Remember when hanging your child’s name in wooden letters became standard procedure in the nursery? I loved them, but was totally appalled at how expensive they were. So, I decided to do them myself.  I pranced my very pregnant self into Hobby Lobby and feeling overly confident in my own new DIY Martha Stewartness, I proceeded to buy a ridiculous amount of stuff. With a basket full of paints, stickers, tiny wooden doodads and thingamajigs, I realized they only had 2 big wooden “E”s and I needed three. It was craft chaos. Long story short,  I finished those letters TWO YEARS LATER. But my real point is isn’t it funny how you think a Do-It-Yourself project will save you money and it ends up costing the same if not more?

Well, drop that Prada screwdriver, you diva! Here are 9 Helpful Tips for Saving on DIY Projects from consumer savings expert, Andrea Woroch:

1. Big Box Vs. Small Stores
For the frugal consumer, shopping smart is always a logical first step. When you’re shopping at the big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes, there are always deals going down.

The two heavyweight retailers are highly competitive and both stores offer price matching with an additional 10-percent discount on identical products advertised at a lower price at any competing store. Both stores also post weekly sales, discounts and rebates on their websites so you can be prepared before you hit the store. Not to mention, you can always find for these home and garden giants.

On the other hand, locally owned home-supply stores, like Ace Hardware, often provide email sign-ups that allow you to receive special deals on the same items you would find at the big-box stores. While you may not be able to purchase sheet rock, the smaller places may carry everything from plumbing supplies to finishing notes for your home.

2. Tester Cans and Used Paint
Next to buying a nice area rug, painting is probably the easiest way to change the look of a room. Unfortunately, home improvement stores are aware of this and they like to make you pay for it. There are definitely ways to get around the high prices though.

If you only have a small space to paint, there’s no need to invest in a whole gallon of paint that’ll inevitably take up space in the garage or closet. Ask about small tester cans that can often be found for $5 or less in a variety of colors.

The word is starting to get out on used paint, too. When people order large amounts of custom paint, they often order too much. This paint gets returned to the stores, but the merchant can’t put such cans back on the shelf with the rest of the paint. If you’re in the right place at the right time, you might be able to get gallons of paint for around $5. Not all stores will have used paint, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

3. Buy Lumber in Bulk
Working with lumber can be intimidating. It requires precise measurements and cuts, or you’ll end up wasting money and materials. Prices vary by lumber grade and wood type, so be aware of what materials are required to get the job done.

4. Generic Vs. Name Brand
There’s an incredible variety of nails and screws available, but how much of a difference is there really? Generic brand nails and screws are often up to par with the name brands, but cost significantly less. In some cases, the only difference between a generic and the brand name is the box!

The same can be said for pipes and plumbing fixtures. Unpackaged fixtures in a bulk bin can have the same quality as their packaged counterparts on the shelf, but cost much less. Longevity is also something to consider when working on a plumbing project. Copper pipes and PVC pipes typically give you the most bang for your buck, lasting up to 60 years.

5. Caulk Singles
Caulk certainly won’t be the most expensive item on your home improvement list, but it’s useful for patching up holes and sealing cracks. Often when people buy a tube of caulk for a small project, they end up making a mess of it and throwing half the tube away.

If you want to keep some caulk around for projects that spring up, try out some caulk singles from General Electric. Much like the fast food ketchup packet, they’re enough for one project and cut back on waste and mess. Watch for coupons to home centers like the Home Depot that offer General Electric’s caulk singles.

6. Government Rebates
Now that warm weather is finally on the way, you can replace your old windows and doors with more energy efficient ones. While it’s a big project, it may be worth it when you save on heating costs next winter.

In an effort to reduce energy consumption, the federal government is continuing to offer tax credits when you install Energy Star certified windows, doors and skylights. The credits aren’t as generous as last year, but you can still get 10 percent-off for $200 worth of windows and skylights and a rebate of up to $500 for doors.

7. Buy Reconditioned or Rent Power Tools
It’s hard to justify buying an expensive power tool, especially when you know you’ll never use it again. If you live the DIY credo, Home Depot rents such power tools as power washers, paint sprayers, chainsaws and buff sander. By renting, you’ll get the professional finish you want without having to cut corners on expensive equipment.

