Stroller Covers: Rain or Shine

Protect-a-Bub Stroller Covers

If you're a family on the go, you know rain and sun covers are a necessity. Not that you plan on taking your children out strolling in the rain, but weather events usually sneak up on you when you're unprepared. (I learned this the hard way.) Looking for a double stroller rain cover, I didn't want the same brand as my single. After one use it "folded up" to about the same size as the stroller itself. This time, I luckily found Protect-a-Bub. Only actual moms would know enough to create lightweight covers kids could breathe and see through but that fold nicely into a provided sack. The cover also protects diaper bags etc. attached to the back (nice touch). With other products that help protect kids such as their extensive line of UPF 50+ sun shades, swimwear & hats and lip balm, Protect-a-Bub comes in handy just in time for summer.

Cool Tip: Cool Baby Kid readers enter code "protect4spring" for 10% off your purchase!

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Travel With Baby In Style

Change Purse by Goober Baby

Seated in a restaurant with my hubby and two small kids, I reached for the baby with one hand and the wipe case and diaper in the other and set off for a change. Not wanting to carry the entire diaper bag, I instead imagined everyone staring as I traipsed around the restaurant with a diaper in my hand. That night I looked online for a product I wasn't sure existed...and there it was...the Change Purse by Goober Baby. Super stylish (check out Water Fall) with soft plush lining, it was exactly what I was looking for. Change Purse holds a wipe case and a few diapers, perfect for a quick change. Lucky for us, Goober Baby also carries other perfect products like Tote Bags and Change Mats as well as "Gents" made just for the guys. Goober Baby is everything I love: mom-created, stylish, and practical. They are without a doubt one of my all-time favorite baby companies!

Cool Tip: Cool Baby Kid readers enter the code "CBK" for free shipping on Goober Baby.

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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!

Spare Outfit Saves the Day

babysparewear

The first week I packed outfits from babysparewear into my diaper bag, I used the one for my 2 month old son...twice. No kidding. It was a miracle the outfit was washed and back into the cute, compact bag it came with when the very next day I needed it once again. The idea behind babysparewear is simple but smart...put a cute spare outfit in a travel case that can also hold diapers and wipes, and you're off! After an ice cream outing at the creamery (any PSU alums out there?) my toddler needed a change; her sparewear outfit was so soft and comfy we kept her in it for bed. What I love most is the extra leg room...cuff them now and baby won't grow out of it in a month. Only a mom would think of that.

Cool Tip: Use the code "coolbaby" for 10% off and free shipping!

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Single & Double Stroller Sun Shade

UV Protective Ray Shade by Kiddopotamus

The first time I used my double jogging stroller I realized immediately the little ones needed some shade, especially my infant who's too young for sunscreen. I found the Ray Shade by Kiddopotamus and immediately recognized the name from their Swaddle Me. I'm thrilled to report the Ray Shade is just like other Kiddopotamus products: designed for children's safety and comfort and easy to use. It folds up in a snap (seriously) and mover around just enough to adjust for the sun. This company has some of the coolest products and, as a bonus, some super resources for parents too!

Cool Tip: Buy the Ray Shade at

Cool Shopping Cart Covers

The Original Clean Shopper Cart Cover

A baby "must-have" product, what differentiates the Original Clean Shopper from other cart covers are their style (cool patterns), Velcro closures that keep the cover secure, and a variety of other amenities. It was obviously designed by a mom with features like loops to attach toys, two pockets and a safety strap so you don't have to rely on the yucky one that comes with the cart. I personally use it for every grocery store or restaurant trip since it fits on a high chair, though the Clean Diner was designed just for eating out. Baby Ease makes other neat stuff like the Clean Burper; they're worth a look!
Cool Pick: Super Soft Clean Shopper for a little extra padding. Buy at

Diaper Bag Review: I Found a Good One!

Fleurville Lexi Tote

Any mom of multiple kids knows, another baby is an opportunity to change up the old diaper bag and start shopping! My search was extensive; after all, I would be carting this around everywhere and had high standards as a 2nd time mom. Fleurville delivered. I LOVE my Lexi Tote for these reasons: it's stylish, can be wiped down and therefore won't ever look worn, has a waterproof main compartment, comes with the "SlipNot" stroller attachment (very cool), and the outside compartments are convenient for anything you need quick. The hardest decision you'll have is choosing your bag style!

Cool Tip: Buy bags for kids and baby at eBags and get free shipping. (Look for "Fleurville, Diaper Totes" for the Lexi)

Stylish Bib Solution for Messy Toddler

Kipiis Bib Clips

These exact Kipiis bib clips pictured here currently reside in my diaper bag where they've found a permanent home. Problem: messy toddler demolishes regular wipeable bib while eating out. After semi-wiping it down, you stuff it in your bag with good intentions to clean it up at home. As if that ever happens. Solution: rather than carting a yucky bib from place to place, use these bib clips! They are great. Attach a napkin or whatever is handy and remove and toss when you're done. Another "Why didn't I think of that?" perfect product.

