Crib Notes: Stokke

In case you weren't "in the know," crib season is nearly upon us, and in honor of such a cozy time of year I thought I'd blog about one of the coolest cribs on the market: the Stokke Sleepi Crib.

This crib got a lot of attention when the Jolie-Pitts revealed that it was the crib they chose for baby Shiloh. Danielle at Celebrity-Babies.com blogged about it in the summer of 2006 when the news broke. And I must say, Brad and Angelina have very good taste.

The Sleepi Crib is oval shaped, which Stokke believes is a more comforting shape for sleeping babies because it mimics the shape of a mother's womb. You can purchase it on its own or as a part of one of Stokke's Sleepi Systems. The Sleepi Systems include conversion accessories so you can make your oval crib a round bassinet, a toddler bed, a junior bed, or even two chairs! The design of the crib is very clever and guarantees that your child will be able to use it in some capacity for years to come.

I can't resist mentioning that Stokke has some gorgeous crib bedding as well (thank goodness, since there's not a lot of oval crib bedding options out there). I love love love the Tales Collection (shown here). So cute! So whimsical! So chic!

Stay tuned for more crib blogs in the coming weeks as Crib Season kicks into high gear. And while you wait, browse the incredible crib selection at CSN Baby.

Happy New Year!

A Boon for Parents

Boon is a company that is dedicated to designing, "contemporary products that help simplify parents’ lives while retaining their personal style." Their products are innovative and attractive, with little details that make parent's lives easier

Take, for instance, the space age style of the Flair High Chair, which is much more than just a conversation piece. Its contemporary design is seamless so food doesn't get caught in any crevices, making clean up a snap!

I also love Boon because they have committed to contributing 10% of their profits to children's charities. Boon wants to participate in helping underprivileged children live the life they would want for our own children. If everyone did business that way the world would be a much nicer place!

I really like the Boon Frog Pod Bath Toy Storage. It's a perfect example of Boon's ability to meld practical design with modern style. The plastic frog adheres to any bathtub wall with either adhesive strips or screws. The body is a removable scoop that allows a busy parent to scoop up all the bath toys in one go and store them neatly. Holes in the scooper allow water to drain so toys don't get mildewed. There's also a place to keep other bath essentials--or even mom and dad's shower accessories.

The Frog Pod was just one of the Boon products that MomFinds listed as a bathtime find in June 2007. I bought the Boon Frog Pod Deluxe Bath Toy Storage, which comes with 15 designer bath appliqués, three balls and two mini-scrubbies, for a friend as a shower gift. I will admit, the frog is a bit bigger than I expected, but that means that it can hold plenty of toys. I can actually see this little guy becoming your child's bathtime friend. For a plastic frog, he's got a lot of style and personality.


Check out all of Boon's innovative products for bath time...and beyond at CSN Baby!

Maclaren Rolls Out Their Strollers for 2008

The end of the year is approaching, which - if you're at all like me - may make you a little sad and nostalgic. Leave it to Maclaren to cheer everyone up with their preppy and practical new strollers for 2008!

I've been a fan of Maclaren for a while now and I like what they've done for 2008. The most obvious changes are in the colors and patterns of the strollers, but they've also added some new features such as a carrying strap for the Quest 2008 Stroller and sleek new wheels across the board. The basic frames remain the same but that's fine with me. Why change a good thing? You can learn more about the new 2008 strollers over at Spilling the Beans.

Maclaren fans may be wondering what new designer strollers Maclaren will unveil for 2008. For starters, there is a new, French-inspired black and white striped Kate Spade 2008 Biarritz Ryder Stroller (though I don't like it quite as much as her navy and green Kate Spade Quest 2007 Pippin Park Stroller).

The big news is that Lacoste has designed the Lacoste 2008 Ryder Stroller for Maclaren complete with the iconic green alligators and even a matching white polo and hat for your child. If you live in the Hamptons, or just wish you did, this is the stroller for you! It's very preppy and very cute.

