Click. Take a Pic.

I'm beyond tickled that my daughter has taken an interest at being behind the camera. But for now, I'm thinking the wooden version from North Star Toys is probably the safer bet than my Canon. ... [More]

Keeping the Boogeyman At Bay

So what do you do when you and your sweet little fairy princess or pea pod or happy clown run to answer the door tonight only to find...17 year-old trick or treaters wielding bloody machetes? ... [More]

For Moms Not So Good With the Glue Gun

I can barely find time to take pictures of my kids, let alone actually get them off my computer and into a photo album or scrapbook. Or even a shoebox. ... [More]

Alterna-Sleepers

As easy as it is for us to track down modern baby outfits out there, finding a sleeper that's not soaked in teddy bears or demure rosebuds is more of a challenge. What's a slumbering alternababy to do? ... [More]

Yo Ho Ho, The Reading's Life For Me

My son has decided he wants to be a pirate. For Halloween. And for a living. This is in large part because recently he's become the star of a personalized book called Here There Be Pirates from Flatten Me. ... [More]

Sleep Is In The Bag

I think we can all agree that parents do not need another reason (teething, teething, teething) for our babies to wake up in the middle of the night. (Did I say teething?) With the right baby bag, like this incredible find from 3 Sprouts, you can certainly cross "too cold" off the list. ... [More]

A New Take On the Old Lunch Bag

Ever since we started poking around the web for alternatives to paper lunch bags for our back to school shopping guide, we can't stop ourselves! There are so many great options to help us reduce that carbon footprint you keep hearing so much about. ... [More]

I'm in Love With the Milkman

Apparently the milkman is not some mythical figure we all hear about when no one can explain why cousin Marty looks nothing like his dad. Rather, he's a Nashville based t-shirt designer with fantastic taste.
... [More]

Rockin' the True Spirit of the Holidays

Aside from stressing about what toys won't poison my kids this holiday season and trying to communicate that clearly and effectively to my in-laws, I've got our Christmas cards on my mind -- what to wear, what should they say, how are we going to strap down my son long enough to get his picture... ... [More]

And Another Generation Gets To Love Paul Simon

With a non-stop flow of kid's music producers using all kinds of schtick to sell their (sometimes not-so-great) albums, it's hard to track down simple music that you and your kids will want to sing along to. ... [More]

And Then There Was The Time I Barfed On My Boss...

While I spend a whole lot of my life online, I understand that not every mother does. In fact, there are some pregnant women who actually (gasp!) don't have blogs. So how's a expecting mama to keep track of all those memories? ... [More]

Grow, Baby Hair! (Damn You.)

When I find gorgeous ribbon ponytail holders, like the handmade ones at Gazzu, I can't help but wish that my daughter had long thick hair. And I know I shouldn't complain considering I thought we'd be stuck in baby hair clip land forever.
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Baby Jail Makeover

As a fairly frequent flyer, I've always packed my own portable play yard because, well, you know why. The thought of using a hotel crib or that borrowed play yard that's been growing mold in your friend's basement for a few years gives me shivers on top of shivers.

Organic? Yes Way.

While I want to reduce the number of chemicals in and around my kids these days, I still want to get them dressed in the morning and think "Cute!" before I think "Organic!" ... [More]

Logs Abe Would Approve Of. Honest.

Recently I mentioned having discovered that the beloved Lincoln Logs of my youth are now mass produced in China, and a savvy reader pointed me towards Roy Toy. Score! ... [More]

Neither Rain, Nor Sleet, Nor Snow

Whether you spend the weekend with your kids on hiking trails or just braving the sidewalk sales like me, I can safely say we have one thing in common: We want our kids comfy when we're out and about. ... [More]

Murals You Can Move

As a first-time homeowner, I'm faced with the new and daunting challenge of decorating my kids' rooms. I've weighed all my options: Wallpaper? Heck no. Murals? You obviously haven't seen me draw. Decals it is! ... [More]

Argyle Isn't Just for Sweaters

If there was ever a time I that I wished my son would keep a hat on his head, it is now. The leaves are turning, the wind is chilling, and Kitsel is mocking me with their fantastic selection of Born to Love beanies. ... [More]

The Cow Jumped Over the Calico Moon

From the calicos to the bold geometrics to the disco dots, I'm a confirmed retro fabric junkie, always searching for kids clothes I won't see on every other child on line for the slide. ... [More]

Rake Leaves? No Thanks, I'll Wear Them.

