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 And once you check out the supple and soft, fabulously fresh signature initial blankets (shown at top left in Rocketman, $48) from Cosmotot fave, Two Tinas LLC, I think you'll agree.
Crafted from hand-selected 100% cotton funky/trendy/retro-tinged prints and patterns with kooky names like Mod Blue Pod, Hampton Dot and Zoo Blue, each features a solid, 100% poly "chic mink" plush backing and washable felt initial that's perfect for long strolls, short naps and serious tummy time. 
But wait, there's more.
New custom sewn 100% cotton interlock receiving My Name Blankets with contrast trim (not pictured, available in Fawn/Sky Blue Trim and Fawn/Light Pink Trim, $42) are giving babies something to babble about since each child's name is hand appliqued with a chocolate brown Ultrasuede that gets softer and softer after every wash.
While you're at it, why not make sure everyone on the whole city block knows your mini-me's moniker with adorably mod, contrast trim My Name Ringer Snapsuits (shown at bottom right in Blue, $34 - also available in Pink and Brown).
Made from pre-shrunk, ultra soft, ring spun combed cotton (aka: superfine interlocking material) with lap shoulders and a snap bottom closure that make dressing and changing baby a breeze, each name is hand appliqued on a contemporary chocolate brown Ultrasuede oval in soft white Ultrasuede for the most modern - and stylishly comfy - in little layette.
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 I think it's way more fun to think outside the box, especially when said box comes in the form of the uber cool, simple yet sleek kid's cubino chair (shown at top left and bottom right in brown/pink, brown/sky blue, brown/green, $99) from Monte Design Group, headed up by modern-minded parents to three trendy youngsters, Ralph and Michelle Montemurro.
Think of it as the one tot-friendly trapping in the playroom that you don't need to scramble to try and hide when out-of-town company makes an unexpected visit. Made from super thick, durable foam covered in soft yet sturdy  polyester canvas, the cubino comes in contemporary two-tone color choices, includes a comfy removable seat cushion, and boasts completely removable and machine washable covers. How bout them apples?
Now if only everything in the Crate & Barrel catalog was that easy to maintain ....
Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Have more than one wee tush to cush?
Monte Design Group also offers a cubino loveseat (shown at top left in brown/orange, $129) with plenty of room for two or three bitty bums. 
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 Changings on-the-go are tough enough as it is, but having to haul a supply of diapers big enough to waterproof the length of Lake Shore Drive just to get through one morning or afternoon of running errands or going to a playdate seems plain unfair - kind of like asking a thisclose to popping pregnant woman to put on her own socks or to give herself a rockin' pedi.
It's just not realistic, enjoyable or all that doable, especially once baby gains control of those sweet dimpled arms and legs and uses them as weapons - mainly to become an accomplished (and wiggly) escape artist-turned-flailing-octopus. Wranglers used to - but not liking - grappling little ones will get good use out of portable and totally posh The Plush Pad from Ah Goo Baby (shown at top left in Jungle and Vintage in Pink, $47). Instead of making the whole changing process look like something out of American Gladiators, its luxuriously cushy body-contouring memory foam is more likely to lull little ones into a soothing sense of calm, and since its trimmed with colorful, trendy fabrics with names like Spa, Rascal and Retro-Daisy, baby will have plenty to look at while her bum's alfresco.
Bonus: it rolls into a compact
cylinder and unfolds to a sprawling 2-feet by 2-feet squared. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Now until Mother's Day, enjoy free shipping with the promo code: FSHIP
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 Aspiring Handy Manny wannabes of all ages will have blast helping tool-savvy moms and dads around the house with the Little Builder Tool Belt (shown at top left, $12.99) from Cosmotot fave - and developmental toy specialist - International Playthings.
Not only does the handy dandy soft canvas belt treat little tummies gently, but it also has two big easy-to-access pockets on the front to hold a colorful toy hammer, blunt pliers, adjustable wrench and rounded edge screwdriver with two different sized bits. And, though the toys are plastic and don't have any sharp parts, the youngest of gnawers and gummers would do best with parental supervision when acting the busy builder. Wills especially digs the included electronic beeper (battery operated) that makes sure he doesn't miss any important calls. 
