KidsHaus

Organic Teething Bonbon

All I can say is...I wish I had these Organic Teething Bonbons just a year ago. I can only imagine how wonderful these would have been during those days (weeks) of discomfort as C's teeth were cutting through. It is perfectly described here: "What could be more fun and helpful than a teething soother that’s free of plastics and brings to mind French sweets?" (Yes! French sweets!) Each bonbon is made of 100% organic cotton and filled with naturally anti-bacterial wool. The knotted ends are to be frozen so your baby grasps the warm, dry center of the bonbon -- avoiding the drippy mess of melting washcloths. I love it...

Baby Bonkie

I remember those first several weeks...(or was it months?) that swaddling my girls was one of the best ways to calm and put them to sleep. The lovely Baby Bonkie would have been an awesome alternative to using the blanket that I always managed to fudge together somehow. Sometimes it would fall apart and other times it was too tight for them. The Baby Bonkie's easy velcro closures make swaddling a piece of cake. You can find a variety of patterns here or here.

Q Collection Junior Solare Crib

The Q Collection Solare Crib is built with FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) wood or wood that is locally-sourced from responsibly managed forests. Q Collection uses all non-toxic materials, stains and glues and is Greenguard indoor air quality certified -- all that and a stylish crib for your baby!

Beaba Potty

You guessed it...we're starting to dabble in potty training with our youngest, Clara. She's been watching her sister and is curious about absolutely everything -- it's true what they say about the second child. I came across the Beaba Ergonomic Potty and it just looks "friendly" and comfortable (for a potty). The design is streamlined so that the insert just pops out and has a non-slip base. The black & white version is nice for those of us who like our potties to be a bit discreet.

Oobi Knee-High Booties

Oobi is a four person operation out of Sydney, Australia...they've been making toys & textiles for 8 years and their hand-knit knee-high baby booties could possibly be my new favorite. Suede feet and wooden buttons down the back are the details that make these particularly irresistible.

Minimink

Minimink was designed by a Melbourne mum, Ally, for her baby Emery in 2003. She wanted to make products with the highest quality faux fur and with that...she's created cozy booties, hats and blankets. Now Minimink has introduced their Pram Papoose that has me wishing they made it in adult sizes so i could envelope myself for a...zzzzz.

PogiPods

My little Mini never used a pacifier but I definitely recall the days when Ms. Bean would demand a pacifier and we'd have this brief moment of panic -- hoping that one was nearby. We'd stash them all over the house, in bags and purses like little Easter eggs. I love these PogiPods by Pogibabies because they create a  dedicated home for stowing a pacifier. They're even lined in plastic. Great design and such fashionable prints -- I kind of wish I had a pacifier as an excuse to buy one.

Onegirl: Fleur

How precious is Onegirl's Fleur? Calla and Indigo are handmade from a collection of bright and beautiful vintage, designer, hand printed and hand dyed fabrics. Anyone with a baby knows that this is perfect for baby to chew on or cuddle up with. Each fleur is stuffed with wool. So sweet...

Loom Zoom Kit

I'm a huge fan of Loom because they've really paid attention to the little details --  incredibly important when you're a mom on the go. (I personally own the Bandicoot diaper bag and have been pleased with everything about it). Anyhow, the Loom ZOOM Kit is a fancy little design that has got so many details that I couldn't possibly think of anything more. A handle that clips onto strollers, detachable porthole pouch, large external pocket with a matching changing pad, pocket for bottles or sippy cups and a carabiner key, card and cash organizer. AND it's cute!

Personalized Children's Books

I had a personalized book as a kid that was about a mouse named Ellechim. For you sleuths out there, that is Michelle spelled backwards. I loved the mouse character so much that I truly believed that she lived in my house. Naturally, I built her a suite of furniture made from spools, popsicle sticks and match boxes (seriously). So, the reason why I had a momentary flashback was due to this personalized children's book by Custom Made for Kids. You plug in the child's name, birthday, friend's name,etc. and you get a beautifully personalized book to give as a baby gift or keepsake. Speaking from experience, I can tell you there was nothing cooler than having a book with your own name in it.

Cozy Carrier Blanket Set

This CC3 Cozy Carrier Blanket Set looks like the snuggliest (I know, it's not really a word), warmest baby blanket and hoody to use in tandem with your baby carrier! No more fiddling with blankets and cold toes. It looks like the sweetest spot to be while mommy or daddy are taking a stroll.

Thilde Rag

I've been a little behind getting my post up today because I was up until the wee hours playing with my new Printer Gocco. So, I'm back this morning, trying to get the girls ready while I post about the Thilde Rag. I featured the Thilde Pocket a couple months ago and love what this company is doing. If you've had a baby, you know how much babies love to play and chew on tags more than the toy itself. The Thilde rag is a nicely done security blanket, made of soft fabric for cuddling and those fascinating tags that only babies have an affinity for.

Windswept Photography

It was almost a year ago today that I hired Alexandra from Windswept Photography to take photographs of our li'l family (these aren't pictures of our family but Ms. Bean is on Windswept's splash page). I'd never gotten professional photographs taken and thought it would be a novel idea to give someone else control of the camera. Let me just say it was some of the best money I've spent! I Google'd into the wee hours trying to find a photographer that oozed of natural style, no stiff poses or cheesy grins. As soon as I stumbled onto Alex's site and saw her photographs of babies, I started to cry which, by the way, was the surest sign that I wanted to hire her on the spot. Alex was incredibly professional and conscientious. So, if by any chance you're in or around the Seattle area, you should consider a little session with Alex.

Boo Blankets

How about these great Boo Blankets by Modern Basics? I love the over-sized animal faces! Made of fleece, they're also super cozy.

Apple Blossom Baby

Kwan from Apple Blossom Baby sent me a link to her Etsy shop. She's a mother, physician and makes these beautifully handmade balls and crayon caddies in her free time. They would also make great gifts.

Rinki - Highchair

I'm amazed at the progression of children's furniture these days. Just when you think it's been done, along comes an innovative design that makes you stop and stare. The Rinki Highchair by Seimi is one such design that converts from a stool to highchair -- growing with the child! As a consumer and parent, you've got to love stretching the lifespan of something that you've spent good money on.

Delta Baby Travel 2in1

Speaking of convertible design, the Delta Baby Travel 2in1 is absolute genius! A diaper/accessory bag that unfolds to reveal a baby bed for traveling?! I'm speechless...

Plonka by Dalinda

I'm absolutely loving these beautiful crocheted hats by Plonka...

vedaBABY

I'm a huge sucker for good packaging and I was instantly drawn to vedaBABY's simple illustration of Ganesh -- the  remover of obstacles (rather appropriate for the New Year). The lavender, jasmine and neroli essential oils in the shampoo & bodywash are some of my favorite scents. I could sneak some of this for myself *wink*. Take a look at the ingredients for the Baby Splash: Lavender Essential Oil, German Chamomile Essential Oil and Roman Chamomile Essential Oil...good packaging and pure ingredients.

Etsy Find: Pogibabies

Beautifully crafted hats, booties and pacifier pouches from Pogibabies!