As we move into Fall and the greenmarkets in most parts of the country get sparer and sparer, it's time to start putting some of the springier floral jewelry back into the jewelry box for the next six months. ... [More]

Tees That Score a B+

Instead of tees proclaiming your child to be yet another Princess or Hot Shot or (gag) Future Diva, we've found a much cooler alternative in the urban style statement tees from Be Positive. ... [More]

Slings With a Story

We've heartily espoused the benefits of sling usage here at Cool Mom Picks, not only because we're sling users ourselves, but because we keep happening upon gorgeous ones that we just can't pass up. ... [More]

A Bag To Bring Those Kit Kats Home to Mommy

I really ought to be too ashamed to admit this transgression, but for the past five years, my daughter has collected trick-or-treat candy in a plastic shopping bag. ... [More]

Safer Toys For Kids. You Know, The Unleaded Kind

For your browsing, buying, and drooling pleasure, we're happy to present The Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide, featuring some of our favorite playthings for younger kids.

Like It's a Small World Only Without The Six Hour Lines

Okay I'm about to lose all my indie cred here but as a little girl I loooooved that It's a Small World ride at Disney. The idea of all these little girls in very cute outfits from all different countries was magical. (After all, isn't that what makes us all different in this world? Our clothes?) ... [More]

Illustrating Childhood

I wish I could afford original Maurice Sendak or A.A. Milne prints for my kids' rooms, but with #3 on the way, that's not going to happen any time soon. So instead I'm turning to illustrator Sarah Jane of Sarah Jane Studios for more affordable but still endearing options.

Hooray for Hoodie Season!

Did I mention I'm a freak for Fall? The cool crisp air means no fights with the winter coat just yet, but it's definitely time to pull out those cute sweaters or hoodies and start getting your layering chops back. ... [More]

Long Johns (Or Jaydens)

If I had the ability, I'd probably be embroidering everything from my kids' tees to their underwear. I love the look of hand-embroidery--but I don't have those crafty genes. ... [More]

Got BOOB?

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I eagerly perused nursing shirt offerings only to find the scariest and most complicated tops I had ever seen. Good God, isn't breastfeeding challenging enough? ... [More]

Procrasti-moms: The Halloween Costume of Your Dreams

I cannot be the only loser mom out there with the very best intentions as far as Halloween costumes go--only to end up sobbing in the empty aisles of the costume store on October 30, trying to decide if I go for the one cheesy cheerleader costume left, or just try to make something out of tin foil at home. ... [More]

Don't Drop The Soaptopia

When you're a parent, one of the first things to go, besides your figure, is personal grooming. It's hard enough to get a shower in at all some days, let alone one you can actually enjoy. ... [More]

A Rare High-End Pick From Cool Mom Picks: The Mutsy Stroller

I fully admit to gawking in disbelief at my friend who had bought a $700 stroller. I mean, unless the stroller self-propels itself down the street AND gives you a foot massage when you arrive at your destination, I just didn't see the need for it. But then I encountered Mutsy.

Baby Got Bag

So you work in interior design, you've got all these gorgeous fabric scraps lying around - what do you do with them? Well me, I'd be like, "Hey, someone get over here and clean up all these fabric scraps!" ... [More]

A Bird On the Neck is Worth, I Don't Know...16 In the Bush?