Kiddies who like a little adventure in their lives will love rocking playtime on International Playthings' Baby Dino Rocker (shown at bottom right, $99.99). The super soft, low-to-the-ground padded plush dinosaur is pretty affordable when compared to boutique brands, and features sturdy anti-tip hardwood construction to keep parents at ease, and is packed with tons of textures, crinkles and a jingly bell hidden in its tail for little hands to explore.  And for those teeny tiny family members who are just too little to hit the construction block or go riding away the afternoon, International Playthings offers up a super cute puppy friend in the form of Shaggie Taggies (shown at bottom left, $19.99). Recommended for wee ones from birth and up, the soft snuggly dog stimulates growing minds with different textures, plenty of places to grab, squeeze and taste, and a funny little bone right in the middle that vibrates when pulled. 
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 Little kids and cars don't always mix, and for parents of those with a particularly sensitive gag reflex or explosive south-of-the-border reaction every time they turn the key in the ignition, the never-ending pile of laundry and buckets of upholstery shampoo just keeps growing and growing.
At least that's what happened to moms Jen and Rebecca every time they tried to run an errand with their daughters. Without an available solution in sight, the mess combating duo turned into designers and came up with Emmalu Designs - an online shop that offers brick and mortar retailers, and e-tailers, too, waterproof, removable car seat covers in super trendy patterns and colors to make everyone's life a little easier and time spent together a little more enjoyable.  The concept is simple. Each patent pending slipcover - in infant (Blue River Flowers shown at top left, $69.99+) or toddler (Groovy Guitars shown at bottom right, $69.99+) seat sizes - has a waterproof lining to protect the original car seat cover underneath, is fully machine washable, dryer-friendly, and best of all, fashionably durable for a not so extreme makeover that won't break the bankroll. In fact, maybe you'll even save a little green on cleaning supplies each time the kiddies turn a similar shade. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Visit Emmalu Designs' "Where To Buy" page for a complete list of retailers throughout the U.S.
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 Although, with the Kozy Carrier (shown at top left in Hillsville, $79+), it could be front facing, ***-feeding or side/hip action, too.
Owned, operated and designed by a stay-at-home mama, Kelley Mason, her modern version (as she likes to call it) of the tried-and-true Mei Tei-style carrier offers moms, dads, grams and other caregivers wide padded shoulder straps, a padded curved head support, and sturdy, totally trendy patterned fabrics that are durable, too.
The Kozy Carrier also offers wearers and wearees a generously sized body - to keep both people comfy, even pregnant mamas - and not only supports baby's legs, bum and back, but is also designed to grow with your child, enough so that it can be used from birth through toddlerhood. Maybe even beyond that if you can manage to wear and then comfortably haul around a strapping, less than light little one past three years of age. 
Not sure how to wear it? Never fear. The Kozy Carrier's web site is paced with informative FAQ, wearing instructions and tons of photos to see if you're getting it right. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Every carrier comes nestled inside a free Kozy Tote - turned inside out - which is a good idea in theory, after all, we're all into the idea of "reduce, reuse, recylce," but after making its trip in the mail truck to its destination, needless to say, the bag is a little less than clean. Our was downright gnarly. The idea is to turn the bag right side in once you remove the carrier, but since that interior part was the one facing out during delivery, I'm not sure you'd want to put anything clean inside. 
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 ... is definitely the place to be these days, especially if it means that countrified companies like Sweet Grass Farm are offering up all natural, wholesome, organic, chemical-free lotions and potions for baby's bitty parts.
Their all new FarmBaby line packs love, nourishment and 24/7 round-the-clock care into its healthful products - and leaves out drying distilled alcohol, harmful parabens and irritating dyes - that include grooming goodies like Body Wash (not shown, $7.95) made with soothing aloe vera and lavender oil; Baby Lotion (shown at bottom right, $7.95) also infused with aloe  vera and lavender oil, along with a yummy blend of shea butter and natural silicone to leave baby soft instead of slimy; Organic Powder with Cornstarch (not shown, $8.95), crafted from organic arrowroot and organic cornstarch that's meant to keep baby silky smooth with its talc- and mineral-free formula; and its fresh-smelling Nursery Spray (not shown, $5.95-$8.95) suited perfectly for baby's delicate sheets, favorite blankets, teeny clothing and upholstery, especially since it doesn't contain any alcohol, harsh chemicals or solvents that could irritate sensitive eyes, skin and lungs.
Cosmotot's pick is the nourishing Bottom Balm (shown at top left, $8.95), which is made with herbal extracts like calendula and chamomile that protect tender skin from inflammation and irritation, in addition to tea tree oil used for its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It even smells farm fresh.
Well, without the livestock part of course. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Sweet Grass Farm isn't just for the under one year old set either. Their extensive line of soy candles, handcut herbal soaps, fragrant laundry and rustic home items, along with fragrance sticks and natural bath and body goods sure make grown ups want to rise and shine, too. 