Cool Tip: Buy Kipiis Bib Clips at Mom4Life for free shipping.

Clothing and Gifts...Italian Style

Il Cocco Di Mamma Signature Baby Gifts

I found this gem, believe it or not, searching for an upcoming trip to Italy! What makes this line unique are the sayings on their signature tees, from "baci e abbracci" (kisses and hugs) to "Ciao!" (Hello/Goodbye). They even feature organic tees with saying like "dolce come il miele" (sweet as honey). From the Italian roots of the owner to the beautifully designed line, and website, I love everything about il cocco di mamma and think you will too.

Cool Pick: How can I not love the "bella" (beautiful) tee? My Bella has the "la coco di papa" (daddy's girl) which is also adorable.

Diaper Bag & Changing Station All in One!

OskerBee Portable Changing Station

It's official--I have two diaper bags. I was never one for changing purses with outfits which is why I'm surprised by my willingness to move baby items back and forth between bags, but this product makes it worthwhile. Quite simply it's everything you need for baby in one place...a diaper bag with a portable changing station that can be used anywhere (even in the middle of a guided tour of the Colosseum where I got stuck last year without a place to diaper change.) But it also has three insulated pockets for bottles, sippy cups, or anything else you need to keep cold. If you are heading anywhere for any length of time, this is the bag to take. I can't wait to travel with it this summer and not have to worry about running to the ladies room for every diaper change in the airport, on the plane, and during our travels. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cool Pick: The "Combo" is the only way to go. Click Here to purchase at diaperbags.com OR purchase at OskerBee where you can get $10 off the combo by entering promo code "0B21."

Cool & Comfy Changing Pad

Ah Goo Baby Plush Pad Changing Station

Yes, your diaper bag comes with a changing pad. But trust me, it's not as fashionable or comfortable for baby as the Plush Pad by Ah Goo Baby. I love so many things about this changing station: it's hip- looking, rolls up nice and small, and is made with memory foam so it is comfy for the little one. The only drawback you'll encounter is picking a pattern because they are all so stylish. Thank goodness the "Cool Pick" makes it easy for you! Plush Pad is famous, check it out.

Cool Pick: "Spa" is perfect for boy or girl. Buy the Plush Pad here. Right now get free shipping AND 20% off at Ah Goo Baby by using code PNB515.

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.

Toddler Snack Solution

OnTray: The Container to Go

The very first time I used this product, while shopping at Sam's Club, I was stopped by a dad who was simultaneously handing his son a snack and talking to me. He wanted to know where I got the snack tray; I love sharing great finds like this one! OnTray by 42Kids snaps onto a shopping cart and lets toddler snack on his/her own. I keep it in my car with the shopping cart cover and use it every time we're on the go. OnTray is one terrific mom-invented product!

Cool Tip: Keep snacks stocked inside; the cover won't let them go stale. Buy OnTray at Mom4Life for free shipping.

Toddler Bottle Throwing? Problem Solved.

Bottle Tamer by Lil Bah Bee

This ingenious product has rescued my abused tile floor, prevented countless cleanups, and saved Bella's sippy cup from rolling down the restaurant isle. It's one of those, "Why didn't I think of that?" baby/toddler products you can't live without. The adjustable Bottle Tamer straps to a high chair, booster seat, stroller, etc. and saves said bottle or sippy when it is inevitably thrown to the ground. You'll wonder how you managed to exist without it!

Cool Pick: Bottle Tamer Three-Pack so you don't have to transfer...

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.

Keep Baby Warm & Cozy

JJ Cole Bundle Me

This is one of the "must-have" baby items that I make sure all pregnant friends receive or register for. The Bundle Me eliminates the need for ten blankets draped over baby when your on the go. It's so soft and snuggly I want to crawl inside every time. GREAT product!!

Cool Pick: Original Bundle Me in Khaki (Buy Here)

A Travel Necessity

Sit 'n' Stroll Carseat/Stroller

The Sit N' Stroll converts from a car seat to a stroller in 5 seconds, is a dining booster seat, can be rear or forward facing, and is easy to maneuver. We used it on a trip to Disney at 6 weeks old, Italy at 6 months old and a handful of times since. It fit nicely in the plane (FAA certified) and train isles and even held up well on the cobblestone streets of Florence. I wouldn't travel without this and plan to buy another when baby #2 arrives!

Cool Pick: The "Shoreline" color pictured; I have the Midnight Blue but love the new color.

Buy Sit n Stroll Carseat/Stroller at EliteCarSeats - Flate Rate Shipping only $7.99!