Some restaurants have that one dish you love so much that you keep coming back for it. But the ones I love the best have so many tantalizing choices that each time I want something different. That's exactly how I felt when I stumbled on Amy Bengtson's jewelry. ... [More]

We Love Us Some Ben Sherman

It's Just a Fantasy (Whoa Oh Oh Oh)

Halloween is going to be here before you know it wouldn't you know, I still don't have costumes figured out yet. If you're looking for a little PVC-free inspiration, one of our favorite shops, Quiet Hours Toys, has a dandy little dress-up department. ... [More]

Even Superman Doesn't Glow in the Dark

I haven't yet found the perfect handmade Halloween princess get-up for my extra particular toddler. But I have found the requisite light she'll need. ... [More]

Sort of Like an Undershirt Only Nothing Like It

The belly-baring maternity trend has to go down as one of the single worst ideas ever. Or maybe I'm just bitter because I did not have that cute little bump worth baring. If you think I'm wrong, go enjoy your size 0 hoochie-wear (Bitter! I told you!) and leave the rest of us in peace with our Blush Topless Undershirts. ... [More]

Fighting Colds Without Cold Medicine

In light of the recent recall of kids cold medicines, parents everywhere are purging medicine cabinets and looking for natural alternatives - all while secretly praying for a runny nose-free Winter ahead. Like that could happen. ... [More]

Baby Food That's Yummy Enough for Mummy Too

Now that my son is a full-fledged food eater, I'm on the prowl for something other than that jarred food that I swear all tastes exactly the same -- gross. And while I know many savvy mamas out there choose to whip up their own meals, that's not one of my skills. ... [More]

Nursing Bras, Not Training Bras

I’m taking a stand on behalf of my bigger-boobed sisters out there: Where are the freaking DD nursing bras? And I mean the decent ones that hold the girls high and proud – not the ones you’re dying to toss the second you wean. ... [More]

The Clips To Match the Clothes to Match the Shoes

I've said before on these pages that I am lacking the crafty gene. And so thank goodness there are people out there who are making beautiful things for my children to wear--like mom and designer Kami Friday, who creates some of the coolest clips for kids at her shop, Maya Papaya. ... [More]

California Dreaming

Maybe because I've got an ex-boarder in the family, but I'm a sucker for skateboarding clothes on kids far more than other sports-inspired clothing. (Although props to bowling shirts - love you guys. Mwa.) I'm always on the lookout for suave options for future skate zombie and now we've uncovered one more. ... [More]

Circle Gets The Square

I always admire parents with a great eye - you know, the ones who enter the "my nursery is awesome and yours isn't" type of contests on Apartment Therapy: Nursery, and actually win. ... [More]

Cool Mom Picks: The TV Show

While we haven't sold out to the Hollywood machine just yet (Watch out Harvey Weinstein, we're coming for you!) we are excited to tell you about the nine short Cool Mom Picks videos we taped for Alpha Mom television launching this week. ... [More]

BFF

Who slipped that new indie rock album into my car's CD player? Oh wait, that's no indie rock album, that's kids' music. From a duo called Ellen and Matt. Who knew? ... [More]

Slowly Back Away From the Pink

There's more to the color spectrum than pink and purple, but try telling that to a little girl. I've found they often need a little encouragement from fashion-forward parents in order to break away from those girly-girl trends. ... [More]

A Tee For Every IPod Category You've Got

It's getting to the point where ACDC toddler tees and Metallica onesies are becoming so easy to find, I think if you're looking to stand out, you're going to have to reverse course. In other words, maybe it's time for some Barry Manilow duds for those kidlets. ... [More]

Rocket Dog, Burning Out His Fuse Out Here Alone

It might be harder to find cute boys clothes than cute girls clothes, but one place boys have it good is with room decor. ... [More]

A Doggie Fashion Do

Okay so you went and got that Dora (or whatever) backpack for your daughter that she begged for - and now, only six minutes into the school year she's too old for it. How quickly they grow. And how taxing it can be on our wallets. ... [More]

Onesies as Modern Art

When you see as many baby onesies as we do--and holy hell do we see a lot of baby onesies--it's exciting to stumble on the ones created by an artist experimenting with a different kind of canvas. That's how I feel about the ones from brand spankin' new shop, Born Babe. ... [More]

