Adventures in Motherhood
Birth Day
Dad's Eye View
Knocked up
Pretty little things
While we see hundreds of products that catch our eye in a year’s time, there are always a handful that stand out above the crowd. Allow us to present a few of our favorite things from the past 12 months.
1. Puj tub
When we first saw the Puj tub back in 2009, the $99 price tag made us wonder how practical it was for the average family (amazing ease of use aside). However, once the price dropped to an affordable $40 in 2010, we were sold. This handy tub that fits comfortably over almost any sink is amazingly simple to use and prevents moms from suffering the usual bent-over-the-bathtub back pain. The fact that it is also made from an antifungal, antibacterial material and hangs on a towel rack to dry makes it a must-have for moms seeking a convenient means to bathe their babes. Puj $40
(Read our full review of the Puj here.)
2. ZoLi Buzz B
Is anything more frightening than trimming those tiny fingernails for the first time? ZoLi made one scary job a bit less terrifying with their creation of the Buzz B, a battery-operated nail trimmer that files down your little one’s nails using a gentle oscillating action. With four different degrees of roughness, it works just as well on the paper-thin nails of a newborn as it does on the tougher, denser nails of an older baby. ZoLi $25
(Read our full review of the ZoLi Buzz B here.)
3. The Initiator Company Chick-a-Dee
Despite their typically round, plastic, ugly nature, smoke alarms are an essential fixture in every home. Imagine our excitement when we came across one that actually manages to be cute as well as functional! This bird-shaped smoke detector works just as well as the regular variety and comes ready to be mounted to the ceiling. When something looks good while saving lives, it’s a no-brainer: We’re fans! The Initiator and Company $50
This mod baby seat is as smart as it is stylish. Featuring five unique motions—Car Ride, KangaRoo, Tree Swing, Rock-A-Bye and Ocean Wave—and five different movement speeds, you’re bound to find a style that suits your baby’s particular bouncing/swaying/rocking preferences. Plus, it’s MP3 player-compatible and has a built-in white noise machine. What’s not to love? 4moms $200
(Read our full review of the 4moms mamaRoo here.)
With the introduction of the GoCrib, enjoying the great outdoors with a small tot in tow got a whole lot easier.
This travel crib is incredibly lightweight (thanks to its lack of large metal or plastic components), and it’s a cinch to use: Simply pump it up and you’ve got a safe, cozy play or sleep space for your little one. Perhaps best of all, the whole thing can be stuffed into its pack (no rolling or folding necessary) and carried on mom’s or dad’s back. Whether you’re spending the weekend at grandma’s or enjoying some R&R at your local park, you’ll love having the GoCrib along for the trip. Guava Family $250
(Read our full review of the Guava Family GoCrib here.)
Baby Jogger has truly created a meets-all-your-needs stroller in the City Select. It’s both car seat- and bassinet-compatible, can be used for one or two children, and boasts 16 seating configurations (so it can adapt to your family’s ever-changing wants and requirements). It also includes patented quick-fold technology, a telescoping handlebar and many more first-class features. Baby Jogger $500 (additional components sold separately)
(Read our full review of the Baby Jogger City Select here.)
7. ERGObaby Performance Carrier
The ERGObaby Performance carrier was a quick sell: We were already familiar with the company’s reputation for designing smart, sturdy baby carriers, and we fell in love with the new Performance almost as soon as we pulled it out of the box. It’s a great pick for active families (thanks in part to its lightweight fabric and quick-drying exterior), and offers some impressive comfort to both the wearer (whether it’s mom or dad) and the rider. It’s also easy to put on and adjust, making it an all-around good buy for babywearing parents. ERGObaby $120
(Read our full review of the ERGObaby Performance Carrier here.)
If you’ve ever wrestled to match up the snaps on your baby’s jumpsuit as he wiggles away on the changing table, you’ll appreciate the magnetic closure system of Magnificent Baby’s clothing line. Every piece is soft and comfy, as well as snap-, button-, Velcro- and other hassle-inducing closure-free. The magnets are made to withstand the washer and dryer, effortless to close, and completely safe for baby. Genius! Magnificent Baby $33 each
(Read our full review of Magnificent Baby layette here.)
9. Petunia Pickle Bottom Wistful Weekender
Our favorite of the new collection Petunia Pickle Bottom introduced in September is the Wistful Weekender bag. It’s lightweight, jam-packed with pockets, and the perfect size for your overnight stay at the hospital. (Every laboring mom deserves a pretty bag!) Of course, it will serve a long life of diaper duty down the road too. Other nice features? PPB went organic with this collection and attached a surprisingly affordable price tag. Petunia Pickle Bottom $99
(Read our full review of the Petunia Pickle Bottom Wistful Weekender here.)
10. Vivique apparel
No more unattractive maternity panels! The innovative FitWise waistband on Vivique’s pants expands and tips down as your belly grows, making them your go-to pair from day one of pregnancy all the way past the postpartum period. Bonus: They’re not only discreet, but also stay in place without any tugging throughout the day. Vivique from $150
(Read our full review of Vivique apparel here.)