Summer is best known for relaxing poolside, sipping a frosty beverage and enjoying lazy days. Wait, it is? Then why is my summer a completely chaotic, unorganized journey of madness. Okay, it’s not that bad. Not yet.  As the mom of two youngsters, pool safety is a major concern. And getting my little guy (who has the mentality of a stubborn teenager) to willingly wear floaties or a life jacket is a battle.

I kept seeing these little cuties at the pool with nifty flotation devices. After some online research, I found out they are called Puddle Jumpers by Stearns. It’s like a life jacket combined with floaties with an adjustable strap and buckle in the back. It’s not a bulky or uncomfortable. Shockingly enough, I ordered one for my youngest son at the beginning of the summer. Yeah, I’d normally do it three days before summer officially ended. Anyway, I bought it at Leisure Pro and we took it for a test drive today. LOVE IT.

Here’s more about it:

- The Patent Pending design allows free range of motion and great stability while in the water.

- Choose from the green frog, the orange smile, the blue lion and the red ladybug.

- The Puddle Jumpers life jacket is U.S. Coast Guard- approved, and is also a great confidence builder for kids who are just learning their way around they water.

They sell them at Target and Toys R Us, but I found the best selection and prices online.

What’s your favorite summer toy for 2011?

Last week I was thumbing through a parenting magazine when I came across this awesome high chair. It’s called the Tavo and it’s made by an innovative design company called Monte Design. Speaking from personal experience, you don’t want to skimp on the high chair. I did and I totally regretted it.

To save money, we picked up a white, plastic high chair. It was such a nightmare to clean and fumbling with the tray made me crazy. I almost snagged my kid’s fingers in it – as well as mine – a zillion times. Anyway, read more about the terrific Tavo in my post on Babble’s Family Style blog.

Baby Legs – Blue Flame – $10

Rock Star Baby Plate – $10

Mud Pie – Chenille Birdie Rattle – $6.75

Mud Pie – Princess Ballet Slippers – $12.50

Bombay Duck – Hush Little Baby Door Hanger – $12

This is the OiOi Red Studded Tote and is does everything except change and burp your baby. Now don’t get too excited because it’s back ordered at Arte Bebe until July. Nevertheless, it’s fabulous and here’s why:

- elasticized feature pockets
- one main internal compartment with 3 elasticized pockets
- 4 exterior pockets (2 with magnetic snap closure)
- water resistant nylon lining and accessories
- antique brass hardware
- fixed stroller straps
- large padded microfiber change mat
- insulated bottle holder- insulation 2 hours – (Max bottle size 330mm)
- OiOi hard wipes case
- protective metal feet on base

Find it at Arte Bebe for $160. Don’t forget to shop around a bit because it’s one of my all time fave baby shops!

The Picci Jennifer Moses Basket is beautiful and functional. This little piece of palmy heaven allows you to move your sleeping baby throughout the day without waking him/her up. It’s also lightweight, so it’s easy to carry. I’m really loving the print on the bedding. Keep this in mind as a great baby shower gift for the special mommy in your life. Read more about it on Droolicious.

Speaking of sleeping babies, wrap ‘em up tight in this organic SwaddleMe Adjustable Infant Wrap. The fabric is certified organic cotton and it’s easy to use. If you haven’t tried to swaddled your newborn yet, I recommend giving it a go. Hop over to Droolicious to read more about this blankie and find out where to go for video instructions on swaddling.

Last but not least are these sweet Polo Dresses from Greendog. I buy Greendog clothes for my kiddos at Macy’s and I think they’re awesome. The clothes are cute, well-made and the price is right. Read more about these springy, flingy, fun dresses on Droolicious! They’re only $12 – sizes 6 mos up to 24 mos.

If you’re ready to make an investment in your baby’s eating & snoozing, this might be the high chair of your dreams. It’s from a popular brand parents trust, phil & teds, and it’s fully loaded.

This is the Highpod High Chair and it’s even newborn-friendly. This is a great seating solution for babies who like eat & snooze because it’s fully adjustable. You can raise and lower baby with ease. It’s also very easy to clean, which is muy importante because babies are the messiest little critters ever, god bless ‘em. Take a look at some of the cool features:

- Superior adjustability: newborn to toddler (45 pounds)
- 3-position recline for food fiesta & subsequent siesta
- Adjustable food tray to match seat angle
- Ergonomic hard shell with removable form-fit insert for wash & wear
- Quick, telescopic 5 position seat-height adjustment for stand & deliver feeding or table level family dining
- Single-handed easy-fit food tray & cross bar

Find this hip high chair at BabyEarth for $300.

If you haven’t heard about Rikshaw Design, you’re in for a treat. This unique company offers a variety of bohemian baby bedding and products that boast simplicity at its best.