But I'm not going to spend my whole blog talking about an expensive designer stroller (even if it IS super super cute). I'd rather talk about the more reasonably priced 2008 Volo Stroller.

Winter means vacation season and plenty of parents will be looking for a reliable, affordable umbrella stroller to take with them. The 2008 Volo Stroller, with its sporty new look, is a great option. At only 8.6 pounds, it's the world's most lightweight aluminum frame stroller, which is perfect when you're rushing through an airport or amusement park. The one-hand umbrella fold and carrying strap are lifesavers when you're on the go. Plus, this compact stroller doesn't skimp on safety features, including a 5 point harness to keep your child secure.

If you're not sure what stroller is right for you, check out our handy Stroller Buying Guide! And browse all of Maclaren's Strollers at CSN Baby!

New Baby Totes and More by DwellStudio

I've added something new to my holiday wish list: one of the new diaper totes by DwellStudio. DwellStudio has come out with some new products and patterns to add to their already beautiful line of modern baby bedding and accesories. DwellStudio believes that products for babies should be well designed, aesthetically pleasing, and able to work seamlessly within the parent’s home.

The diaper tote not only has a sophisticated, streamlined look but it also has some great features. The exterior is coated canvas with a leather handle and a solid outer canvas pocket. The outer pocket can be used for quick storage of a newspaper, magazine, umbrella, or maybe a baby blanket. The possibilities are nearly endless. There's also six--count them--six interior pockets to help keep you organized. One is zippered and two can be used for bottle storage as necessary. It includes a coordinating changing pad as well. Plus, it can attach to most strollers thanks to two built in loops on the inside of the bag.

All the textiles for these totes are attractive, distinctive and fun. I've selected the Transportation Diaper Tote as my favorite for it's unusual colors and whimsical, graphic design. This is the kind of diaper bag that can be used long after baby's been potty trained. I can see myself using it as a purse to tote around whatever it is I seem to need at all hours of the day and night, thanks to all those pockets.

Browse all of DwellStudio's new products at All Modern Baby and maybe you can kick off the new year in chic, modern mommy style!

Have a Baby-Friendly AND Eco-Friendly Holiday!

Is it baby's first Christmas/ Hannukah/ Kwanzaa/ Festivus for the rest of us? If it is, you must be wondering what makes a good, fun, safe baby gift! Look no further than the adorable, baby-friendly and eco-friendly products from Wonderworld!

Wonderworld specializes in quality wooden toys that are designed and created for the age range of birth to five years old. For over twenty years Wonderworld has offered their products all over the world and they are recognized for excellence in design, as well as having the highest safety standards. Parents can breath a sigh of relief, knowing that Wonderworld has their children's safety and development at heart.

But Wonderworld wants to protect the earth as well as children. That's why they insist on using only rubber-wood that is from a replenishable source. That's also why I love this company. Because protecting our children means protecting the earth, too--it's going to be their world someday!

Okay, I'll get off the soap box now.

Let's get to my favorite toy. It's the Rolling Raindrop Rolling Wooden Cylinder. It reminds me of a toy from my childhood, which was much simpler (you know, way back in the day) but was also a wooden cynlinder that made sounds when it rolled. The Rolling Raindrop Rolling Wooden Cynlinder is so much more than that. At first babies will love to follow the motion of the rolling balls and the clicking rain drop sound that is produced when the toy moves. As babies get older they will have fun holding the cylinder vertically and making the balls drop through the inner holes of the toy. The Wonderworld Rolling Raindrop Wooden Rolling Cylinder allows babies to comprehend motion, develop visual understanding and realize hand-eye coordination.

I love that your child will discover new ways to play with this seemingly simple toy as he or she develops. Now that is a great gift for the holidays or anytime. Shop all the toys that Wonderworld has to offer at CSN Baby!

Everyone's Buzzing About This Stroller

I know what you were thinking...but I'm talking about the Buzz Stroller by Quinny! And I'm not the only one. MomFarah gushed about it on MomFinds.com and CelebrityBabyBlog reported that Rachel Weisz and Heidi Klum are just a couple of celebrities already in love with this stroller.

