Your debonair tot can still be smooth as silk in raingear. Or not! But you can still have your fantasy. If you promise you’ll let him splash in puddles, you’re sure to get your way when you want to dress him up like Fred Astaire. Good thing he has no clue who Fred Astaire is! : ) This rainy-day outfit is an instant classic: crisp, casual, with a splash of prep and just dapper enough.

J.Crew’s unfussy button-down ($49.50) (nothing too formal) looks all grown up, especially with a pair of Ralph Lauren’s well-fitting cotton chinos ($39.50), and it sets an un-sloppy mood for a quintessential piece of raingear, the bright-yellow slicker ($64.95), like Hatley’s outdoorsy number. Add a striped silk tie for some polish – and a hint of irony snobs old and young will appreciate – and a quirky umbrella for his sake (playful umbrellas make wet days so much more fun), like Western Chief’s Monster umbrella ($15.95), and he might even just burst into song.

The stress of traveling can be greatly reduced with something as simple as a brilliant set of pouches. I live by Züca’s system and cannot do anything that involves packing without them. I have their full-set protective suitcase, which is great because you can also use it as an on-the-go seat, although it is heavy. But, truly, the best part of the Züca system are these pouches. You don’t actually have to buy the complete suitcase; you just need a suitcase or duffle bag that can open in a way which makes these pouches completely accessible.

The Standard Packing Pouch set comes with five bags in various sizes. You can organize everything you need while you’re on the plane, which is especially important for long-haul flights (I take my kids to Taiwan every summer, and it’s a 15-hour flight!).

This is how I use them: 1) for snacks; 2) for a DVD player, headsets, and DVDs; 3) for coloring and activities; and 4) for an extra change of clothes. The toiletry bag is TSA-approved in size, so I keep travel-size Tylenol, Pepto-Bismal tablets, Butt Paste, BandAids, Neosporin, Orajel Swabs, and a thermometer on hand, because you never know. When you need something, you don’t need to dig through the entire contents of your carry-on, you just grab the pouch that you need. The peace that comes with this level or organization will keep you sane.

Once you arrive at your destination, the pouches can be kept in the car for the same purposes, or even in the hotel room. Either way, you are kept super-organized all the way through your trip, and that is priceless.

The Standard Packing Pouch set is available for $50 at Züca.

Munchkin Arm and Hammer Nursery Fresheners On Amazon for $6.79.

Butterflies on sandals? That dreamy motif is a guaranteed instant-sell for almost any little girl. But selling it to me is key since I’m the one with the money. And I’m not one to waste it on pricy tot shoes when their feet are growing rapidly. I’ll concede $340 is on the steep side for summertime sandals (or winter boots, for that matter), but at least this is D&G Juniors: bigger girls don’t grow as fast, and my emotional buying ticker is off the charts. How can I possibly resist?

Everybody deserves some butterfly love come spring – we all are itching to get out of our cocoons, little ones more so than anybody. With a stripy sole, these have major style, and they’ll look appropriately festive next to my own version of upbeat, printed sandals, like these Sergio Rossie platforms I have my eye on. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $340.

We all have Trumpette socks, those ones that look like shoes. But when it’s time to transition to real shoes, even just for show because sometimes socks just don’t cut it when going out on the town, these crib shoes made to stay on tiny feet are just the ticket. The silver Baby Tracks ($31) are for the hipster tots but the foot prints on the bottom still shows that they are still just cute tiny people. The driving mocs ($29) are only fun now because the thought of him driving is too far to actually cause fear. Every little man needs one of these!

Get on it! This is a super functional and incredibly chic bag that’s on sale for a price you can’t say no to. White diaper bag sound crazy to you? This is in beautiful textured PVC and the interior is acrylic coated nylon so it will withstand whatever your tot has to throw at it. Literally. Comes with a changing pad and bottle holder and serious pockets galore, 6 on the outside and 6 more on the inside. Now that is true organization! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $157.50 (was $210).