Many power tool manufacturers have online outlets where they sell reconditioned tools at a discount. These tools are certified by the manufacturer, so you have a guarantee they’ll work. You can save even more when you use a Bosch Outlet coupon or a Bostitch Outlet free shipping code for discount power tools.

8. Used Hand Tools
The garage sale may still be king for finding good deals on hand tools. Many people don’t enjoy inherited tools and are willing to part with them for next to nothing, compared to new tools. Wrench sets, hammers and screwdrivers made by quality toolmakers like Craftsman and Stanley can stand the test of time and are as good today as they were 30 years ago.

9. Working Together
No one escapes a little home maintenance from time to time. If you and a neighbors are working on similar projects, sharing the cost of renting a wood chipper or cement mixer can save both of you time and money.

While skilled friends and family don’t necessarily enjoy manual labor, they can be coaxed into it with the promise of good food, drink or a labor exchange to be named later. Working with friends gets the job done faster and is usually much more fun.

As a media expert source, Andrea Woroch has been featured on NBC’s Today Show, FOX & Friends, MSNBC, ABC News NOW and many more. Follow @AndreaWoroch on Twitter to receive daily savings tips!

Image: Getty

Custom Canvas Gallery Wrap
This is certainly my favorite way to display our most cherished family photos. For the past two years, I’ve been ordering large Canvas Gallery Wrap pieces from Gallery Direct. Their prices are competitive and they do lots of great discounts. In fact, you can get 50% off any order until 3/31! I just ordered a new one of the kiddos for our entry hall. It’s easy to upload your hi res image and see exactly what it will look like. Fun, easy & affordable. Perfect!

Photo Clip Frame
Get a load of this nifty decorative piece of wall art made for wall art. What a genius idea! I like stuff that multitasks, don’t you?  The Photo Clip Frame is made of a 23″ square, wooden frame with metal bars the clothes pins hang from.  Nine handpainted clothes pins are included.

Have birds always been popular in nursery and child’s room decor, or this somehow related to the popularity of Twitter? Hmmm. I feel like over the past few years I’ve seen a huge array of birdie art. Anyway, these cute birds are sweet, simple and modern. What a perfect wall art duo for your baby’s nursery, child’s room or playroom.

The tricky thing about art for a nursery is you don’t want it to be too babyish. They seem to grow up so fast, it’s a shame to ditch the baby stuff. I like these prints because they are timeless. Thanks to the hip color palette, they work for a boy’s room or a girl’s room. Dwell wall art is digitally printed on gallery frames and uses FSC compliant wood frames. These 16″ x 16″ prints (each) retail for $96 each at ArteBebe.

Don’t you remember how much you loved bean bag chairs when you were a kid? They were so much fun to jump around on and unzip when nobody was looking. How weird was it to stick your hand in the chair and then how annoying were those tiny PVC beads? No matter how hard you shook your arm to get rid of the evidence, they were stuck like glue thanks to static electricity. Fun!

Take a look at these rad bags. Cocoon Couture’s newest member, Cheeky Lucky Elephant Bean Bag Chairs. Each bean bag cover is made of machine washable 100% pinwale cord with an animal accent made of vintage fabrics.  Bags include an internal safety lining to keep beans in place. And here’s why you gotta love couture, each bag holds up to 3 cubic feet of beans – beans are sold separately.

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

Looking for something cute and functional and ON SALE for your baby’s nursery or child’s room?  Take a look at these hip, heavy bookends.

The Posh Panda Bookends can keep all of your kiddo’s books neat & tidy, even the big heavy collection of bedtime stories. The pandas are made of leather and weighted with steel shot. They are on sale for $50 each. And when you can’t locate your weights, you can work out with them because they weigh 5 pounds each! On sale now at Posh Tots.

 The list below is brought to by Dr. Benjamin Tanner, president and founder of the Antimicrobial Test Laboratories, LLC (a microbiology laboratory that specializes in the development of disinfectant and antimicrobial technologies) and the fine folks at Diaper Genie.