These little beauties are the Lali Diaper Pouches. Now you can keep all of your baby’s essentials organized in your bag!  Each in different block-printed patterns from their collections. A set of 2 retails for $26.

You should also take a peek at the Rikshaw Design blog. It’s fresh, delightful and oh-so sweet. Go ahead, indulge.

#1 – BOB Sport Utility Stroller – This is one of the best items we ever purchased because it is sitting in my garage right now and works perfectly. We’ve blown a few tires over the years, but that’s about it. The suspension system, handling and even the fabric is un unbelievable condition. My oldest child is five and we bought this BOB jogger when he was six months old. Yes – worth every penny. Retails for $299 at BabyEarth.

TIP: Get a pedometer so you can total up the miles you put on it. I wish we had b/c I trained for 10k races with ours and would love to know that magic number.

#2 – Joovy Caboose Stand-On Stroller – We bought this dream vehicle when my youngest was about six months old (he’s two now) and it still looks wonderful. We have used it so many times for a variety of activities. It has been the perfect stroller solution when we need to get around with both kiddos. It’s not the most luxurious or the most comfy, but in certain instances it has been a lifesaver. Now you can get the Joovy Ultralight which weighs quite a bit less. It retails for $160 at BabyEarth.

#3 – Stokke Tripp Trapp – I’ve read both pros and cons about this chair and my feeling is it is worth the money. I’m not sure how sensible it is for babies, even with the cushion and infant seat, but it works great for toddlers. It looks cool, it’s easy to clean and easy to climb into for youngsters. I love the way it adjusts to different heights and fits under every kind of table perfectly. I’ve had this for about two years and still love it, as do my kiddos. It retails for $250 at BabyEarth.

#4 – Britax Car Seats – I know it’s hard to fork out this kind of money when you have to buy multiple car seats, but it’s worth the moolah. It’s just hard to beat a Britax car seat for so many reasons. In addition to all of the impressive safety features, these seats are easy to install – and easy to install correctly. There is one for every age and every weight category. Gotta give them high grades. You can find a huge selection of Britax car seats at BabyEarth.

This is the leather Mercer Bag, a new addition to the Nest’s collection. And what a diaper bag it is! It features suede details and gold tones hardware. It’s also a departure from black – remember navy? I think it’s a refreshing change.

Other features include:
- separate zippered diaper compartment at the bottom keeps the rest of the bag neat and fresh and includes an extra large changing pad and diaper and wipes pocket
- 2 large exterior and 1 interior zippered pockets
- 2 interior bottle holders
- 2 divided pockets to hold extra clothes, toys, etc
- key chain holder
- removable, adjustable long strap

Indulge at Arte Bebe for $385. Shipping is free.

MommyQ’s Inbox is always overflowing with information. Sales, grand openings, new products, special events, community giving and more. Seriously, I have 125 unread messages and they ALL pertain to motherhood. I never knew it was such an email-intensive job. Here are some of the highlights so you don’t miss out on something special or as my two-year-old says, “sumpin peshal.”

Kirsten James Handbags Holiday Sale
I LOVE these diaper bags. I have one and use it all of the time. These bags are a great gift idea for any gal on your shopping list. Order your custom bag now and get 10% off your entire purchase. Plus, you’ll receive it just in time for Christmas.  Spend $250 or more and receive 15% off your purchase! (Remember, this company give 5% of the amount you spend to their non-profit too.)

You can receive your discount by using promo code “KJ Holiday Sale” in the message to seller box at time of purchase (your discount will be refunded thru paypal within 24 hours of order). Sale ends on November 30th. Visit Kirsten James today!

Four Days of Feasting in Austin
If you’re going to be spending the Thanksgiving holiday in Austin, you must attend these events. Hosteria Verde, owned by the fabulous foodie Anne Rutt-Enriquez, is teaming up with FLAVORS of Austin to present four consecutive days of unique dining events. You can get all of the details at Hosteria Verde. Buy your tickets today and invite your friends to join you. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this tasty fun.

The Brand New LK Stationery Company
Welcome to the BRAND NEW LK Stationery Company, proudly offering new designs by artist Laura Kelly. Welcome to the bright, fun, and whimsical world of Laura Kelly. We look forward to offering you happy and artistic designs on stationery items. From mini memos to note cards to placemats, if you can write on it – they’ve got it! Shop until your heart’s content at LK Stationary.

Here’s a quick list of some of may fave items I’ve found this month. Remember, I do not get one penny from any of these companies, so I’m choosing these products based on my personal feelings. And since I’m rather superficial, my feelings way heavily on cuteness.