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 Sure, we all love Grandma's carefully handcrafted creations.
That loopy afghan made with purple yarn and lots of love, that random tea cozy shaped like a snail or those avocado green macrame potholders tucked away in a drawer in the kitchen, and of course, that silly, smiley sock monkey (my husband still has the original dog-eared one his grandma gave him). Sok-O does, too, but instead of going the tried-and-true, somewhat old-fashioned route, they're giving their 100% handmade sock puppets a fresh-faced, amusingly campy appeal that's more contemporary than crochet.
Founded by three Los
Angeles-based designers and one Taiwan-based designer, Sok-O is all about high-quality design with plenty of offbeat, playful touches thrown in for good measure, which means there's a menagerie of eight trippy animal characters to choose from, including Bu-Lou the dog (I think), Hooligan the mohawked duck, Trumbo the elephant, Dazzze the pig (shown at bottom right, $49), Du-Lee the owl, Peeko the alligator (shown at top left, $49) and Pea the dog. 
Each soft toy is made from an actual pair of socks (or in some cases one
individual sock), and comes complete with a Cabbage Patch-like window box (aka: carrier) and an individual birth certificate. Check out the web site for full descriptions on their likes and dislikes, too.
Due to their handmade nature, no two
designs are ever identical and make for unique gifts. And I have to say, they're way better than those Ugly dolls.
Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Sok-O makes sure to give each character tons of personality including creative shapes and cute detailing. In this case, that means buttons, so it's best not to let kiddies under three years of age play with the toys unsupervised.
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 Wills was a spring baby, and in those first idyllic months of being totally head over heels in love with him (ok, so I still am, but sometimes a time out is in order) taking him for long walks around the neighborhood represented our special time together.
He'd coo and make those fabulous baby noises looking around excitedly while perched in the safety and comfort of his baby carrier and eventually, after enjoying the gentle breeze and warm sunshine (typically around the 2 mile marker) would zonk out to the point that a neighbor pointed out we were "sleep walking."
It all sounds so pastoral now, like a Sinatra song should have been playing in the background, so it's hard to believe that he's grown into a strapping toddler who would sooner eat an entire piece of chicken (a major dislike) than spend time cooped up in a sling with me. However, I have another one coming that I can work with, so maybe we can recreate that same old-timey romantic, loving mood on our own strolls. I'm sure they'll be punctuated by Wills' jabbering, but hey, I'll take it. I'd like to go for more comfort this time around, too. I still have our old carrier, which I really loved at the time, but since I have non-existent shoulders, it made for some uncomfortable digging and red marks once the whole thing was said and done. Well, that and the fact I was strapping an 11 pound newbornish baby to my chest.
The Moby Wrap (Select model shown at top left in Batik Floral, $69.95, choose from the Original Moby Wrap or Moby D, too) doesn't do that since its design eliminates those narrow, uncomfortable straps, and instead, uses your entire back as well as your shoulders to evenly distribute baby's weight. At its most bare-bones description, the Moby Wrap is basically a wide piece of fabric - similar to a cozy pashmina or contemporary Carrie Bradshaw-esque shawl - that you simply wrap over both shoulders and then adjust in terms of how tightly you wrap yourself and baby. There's no buckles, straps or other fasteners, and with 20 different ways to wear it (dads, too), you can bet that you and baby will be having your own snuggly, googly-eyed rendevous a deux, too. 
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 I think most moms would welcome an extra hand (or two) now and again when wrangling that brood of super cute, diaper-clad wee beasties, especially when the going gets rough, tough and possibly stinky.
Balancing a sleepy baby in your arms for an entire cross country flight, perhaps trying to keep a firm grip on a sticky toddler's hand, or maybe just carting a big bag teeming with groceries or the dog's leash and poop bags while on a walk can present interesting feats of contortion, at least enough to make a Cirque de Soleil performer jealous. That's where the PUJ Go Sling (shown at top left in Florence, $48, also available in patterns with cool, retro-chic names like Chloe, Dianna - Cosmotot's pick - Kate and Heather) comes in. Founded by designer parents Katie and Ben, PUJ - pronounced like that extra inch you have to pinch - makes it simple to get up and go out, especially since its minimalist/modern design has no straps, buckles, zippers or metal rings. You literally just throw it over your head like a t-shirt, slip baby inside and head out the door. You can even put it on while holding baby. Talk about a huge plus! When baby's off exploring the rug or her toes and the PUJ is not in use, simply fold it up flat, tuck it in the side of your diaper bag or jacket pocket, and that's it. And, if on a particular day baby gets extra drooly, explosively poopy or very pukey, just throw it in the wash for a fresh start. Maybe we should give PUJ a hand instead. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
There's more of a precise sizing science behind the PUJ than just a
one-size-fits-most-but-not-very-well philosophy, too. The site offers a
very comprehensive measurement chart on its main page, but should you
run into any technical difficulties with that slithery measuring tape,
Katie will gladly help you get it all sorted out. 
