Top parenting stories this week
From baby toys and cool threads to store openings and things to do with your little one. We cover the new, the old favourites and the best-kept secrets for everything baby.
Self-Inflating Nursing Pillow
Breastfeeding pillows are handy when it comes to feeding baby, but they can be big, bulky and take up a lot of space–which is why we were excited to discover a new, compact nursing pillow from gr8X. The pillow comes in a stylish carrying case and self inflates in 10 seconds once opened. It's so small you can even take it with you for feedings on the go. Plus, a handy zipper pocket is the ideal place to stash a few extra wipes or a diaper. The cover has a soft, plush side and is machine washable too.
Organic Cotton Nursing Tops
As a new mom not yet adept at nursing, Christine Poirer felt shy about trying to breastfeed in the waiting room before her daughter's first doctors' appointment. She made a special shirt that allowed her to nurse comfortably in a crowded room and, when all her friends wanted one too, Poirer realized she was onto something. She perfected the design and launched Momzelle, a line of nursing tops with four different styles (a round-neck T-shirt, tank top, V-neck and turtleneck). The Canadian-made, organic cotton shirts are designed to flatter the postpartum figure with a long, sleek look through the body and adjusted width at the hips. Best of all, they don't look like nursing tops–a one-size-fits-all breast opening is covered by a panel of fabric across the shirt for easy, discreet access. "Our mission is to help women feel good about breastfeeding, no matter where they are," says Poirer. For more info, check out momzelle.com
Easy Gourmet Baby Food
Tired of trying to force-feed your infant or running out of creative ways to make your toddler eat his veggies? Then Easy Gourmet Baby Food (Robert Rose, 2008) is for you. This book has it all: nutritional information, helpful tips and easy, innovative recipes for whether you're just starting solids or trying to entice your toddler with wholesome snacks and meals. Written by chef Jordan Wagman and nutritionist Jill Hillhouse, there are recipes to tempt even the pickiest eater–from good ol' mac & cheese to duck confit (seriously). Just the Facts, Baby cofounder Sydney Loney tested a recipe for " Broccoli, Potato and Spinach Pie" (her little guy actually ate his veggies!) and Mini Chocolate Chunk Banana Sandwiches–a healthy alternative to store-bought snacks and delicious to boot. Best of all, each recipe comes with a "Not Just for Babies" sidebar to tell you how to adapt it into something the whole family can enjoy.
Baby Thermometer
What new mom hasn't taken her baby's temperature, then run to the Internet to decipher what the reading means? Vicks new SpeedRead thermometer tells you instantly whether your child has a fever–and how serious it is. The display glows green for healthy temperatures between 97 and 98.5 degrees Fahrenheit, yellow for a mild fever (99 to 100.9) and red for a high fever (over 101). It also has memory recall, so you can track the progression of your child's fever. The thermometer is ideal for all ages, but is most effective rectally for newborns and under the arm for children up to four.
Stylish, Eco-friendly Nursing Bra
Most nursing bras are so frumpy and unsupportive that they make you long for the day you can return to La Perla for a lift. Bravado! is renowned for its hot pink and leopard designs–and their bras' ability to lift and shape has everyone from Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie to Jennifer Garner and Stella McCartney wearing one. Now, Bravado!'s Original Nursing Bra and Essential Bra Tank are made with eco-friendly bamboo. Bamboo is 100 percent biodegradable, fast growing and requires no pesticides. The fabric is perfect for mom and baby because it's ultra soft, has antibacterial properties and is great at wicking moisture away from the body. Another bonus: the clips are easy to use and don't "pop" open at the most inconvenient times.