Fleecy Friends Slippers
By the time I finish writing this post, all of these slippers will probably be gone. They are just so cute and the style is perfect for active little feet. Hanna Andersson has quickly become one of my favorite online stores for affordable and attractive baby, toddler and youth clothes.

Pretty as Can Be Winter Coat
Yes, this is one of my favorite items for winter. This coat is just as cute as can be and it’s different. I love the small details, especially the tulle trim on the ruffle. How sweet!

Bag It!
I’m a big fan of cool weekend bags and luggage. This is a great option for any mom looking to travel in style with a tot or two. I love the fact that the interior is water resistant.

Peekaboo Barn iPhone App
This is a great game for a baby or toddler. We use it when we go out to eat if we need to entertain the kiddos. They love the animals and the sounds. It’s certainly worth $1.99!

Bunting Bag & Chubby Babies
The photography might be better than the product – not sure. But I know a bunting bag is a must for cold weather and these are cute enough to distract you from how annoying these bags are when it’s time to change a diaper. That’s why I avoid cold weather at costs.

Did you know Bugaboo makes a bag? It looks like an egg, but it seems to be muy popular anyway. It’s a limited edition, white leather (BUGABOO)RED messenger bag. It includes a changing mat and removable food and drink containers. Like every other Bugaboo product, 1% of total revenues on these products will go to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

More than a Bugaboo diaper bag, the Bugaboo Bag displays a modern look that goes from playground to business meeting. The Bugaboo Bag’s gender neutral, clean look works with every wardrobe – be it mommy or daddy.

What do we think of this moms? Venturing into bags is a good thing or should Bugaboo stick with strollers?

Let’s look at some of the toddler seats with 5-point harness systems:

One of the bestsellers, according to BabyEarth, is the Orbit Baby Toddler seat. In fact, they are currently sold out. It’s sleek, sophisticated, safe and goes up to 50 pounds. Retails for $360 at BabyEarth.

Next on the list is the Graco Nautilus 3-in-1 Car Seat and it is a much better price. You can get all of the safety features minus some of the luxury, for about half the cost as this car seat retails for $160 at BabyEarth. It holds children up to 65 pounds.

Another good-looking, popular model is the Recaro Young Sport Car Seat. This is one is intended for toddlers, but as they grow into the 30-80 pound range, it is recommended that you use a lap belt. If you want to use the harness, it goes up to 40 pounds. You can find this beauty at BabyEarth for $249.

The last one I’m going to mention is the Britax. You can’t do a list of car seats without mentioning them! This is a hulk of a car seat otherwise known as the Frontier. It is big! It weighs 23 pounds by itself!  But it also holds a child up to 80 pounds in the harness. You can use it as a booster too. Retails for $229 at BabyEarth.

Seasoned mommies, new mommies and even non-mommies all know how popular baby slings have become in the past few years. From celeb mamas to soccer moms to cupcake-baking momtrepreneurs, slings are still all the rage. If you’re in the market for a sling, you have your work cut out for you. There are like a zillion to choose from nowadays. You can pick big sturdy models like the Ergo or stretchy, pretty, custom ones like Hotslings.

Hotslings Everyday Baby Sling Carrier is a great option for every mother. I’ve heard so many mommies rave about them and here are just a few reasons why:

• Sleek, one-piece fitted design
• Fashion fabrics in today’s colors and styles
• Easy to use! No snaps, rings, buckles or fuss
• Many sizes for a precise fit
• Wide shoulder that spreads evenly across your back
• 3 to 5 carrying positions
• Great for newborns up until the toddler stage

(Okay, so I don’t get the whole slinging a  toddler notion. Maybe it’s because my toddler is not even two years old and weighs 30 pounds, or maybe it’s because he’s a mobile assault vehicle. Either way, I can’t speak to the toddler stage idea.) Other than that small tidbit, this is a wonderful sling. It’s versatile, cute, comfortable and affordable. Find it at BabyEarth for $44. Pay special attention to the Size Chart – muy importante!

Go wild, baby! I just love this needlepoint embroidered Green Zebra Pillow. It will add just the right amount of pizzazz to your baby’s nursery or your child’s room. Love the green & white! $45

My yummy favorite with the funny name…Petunia Pickle Bottom! This is the Corsican Blue Cross Town Clutch and it is exactly what every busy mommy needs. You just can’t deny the perfection that is Petunia. This tiny tote is PVC-free, wipe-able, water-repellent, stylish and sporty. And it’s on sale for $62!

You can even go wild in a cool, retro-inspired, subtle way with this beautiful Vintage Giraffe Print. The print is framed in a hand-painted, off-white frame that has been hand rubbed for a distressed, cottage look. $75.40, what a deal!

