This is one of the greatest new products I’ve tried in a long time. Zytrel makes an Antimicrobial Hand Sanitizer that also contains a Moisturizing Lotion. The problem I have with most hand sanitizers is that they tend to dry mine and my son’s skin, even stinging when we use it. This product, however, goes on smooth and silky, like a lotion, and absorbs quickly. It promises to kill 99.99% of germs in the first 15 seconds, and goes on to kill bacteria for 4 hours. The moisturizer even improves the condition of your skin. You can’t ask for much more than that from a hand sanitizer! It does not contain Triclosan like many other hand sanitizers, which also makes me feel good about using it (triclosan has been found to be a possible health threat, as it is a chemical that can cause the production of chloroform when exposed to tap water). You can purchase the 2 oz. size of Zytrel Hand Sanitizer/Moisturizing Lotion for just $4.99, or the larger 16 oz size for $14.99, at Zytrel.com.

Baby Dipper, that unique 4-oz. nonslip, nonspill bowl for babies, has just introduced a BPA-free set made from Eastman Tritan copolyester. In addition to being dishwsher safe, Tritan offers higher impact and heat resistance; as well as odor, taste and stain resistance, all important factors for infant care feeding products that demand cleanliness and safety. The new set sells for just $12.95 at Amazon.com.

I was recently given a sample of Wysi Wipes to try, and I must say, I’m hooked! These unique wipes by Canawipe Distributors, Ltd. look like small, white tablets. However, when water hits them, they unfold into strong, durable wipes that can be used for a variety of tasks. These would be great to carry in a diaper bag or purse, and they can’t dry out (they aren’t wet until you add water to them). Their Martha Stewart Living special package contains two 100 piece bags and four 12 piece bags, and sells for $29.95 at Canawipe.com.

Here’s a handy little tool that might make toothbrushing more of a fun event in your home. Toothpaste Pete is a head that replaces your existing toothpaste cap and dispenses toothpaste right onto the toothbrush. Think how much it would delight your child to have a friend to look forward to at toothbrushing time! The best part is, Toothpaste Pete sells for just $4.99 at PerpetualKid.com. I think I’m going to have to try this one out in our household! (It might even encourage the adults to brush longer!)

The Moby Bath Spout Cover by Skip Hop is a great way to protect little heads from bumps and bruises in the tub. This cute little guy gits over the faucet, adding a layer of protection against accidents. We have a similar product that I have been very pleased with. This model, however, has a few features that mine does not. It is dishwasher safe–which is great for keeping germs and mildew and bay. It also has a hooked tail that can be used to hang it up to dry when bath time is done. You can purchase one of these innovative products for a very reasonable $11.95 at bunnyburybaby.com.

I’ve discovered the cutest hats for adults and kids on www.etsy.com. They are called Chiahats and are made by seller Chiahats; I love that they are like nothing I’ve seen before. Totally conversation starters and sure to get tons of attention. Can’t you just picture your little one keeping warm all winter in these fluffy wonders? It’s faux fur, so no worries about hurting any fluffy animals in their making. For $50, you choose the lining, size, color, and a Velcro or ribbon closure. You could even choose to buy matching hats for everyone in the family!

I just stumbled upon this product and found it to be quite innovative. With three little girls in the house, we use a lot of leave-in conditioner. What is great about this product from Fairy Tales is that it uses natural ingredients, including rosemary, which is thought to help protect against head lice–and who wouldn’t want that added bonus? You can purchase an 8 oz. bottle for $12 at thecureshop.com.