10 Simple Tips to Maintain a Healthy and Germ-Free Nursery
1. – Identify the germ “hot spots” within your nursery and clean them often. Germ hot spots within the nursery are the areas that come in contact with waste in diapers and other body fluids, either directly or indirectly. Diaper waste–and the millions and millions of germs in it–can be spread by hands and objects that come in contact with it. Since germs are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, it’s easy to spread many of them to clean surfaces without knowing it.

Areas where most bacteria typically gather include:
Changing Table – This is the place where diaper messes and germs are transferred from the diaper to baby’s skin – and possibly mom’s hands. And a dirty diaper likely has more germs inside it than anything else in the nursery.

Laundry Hamper – Studies have shown that laundry, especially if it has come in contact with bodily fluids, can harbor great quantities of bacteria and even spread them to clean clothes through normal washing cycles.

Floor – Germs on the floor are not a concern for adults, but the floor is where babies lay, crawl, and play.  Most floor germs aren’t of the harmful type, but it’s still a hot spot to keep an eye on.

Toys/Toy chest – The average toy isn’t loaded with germs, but toys will transmit them easily if they become contaminated, since toys come in contact with playmates’ hands, skin, and mouths.

2. - Learn the difference between cleaners and disinfectants, and which is appropriate for your nursery. Cleaners remove most soils, but may spread germs around. Disinfectants actually kill germs when used correctly.

To use a disinfectant correctly in a nursery, remove your baby from the spray or wipe zone and apply the product liberally. After the label-specified contact time elapses, wipe off the surface with a wet cloth or paper towel to get rid of any irritating residual chemicals so your baby’s delicate skin does not touch these chemicals.

3. – Set aside a special place in the nursery for disinfectants so they’re readily available for quick cleaning but safely out of reach of children Even “non-toxic” cleaners can be dangerous to children, so keep cleaners on a high shelf in the closet or a child-proofed drawer of the dresser.

4. Keep messes (and germs) to a minimum when changing dirty diapers in the nursery. Establish a quick, mess-free diaper changing routine, and keep supplies handy and close by.

- Get rid of diapers in a hygienic fashion that keeps germs sealed away. Dr. Tanner recommends the Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System. It seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary trash can and plastic bag. Diapers only touch the disposable film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean. The Diaper Genie II Elite™ Disposal System also has Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria.

5. – Keep soap and warm water, or where soap and water are not available, antibacterial hand wipes, nearby to use after changing your baby in the nursery.  This will help stop the spread of germs within the nursery.

6. – Keep baby bottles away from germ hot spots, such as the changing table, and only handle them when your hands are clean Harmful germs can grow very quickly in formula and breast milk – be sure to keep bottles clean and dry when not in use.

7. - Keep a special hamper inside the nursery to use specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. This special, separate hamper will help prevent bacteria on heavily soiled laundry from spreading throughout the rest of the nursery. Also, take special care when laundering heavily soiled baby clothing and bedding to prevent the spread of germs through the laundry.

8. – Take special precautions within the nursery when baby is sick to prevent spread of illness to other children and throughout the rest of the nursery.

9. –  Take special precautions in the nursery when you or other family members are sick, to keep from giving your infection to baby and spreading throughout the nursery.

10. – I know we all love our furry and/or scaly children, but you should reduce pet access to the nursery.
- Reptiles and birds frequently harbor dangerous germs, like Salmonella. Make sure that children wash hands well with soap and warm water after handling reptiles and before coming into the nursery, and keep bird bedding/litter out of the nursery altogether.
- Dogs and cats are less risky but still may carry certain kinds of harmful bacteria. Cats may harbor a parasite that is of particular concern to pregnant women – if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, avoid changing cat litter to reduce exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma.
- If a pet makes a mess on the carpet, make sure to spray it with a non-bleach disinfectant after cleanup to prevent those germs from spreading to baby during playtime.

Check out their new line of personalized wall art featuring modern designs in vibrant inks. The canvas prints are stretched around handcrafted sturdy wooden frames, creating a durable print that’s easy to hang. You can also get 15% off your order if you use code ART15. This offer expires on April 16th, so get your shop on now!