This is a great gift for the special new mommy and her bundle of joy. It’s the Lime & Brown Set that features the ‘ultimate’ swaddle blanketand two matching burp cloths! The blanket is soft, pre-shrunk cotton flanel and genrous in size. If mom forgets how to swaddle baby like a burrito, there are directions on the blankie. Nice! Set is on sale for $23.10. Happy shopping!

Every so often I come across baby gear that floats my boat. When my diaper bag from Kirsten James Handbags arrived in the mail, I was in awe. This bag was not only beautiful, but also perfectly crafted and absolutely flawless. My mother was with me when it arrived and immediately tried to coax me into letting her have it. Sorry, mom! Not this time.

Kirsten has a variety of styles to choose from, but I picked The Eden Bag. The size is exactly right for a busy mom who needs to use it as a diaper bag, toddler tote or overnight bag. It has a heavy magnetic snap closure and four roomy inside pockets. The designer fabric options are stunning in person. She also has eco-friendly options for green mommies. It shouldn’t come a big surprise that her bags reflect quite a bit of innovation. After all, Kirsten is a NASA engineer.

She worked for United Space Alliance as a Computer Programmer and Corrective Action Engineer.  United Space Alliance is the prime contractor and handles all Shuttle Processing for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).  As a programmer and Engineer for NASA, she wrote programming code in support of new software applications to support Shuttle processing and worked with operational organizations to streamline processes and build software tools that automate those processes.

Her mommy know-how, creativity and passion for fashion launched her new career as a designer. After having her son and becoming frustrated with the poor quality of diaper bags in stores, she left NASA and began her own line of bags. Feeling inspired? Visit her site to learn more about her story and buy yourself a bag. You won’t be disappointed!

If you’re shopping for baby gear in Austin, TX, you MUST check out BabyEarth. In addition to an online store, BabyEarth has a physical store in Round Rock near the outlets and it’s far superior to the competition. Why? You can test drive strollers from brands like Orbit, Stokke, Maclaren and Quinny and you can see all types of car seats to determine the best one for your needs. They have diaper bags, crib bedding, nursery furniture and the list goes on.

This store lives up to its name because you will also find a huge selection of eco-friendly and organic baby items. From wooden toys to cloth diapers to glass baby bottles, BabyEarth has the newest, most innovative products in the market. You won’t find most of these products at the other baby stores in town.  And if you do, you will only find a limited selection.

I personally love this store because the salespeople are knowledgeable about every single product they sell. Unlike other stores where they can’t answer simple questions, the folks at BabyEarth know their stuff. This is especially helpful when you’re a first time mom and feel overwhelmed by all of the options. Last year, a salesperson at BabyEarth introduced my husband and I to the Joovy Caboose and it was the perfect solution for us. I have since bought tons of items from BabyEarth and have been consistently impressed by the price, quality and customer service.

If you haven’t been to BabyEarth, you need to check it out. Seriously! You won’t be disappointed.

It may look odd because it sits so high off the ground, but that’s the point. A ride in this stroller puts your baby at eye level with everyone else. They no longer look at feet or breathe in dirt and dust from the ground. And you can easily push baby facing you instead of facing out to the crowds. In fact, CNN reported that facing-out strollers cause stress to babies. Seriously! Read the report here. Your baby benefits from an elevated perspective of his or her surroundings and it allows you to interact with your child more easily. (Think about it. Don’t you feel silly when you’re sitting at a table with everyone and you end up in the short chair?)

Now the Xplory is even more incredible because it can be customized. Oh boy! You know how much MommyQ loves anything with fabric options. Thanks to Xplory Moods, you can mix and match fabrics to create your own signature look. Check out the fabric options here.

Buy the Stokke Xplory Complete at BabyEarth for about $1200. Speaking of custom baby gear, this week I will be blogging about diaper bags from Kirsten James. Stay tuned!

In addition to the fun ‘Cow Bay’ print – yes, I’m a fan of all types of animal prints! – the list of features is impossible to ignore. This is why Britax is one of the leading car seat manufacturers around:

• Tangle Free, 5 Point Harness with 7 harness heights and 2 buckle positions for a snug and secure fit
• True Side Impact Protection shields from vehicle intrusion, contains head and  body, and keeps head, neck and spine aligned to limit injury and distributes crash forces
• Anti-Rebound Bar stabilizes child seat by minimizing rotational forces associated with front and rear collisions
• Ergonomic Carry Handle allows comfortable carrying of child in carrier by contouring to forearm and body
• Extra Large Canopy protects baby from rain, harmful UV rays and blocks wind
• Front Harness Adjuster provides easy front adjustment when loosening the harness system
• Easy to Install Seat-to-Base design self-guides carrier into proper locked position

This is just a partial list! Check out all of the features at BabyEarth, where you can buy a Britax Chaperone for $230.