The Quinny Buzz has a fresh, modern look and comes in some really fun colors. It also has great value compared to its competitors. It 's available for $499.99 and includes a canopy, shopping basket, bug net, wind stoppers, a rain shield, and adapters for use with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat. Consider investing in the Dreami Stroller Bassinet for a complete pram system or the Mico Infant Car Seat from Maxi-Cosi for a complete travel system. Seriously, you have to check out this car seat. It actually rivals Peg Perego for cutest car seat design. Oh, and in case you were wondering, there's an adorable footmuff available, too. And you know how I feel about footmuffs!

With revolutionary gas spring technology, this all-terrain stroller unfolds itself automatically. Think about how handy that is the next time you're juggling baby, diaper bag, and groceries! The seat is forward or rear facing and made of stain resistant, durable nylon fabric. The foam seat even has Scotchguard protection.

Check out those three wheels! The stroller is easy to move around and has a lockable front swivel wheel. Plus the handle has five positions to accomodate all parents heights. It's comfortable for baby too: the reclining seat has two positions as well as a two position adjustable foot and leg rest. I love how simple and streamlined this stroller appears and yet it's jam packed with all the amenities parent and baby could want!

Check out the Quinny Buzz Collection as well as the incredibly compact Quinny umbrella stroller the Zapp at CSN Baby!

ducduc: Modern Design, Modern Company

Well, it's officially the holiday season and I have officially discovered ducduc! This modern, New York based company is dedicated to modern design and corporate social responsibility.

I love both ducduc's designs and their commitment to the environment. For example, ducduc owns their own New England based manufacturing, which guarantees that their hardwoods are sustainably harvested from regional forests so as to minimize their carbon footprint. And that's only the beginning. Learn more about what ducduc does for the environment and the community on their Web site.

And now let's get to the best part: my favorite crib! I am in love with the Alex Convertible Crib. It's a very clean, modern crib but it has a touch of whimsy. The whimsy comes through in the color and the applique you can select for the crib. My favorite appliques are "fragile" and "bambino". So adorable yet so chic!

I realize I'm gushing.

Ducduc furniture is designed to be multifunctional, which is good for moms and Mother Earth. The Alex Crib converts into a toddler bed with the help of conversion rails. A matching changing table and armoire round out the Alex Collection and both of these pieces can be used in your child's room as they grow.

There are many more fun, fabulous, multi-functional ducduc products at All Modern Baby. Come and take a look!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

When the weather outside is frightful we all want to stay indoors--preferably under the covers. But parents know that can't last for long. Soon you and baby will want to go outside for some fresh air!

Keep your little one warm on those wintry walks with a snugly stroller footmuff. This ingenious stroller accessory attaches to the stroller for a soft, warm lining and sleeping bag cover for baby. Footmuffs are perfect for fall and winter when baby needs extra warmth and protection. If you live in New England like I do, you're going to need a footmuff!

I love the Bugaboo Frog Footmuff. The roomy design ensures baby will be comfortably snug--not cramped. It's lined with fleece so it's soft and warm and (in typical Bugaboo fashion) it's also understated and attractive. The fleece interior is a cozy shade of oatmeal while the outside comes in five classic colors: aubergine, blue, black, grey, and red.

Buy one for your baby or give one to a friend. A stroller footmuff makes a thoughtful--and timely--holiday gift! There are plenty of footmuffs to choose from. Browse our full selection at CSN Baby!

Modern Style, Realistic Price

Modern style has made its way into the nursery, especially where cribs are concerned. Celebrity parents have popularized the trend but most of us don't exactly have that kind of lifestyle (or paycheck!). So how can you afford a modern crib without breaking the bank?

Try the Babymiro Collection by Da Vinci. This smart, affordable collection includes a convertible crib and a changing table. You get a lot for just two pieces of furniture, too. The crib can be converted into a toddler bed and a day bed, while the changing table can be used as a dresser thanks to three deep drawers. Even the crib has a drawer for extra storage space.