Here is a beautiful crib, the “Built to Grow” panel crib from Stanley Furniture’s Young America collection. This crib comes in so many wonderful colors, how will you decide? It is crafted in the USA and GreenGuard certified.  It is a convertible crib, so it goes from infancy to childhood. Find it at BabyEarth for $1080.

I love these pillows because they’re unique, amazing and handmade of thick wool felt. You’ll want to pick them all. Approximately 18″. Find them at Chasing Fireflies for $98.

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.

Check it out at Sonny Boutique for $20.  Makes a great baby shower gift!

I ordered the Blue Home Sweet Play Home and the cushion online. The website said both items would arrive by the 24th. I was a little bit worried, but the items arrived in plenty of time. When I took the cushion cover out of the box, I noticed the directions said to wash it before use. When I unzipped the cover to find the washing instructions, I was pleasantly surprised. The directions ended, “Do not dry clean. Do not pass go. Sleep tight!” Well, that was such a clever little treat. Making laundry fun – what a novel idea!

Last night, I put the clean cushion cover on the cushion and was so impressed with the fluffiness of it all. This is one luxuriously fluffy cushion! The play tent is beautifully made and it is quite stunning in person. I am so thrilled with this purchase and only hope it is as pleasing to my child on Christmas morning.

Find the tent online at The Land of Nod for $99 and the matching cushion for $49. It also comes in lavender, pink and green.

I like to keep mommies in the loop about cool baby stuff, so I have to blog about a great giveaway happening over at Droolicious on Babble.com.

An online gallery featuring customizable fine art, Gallery Direct, is giving away two contemporary pieces that would look great in a nursery or child’s room. Both paintings will be a Canvas Gallery Wrap, which means the image wraps all the way around the edges of the mounted canvas, so you can hang them with or without a frame. Each piece measures 30 x 30 and will be shipped to you free of charge. Retail value for the pair is $400!

Click here to go to Droolicious and find out how to register. Good luck! Again, here is the pair but they won’t be framed.

I’m a sucker for picking out the most expensive items in the market today. I was browsing baby cribs when I came across this simple beauty. It’s the Bebe 2 Crib from Offi, a well-known eco-friendly brand in the chic world of baby items. It’s birch and non-toxic, but it will put you back about $1,500. Is it worth the price tag? I’ll let you decide…

Here are some of the hip features that make parents swoon:

• Natural Baltic Birch Ply and White Non-Toxic Painted MDF and Solid Birch
• Wood finishes may vary slightly from color and grain shown in image sample
• Meets or exceeds US Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for full size cribs (ASTM F1169-03)
• Works with Bebe 2 Rolling Cart for Crib (sold separately)

You can find the Bebe Crib and other amazing Offi items at BabyEarth!

As some of my readers may know, I also write for Babble’s unique blog about baby products, Droolicious. Yes, the team at Drool is always seeking out the most fabulous baby items in town. If you haven’t been, take a few minutes to visit. You will love it! Here are a few things to whet your shopping whistle…

If this Denim Military Jacket doesn’t make you want to grab a glittery, white glove… Oh, yes! Toddlers and preschoolers (and their folks) are grabbing up this iconic jacket like crazy! Check it out here!

Sweet & sour wooden condiments for your little chef! Yes, thanks to Melissa & Doug pretend kitchen food just gets cuter and safer. Check it out here!

I’m so impressed with this cool idea, the Simple Stencil. It allows you to create one-of-a-kind stencils for any room and the utensils make it easy peasy. Find out how you can stencil like a pro!

It’s amazing how cute babies look with a set of animal ears! I know, I know. Hard to resist this soft, cuddly, sweet goody! If you want to grab this coat, I suggest buying it sooner rather than later. It will certainly sell out by the end of Fall. Happy shopping!

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!

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.

When I was a kid, the pink and green color combo was king. The preppier, the better. Well, preppy is back and more fun than ever. Take a look at this ‘Tickled Pink and Green’ wall art from Kelly B. Rightsell.

Bright colors and cool characters (even an alligator!) reign supreme in this canvas print. It measures 24 x 30 and the edges are finished in a complimentary color pulled from the art for an extraordinary look.  Perfect for your baby’s nursery, child’s room or playroom. Isn’t it time to bring back the prep. You bet! This print retails for $138.