If you haven’t heard of Inglesina strollers, it’s time to get acquainted. Inglesina is recognized as one of the leading international manufacturers of juvenile products including strollers, high chairs, car seats and accessories. During my stroller research as a new mom, I got to know the Inglesina brand because of their vintage prams. The Classica Pram is something to behold!

Inglesina also makes sporty strollers like the Zippy, Trip and Swift. All three of these colorful strollers come with a long list of great features that moms on-the-move appreciate. The Zippy is the fully-loaded version, next is the Trip and last is the Swift, a scaled-down umbrella with lots of perks.

The Zippy starts around $349, the Trip is $169 and the Swift is $119.  You can find all three strollers, as well as many other Inglesina products, at BabyEarth.com.

It may look like a normal bag, but it has tons of storage compartments and insulated pockets, not to mention a padded changing mat, detachable bag, mobile pocket (who doesn’t need one of those!) and wipe-clean lining. Go ahead, it’s still cool to be like Angie.

If you’re looking for an even more indulgent diaper bag, check out the Felix Ray ‘Emma’ Diaper Bag. Pleated details, a bow and goldtone studs? FUN! And you’ll be paying for that fun too. It retails for $450 at Nordstrom.

1. – Fill out hospital paperwork prior to due date. Most hospitals have a packet for expecting moms. Do yourself a favor and fill out all of this info weeks before you’re due. You do not want to be in labor and have to deal with it. They also ask for data you probably don’t know off the top of your head. Plan ahead!

2. – Pack your bag with care. Take the time to shop for maternity pajamas. You will be living in these for a while and if you’re nursing, it is so much easier with pjs made especially for nursing moms. You might not want to get pajamas with pants or shorts because the waistband might be uncomfy if you have a c-section. Pack shampoo, conditioner, magazines, glasses (if you wear contacts), toothbrush, toothpaste, mouth wash, hair dryer, etc. The hospital is not a Four Seasons.

3. – You will leave the hospital fat! You won’t be fitting in your skinny jeans two days after delivery so pack maternity clothes to wear home. The softer and more comfy, the better. You might also want to avoid the high heels for a while too, Mrs. Fashionista. Falling down after having a baby would be a bad thing. Pack flats!

4. Grab those diapers. Look, you paid for that lovely hospital stay and diapers are included. If there are extra ones in your room, you own them so take them home with you. If you have a boy, you want to grab some extra gauze pads for the circumcision. Oh, don’t forget to take home the ‘boy shorts’ they give you, mom. You will really like having extras for the first week or two after delivery.

5. Write down when you take your pain medicine. The biggest mistake you can make after having a baby is getting behind on your pain medication. It’s much easier to keep the pain under control if you take it every four hours. If you think you feel okay and wait 6 or 7 hours, it will most certainly catch up with you. And it will hurt! Don’t trust that the nurses will keep you on schedule. Write. It. Down. And buzz the nurse about 15-20 minutes prior to when you need to take the medicine because sometimes they don’t get to you right away.

6. Ditch the jewels. Don’t wear all of your expensive jewelry to the hospital. There is no need for it and they will usually make you take it off anyway. If you like it, keep it at home. Besides, your puffy fingers might appreciate a break from the tight wedding ring. And yes, they will go back to their normal size. So will your ankles.

7. Ask questions! If you don’t understand something your nurse tells you, ask her questions. And if you don’t like your nurse, ask for a different one. I’ve had some wonderful nurses and I’ve had some horrible ones. You will probably have a bunch of different ones during your hospital stay, so don’t get too attached to one. Nothing says “I Love You” like your husband telling off your nurse because she has an attitude problem.

8. Take notes. It may sound silly, but if your doctor or pediatrician tells you certain things and you want to remember exactly what was said, write it all down. Actually, tell your hubby or a family member to take notes. There is so much going on and mom is usually pretty groggy, so it doesn’t hurt to jot things down.

9. Use the nursery at night. It may be scary to give your brand new baby to strangers, but take advantage of the nursery. Your baby will be in great hands and you will get some rest. Keep the baby with your during the day and send him or her to the nursery at night. New moms need lots of rest and you will not get that rest once you leave the hospital.

10. It’s okay to be scared. As your hospital stay comes to an end and you’re putting your baby in the infant car seat for the trip home, you might freak out. The car ride suddenly becomes scary and the realization that you’re on your own is powerful. Don’t worry. Being a first-time parent is scary. Rely on your friends who have children or other family members for support. The good part is when the second or third baby arrives, you’re already an expert.

Happy deliveries!

