Recently in Blankets Category

A multi-purpose mat that self inflates for playtime, naps, picnics and the beach. This mat allows you to go anywhere and still have the freedom to do everything a tot wants to do, at any stage of development - infant tummy time, diaper changes, padded surface for beginning crawlers, safe area for wobbly early sitters, toddler tumbling mat and cushiony surface for grown ups (I hate sitting on the hard floor!). It rolls up in a convenient storage bag and is lightweight enough to take anywhere. It is a little too big to carry around so you need to be traveling by car to take it. The self inflating valve does all the work for you, just open the valve and it will inflate to the optimal point. All the work is in the deflating, you do need to squeeze all the air out but if you do it as you roll it up, it's not that difficult. At BabbaCo for $70.

This is an alternative to easy swaddling. If you are expecting this Fall, you will appreciate the cozy wrap that will keep your bundle sleeping throughout the night. The Velcro closure takes away all the guess work, my tot grew out swaddling by the time I perfected the "hospital" quality wrap. These are good for up to 5 months (yes, that's how long it took me!). These polka dot designs are also super adorable. Get the pink Maggie or blue Mason for $53. Made in the USA.

I blogged about this before but with all the outdoor living coming up, I thought it imperative that you know about this blanket. It is waterproof (no more wet butts from the grass) and folds up into a convenient messenger which is actually a cooler bag. Perfect for picnic, beach, park, festivals or visiting a friend's house as a crawl space for tiny tots. It's like setting up your own little oasis where everything is nice and clean! At Amazon for $45.

Muslin swaddling blankets are amazing for their breathable qualities. You want it all for your newborn - warmth and comfort! The Australians had it right for years but now we get to take advantage of their discovery. Koala Kuddles kicks it up a notch with a 100% muslin cotton collection that is as cute as it is essential and best of all, affordable. These super lightweight blankets are easy to take anywhere with you and service multiple functions such as sun protection, picnic blanket, nursing shield and nice cushion on the park bench for new mommies with sore bum bums. They get softer with each wash and continue to be durable and useful. Comes in a set of 3 for $29.95 at Koala Kuddles.

OK, my youngest tot is only 2 1/2 and they did not have these when she was born! Why are all the good things invented after my time? We have all struggled with "proper" swaddling that doesn't unravel as soon as you pick up your newborn. These swaddle sleepsacks have a build in swaddle is that attached with loops on the bottom to make sure the "blanket" part does not ride up over the face, it is then adjusted and secured with thick velcro in the front and back. You can opt for the arms to stay in or out. This is the neatest package you can possibly achieve. Your newborn will be safe and happy which means, tired mommy and daddy get much needed peace! This product has been safety rated and prevents SIDS. Halo Microfleece SleepSack Swaddle at Amazon for $12.65.

Happy New Year!  As we celebrate a brand new decade, I would like to look back and recap on my favorite products from 2009.  These are things I cannot live without, some are luxuries but all of these make my life as a mommy better!

Beaba Baby Cook

One of the best inventions of all time!  We all want fresh and nutritious food for our tots, but who has the time?  This Beaba Baby Cook does all the work for you, just throw in the washed produce and it will steam and puree it for you.  This is not a luxury, it is a necessity!!  Beaba Baby Cook for $149.

Cares Child Restraint System

Do not even consider getting on a plane with a car seat unless you have a new born under 9 months.  This 5-point harness seat belt will save your sanity and make your travel actually pleasant!  For $74.95.

I thought Pediped Originals were the best things on earth until they came out with Pediped Flex for toddlers.  Super cute and incredibly comfortable.  The best part, the insoles that come out as your tot grows so you get extended wear by one whole size!  That is serious value because we all have barely worn shoes that were outgrown before they made it out the door. Prices range from $39-45 depending on style.

Right Bank Babies

Oh how I love this line!  Original, spunky and more style than my own wardrobe.  My tots always look their best while glowing with their own personalities in Right Bank Babies designs.  I have to stop though, they are starting to look like paid models for the line!

Chasing Fireflies - Best website ever!  You will find so many treasures from clothing to gear to unique toys.  The only problem is, they do not tell you the designers of their products are you are pretty much stuck buying from them.  Luckily, they have great customer service and their prices are great, with incredible sales!!  They take care of me so I just make my life easy by going to them first.

