Coolest Baby & Kid Books Ever!

Begin Smart Book Series

As an English teacher, I can appreciate the time, effort and research that is apparent behind the absolute coolest line of books ever. Written by an author and former educator, Begin Smart is a developmental book series for babies and toddlers. The "Faces" book pictured (newborn-6 months) is a permanent fixture in our diaper bag. A cute cloth book about expressions from sad to sleepy, the top face is a rattle too! My three month old son loves to eat it...I mean read it. Other books such as "Woof" and "Meow" also go beyond your basic book experience by including nifty sound effects for 6-12 month olds. Begin Smart is one of those rare finds that makes you want to buy two every product they have--one for your kids and one as a gift for all the kids you know. I love the idea behind the line, the products themselves and the webpage which after visiting you'll see why I'm so enthusiastic about these books!

Cool Giveaway: One lucky Cool Baby Kid reader will experience my excitement first-hand by receiving two of their very own Begin Smart books! Click here to find out how to increase your chances of winning. An email address is needed to contact the winner. Contest ended. Congratulations Kristina! Contest rules apply.

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A Baby Book...for Adults

Babies Are Boring by Jon Ritchie

An English teacher by trade, one thing I know for sure is that reading can never go out of style. Always on the lookout for fun new books for the little ones, I was thrilled to discover Babies Are Boring by Jon Ritchie, illustrated by Alex Ritchie. "If you look back, there's a life you used to know. The time, the time, oh wherever does it go?" What parent can't relate to remembering a time before "the never-ending bottle making" or "...the changing and the wiping and the endless hours of singing." Beautifully illustrated, the fun part about Babies Are Boring is that not only with kids love it, their mom and dads will enjoy reading it as well. Good news since we all know what happens when kids like a book. You'll have it memorized in no time!

Cool Tip: Buy Babies Are Boring at the Cool Baby Kid Amazon Store.

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Cool Customized Creations

Hoohobbers: Toddler Towels, Moses Baskets & More...

I mention toddler towels because that is what I was looking for when I discovered Hohobbers. Clinging to the idea of a hooded towel, maybe because I don't want my little girl to grow up, I realized the infant ones just didn't cut it any longer. Hoohobbers immediately impressed me with their large selection, much of it personalizable, which is great for gifts. Reading about the company I found they actually got started with their Junior Director's Chair, another neat-looking product. This is one cool company!

Cool Pick: It wasn't easy, but I'm picking the Moses Basket...it's machine washable!!

Advice from Baby to Child, Sleeping to Feeding...

American Academy of Pediatrics: Birth to Age 5

My sister-in-law, who has three children, gave me this book. This is the same person who, when I told her I couldn't take the constant night wakenings at five months old, laughed as I said, "Yes, I've let her cry for a good 2-3 minutes!" She put me on the right path then and was spot-on recommending this book, my go-to guide for everything as it is published by the American Academy of Pediatrics and offers very sound advice. Love it!

Cool Pick: I know the web is a great resource, but you won't regret buying this book.

Fun & Educational: Brainy Baby Rocks

Brainy Baby Videos, Books & More...

I recently came across a line of products that Bella now adores. Brainy Baby carries videos, books, flash cards...you name it, they have it when it comes to combining fun and learning. Let's face it, with a name like "Brainy Baby" how can yo go wrong? Who doesn't want their child heading off to school reciting all of their letters and numbers, maybe naming all of the presidents in alphabetical order? (Too muh to ask?)

Cool Pick: Brainy Baby Books, graphics are great! Also check out their products by age chart.

Baby's Sleep Problems Solved

Ferber Sleep Method

Yesterday a colleague greeted me with a hug in the morning because, on my advice, she tried the Ferber method and after one weekend her sleep issues were solved. I realized at that moment the most influential book I read thus far wasn't on my blog! How could that be? I know different families have different philosophies, but for us, it worked. It was easier than we thought and Bella has been sleeping through the night since 4.5 months old (minus teething!) like a charm. To me, Richard Ferber rocks! Update: Ferberizing Baby #2

Cool Pick: Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems by Richard Ferber (Don't wing it-buy the book!)

Buying Baby Books

Sandra Boynton Books

The task of choosing baby books can be daunting. With so many options, I've decided to make it simple and give you the absolute best (according to Bella). Presenting...Sandra Boynton! See how easy? Now all you have to do is buy these books and read them to your little one! The cool picks are our favorite but there are other fun Sayndra Boynton Books you'll go crazy for.

Cool Picks- Moo, Baa, La La La, Belly Button Book & Hippos Go Beserk