This convertible car seat is brimming with all of thye safety features you expect from Britax, plus a few new ones.  This is an especially exciting car seat because it hold a child up to 65 pounds forward-facing. That’s big news for those of us who want our kids in 5-point harness systems for as long as possible.

Features include:

- Click & Safe feature is an audible aide to help determine when the harness is secure by clicking when the harness straps are snug

- True Side Impact Protection with deep side walls and head support to provide advanced protection in side impact collisions

- Side Impact Cushion Technology that reduces side impact crash energy by 50%, by diverting crash forces away from the child

- Easy-turn knob quickly adjusts the headrest and harness height without having to uninstall the seat

- Higher forward-facing weight capacity allows children to remain harnessed up to 65 pounds

- An energy absorbing base is designed to deform in the event of a crash to absorb impact forces

- Tangle-free, five-point harness ensures a snug and secure fit

- Premium push-button LATCH connectors provide a quick, simple and tight installation

- Unique features include the patented Versa-Tether to minimize forward movement in a crash, and rear & forward-facing recline for child comfort and a body pillow for positioning

You can buy the Advocate at select baby shops right now like BabyEarth. Retails for $369.

It has all of the safety features you’ve come to expect from Combi and comes in a variety of really awesome colors like Carrot Cake, Cherry Pie, Chestnut, Mint, Hazelnut, Keylime, Strawberry Shake, etc. Rear-facing up to 33 pounds; forward-facing up to 40 pounds. Retails for $200 at Posh Tots.

The Orbit

I won’t even begin to list all of the celebrities that own the Orbit, because I’d like to finish this post within the hour. Let’s just say it’s extensive. This is probably the most cutting-edge stroller around and as soon as you see the features in person, you know why. The extra-deep car seat combined with the docking station and 360 degree rotation is engineering at its best. You’ll pay a pretty penny for it, but probably enjoy every cent. $900 at BabyEarth.

Teutonia
If your stroller is a fashion statement, this one will make you drool in your Louboutin peep-toe pumps. Oh yes, this stroller is all about colors and patterns and uniqueness. In fact, you build your own stroller from the chassis to the seat style to the wheel and so on. Not sure how much the finished product costs because I didn’t build the whole thing, but it seems to be in the around $700 – $1k range. Below are some of the more unique fabric options.

Quinny Buzz

This is a really cool stroller for a 3-wheel option. The newer ones have been enhanced with some nice new features. The hands-free unlocking system is hard to beat and navigating rough terrain is a breeze, thanks to the big wheels and suspension. Comes in lots of bright gender-neutral colors too. $580 at BabyEarth. There are currently quite a few of these on sale at BabyEarth in the “Open Box” Clearance section for around $520.

Maclaren Quest Sport

When it comes to maneuverability and design, Maclaren tops the charts. The best about this lightweight stroller is it can easily accommodate an infant (3 mos) because it reclines fully. And it goes up to 55 pounds. It has many comfort features for both baby and parent that you typically won’t find with other umbrella strollers. $245 at BabyEarth.

Have questions about a stroller I didn’t list? Leave me a comment and I’ll post about it. Thanks!

Whether you’re headed to grandma’s house or on a big adventure, your little one will enjoy carrying his or her own weight. This perfectly petite Timi & Leslie Le Petit Voyage suitcase is made especially for little hands and big imaginations. It features a removable shoulder strap, waterproof lining, bottle tote, stroller straps, changing pad, wristlet and easy-access key FOB. Not to mention a lively circus print. On sale for $115 at Bella Blu Maternity.

The Duette SW is fully equipped with a steering wheel for maximum control, individual stroller seats with hoods and leg covers for each child, centrally controlled brakes, large storage baskets and more. Not to mention the beautiful Italian upholstery that can be removed for cleaning.

You can also attach car seats to the chassis so you can transport infants with ease. The list of features goes on an on. And so does the pricetag – $970. Then again, single strollers like the Orbit, Bugaboo and Stokke cost around the same so maybe it’s a good deal after all. It also comes in a triplette version. Nothing for octuplets…yet…

The majority of today’s playpens/playards come with LOTS of bells and whistles. Not to mention they require a zillion batteries. If you’re looking for a simple option that is reminiscent of the playpens of yesteryear, yet much much safer, take a look at this treasure from Sorelle, the Soft N Play Playpen.

The colors are bright and cheery with cute little sun and flower decorations, as well as soft animal friends. There are grippy handle in the plapen so your little one can grab on and stand up easily. Other helpful features include washable cushions, a removable mat cover and padded rails. When it comes to keep baby safe and entertained, the Soft N Play Playpen is a great option. Retails for $199.

MommyQ is a tremendous fan of Petunia Pickle Bottom. It doesn’t matter if the bag is big or small, it’s always delicious. Check out this diaper tote clutch on Droolicious. YUMMY!