This collection definitely has both style and substance--something every mommy needs! I love that it's not a typical cutesy crib. The streamlined design ensures that your child won't want to exchange it for something "cooler" when he or she gets older. It's already the coolest thing around!

Check out more modern cribs and crib sets at CSN Baby!

Preppy and Practical

The preppy look is everywhere this fall. Put some prep in your step with a diaper bag from J.P. Lizzy. Moms everywhere are taking notice of these stylish bags, including MomLisa at Mom Finds, who loves their classic yet whimsical details. What I love about J.P. Lizzy bags is that they don't look like diaper bags. Buy one and you could use it well after your children have been potty trained.

J.P. Lizzy bags boast plenty of mom-friendly details. The Classic Tote Set comes with coordinating accessories such as a changing pad, cosmetic bag, and wristlet so you'll stay organized and fashionable no matter what. There's several pockets inside the tote, including two adjustable bottle pockets.

One standout is the timeless yet trendy Diana Tote. May at Googa Baby found that not only is it fun to open, but it holds a ton of baby gear thanks to all those pockets.

The Classic Purse is a more compact bag, available in colors that coordinate with the Classic Tote. Both styles feature wipeable exteriors and interiors for easy clean up and magnetic closures for quick access to your essentials.

During the month of November, when you buy a J.P. Lizzy bag from CSN Baby you'll receive 15% off! So purchase an early Christmas present or baby shower gift for a friend, or just splurge on yourself!

Safety First, Style a Close Second

One essential baby product that you will use, rely on, and take for granted is your car seat. So how do you know which car seat is right for you? I recommend Peg Perego's Primo Viaggio Car Seat.

The Primo Viaggio is Peg Perego's classic car seat and for 2007 it has been infused with new Side Impact Protection technology that will keep your baby safe in case of any accidents. The LATCH system makes it easy for you to install the seat into the base and the indicator level shows you the correct installation angle, so you always know you've done it right. The 5-point harness system ensures that your child is snug and safe in the seat at all times. And if you're still not sure whether this is a safe car seat consider this: it it's certified for use in automobiles or aircraft!

In addition to all these amazing safety features, this car seat has one-hand unlatching from base, stroller or chassis, which makes it that much easier to be a busy parent on the go!

And it's not only safe, it's also stylish. For fall, I really love it in Soleo. Grey and Orange make a chic, warm statement. The Primo Viaggio is compatible with all of Peg Perego's strollers, so you can mix and match any colors you want to make the perfect travel system! Several celebrity parents use the Primo Viaggio including Patrick Dempsey, according to Celebrity Baby Blog.

Now for the good news: from now until November 21, you can save 10% on all Peg Perego products at CSN Baby. Consider it an early holiday gift from us to you!

The air is crisp and the leaves are changing, which means it's back to school season. Thankfully your baby isn't ready for school just yet but that doesn't mean he or she isn't learning! Now is the time to nurture your child's early development and the right toys can make all the difference.

The questions is: how do you wade through the hundreds and hundreds of toys out there claiming to be just the thing your baby needs??

Don't panic. Tiny Love can help. This innovative company works with psychologists, child development experts, quality assurance specialists and parent groups in order to meet your baby's developmental needs. Not only that, but they design beautiful, fun, creative toys that you and your baby with love.

My Tiny Love toy of the moment is the ActiviTot Tropic Isle Developmental Gym. It's so adorable even I want to play with it! This developmental gym is designed to stimulate your baby's hearing, sight, and touch. There are seventeen developmental activities in all, if you can believe it. The musical mirror is always a favorite of curious babies but there are two more hanging toys and three twist and lock toys to engage your child. Plus the tummy-time pillow keeps baby is comfortable in any position. This activity gym is recommended for babies ages 0 to 12 months.

Visit CSN Baby to browse our full selection of baby toys that are sure to make learning fun!