Finally, a sweet and chic coverall for baby with no dinosaurs or trucks! Just an adorable cloud raining colorful droplets and stripes in colors a bit off the map for boys. Sure, when your boy gets bigger he’ll want all those “boy” things on his clothes, but while you can, dress him in something cuter than that. And the Bonnie Baby Rainy Cloud and Stripes coverall is just that. This all-cotton, crewneck onesie has a hue combo that’s peachy keen. Like a rainbow peeking through, the pop of orange brightens up the gray – which is the big trend nowadays – adding an energetic pop to gray. The extra detail of the fabric-covered buttons at the neck adds to the cute factor. So, order now and do cute while you still can! Rainy Cloud Barneys New York for $94 and Bonnie Baby Striped Romper also at Barneys New York for $96.

I know so many tots with food allergies, and it’s really nerve-wracking having to remember who is allergic to what. Especially when I’m Snack Mom. So I can only imagine how hard it is for the parents of those with the allergies. I’ve had friends stay with me for a week whose son is allergic to practically everything: soy, dairy, egg, sesame, and flax. I had a list and went shopping at Whole Foods but constantly had to check the list to make sure I wasn’t forgetting anything.

Hope Paige’s Child’s rubber band for tots has a watch closure, but it can be engraved with up to 60 characters on four lines. You can list every single allergy or medical alert you need . They are totally waterproof, so your child never needs to take it off. So cute for tots and more importantly, a potential lifesaver! If you’re a parent of a child with allergies, you’ve got it down and don’t make mistakes. But when your child leaves the house to go to school or a play-date, it is high-stress. Making sure everyone is aware of the food allergies and can easily double-check the exact ones is a challenge. Anyone in charge of your kid needs to have a list and what better way than to have it right on your little one’s body? They can’t lose it – and it’s easy for the caregiver to refer to.

I just went to an all-inclusive resort that gave out bracelets, and I can tell you, tots LOVE bracelets. Both boys and girls collected all the various bracelets throughout the week and refused to remove them when we checked out. Bracelets, especially ones with such an important purpose, are the way to go. You request the specific engraving when you order this, so it arrives ready to wear! A brilliantly stealthy way to plant a medical I.D. on them! On Medical ID Marketplace for $19.95 each.

I’ve toyed with the idea of painting clouds on the ceiling of my girls’ room but I really can’t commit and besides, I’ve seen how it could turn out cheesy. What is not cheesy is this cloud ceiling lamp. It is the perfect way to incorporate the outside to your decor. No matter what the theme is, a cloud will always fit right in! A puff of cloud with diffused light cannot be more delightful! Comes in blue or white. At Smallable for $74.26.

Here’s a modern take on the old-fashioned gumball machine. Kiko+ is a Japanese brand launched in January 2011 by designer, Kaz, who had the desire to make streamlined, retro-style toys for kids that adults will love to look at (and possibly play with), too. My favorite result is this happy, cheerful, almost mysterious object that will help perk up any room.

Gatcha Gatcha is an adorable wooden “shapes dispenser” that can also hold and pop out whatever you want – Lego pieces, trinkets or other little toys, and, of course, sweet treats. This can be a great motivating tool to get your little one to do what you want! Just push the grey star and out comes the reward – it’s easy enough for little fingers to use. The craftsmanship is superb, the materials are all-natural, and the result, charming. On Smallable for $51.

The name does not lie, or even exaggerate. This is, in fact, the dream cot. Bassinets look romantic, but they really don’t have as much real-life function as you need. Babyhome’s cot not only gives you an option for co-sleeping in your room, you also can wheel it out to the living room during the day, and then collapse it for travel. There is also a rocking feature: with one quick flip of a latch, this sleep machine goes from stationary to smooth rocking.

It also comes with a high-density, breathable mattress for extra comfort, two fitted sheets, and a travel bag. Plus, the entire fabric construction can be removed and washed without much fuss, and the frame is super-lightweight aluminum. Need I say more?

Between my sister and me, I have acquired so many bassinets and sleeping systems, it’s ridiculous. And not at all necessary! All you need is a single good one that can multi-task. Even though the price seems steep, consider the long-term savings, in both money and storage space. At Giggle for $299.

