommies can be). You won’t be able to resist the whimsical packaging: a red milk carton that is as inviting as it is endearing.
In a Nutshell: Whether you’re weaning your baby or simply looking for a bottle that will keep her content, be prepared to stock up on these babies.
How I wish the mamaRoo were around when my now-toddler was a babe. The jungle swing I thought that would soothe this savage beast failed to silence her roar (would anything?). This innovative infant seat is not only a looker, but it does what , up until now, only your loving embrace could do. The mamaRoo is designed not to rock or swing, but bounce and sway (sound familiar?). There are 5 different motions, each with its own telltale name: Car Ride, Kangaroo, Tree Swing, Rock-A-Bye and Ocean Wave. (The only one we would have added was Washing Machine.) You can speed up or slow down the mamaRoo as your baby demands. Need some soothing sounds? Try the built-in nature calls, or hook up your MP3 player to create your own oasis. If they made one of these in adult sizes, imagine how you could de-stress after a long day.
In a Nutshell: The mamaRoo is the mother of all infant seats: sophisticated design, the right kind of motion and a secure spot for your little one to recline. Your tired arms will thank you.
It’s available for pre-order beginning February 26 and will be in stores April 30.