Nalgene Tritan Grip-N-Gulp BPA-Free Water Bottle - Best Sippy Cup!  I don't do spring cleaning, I do new years cleaning.  To start off a brand new year, I have to clear out everything I don't want or need, which includes all the sippy cups other than the Nalgene.  I still love Siggs for the road but for everyday use, this is the only leak proof sippy that does not have a thousand little valves and nozzles.  It has one.  Try it, I promise you will not look back. For $7.70.

Monica Rich Kosann Jewelry

Sentimental jewelry becomes even more special as a mom.  But you have to be careful because there are some really bad cheesy photo pendants and lockets.  Monica Rich Kosann is real precious jewelry, the details are exact and delicate for pieces that are worthy of a Jewel Snob.
Take a look at the collection.

Little Giraffe Blankets

I have a pile of blankets that is higher than the height of my closet.  And that pile pretty much stays untouched because the only blankets I end up using are the Little Giraffes.  They are soft, lightweight, thin and as comfortable as a cloud.  Hands down the best gifts for a baby shower.
At Layla Grayce for $78

Uppa Baby Stroller

I have 6 strollers so I know what I'm talking about.  This Uppa Baby is the best.  The reason I have so many strollers is because there was not ONE that fit all my needs.  Sometimes I'm going for a long walk so I need the performance of the Bugaboo, other times I need my Maclaren Volo for it's lightweight and easy collapse features for the New York subway.  Then there are those days you know your tot will fall asleep so you need one that reclines.  The scenarios are endless but this Uppa Baby seems to handle them all with ease. For $669.99 at Uppa Baby.

Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

I am pretty sure most parents already have the Flip but in case you don't, get one immediately.  You will never miss another YouTube moment every again with this tiny 2 oz HD camera that takes up less room in your bag than 2 tubes of lip gloss.  The picture quality is amazing, truly HD and easy easy easy to operate. And for $149.99, it is an easy sell.

Snuggies for tots! The Nuddle just launched their much needed stroller blanket. No more gaps and blankets flapping in the cold weather wind while they nap and snuggle. This new Nuddle Baby ($38) is designed to fit with the 5 point harness on a stroller so it will stay put. The Nuddle Kids is double sided, extra plush blanket has foot pocket and hand pouch so tots can still hang on to their lovie and snacks, for $48. Already a celebrity favorite among Kelly Rutherford, Mariska Hargitay, Angie Harmon, and more.

A blankie and a lovie all rolled up in one! This is the perfect friend to bring along for trips or to school for a comfortable and familiar nap. The animal blankets are 28 x 39 inches so are big enough for little ones to lay down on. They are made of super snugly and soft fleece that is machine washable. Choose from a variety of animals, like the doggie or the teddy bear for $25.

This Kensington Baby Play Mat is a great for new parents because no surface is clean enough for their newborn. I know moms who can't go on playdates because they are uncomfortable putting their baby down on other people's floor. OK, that's an extreme example but there definitely are surfaces that just are seriously questionable. Put yourself at ease by bringing your own play mat, like this quilted soft microsuede one that can be personalized. It comes with its own convenient carrying bag. Just what your little tot deserves! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $190.

We all love cake but I think there are some new moms who would appreciate not having cake brought over for a while.  Although I loved (and devoured) the Sprinkles cupcakes my sister got for my second daughter's baby shower, now looking at my rear and gut, this might have been a better option!  These amazingly beautiful cakes from Babycakes of Scottsdale are in fact new born essentials make into a cake!  The 2 Tier Girls Set is $350 and includes 1 Blanket, 12 Onesies, 6 Wash Cloths, 2 Sleepers, 12 Receiving Blankets, 1 Skull Cap and 6 Burp Cloths.  There is of course a boy set as well.  If you have someone REALLY special to shop for, the 3-Tier Girl Set  has 1 Sun Hat, 1 Cuddle Blanket, 3 Sleepers, 12 Onesies, 2 Dresses, 6 Wash Cloths, 2 Skull Caps, 6 Burp Cloths, 3 Pairs of Socks, 2 Pacifiers, 1 Pair of Booties and 12 Receiving Blankets for $415.  I know what you're thinking, you are going to try to make this for your best friend or sister, right?  I think it is money well spent to just get the actual piece of art and spend your time fighting with those who want to take over the throwing of the shower with too many opinions.  You know what I'm talking about.