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.
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
Safe Mom and Baby Bath Products

Looking for safe, natural products for you and your little one? The Mama Moisturizer Stick is only the latest in a long line of healthy lotions and potions from Breathe Natural Bath and Body Products. The Canadian company was launched last year by Jill Breugem, who began making her own natural products for friends and family as a hobby. "I'm a mom first and wanted to make sure my family was using products that were gentle, safe and better for the environment," she says. Made with natural ingredients and essential oils (no synthetic fragrances, colors, phthalates or parabens here), you'll find everything from Baby Oil and Baby Wash to our favorite, the Baby Bottom Salve, which is great for diaper rash and dry skin. There are lots of great products for moms too, including the new Mama Moisturizer Stick with cocoa butter and Vitamin E, guaranteed to soothe your skin even if you're not expecting. www.breathenatural.com
Organic T-shirts for Babies and Toddlers

It just doesn't get any cuter–or greener–than this. From eco-sayings like "I'm organic" to the "giraffe hugging a tree" print (it's so cute, you have to see it for yourself at ecoike.com), these T-shirts are made with soft, organic cotton and water-based inks. (Sizes range from 6 months to 3T.) Eco Ike was launched by Faith Moser after the birth of her son Ike in 2007. "I've always been ‘green,' but after Ike was born it became magnified," says the Pittsburgh-based mompreneur. "Our tags are printed on biodegradable paper and the ribbons that attach the tags are biodegradable too. I'm proud of the fact I can say, ‘this is as green as I can possibly make it.'" It's true–even the receipts are printed on recycled paper and the shirts are shipped in recycled mailers. To top it off, 5% of the company's proceeds go to environmental non-profit organizations. If you're committed to the environment and cute clothes for your kids, check out ecoike.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.
New Baby Shoes from Robeez

Little shoes are possibly the cutest thing going when it comes to infant accessories–and Robeez has introduced two new styles to keep your baby's feet comfortably and stylishly shod, both indoors and out. The latest is the Weekend Collection (pictured left), perfect for kids who just want to kick back. The leather shoes feature a redesigned soft suede sole, easy pull-on tab and elasticized trim. (Sizes range from 0-6 to 18-24 months.) If your child is ready to explore the outdoors, Robeez new Tredz collection features flexible, non-slip, water-resistant soles and adjustable fasteners to help keep them on busy feet. Both our boys at Just the Facts, Baby have taken the Tredz for a test-drive and loved them–they make going to the park a lot more fun for everyone! (Sizes range from 12-16 months to 20-24 months.) Both styles are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Robeez.com