Chic diaper bags like this don’t come along very often…Maybe because this really isn’t a diaper bag. It’s a beautiful satchel with a changing pad included (so I guess you could use any bag, and just buy a $5 changing pad). But the good thing about Burberry’s oversized Carolina baby bag is that it can easily transition right along with you, once you’re done with diapers and back in the “real world.”

When you look at it this way, the price is actually better than the average Burberry leather bag of its size. This tote has adjustable handles and a removable shoulder strap that make it easy for hanging on strollers and freeing up your much-needed hands. I’m not so sure about the color, though. The stunning nude with golden hardware is gorgeous, but if you want to use this after potty-training, you’ll have to be extra careful not to muck it up too much! At Neiman Marcus for $1,295.

For a summery, festive, and fun little girl’s look, Chasing Fireflies hits the mark. I believe tots’ warm-weather clothes should be laidback and not without fantasy. The Sparkle skirt set ($98) has both. It features a shirred back, adjustable skinny-strap top and tiered elastic waistband skirt adorned with sequin flowers and rows of beads. Perfect for frolicking under the summer sun.

Top off the sparkly look with a sequin headband ($20) and silver glitter espadrilles ($38) (with durable rope and rubber sole) and your tot will feel like a hippie princess! She will shine in a pretty, casual way at a picnic or beach party. This is a complete look just made for warm weather that fits your lifestyle and your tot’s personality – at least mine!

No, this isn’t a rubber chicken gag prop. But it is just as fun! This rubber “hen bag” by NYC can double as a snack or lunch bag, and I bet no one else will have it. Actually, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll be the only one with this statement-maker.
I always carry a snack tote with me whenever we hit the road (as charming as it is in theory, don’t bring an old-fashioned basket to Grandma’s – everything will spill!). A carryall that zips up and withstand spills is just the thing.
I may be a Bag Snob to the core, but I am not without humor.  This fits right in my life… well, as long as my tots are the ones carrying it!
On Amazon for $20.46.

For those who travel with little ones and don’t want to risk rickety and unsanitary hotel cribs, GoCrib’s portable crib and play yard is just the thing. It is a full-size crib (and it thankfully uses regular, fitted crib sheets) that doesn’t require a moving crew to transport. I’m in Cancun for a week with my niece and her parents are ever so appreciative of their GoCrib. Long-gone are the days of using the Pack ‘n’ Play as your travel crib (which was never an ideal option, aside from the weight and non-compact, barely collapsible feature). GoCrib has inflatable legs so you get a sturdy, complete frame, but the whole thing packs down to a backpack! You have the option of tucking your tot in from the top, or if you’re like me and can’t handle killing your back, you can unzip the side and have access that way. GoCrib can also be used as a playpen and the inflated sides make safe bumpers. Assembly is not hard, but you must read the instructions, especially about how to turn the valve for the auto-inflate. That’s right: auto, as in no need to be out of breath blowing up this thing! The price might be an issue, but it’s totally worth it for those who are always on the move. It’s so light and easy to use, you might even just take it to the park or beach for the day. Tots do need their naps – and you need your quiet time! On Amazon for $249.99.

Everybody knows women are natural multi-taskers. And once you have a baby – that’swhen your multi-tasking skills kick into high gear! Which is one of the reasons why breast-pumping is terrible in more ways that you can imagine. At least you can minimize the wasted time spent by freeing up your hands.

Designed by four sisters who are, of course, also moms (because only someone who has been there would come up with this!), this brilliant bra might look a little intimidating, but it’s absolutely ingenious. Not only does it provide full support, it’s adjustable and compatible with any electric breast pump out there. Choose between pale pink and black, then just strap it on and let those pumps do their job.

When you’re a new mom, it’s all about double-duty and getting as much done in as little time as possible. Now 30 minutes of tedious pumping can turn into a truly productive session! On Simple Wishes for $39.

The way I see it, little tots who are just starting to explore always end up on the floor anyway, so why not just accept it and make it a cozier place for them? Giggle seems to have the same idea. Their Sleep Sheep Snug Rug (try saying that five times fast! Luckily, this lamb is more comfortable than its tongue-twister title) is a super-fluffy floor pillow that also doubles as a naptime buddy. Or an all-the-time buddy. Seriously, this thing is so soft and inviting, your tot won’t want to put it down.