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 When Wills was just fresh baked and cranky about being on the overwhemingly stimulating and noisy outside, I can recall that he wasn't at all shy about letting us know about it at all hours of the morning, afternoon and night.
He has a good set of pipes, that one. Still. Wrapping him up like a little baby burrito often did the trick, helping to soothe him and calm those flailing limbs, although at a fighting weight of 10 lbs., 1 oz. (natural delivery, too - go me!) the swaddling blankets we inherited from a well-meaning friend did little to contain his largesse in a comfy, cozy kind of way. It was like trying to wrap a football in a postage stamp. I'd spend most of the day and night trying to re-wrap him over and over again, only to find that he'd managed to loosen his covers about five minutes later. Had I known about whisper soft Australian swaddling blankets (shown at top left in Blue Muslin, $44 for a 4 Pack) from Aden + Anais then, I really think I could have gotten a lot more shut-eye. 
Well, in theory anyway. The wildy popular company (Hollywood is nuts about them) was founded by two expat Aussie mums - to namesake kiddies Aden and Anais - who just couldn't find their must-have muslin-made baby staples from back home while living stateside, and who ultimately decided to share them with us oblivious Yanks. Trust me, we were missing out. Each generously sized swaddling blanket (there's even hooded bath towels and washcloths, too) provides ample room to wrap baby securely and safely, and is made from soft, breathable muslin fabric - a kind of open weave natural cotton first introduced to England in the 17th century - that allows for plenty of gentle air flow and breathability. Its lightweight weave lulls littles ones to sleep while wicking away moisture and regulating body temperature, yet keeps them warm and snuggly without going the overheated, sweaty route. Hey, at least it's news I can use for the next one. Don't know how to swaddle? Don't worry. Aden + Anais has plenty of helpful tips on its web site. 
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 Buds are blooming on the trees, bunnies and birds are doing their crazy love dances on the front lawn (not with each other - but you know what I mean), the smell of rainy freshness is in the air, and saving a planet that looks so deliciously dewy this time of year is on our minds.
Well that, and it's Earth Day, so what better time than the present to renew ourselves with eco-friendly and more importantly, family-friendly products? Generation Orange has it all covered with inspired lifestyle products like the super fabulous Natursutten Pacificer (shown at top left, $8), which is the only all organic binkie in the world. It's biodegradable, too. Made from pure natural rubber (harvested from the Hevea brasiliensi tree, in case you were wondering), each paci is softer than silicone (and possibly softer than baby's cute dimpled bum), and are so hygenic that neat nik parents bordering on OCD will rejoice at the lack of gunk buildup. Its molded from one piece, which means there are no joints, cracks or crevices for bacteria to camp out in, and they're CE certified - to us Yanks, that means that the Natursutten lives up to the European Union (EU) directives that deal with safety, health and environmental protection. What's more, Natursutten pacis are completely free of allergy-causing substances, have no artificial coloring (although they will change color with use a little bit), are free from any cancer-causing substances, don't contain any hormone-disrupting substances, are free from chemical softeners, and are free from parabens, PVC, BPA and phthalates.
That's quite a earth-friendly pedigree for something that's going to end up chilling in the drool in baby's mouth. Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
It doesn't end with things like pacifiers either. Generation Orange carries a complete collection of green goodies for everything from mealtime to playtime to bathtime, like the Born Free Bottle Gift Set (not shown, $55). 
Not only is it a great newborn starter kit, but since each piece is made from high-quality Swiss polyamide, Born Free products are completely free from hormone disrupting bisphenol A. And as the parents of older tots will tell you, at some point what goes in, must come out and not necessarily into a diaper. We're loving (or should I say, Wills is loving) the Boon Potty Bench from Generation Orange (shown at bottom left, $34.99).