MommyQ is always on the prowl for fresh & fun new blogs. I’d like to let my readers know about one with a creative twist called Custom Nursery Art by Kimberly. I personally know Kimberly and she is indeed extremely crafty and creative. I used to think I was creative and then I met her. She made me think, “Gee, I’m not really creative at all!”  Not to mention her Posh Spice costume last year for Halloween was so good. Scary Spice good!

Anyway, Kimberly not only creates artwork you can purchase, but also provides wonderful advice, tips & tricks for creating the nursery of your dreams. She is an EXPERT when it comes to baby products and she puts that expertise to work for you! Need artwork? Ideas? Inspiration? Give Custom Nursery Art a spin. You will love this blog.

She gave MommyQ a shout out on on Mother’s Day, which I really appreciate.  Right back at ya!

This is the coolest wall art I’ve seen. I really wish it had been around much sooner. It’s called WallCandy Arts and it’s really wonderful for adding themes, colors and fun to your kid’s rooms. It can all be easily removed too – that might be the best part! From ferocious dinosaurs to twittering birdies, you can find a theme that suits your decor and your child’s personality. The artwork boasts retro-inspired appeal, adding a unique twist to every set.

Take a look at this incredibly chic and fun Parker Armoire. It has one adjustable shelf and a hangbar, a roomy storage drawer and optional wall mount for added security. If you’re not into the chalkboard, there is a spectacular palette of colors to choose from. I heart ducduc! Parker Armoire retails for $1450.

Looking for a playtable? Get a load of this little gem, the Parker Playtable with orange accents! Retails for $595.

Oh, the amount of kiddie books we have in the house. I’m sure you understand. Big books, little books, thick books, skinny books, tiny little pocket books and big coloring books. Great for entertaining and learning, but not so great for keeping organized. Here’s a great way to store and display books and it’s a bit more unique than a bookcase. It’s the Catalina Magazine Rack from Pottery Barn Kids.

It would be great for a nursery, child’s room or playroom. It comes in white and espresso. I’m loving this idea, especially since my youngest tears paperback books apart! This is a perfect way to keep them visible to big kids, yet out of the reach of curious little page rippers. $119 at PBK.

These playful wooden letters can be upper or lower case and measure 10″ H.  All of the letter are hand-painted in black and white with either a red or black ribbon. Expect 12-14 weeks for shipping, so order early to make sure they arrive before baby! Retails for $78 at Post Tots. If you’re the creative type, keep reading…

I decided to do the letters in my son’s room myself. I found some big wooden white letters at Michaels and bought a bunch of paint colors. The hardest part was deciding what to paint, not how to paint it. I couldn’t get too creative because my painting skills aren’t that great. I also decided to do it all free-hand instead if drawing on the letters ahead of time.

I chose camo because it matches his existing wall art and then went with a few things my son likes. I chose flames to represent NASCAR and lightning bolts for Lightning McQueen. And so on for a few more letters. It took a while and I struggled with the cheapo paints. I suggest buying the good paint, not the tiny little sets.

But there’s something to be said for buying them too. They are quite beautiful, especially the black and white. Either way, you and your child will certainly enjoy them!

I’m not sure if a more sophisticated mobile exists. This colorful piece of airy art is handmade to order by artist and designer Heather Frazier. The mobile is made of heavy stock white paper in a variety of colors. A beautiful and unique addition to your nursery! Visit Frazier & Wing.

Are you guys thinking Partridge Family or is it just me? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, who knew felt could be so dreamy!

This decorative Deco Mobile features four felt Storybook Birds with – get this – a Happy & Sad Cloud dangling in the center. Too cute! Each doll is hand-cut of real felt wool and hand-stiched. Dolls are lightly stuffed with hypo-allergenic polyester stuffing. This makes a wonderful gift because it’s packaged in a ribbon-tied handmade bag. Shop Gifts Devine for more retro-inspired goodies for baby. Love it!

Your toddler might not appreciate the sleek lines and modern appeal of this chair and ottoman, but you will. This is Ava, a toddler chair for the hip family and their trendy tot. Designed by Droolicious favorite, Jennifer DeLonge, this chair accommodates a child from 1 to 4 years old.

