Cool Baby Tips!

Ruby Daisy To the Rescue

Are you one of those parents who shelled out a small fortune for a Bugaboo, SilverCross, or Stokke stroller only to discover that either no cup holder fits your stroller or the adjustable Valco that does (see previous post) seriously clashes with your style? Fret no more. The two sisters behind Ruby Daisy have created some super cool universal cup holders that will make any Bugaboo parent proud. The cups also fit on bicycles. And, while you check out their site www.RubyDaisy.com, take a peek at their matching stroller blankets with ties to keep blankets in place on your stroller or infant car seat. No more embarrassing moments rolling over baby's blankies in the middle of the street!

Bean Bags Are Back, Baby.

But not just any bean bags! We are talking about Fatboy Point bean bags made by designer Jukka Setala. They are not only comfortable, but cool enough for us big kids, too. Made from water and stain resistant materials.

We also love the Zid Zid kids Mini Poofs( in the photo on right) that are the perfect size for small children with comfy flannel covers that unzip so that you can wash them. Find both bean bags at Designpublic.com

iPod Baby's Photo...

Visit www.ipopmyphoto.com to transform baby's photos into colorful and exciting images for screensavers, t-shirts, greeting cards and more. You get to choose your color, your message, and you can choose to add or omit an iPod from the photo. Cost is $19.95.

If You Think Letter Magnets Are Passe...

Get Oliblock's awesome spinning magnetic interlocking gears. They'll look great on your stylish Fisher & Paykel two-drawer dishwasher you spent way too much on and, more important, your baby will love playing with them (you just might, too!).

A High Chair That Even Your Teen Can Use?

The all wood Svan High Chair from Sweden goes with any decor, takes up way less space than other high chairs, is light and easy to carry around, and adjusts as your child grows from a highchair to a booster chair, to a chair for a desk (which justifies the slightly higher price). See the online demo that shows you how it can be used for a child who is 6 months old to 16. We love it because it goes with minimalist modern decor (our kitchen) or Modern Asian (our dining room). Note: one test parent did report that the fit was a little snug for her son who is way above average in height and weight. The multi-colored pads are conveniently washable.

Who Says Toy Chests Can't Be Stylish?

Plastic & Primary Colors -- who needs them in your living room? Find cool items like antique chinese water carriers (see photo, $65 at H.D. Buttercup), lockable wooden chests at garage sales (see photo) or Bombay furniture, funky coffee crates with stamps on them, or any other sturdy wooden item that can collect toys and not subtract from your Neutra coffee table or design sensibility.

Babies Can Be Hip, Too.

Visit http://www.coochicoos.com/ to find cool and hip baby products and accessories designed by cutting edge artists and manufacturers for modern-minded parents. Where else can you find a $3200 Vintage Ray Gun Collection, Angela Adams Rugs, Ooba designs, Mango Ink custom invites, or a Fatboy Point Bean Bag chair for $89 all in one place?!