Kids' Room Thermometer & One Cool Company

Grobag Egg by Keen Distribution

Every once in a while I find a product that I love so much I want to buy a bunch of them and immediately give to all of my friends and then buy stock in the company. Actually, I should probably invest in the stock first... Anyway, the Grobag Egg is so cool that I've decided to re-name my "Top Shopping Picks" to "Coolest Stuff Ever" (as soon as I get around to it) in it's honor. It not only displays room temperature but glows different colors telling you if the room is too hot, cold etc. Unfortunately, my egg has been red (too warm) since we put it in my daughter's room, prompting us adjust the clothing situation (i.e. sleep in a diaper). I plan on getting a 2nd egg for my son's room too. The company that gives you this gem, Keen Distribution, also sells the Mommy Hook which is now how I carry my diaper bag on the back of the stroller. You can hang anything from it (bags, groceries) and the Mommy Hook won't slide around. Look for more reviews on Keen Distribution in the future because I really do love their stuff!

Cool Giveaway: Enter to win a Grobag Egg of your own by leaving a comment on this post. Click here to find out how to increase your chances of winning. An email address is needed to contact the winner. Contest ends 7/28/08. Contest rules apply.

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Resource for Family Travelers

Child to Go Website

Preparing for an overseas trip with a baby and toddler is a bigger undertaking than I first imagined. After putting together a list, I set out to find some of the travel gear. I found Child To Go which is a packing mother's best friend. With an extensive inventory of travel necessities, the site is well-organized and even offers a search by age. Child To Go carries items from car and air travel to accessories and gear. Whether your planning a trip or arejust a family on the move, you will love this site!

Cool Tip: Cool Baby Kid readers should enter the code "5412105001" for 10% off your order!

Chic Nursing Covers for Breastfeeding Moms

Bebe Au Lait/Hooter Hiders Nursing Covers

When Bella was 6 weeks old we took her to Disneyworld; my cousin Nancy, who breastfed four girls, laughed when I ran off to hide and feed the baby, telling me I'd have to learn to nurse in public. Thanks for the lesson! And thanks to Bebe Au Lait who makes the nursing in public chic. Michael, baby #2, not only will be eating in public but will be doing it in style. The covers are designed so you can look down and see baby without having to smother him (or her) or expose yourself while the cover stays in place. It makes a perfect gift for a breastfeeding mom, especially since they also are sold under the more cheeky name "Hooter Hiders". This is one cool product!

Cool Pick: Get Chocolat, my favorite pattern; it's great for boy or girl.

Easy to Change Crib Sheets

Quick Zip Crib Sheets by Clouds and Stars

It's time to change the crib sheet...do you untie every single bumper pad tie in order to take the mattress out or struggle to pull the mattress over the bumper pad? I used to hate this chore and would stare down at the sheet and wonder, "Does it really need to be changed?" The Quick Zip Crib sheet eliminates this problem since the top portion of the sheet zips right off so the mattress never moves. Ingenious! Is it worth replacing all of your cexisiting crib sheets? YES!!!
Cool Tip: Buy the starter kit and some extra top sheets sold seperatly. Buy at

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.

Clean Baby's Face Gently; Perfect for Toddler Too

Pampers Sensitive Wipes

This one may seem obvious, but when Bella was a baby I searched everywhere for a product gentle enough to clean her face. After discovering Pampers sensitive wipes there's been no turning back. We buy them in bulk and stock up the changing stations, feeding station (drawer next to high chair), and diaper bag. Frankly, I'm not sure what I would do without them!

Cool Pick: Buy Pampers Sensitive Wipes and cut in half or thirds to use on nose for colds etc.

Saving for Kid's College; Free Money, Seriously!

UPromise College Savings Program

I can't believe I didn't learn about this sooner! Here's the skinny: register with upromise.com and then register your credit cards, debit cards, grocery etc. Every time you shop, a percentage of the money you spend will go into your child's UPromise account if the store or company participates. An even better way to save college bucks is to shop online through the UPromise link at participating merchants (there are a ton like ebay, Overstock, Snapfish, etc.) Granted, some percentages are small, ranging from 1% up, but it's all FREE!! I'm now obsessed with trying to get as many UPromise dollars into my account by shopping at participating stores, like getting gas at Exxon & Mobil (both contribute 1 cent per gallon.)

Cool Pick: Buy online and pick-up in store; you get the contribution but don't pay shipping

Tips for Making Hair Bows

Help with Hair Bows

In the past year I've learned a bit about the world of baby and toddler girls' hair. Here are some tips I've collected so far:

Baby- To make your own headband, buy stretchy lace at Joanne Fabric, measure on baby's head for size and sew together. Sew a small loop around the top where you can clip and change bows.

Toddler- Making your own bows is easier and cheaper; this is from someone who didn't own a needle and thread or a glue gun! I make simple bows at a fraction of the cost but still buy more elaborate ones. You can make bows on barrettes to clip onto headband or buy clips when baby grows hair. The only place I've found clips is at Sally Beauty Supply.

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Cool Tip: Girly Things Website...the only free bow making guide I could find...indispensable!

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

Sleep Better with Baby

Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper

You ask: "What is your #1 favorite piece of baby equipment you couldn't live without?" Here it is. I scrapped my bassinet for the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper and slept better than ever since I was able to reach over and grab the baby, nurse her, all while barely awake. I was also able to be close and see her but there were no transition to crib problems since she was always in her own space. Do yourself a favor...buy a co-sleeper!

Cool Pick- Mini Co-Sleeper in Natural (saves room)

Blogroll Please

And the winners are...

OK...I'm done being cheeky. These are blogs I love for various reasons and if you have some time to spare for blog reading I think you'll like them too. And when you're done, be sure to come back to Cool Baby Kid and check out some cool contests or my list of the coolest stuff ever. Or drop me a line to tell me how cool you think I am. Sorry. I said I was done.

• 5 Minutes for Mom
• An Island Review
• Classy Momy
• Contest for Moms
• Little Windown Shoppe
• Mom Dot Com
• Parents With Style
• Popular Baby Products
• Posh Little Blog
• Problogger
• Prizey
• Sweepstakes Advantage
  
  

Cool Website for Babies & Kids

Kids & Keyboards

When little ones want to take over your keyboard, Kneebouncers is the site you must visit. Any button they press will pop bubbles, play a guitar or drive a train. This is a huge hit in our house!

Cool Pick: Piano