
This Wall Pocket by Plastisock is a hip way to keep things organized. I love the green and white print and the orange trim adds a cool touch. Three pockets hold essentials, from diapers to toys and books. Six gromets attach it to the wall. You can purchase one of these fun pieces on sale for $48 (half price) at ittikid.com.
I am fortunate enough to be able to leave work to nurse a few times each day, but I still need to pump. It is a bit of a chore, so I’m always looking for ways to make it easier. These Medela wipes are a great way to quickly clean pump parts. While I thoroughly clean everything at the end of the day, it is nice to just wipe things down in between. They are alcohol free, and can also be used on toys, surfaces, etc. At $8.99 for 24 wipes, they are pretty pricey. If I calculate the time saved at work, however, they are more than worth it. You can purchase a pack in stores with baby departments (I bought mine at Target), or online at toysrus.com.
accessory, Breast Pump, Breastfeeding, breastpump, Feeding, Health, Medela, quick clean, Safety, Travel, Travel Gear, Wipes

Our ten month old son, unlike his twin sister, still does not sleep through the night. As you can imagine, we have tried quite a few things to remedy this tiring situation. After reading Elizabeth Pantley’s book The No-Cry Sleep Solution, we decided to introduce a “lovey” and ordered this Snoedel, which is something Pantley used with her own child.
The Snoedel (which means snuggle in Dutch) is a sleeping and bonding aid completely handcrafted in the US of cotton flannel as well as pure sheep’s wool; these natural fibers make it safe to use for all babies, even those born prematurely. The idea is that the mother or father sleeps with the Snoedel for a few nights, until his/her scent is absorbed into the material. This parental scent is supposed to comfort the baby and help him sleep better. And because it’s machine washable and dryable, it’s not difficult to clean and then re-infuse with your scent.
I’d like to tell you that the Snoedel did the trick and we are now sleeping peacefully, but unfortunately this was not the case. Maybe it’s because we introduced a lovey too late, maybe it’s because the only thing that my son has attached to is the breast or his trusty socks (don’t ask me how this last one came about), but for $24.95 plus shipping, it was worth a shot. And who knows, maybe he’ll surprise both of us one day and actually cling onto his Snoedel and ask to be put to his crib for the night…not likely, I know, but a parent deprived of an entire night’s sleep can dream, can’t she?
Even though the Snoedel didn’t work for us, it has been successful for many parents. I highly recommend you try it out for yourself—they are available in a variety of colors and patterns at snoedel.com.

In a room decorated in greens and browns (such as my youngest son’s nursery), this Green Frog Faux Leather Bookend from Streamline is a perfect accessory to really finish it off. Though it’s for ages 3 and up, I’d simply put it up high on my little one’s shelves, plop some books against it, and voila—instant style! It is whimsical and eye-catching with vivid colors and usefulness to boot. Sold for $49.99 at Amazon.com, it’s a gift possibility; it even comes in a drawstring bag. This happy frog is a great find.

The Mia Jewelry House from Haba is precious. I think it would make a lovely present for a little one at Christmas, for a First Communion (add a bauble inside), or for just about any occasion. It is split into two parts, so children can organize their favorite little things in the top or the bottom. Open the zipper and reveal a mirror to top off the lower section. Though it is not meant for children under the age of 3, it will not be hard to find someone to give it to. It is too charming to pass up, with gems, flowers, and polka dots adorning it, all in pretty colors. This German creation is sold at PetitBaby.com for $31.99.

This Bright Starts By Your Side Seat looks a little roomier, and more sturdy, than a bouncer. It also raises the child high enough so you can pay more careful attention to them. I like the basket/bin under the seat. That would be a good place to keep baby’s toys or favorite blanket. It also plays 10 melodies and has volume control (a feature for which parents are always grateful!)
Visit BrightStarts.com to view and purchase this item, which is priced at $69.99.

This Palette Plate Feeding Set by Skip Hop is age-appropriate for both babies and toddlers. I didn’t realize at first that it serves three purposes: food preparation, storage and serving of finger foods. It has three drop-in bowls that are microwave safe and fit right into the Palette Plate when you’re ready to serve. It also comes with translucent covers for storage and matching utensils.
If you think about it, this is also an opportunity to introduce your children to primary colors. And besides, it just looks like fun. When your kids are having fun, they might eat more of their food than they play with. Visit SkipHop.com to view this item, priced at $28.

Measuring at 10″ high x 12.5″ wide x 2.75″ diameter, this small, colorful multipurpose bag is the perfect size for your little girl to carry. The Audgie Pokey Posey Small Bag could be used as a handbag for a child, to carry a snack, or as a place to stash her secret items. This cute little snail zips closed and has a shoulder strap that is adjustable from 25 inches to 46 inches.
Other bag shapes available from The Audgie Collection include a mushroom, a birdhouse, and a fishbowl. You can view all these styles and the snail shown in the above photo at KarmaKiss.com, where the bags sell for $30 each.