From Rock to Rattle

So what do you do when you're a cool, happening, Brooklyn gig poster designer and you're about to have your first kid? Well you don't hit the mall for nursery posters, that's for sure; you design your own. Then you print some more so other people can buy them. Then you tell Cool Mom Picks about it. ... [More]

Scribble Me This

If I have to draw one more cat or tree or apple on demand for my daughter, I think I might just lose it. Let's just say I'm best equipped for being the guesser at Pictionary. But thanks to Taro Gomi's amazing Scribbles: A Really Giant Coloring and Drawing Book, I've been totally off the hook.

Watch Out Dora, There's a New Girl in Town

I must confess that without television, I wouldn't get to shower as often as I do. Or use the bathroom alone. Or check my email. But know this: I am very picky about what shows I play on continuous loop. ... [More]

Skull Cap! Get it?

While the trendy kidswear motif of 2007 is undoubtedly birds for girls and skulls for boys, we think it's only fair that girls get a fair shot at wearing skulls too--a kinder, gentler skull. ... [More]

Scary Hair!

I love Halloween, but the old school Halloween - the kind about ghosts and witches and carving pumpkins and bobbing for apples. Not the kind that gives ten year-olds an excuse to dress like Paris Hilton. ... [More]

You'll Eat It And You'll Like It

If I told you a celebrity's wife had yet another cookbook out, you'd roll your eyes, right? I admit I did when I heard that Jessica Seinfeld had just published Deceptively Delicious. ... [More]

Calling All Earth Lovers

While we like to promote eco-conscious clothes and gear whenever we can, it's tough finding green-wear that's up to our standards. There's something about a "My parents recycle" toddler tee that just rubs me the wrong way.
... [More]

Silicone Isn't Just For...Um, Binkies

As if plastic bibs aren't already nasty enough to clean after every meal, can you believe that they're now popping up on recall lists as well? While there's always the cloth alternative, the last thing I need is to triple my laundry load. ... [More]

Oh Those Clever Dutch

I love poking around European kids shops because the sensibility is just a little...different than ours. Think fewer fire trucks appliqués, and more apples on stilts doing ballet while wearing French poodle masks. Or something like that. ... [More]

Warning: You Just May Die From the Cuteness

Moms of summer babies are lucky in that they don't have to think about shoes. They can just leave those sweet, fat little tootsies bare for all the world to squeeze. ... [More]

If You're Happy and You Know it Have a Tea Party

Is it me or are there an inordinate number of dolls out there with oddly sultry, sexy, or just plain vacant looks on their faces? When my daughter takes the time to arrange her stuffed friends around the table for a tea party, I want those friends smiling back at her, dammit. ... [More]

Saying Uncle, Emphatically

We love Uncle Rock. Love him. Looooove him. And if you like your kids music in the form of good ol' acoustic American rock, you're going to love him too. ... [More]

Giiiiiiirls Iiiiiiin Spaaaaaaaaaaaace...

Old school Muppet Show fans will recognize this headline--and know why I can't get the line out of my head when I look at this awesome Spacegirl shirt for kids. ... [More]

Getting Kozy

If you think a car seat cover is frivolous, I can give you plenty of reasons why you might need one. Aside from the invaluable protection against juice and other not-so-friendly fluids, it can also de-genderize a verrrrry pink or navy blue car seat passed down from an older sibling or cousin. ... [More]

Born With an Eco-Friendly, Naturally Harvested Spoon In His Mouth

Okay, so we like our funky, toddler-proof melamine dishes as much as the next parent. But with all the heated controversy about plastics these days, we're slowly inching towards the whittle your own dishes out of wood camp. ... [More]

Hard Core, Soft Soles: Robeez Goes Rock n Roll

If you're a die-hard Robeez fan (me! me!) then I bet you've collected every dog, cat, and train design they offer. But if you've admired the function and fit of the shoes while waiting for some alternative designs, then stop tapping your foot and grab your wallet. ... [More]