Use it as a padded rug or play area (it has a no-slip bottom so this sheep isn’t going anywhere), then toss it in the washing machine and they can rest on it as an old-fashioned pillow. This is the perfect instant home away from home when you’re on the road. Forget about counting sheep – all they need is this one! At Giggle for $50.

Pediped has the tots’ shoe market cornered, and for obvious reasons. Their comfort, quality, and sense of cuteness cannot be beat. Yes, like myself, my tots have A LOT of shoes. I’m to blame for indulging them, but I think I’m finally starting to learn: they always go to Pedipeds. Even they have figured out that comfort outweighs most other factors when it comes to footwear. Sure, they wear dress-up shoes around the house for fun, but when the girls need to hit the ground running, it’s Pedipeds all the way.

So to appeal to their vanity – and mine – Pedipeds require no compromises to go with all their fancy, flouncy Easter dresses. (For us, it’s not just the one Sunday. Spring means an entire season of over-the-top, frou-frou dresses.) From sequins and shimmer to blooming appliqués, the Originals Ruby and Emily ($33), along with the Flex Evie ($39) are all equally charming. How could I resist?

The boys’ shoes might not have floral embellishments, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t as bright and eye-catching. Boys don’t care about the look of shoes as much, and they are definitely more upfront about appreciating the comfort of these styles. Get a couple of pairs, like the boat-inspired Flex Flipper ($53) or the sporty Originals Jones ($33), and you’ll be set until they out-grow them.

There are few things in life more fun than shopping for little girls’ dresses. There is so much out there, it’s overwhelming – each summery style is more delightful than the last. I have managed to narrow the fun-in-the-sun dresses down to five of my favorites, from the beachy to the party-worthy. Seriously, it is not possible to get any cuter than this! Equally adorable from the abstract to floral to nautical, you can take your pick of prices. As you as can see, the most expensive is not always the best.

1) Kico Kids Tulip Tank Dress: With a painterly pattern and voluminous skirt, this gauzy frock is so alluring I’m envisioning one in grownup sizes. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $150.

2) DKNY Ruffled Dress: Tiers upon tiers of garden-print ruffles look good enough to eat – and that’s exactly what you’ll want to do with your tot when she’s dressed up in this! At Saks Fifth Avenue for $38.50 (from $55).

3) Pink Chicken Olivia Dress: Anchors away! She’ll be ready to take to the sea and set sail all summer long in this classic sundress. On Axl’s Closet for $72.

4) Little Marc Jacobs Floral Dress: She will have everyone squealing with delight when she’s wearing this flutter-sleeved, fluttery floral-print dress that’s too sweet for words. At Barneys New York for $123.

5) Misha Lulu Hello Kitty Garden Dress: We might not be able to get away with flaunting our soft spot for Hello Kitty, but our tots certainly can. Perfect for a picnic, this dress has a cool seventies vibe. On Art Bebe for $70.

I’m the first to admit it: shopping for your tot can get oh, so tiresome. Sometimes it seems infants and toddlers grow so fast, you can’t keep up even if you have an arsenal of gear ready to go. Which is why I’m excited to announce the launch of Wittlebee, a super-savvy new e-commerce site dedicated to taking the “oh, lord, not again!” out of shopping. Sure it’s fun, when you have the time! But if you are just rushing in and out to grab the essentials, why not have this service take that pain out of your routine?

Just fill out your style profile, then talk to mom-stylists who will actually understand what you want and need. After you sign up for the membership, you get a box full of tot-snob goodies shipped automatically each month. Think custom packages of soft, high-quality products that grow in size just as your tot does, from T-shirts to onesies to leggings. You get the basics and you can relax and enjoy when you are buying the fun stuff. Great for working parents and you can stop this service when your tot stops growing every 5 minutes!!

Even better, they have a “1 for Onesie” program. Every time you order a onesie for your Wittlebee box, the site donates a second to Baby Buggy, Jessica Seinfeld’s famous nonprofit that clothes underprivileged families. Shopping on autopilot and onesies for all tots – what could be easier?