The contemporary, multiple parenting magazine award-winning, brightly-colored training potty has two enclosed side storage spaces for organizing potty-training supplies like toilet paper, wipes and maybe a soft-sided bath book, and also has a handy-dandy pull out drawer for easy, sanitary clean-up time. Its low-to-the-ground design makes it a cinch for little tushies to perch upon, and since it doesn't make any weird noises, beeps or whistles, it's also completely approachable and not at all intimidating for first timers. The parents of boys will appreciate the included removable (soft) deflector shield, that'll keep the pee-pee in the potty where it belongs, instead of, um, on the opposite wall. Once the lid is closed, kiddies can use it as a sturdy stool - that supports up to 300 lbs. - that's perfect for reaching the sink for a post-potty session hand scrubbing. Our side drawers won't stay closed, which is a bummer, since it adds a bit of risk for our Wills if he missteps off the top of the lid.
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 As if you could be anything but after taking a peek at the endearingly impish, bright and colorful organic cotton collection of tops, bottoms, cutie patootie leggings, dresses, kimonos, onesies, ruffled chemises, hats and more (infant garments shown at top left in Blueberry/Sky and Watermelon/Sky motifs, $9.50+; toddler designs shown at bottom right, $9.50+) - there's even a skort! - at Happy Green Bee.
Their simple, stylish designs for infants and toddlers are great for a mix and match wardrobe approach, especially since each comfy, cozy, all natural piece features gender-free colors and classic shapes.
Easy-to-wear, earth-friendly touches like rolled hems, wide, cheery stripes, a touch of stretch and recycled buttons not only give Happy Green Bee more organic appeal, but are perfect for creating layered ensembles that are a must when living in the Windy City. If you've ever taken a stroll along the lakefront, you know what I mean. 
Cosmomama says there's more in the details:
Not only is Happy Green Bee 100% planet-friendly, but they're a 100% people-friendly company, too. Employees at Happy Green Bee's Chinese manufacturing houses work under a Fair Trade partnership, which means they receive payment of a living wage, safe and healthy working conditions, have chosen to work of their own free will, etc. I think that's a lot to be happy about, don't you? 
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 Just ask Ugly Betty's America Ferrera and anyone else who has managed to revive that iconic 70s-era classic - the poncho.
Yep, I'm sure you all remember that homey looking, messy yarn fringe bearing, peek-a-boo crochet-style afghan with a head opening. Not one of our best fashion moments.
Until now. Ugly has gotten a major overhaul in the form of a girly-glam makeover thanks to Chloe In Style, a posh Canadian purveyor of all things chic for moms, babies and tots.
Their line of deliciously soft handmade polar fleece ponchos (Cindy style shown at top left, $59) for little fashion plates are anything but dowdy - how could they be, since each one has an ultra trendy name like Sabine, Raine, Delphina and Gretta (shown at bottom left, $59), just to name a few - and showcases different fashion-forward embellishment like contrasting braided chenille trim, French Rococo detailing, Ombre ribbon, retro ric rac, and imported pom poms. Maureen McCormick (aka, Marica, Marcia, Marcia) would totally approve. 
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 Did I mention it was a black eye?
My black eye to be specific. It's really quite the shiner.
Let's just say that Wills has an amazingly accurate right hook, packed with even more punch since he was holding a chunky wooden piece of railroad track (with the conductor's switchboard office attached) at the time. It wasn't his fault of course. It's not like he'd maim mommy on purpose. I was doing the ol' diaper change, and halfway through the buttoning up process decided it would be oh so prudent of me to blow a gigantic raspberry on his super ticklish tummy. He of course flailed with glee, knocked me in the soft part of the undereye, and badda boom badda bing, within about 2 minutes I looked like Rocky after a particularly intense rock 'em sock 'em-style bout with Apollo Creed. Well, I like to think that I always look better than Rocky in general, but you get the picture. Fortunately, we keep Boo Boo Gel Packs from Tiny Tillia (shown at top left, Austin Elephant, Chloe Mouse, Duncan Dog, Indy Sheep, Jac Jac Cat, TT Cow, $10 each) on hand in the fridge at all times since Wills isn't exactly the most graceful of swans either. The kooky animal characters are friendly faced and not at all intimidating, which makes painful bumps, bruises (and black eyes) feel lots better since they have a tendency to make little ones smile. Ok, and adults, too. It's not often that you see a cow wearing Wellingtons. I love that you can use the 2 oz. packs cold or warm (immerse in warm water but don't microwave!) and that they're made from phthalate free PVC - and filled with a non-toxic, water-based formula, too. However, it's always best to watch the kiddies when easing the boo boo away since they're not meant to be used for teething or jumping on - well, that's what Wills wants to do with them anyway. The jumping, not the gnawing. 
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