It is never too early to start building your little one’s library. These cute little book plates are a great way to make your collection special. Illustrated with a vintage print of a little boy with an airplane, these bookplates are personalized with your child’s name. There is just enough blank space that you could add a small note showing the date each book was received, who it was received from, etc. Over time, these personalized labels will help your child treasure his or her library and care for the books that comprise it.
You can purchase a set for $26 of 32 self-adhesive labels at myretrobaby.com. A number of other styles are also available. All come in a cute matching tin that makes them perfect for gift-giving.

This resembles a cell phone or iPod case, but it is a Hoodie Camera Case, made by Built. How many times have you thrown your camera into the diaper bag? Later, when you look through the shots you took, you find a few “ghostly” pics of the inside of the bag. As long as you have children you’re going to have a camera handy. It’s a good idea to use a camera case not only to prevent photo accidents, but to protect your camera. The material is Neoprene and it stretches to fit a range of slim line cameras. It has a hard EVA core for extra protection and an inside pocket for those little memory cards (and extra batteries).
Visit inchbug.com to purchase this item for $14.95, available in Solid Black or Dot print.

All-in-one and built-in features make this NapPak by Love Bugs a great idea for overnights and sleepovers. One of the best times at home with the kids was after homework and baths when we still had time to cuddle up on the couch or on the carpet with their favorite pillows and blankets and watch a favorite family movie together. I think I would have kept these NapPaks rolled up in a corner of the front room for just those occasions. No more running to their rooms to pull their beds apart, just, “Everyone grab your NapPak.”
This oversized padded mat has a built-in pillow and fleece blanket, with velcro fasteners to keep it all rolled up nice and neat. Made from 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton, this bedding is washable and durable. Visit inchbug.com to view this item, priced at $44.95.

I used to have to wait until my little girl was sound asleep before I could trim her fingernails. For some reason she would just be so frightened of the baby nail clippers or tiny nail manicure scissors. I felt like I was scaring her to death. So I would wait until she was really asleep and I would tip toe into her room and quietly, and oh-so carefully, trim her nails.
These Lighted Nail Clippers by Baby Light and Clip might have looked interesting enough to my little girl just long enough for me to get the job done. The light illuminates under the nail so you can be sure not to clip tender skin. Safety Guards on the clippers help prevent baby’s tiny fingertip from going in between cutting blades and the Nail Clipping Tray helps keep clippings from falling into baby’s bedding. It also comes with a travel case included for great storage and for moms on the go. Visit Inchbug.com where you can order your pair for just 10.95.

If your children spend as much time in the family car as most children, then we, as parents, should try and make it as comfortable for them as we would for ourselves. This Ultimate Travel & Toy bag by Classy Kids is a great idea for providing convenient and organized storage for your child’s favorite items. The lower half of the bag is an insulated cooler for snacks to be handy for your little ones. The top can be used as a toy box that your child can easily reach into. There are mesh pockets on the side, a cup holder, and it attaches securely to carseats to prevent tipping over in the car.
Visit inchbug.com to view this item, priced at $39.95.

Sometimes you see an accessory that stands out so much that you want to plan entire room around it. The impressive Hi Tree! Mr Giant Sequoia Pillow is one such item. This incredible pillow is made by hand from layers of wool felt and stuffed with fiberfill. I can imagine some incredible nurseries, bedrooms, and playrooms designed around this great piece of fabric art.
The tree measures 25 inches in height by 19 inches in width. It can be used as a wall-hanging, a floor pillow–the sky is the limit. Best of all, this piece will no doubt inspire your child’s creativity and love of nature.
Unfortunately, such quality construction doesn’t come cheap. Be prepared to pay $200 to bring this pillow home. (A smaller version is also available for $100 at the site) .You can purchase one at tinydecor.com.

The Munchkin Snack Catcher was designed for the way toddlers eat. This unique snack holder keeps snacks in the container until you want them to come out. It features a domed lid to hold more snack, soft flaps so your child can easily open his own snack container, a rubber bottom to prevent damage to furniture, and special “bumps” on the outside to help clean a child’s fingers.
Even if the container tips over, the snack won’t spill, according to the manufacturer. This would come in handy if you’re carrying the container in a diaper bag, or even in the back seat of a car. There is also a place on the bottom of the container to write your child’s name, so the snack catcher won’t get lost in daycare or on a trip. Each container holds 9 oz. of dry snacks.
Go to Amazon.com to view the Munchkin Snack Catchers, which come in various colors and cost $7.95 for a pack of two.