If your baby is too big for the infant tub, yet too small for the full-size tub, this bath ring is a great option. You obviously have to watch babies in the bath like a hawk. And trying to feel secure with a slippery sudsy baby can make the process rather stressful. It’s like trying to hold onto a greased pig! Your lil’ monkey can have a great time in tub with the help of the Aquababy Bath Ring. This handy tool secures easily to the bottom of the tub and allows baby to sit up and splash, while staying safe. I dare you to find one sharp edge on this curved beauty.

The recommended ages are 7 months to 16 months, not to exceed 28 pounds. (I actually had to stop using it when my baby was about 11 months old, because he could shift his weight backwards and wiggle his legs out of it.) I found it especially helpful for bathing a baby and toddler together. They could play and interact without the fear of my older child accidentally knocking the baby into the water. Again, watching like a hawk at all times. Find it at Amazon for $30.

When it comes to lightweight strollers, the UPPAbaby G-Luxe is the heavyweight champ.  Similar to its older sibling, the G-LiTE, the G-Luxe fully reclines. In fact, it is the lightest full-size reclining umbrella stroller in the U.S., weighing in at only 11 pounds. Oh, mama!

The G-Luxe has a huge laundry list of outstanding features like adjustable recline from upright to 120 degrees, pop-out SPF 50 visor, stands when folded, aluminum frame, removable cup holder and many more. Maximum weight is 40 pounds, so it will last into the preschool years. It comes is a variety of gender neutral color combinations too. Retails for $160 at BabyEarth.

It’s hard to go shopping with a baby and a toddler. Not for the obvious long list of reasons, but simply because you can’t seem to haul them around successfully in one compact double stroller. Me? I did not want to buy a tandem stroller – or tantrum stroller, as I like to call it. They just seemed too big. I wanted to stroll through the Steve Madden store without knocking over every neatly displayed wedge sandal in my vicinity. (Salespeople love that, by the way.) Then I met the Caboose and it changed my mind.

We bought the Joovy Caboose Stand-On Stroller in May 2008, and it’s the perfect stroller solution! We put the baby in the front seat and my toddler stands or sits on the back. (You get a car seat adapter that pops on, so you can secure an infant car seat right on the stroller!) An older baby can sit up straight or recline a bit, thanks to the two seat position options. It’s easy to maneuver, even in a small turning radius. The sun canopy works really well, even though it doesn’t look that big in person. I also love the color options. The storage basket under the seat isn’t super-duper easy to access, but it does accommodate a small to medium sized purse or diaper bag.

Your older child can sit on the back when feeling tired and stand for a more exciting ride. In fact, we went trick-or-treating with the Caboose this year and it was great.

The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stand-On is a newer version with some extra features.

Maclaren recently introduced its new 4 Seasons stroller and quite frankly, I think it’s a brilliant concept.  It is a complete buggy set that includes 3 reversible seat liners, footmuff, reversible blanket, rain cover and storage bag to coordinate with all four seasons. Nothing else comes close to offering all these accessories in one package.

The Fall, Spring and Summer liners are gender neutral and give parents a quick solution for boredom. Look, you have no idea how much joy a new seat liner brings unless you’re a mom. Trust me, it’s way more exciting to see a new pattern on the stroller seat than you think. Not to mention, it’s a great way to extend the life of your stroller because you won’t be wearing out one liner. Just like flipping the sofa cushions.

If you’re in the market for a stroller, this is an ideal option. It’s loaded with exceptional features and is suitable from birth to 55 lbs. It might actually be the only stroller you’ll ever need. For $425, that’s an incredible deal. Trust me and the four strollers sitting in my garage…

Glass baby bottles stepped off of the dish rack and onto the runway, thanks to WeeGo. These adorable mini WeeGo bottles by babylife are draped in colorful modern silicone sleeves. If you’re looking for a cute and functional gift for the new mom in your world, grab her a rainbow of WeeGo goodness. She won’t be disappointed. $12

Introducing the cutest calorie-free cupcake you’ve ever seen. (Based on my expertise in the cupcake kingdom, I know moms will be buying these for themselves.) Four tasty knitted treats are perfect for baby’s little hands. They’re made through fair trade practices. Don’t forget the milk! $35

I love leggins for babies because I’m secretly still a huge fan of legwarmers. Anyway, these leggies come in fun styles and one size fits all. The cotton is 100% certified organic. The best part is, you don’t have to wrestle with tights during diaper changes. $12

7 Days of Bodysuits? You betcha! Nobody knows organic baby clothes like Kate Quinn. Boasting bright colors for every day of the week, this gift set is the perfect idea for new parents. $92

