The Grandest Play Kitchen of All

Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen by Step 2

I know what you're thinking...that looks expensive. I won't kid you, it's not super cheap, but I had to share because it's my daughter's #1 favorite toy. The Lifestyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen, while you do need a bit of room for it, and we've already covered the price, really is fantastic! I bought it for Christmas last year and Bella (now almost 2) plays in it everyday. It's holds her attention for more than five minutes which is a lifesaver when my 3 month old needs some attention. Cool Baby Kid brings you the coolest products and resources we can't live without, and this kitchen definitely falls into that category! Check out reviews and buy it here.

Cool Tip: It comes with 103 pieces, and after I used my handy dandy toilet paper tube to check for choking hazards, recommended age is 3 because of small parts, I also bagged up about half of the pieces and rotate them. It's hard enough to pick up 30 or so from around the house everyday...103 would be a nightmare!

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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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Pacifer and Plush Toy Together

WubbaNub Pacifier

WubbaNub solves a common pacifier problem simply but expertly. Dealing with a waking baby due to pacifier pop outs, the creator of WubbaNub sewed together a pacifier and plush toy for baby to hang on to allowing it to stay put. My daughter never used a pacifier, but happily my son does, and the WubbaNub is by far the cutest and most efficient one we own. You'll want one for home, diaper bag and everywhere baby takes a pacifier. Buy WubbNub at Mom4Life for free shipping.

Cool Giveaway: WubbaNub is giving a three-pack of pacifiers to one Cool Baby Kid reader. Just leave a comment on this post to win. Click here to find out how to increase your chances of winning. Contest ended. Congratulations Debby!

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!

Unique Plush Toys for Baby & Toddler

Rich Frog Toys & Children's Gifts

Walking through Babies R Us, I see six infant carriers with the same toys dangling from the handles and think, "I have that too!" I suddenly have a desire to find baby #2 something different. After an extensive search, I hit the jackpot. Rich Frog, a Vermont-based company that makes toys for baby and toddler, carries toys that are unique and super cute. And their website is so neat-looking it makes you want to hang out and play. Finally, something different to hang on my carrier that I know will evoke scores of "Where'd you get that?"

Cool Pick: Big Baby Keys pictured above.

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!!

Stuffed Animal Storage

Boon Oval Animal Bag

From day one at the hospital one thing was clear...Bella would soon have an abundance of stuffed animals. I began to realize why those animal nets you hang in the corner of the room existed, though I am staunchly opposed to them both practically and aesthetically, so this product is a real find! The Oval Animal Bag by Boon not only looks cute but is practical since it actually has a use (soft seat for toddler) and stores every last stuffed animal with a zippered mesh window to retrieve them. You gotta love it.

Cool Pick: It comes in pink...perfect for little girls! Buy here.

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.

Wiggles: Top-Notch Toddler Entertainment

The Wiggles

I realize there isn't a parent on the planet who doesn't know about the Wiggles. Though I'm risking being obvious, it seems remiss not to mention the #1 form of TV entertainment in our house. After all, before I became a mom I knew nothing about the Wiggles and mesmerizing appeal they have over toddlers. I also highly recommend seeing them live and in person if you have a chance!

Cool Pick: Record (Tivo etc.) the last five episodes so you always have the most current on demand; you can buy the DVD's for on the go, but you'll want them on your own TV for free.