Category — baby gear

Apparently this photo debuted on the Internet a year or so ago, but I am so fascinated by this baby stroller that I feel it warrants another post. It’s completely homemade by one really devoted Star Wars fan and father, so don’t get too excited about rushing out to buy one. The dad, Rick Russo, was kind enough to run through the construction process in this interview on Thingamababy if you are feeling ambitious enough to tackle a project like this. Although, I bet that kid will be getting too big for that stroller soon, so maybe the Mr. Russo can be talked into selling it?

Check out this awesome innovation in kids’ bikes - the SHIFT concept bicycle. It’s kind of like the cool cousin of the classic Radio Flyer tricycle:

Finally, a makeover I actually like!

I am a little surprised to learn how dangerous Crocs shoes can be for kids. 77 escalator entrapment “incidents” in the US alone??? Are you kidding me??? With their bright colors, slip-resistant soles and fashion-repellent aesthetic, they seemed (at least to me) like the ideal kids’ shoes. Guess I was wrong.

At least I am consoled by this awesome discovery in kids’ shoes: Pediped footwear!

The shoes are adorable, and they are recommended by podiatrists. Best of all, I called Pediped and they have not had any problems with their shoes getting stuck in escalators.

Looking for cool baby gear and gifts for nursing moms? Check out these links:

Majamas - Majamas clothing combine The Original Nursing Top technology with great fashion sense.

Nurse N Glow Pillows - Mom, dad and baby can all rest comfortably with this handy pillow.

Milk Bands - Cute bracelets that remind moms which side to nurse from next.

Here are some cool, lead-free toys that help kids learn while playing:

• Tieramid CircleSet Creative Blocks

• Dado Cubes

Or check out these great links for more safe educational toys:

• Kangarooboo
• eBeanstalk
• Leaps and Bounds

Finally, some Tips for Choosing Safe Toys.

Check out the cool strollers at Kid Kustoms! Their signature stroller is called “The Roddler“, and my favorite style is The Betty. Roddlers can be customized with features like DVD Screens, i-Pod Docks, alligator seat covers and tops…everything a baby needs for a relaxing ride! Apparently prices for “The Roddler” start at $2500, though, so it is pretty much way more than I ever want to spend on a stroller.

Read more about The Roddler:

• Jalopnik: Kustoms for Kids: The Roddler
• Daddy Types: Baby, Remember My Name: The Roddler by Kid Kustoms
• Mommy Daddy Blog

This post about Ten Weird Baby Outfits on Divine Caroline is totally cracking me up. I know Halloween is months away, but I have a total soft spot for babies in ridiculous baby clothes. Part of me feels a little bad, knowing these kids will grow up and have to deal with friends and loved ones teasing them about these outfits.

But all that said, seriously, what is cuter than a kid in a ridiculous costume?

Muscle Beach Baby

Nice Elephant “trunk”….maybe they should just cut that off and call it a mouse costume?

Baby Oompa Loompa - what’s not to love?

Just a short post to kick off the weekend.  After a quick informal study of all the moms I know, I got a few great reviews for jogging strollers. So, without further ado, the top 3:

• Bob Revolution Stroller–My sister has used this with two kids and says it’s well worth the money.

• Kelty Speedster Strollers - an integral part of Baby Boot Camp workouts.

• InStep Safari Jogging Stroller - Great features at a great price, including front swivel wheel for maneuverability.

Have a great weekend, and don’t forget to check out the Rockabye Baby! CD Giveaway contest!

There’s been a lot of talk in the news recently about Bisphenol A (or BPA), a chemical found in the plastic used to make water bottles and baby bottles. Both the FDA and the Canadian government had concluded that BPA in polycarbonate bottles meets current safety requirements, but the Canadian government is banning BPA as a “precautionary” step of in products to be used by young children. The FDA announced today that it is finally taking a step in that direction by “re-evaluating” its view on BPA in light of a recent National Toxicology Program report on the compound.

I have to say, I am all for this “better safe than sorry” approach by the Canadians and I hope the FDA follows suit. I think I’d rather NOT expose my child (or any child) to chemicals/toxins if given the choice. Especially after reading what critics of BPA have to say:

• Environment California’s report on Toxic Baby Bottles
• The Work Group for Safe Markets’ PDF: Baby’s Toxic Bottle
• US News & World Report: Report Shows Dangerous Chemicals Can Leach From Baby Bottles
• Children’s Hospital.org: Michael Shannon, MD, MPH, on plastic baby bottles
• Draft of NTP Brief on Bisphenol A (PDF)
• Bisphenol A Free.org– the name says it all
• Our Stolen Future — website of the book that brought BPA to public awareness

I found this great site called OC Mamma that is definitely worth a look. Their organic baby clothes are all currently 20% off, and they have some really cute things.

I am in love with this Puff Sleeve Onesie:

And this Spaghetti Strap Tank Top:

Both are adorable and on sale for $18.

OC Mamma also has a lot of great resources, like a list of area Mom’s Clubs and a Girl Talk Forum where moms can connect. Definitely worth a look!