Bath time calls for lots of monkeying around with these adorable 100% organic cotton hooded towels featuring everyone’s favorite playful friend – the monkey! These towels are spa-grade with organic terry towleing on the inside and organic french cotton knit on the outside. I’m jealous!  $39

Juicy Couture Canvas Baby Bag – Featuring classic casual styling with a pinch of fun, the Juicy Couture diaper bag even has sweet treats inside like a coordinating bib, burp cloth and changing pad.  Yummy! $375

Kate Spade Bleeker St. (Henry Bag) – MommyQ has never really loved Kate Spade, but don’t let that stop you from checking out this subtle classic. With all of the appeal of a modern diaper bag, you get a funky animal print liner and matching changing pad. Now that’s more like it! $385

Fleurville Lexie Tote – Moms just love the Fleurville line of diaper bags because it takes functional luxury up a few notches. Featuring green Lam fabric and green faux leather, this bag adds a touch of safety to an already awesome tote. Sturdy and stylish, your Fleurville bag will last long after the diaper changes. $165

Petunia Pickle Bottom – The “Cake Society” name makes you laugh and the bag makes you cry. Cry tears of deliciousness, that is. This one-of-a-kind baby bag has become a coveted tote for moms everywhere. Chic and functional Petunia Pickle Bottom is top of the mark. $325

Caden Lane Hobo Bag – If you truly want a diaper bag that really looks like a great purse, the Caden Lane Hobo Bag may be exactly what you’re looking for. The chocolate brown exterior with muted gold studs gives the bag a dash of interest, without going overboard. The inner lining pattern options are adorable and all of the clear pockets help you find what you need in a flash. Very affordable at $150.

MommyQ attended the ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas last weekend. This is the biggest show of the year where manufacturers promote their hot new products for 2009. Well, MommyQ is totally obsessed with the new Juicy Couture Buggy, a product boasting Juicy style and Maclaren innovation. This exclusive stroller will be in Neiman Marcus stores for about 3 months, and then available in select specialty baby product stores.

As you can see from the images, the stroller’s color scheme is soft pink and a yummy chocolate brown. The bunting cover is lined with

rich faux fur and has “Juicy Princess” stitched on it. The cushions and lining are quilted and extremely soft to the touch. The thick stripes are playful and sophisticated. It’s absolutely gorgeous in person.

MommyQ actually heard from an insider that the pink and brown is so popular that they may be making a baby blue and brown option so mommies with boys (or mommies that don’t like pink) won’t miss out on this fabulocity! This stroller won’t be easy to find, so don’t be surprised if they come and go very quickly. Spread the word! Be on the lookout for this one-of-a-kind buggy in late November 2008. And guess who will have this beauty in-stock, BabyEarth.

The color options are black and white with lime green accents; dark green and yellow; pink and yellow with bright pink accents and light blue and orange.

This cute new pattern will be available on the sporty Quest Mod stroller. This is one of the most popular stroller styles. Look for it in January 2009.

The wait is over! The Britax Frontier Harness-2-Booster seat has arrived at BabyEarth. If you want to keep your little guy or gal in a five-point harness until they are in their mid-20′s, this is the booster seat for you.

The Frontier has a lot to brag about. It’s a forward-facing five-point harness booster with a weight capacity of up to 80 pounds. And the Frontier also serves as a vehicle belt-positioning booster up to 100 pounds.

Featuring True Side Impact Protection with one-hand adjustable harness height system, Versa-Tether and engineered energy management zones, the Frontier is designed to be the safest high capacity seat in the industry: it was designed to be a Britax.

It also comes in five different color options minus tweed, plaid or floral. Refreshing. Loaded with comfort and convenience features, such as comfort foam, dual cup holders and armrests, the Frontier is the ideal seat for the child graduating from their convertible car seat without compromising safety. Now if we could just convince our kids to wear helmets…

At first glance, the Coco Baby Lounger just looks like an interesting piece of furniture. But its iconic form does far more than the eye can see. The lounger, which can equip infants up to 12 pounds, is built to give baby a smooth self-rocking experience. The design creates a comfortable “nest” environment for baby, which newborns love. Remember, infants are rather fond of tight spaces. It also has a 5-point adjustable padded safety harness.

What makes this lounger unique is the micro-suede/ micro-leatherette seat pads come in a variety of beautiful vibrant colors: Coconut White, Bermuda Blue, Harvest Orange, Midnight Black, Rock red and Henna Brown. The base frame also comes in a variety of different styles and finishes. The patented plexistyle is available in white or black, and the patented stylewood is available in Natural and Cappuccino. Combined with the various pad color options, parents can choose the perfect color combination. And baby can rock out in style.