DeLonge offers a huge selection of gorgeous fabrics to ensure Ava fits fabulously with your existing decor. Choose cotton, microsuede, velveteen, linen and vintage prints. Pricing depends on fabric choice. Chair $299 to $469. Ottoman $169 to $299. Express your style with Jennifer DeLonge.

While thumbing through the Pottery Barns Kids catalog, you’ve probably seen these plush sleeping pals. Maybe you already own one. If not, let me just say this is a great product and in my opinion, worth the money.

Even if your kiddos are too young for sleepovers, you’ll still use it a lot. We use ours as a nap mat at school. Talk about luxurious! My active preschooler always rests during nap time and we think it’s because this sleeping bag is so comfy. Perfect for those cold winter days!

Made of high quality cotton, it is plump and cozy. It’s also very easy to roll up and closes with Velcro tabs. You can wash it on the gentle cycle and tumble dry on low. The blue one and the red one are on sale for $64. A functional treat that happens to be adorable too – 2 thumbs up!

When it comes to yummy nursery lighting, Posh Tots takes the cake.  This sweet Garden Bunny Chandelier features a white bunny holding a sculpted floral bouquet and pink rosebuds as accents. You can choose green toile shades (as pictured) and either five or three arms. This is a custom made piece, so expect 4-6 weeks for shipping. $440 (and worth every penny!)

I know some of you are debating whether or not to get a chandelier for your nursery. Here’s my two cents. I wanted one for my first baby and decided against it. I got one for my second baby and we love it. I chose one that’s somewhat age neutral, so I know we’ll keep it up for a few more years. It also serves as a mobile that even the most talented baby can’t reach.

I certainly wouldn’t spend $1,200 on one, but I’d definitely spend $440. You can always resell it after you take it down. See post in Droolicious.

Forget being safe and sensible, these organic burp cloths are just too cute to pass up! Under the Nile Organics makes these from 100% organic Egyptian cotton. One says, “itsy bitsy teeny greeny” and the other one says, “born organic.”  (Is this an adorable baby shower gift or what?) $21 at BabyEarth

Want more? Baby will love this brightly colored basket of organic goodies. Plush fruit friends like a banana, watermelon, grape and pear will keep baby amused. It says, “Fresh organic fruit basket.” $26 at BabyEarth

Cirque du Soleil Acrobalu Mobile – Guess what the inspiration for this little number is? Daring and delightful, this whimsical mobile plays “Alegria,” to help dreams take flight. BabyEarth $50

Twittering Mobile – This little wooden number by Haba is a sweet tweet. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)  Five colorful Birds of Paradise flutter through the sky, making this unique mobile an understated favorite. BabyEarth $41

Symphony-In-Motion Mobile – It’s a whirlwind of craziness that babies just love! The visuals, movements and spacial relations keeps baby entertained and happy. Target $40

Cocalo Couture Bali Mobile – Maybe it’s a huge hit because of the cool color scheme or the artistic design. Either way, this is a popular baby mobile this season. The mobile arm is covered in funky & fun animal print. Cat naps commence! BabyEarth $60

Butterflies Mobile – Gorgeous butterfly mobile is really a magical site. Pottery Barn $80

The second innovation is a cool twist on a traditional product. Instead of big fluffy crib bumpers, Boon has created Crib Grass! These adorable pads make baby’s crib look like a sweet garden and the pads are breathable which makes them very safe.

Awards? Accolades? Of course! In fact, Treehugger.com has selected the Solare Crib, the world’s first indoor air quality certified crib, as its “Dark Green” (top) recommendation for new parents in their annual gift guide. Maybe they just like the built-in orb mobiles on both ends of the crib. I mean, we all know how difficult it can be to install a mobile. You have to take it out of the package and twist a knob. Ugh! It takes like, two minutes. Geez. Who has two minutes?!?

Yes, Q Collection Junior is a favorite with Hollywood moms, but more importantly their sustainable furniture marries elements of style, such as classic proportions and modernist inspired details, with non-toxic materials that reduce or eliminate harmful effects to your child’s health and the environment.

The bedding is ridiculously sweet. The Q Collection Junior Celestial Parade Crib Set retails for $395 (trio of cube pillows not included, duh!).