I love Propoline’s nipple balm for the early (sore) days of nursing a new baby. I recently noticed that the company also makes this massage cream for  use during pregnancy. Intended to keep skin smooth and to prevent stretch marks, it is made from natural ingredients. I had trouble finding this company’s products for a while, but I have recently found them online at babygeared. You can purchase this massage cream for $18 at babygeared.com. Now if I could only find a reliable source for the company’s rose lip balm…

Etsy seller KnottedWear has invented the Pumpkin Sack Wearable Baby Blanket, to help keep baby swaddled from crib to car seat. Its detachable swaddle has an opening for easy diaper changes. It’s simple and stylish, and a solution for keeping baby warm in a variety of situations. Inventor Carlee Cash explains, “simply slip baby in and secure snaps on side and over shoulders… baby is ready for a nap or an outing. Then, wrap the swaddle around baby’s waist with arms in or out and you are ready to go (swaddle is also detachable via Velcro in back). If you need to get baby from a nap to run an errand and don’t want to disturb her, not a problem… just get her from the crib and place her in the car seat… with the bottom hole, any bottom car seat latch can be used. And, diaper changes are a snap… just undo the Velcro at the bottom, pull baby’s legs out and change that diaper (great for middle of the night diaper changes)”.

Each Pumpkin Sack measures about 28 inches long and 14 inches wide and is designed to fit sizes from newborn up to 6-9 months. They can be custom-made to specific desired lengths or widths. A variety of fabrics and styles are available, and they sell for $34.50 at KnottedWear.

Sally J. King is a mother who was inspired by her youngest son’s anaphylactic reaction to peanuts to create her own healthy kids’ recipes. While reading labels to try to avoid peanuts in foods, King realized how many other dangerous chemicals are in the foods kids eat. Her recipes combine healthy food choices with food and lunches kids want to eat. Some of the recipes in her book, Lunchbox Love, include Chocolate Chip Carrot Bread, Whole-Wheat Cheddar Biscuits, Applesauce, and Chicken Fingers. In addition, all of the recipes in the book can be used with spelt, barley, or oat flours if you or your child is allergic to wheat. I can’t wait to try out some of these delicious-sounding recipes on my family. You can purchase King’s book at Amazon.com for $10.95.

How many times have you put your child down for a nap, only to have the doorbell awaken him a few minutes later? Just about every mom I know (including me) has had this problem (except for one lucky mom I know, whose child sleeps like a log through doorbells, phones ringing, everything). That’s why I like the idea of the Bell Blocker. It completely covers your doorbell and tells visitors to “Please Knock,” when in the down position (it can be left covering the doorbell in the up position at other times, making the doorbell accessible to visitors). For just $10.99, the peace of mind this product can provide is priceless. It’s also a great gift idea for a new parent. You can purchase one at InventiveParent.com.

Enter to win a free year’s supply of diapers here! Sponsored by ViaCord and announced by WhattoExpect.com, the contest is every parent’s dream, considering the cost of diapering. Along with your entry, you’ll receive a Cord Blood Banking Information Kit, something many parent-to-be are probably curious about. Do I do it? Don’t I? The info is all there and you get to enter the contest. Smiles all around!

Silikids, makers of those protective knee pads for kids, also make a full line of BPA-free silicone accessories for children. In addition to the knee pads, they sell silibibs, silibottles, siliskins, and more. From now through December 31, if you use the code “OHBABY” at checkout, you’ll receive 15% off any order. Head to Silikids.com to view the unique, innovative products available and to take advantage of this great deal.

Need an incentive to get started on holiday cleaning? Check out this great pine-scented cleaning kit from Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day. I love Mrs. Meyer’s because the products are all-natural and they smell great. I recently bought some of these pine products, and although this isn’t my all-time favorite Mrs. Meyer’s scent, it is absolutely perfect for getting in the holiday spirit. The scent is clean and not overpowering, although I was hoping it would linger a bit more than it does after cleaning. The set includes window spray, dish soap, all purpose cleaner, and countertop spray. You can purchase the set for $14.99 at mrsmeyers.com. You can also buy the products individually in stores like Target, where I also picked up the pine-scented hand soap.

I have been coveting the Skip Hop Play Spot in Green/Brown (but the Blue/Gold is lovely as well) for some time now. However, I cannot afford to spend upwards of $100 for a 14” by 14” play mat. It’s so attractive and really would finish off our playroom (or nursery) and is listed for $79 at Amazon.com. The Play Spot is made of EVA foam, is easy to customize to fit your room (use some of the tiles or all), comes in a few attractive colors, and will be fun to create patterns with—you just switch out circles to create your own pattern.