Pediped Goes Big

Pedipeds are a dream come true for those of us in need of a stylish yet baby-foot friendly alternative to leather booties for our crawlers and cruisers. But now our big kids can enjoy Pedipeds too, thanks to their brand spanking new Flex line. ... [More]

"Just One More Book," Definitely Preferable to "Just One More Cookie"

My three-year-old daughter (the little angel) has entirely too many dumb books, which is killing me softly, because why waste time on dumb books ever in your life? ... [More]

Giving Cold Shoulders the Cold Shoulder

I admit (don't kill me, urban fashionistas) that I mourned the day pashminas went out of style. I loved the versatility of this great piece and was glad to tuck one into my bag to keep for unexpected forays into too-cold offices or airplane cabins. ... [More]

Eau de Notbabyfood

If you're suffering from Postpartum Fragrance Rut (PPFR) but you're not ready to delve back into the world of $70 an ounce eau de parfums, I definitely recommend checking out Elizabeth Morrison's artisanal theme fragrance collection. ... [More]

You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Wallhanging

Looking out on the morning rain, I used to feel uninspired. But then I found wooden wall art. And super cuteness transpired. ... [More]

Tees That Inspire Imagination

I always get happy every time another talented graphic designer decides to spawn, because it means the talent gets redirected from gig posters or shampoo packaging to cool duds for kids.

One Way to Distract Them From the Overcooked Meatloaf

Just Don't Call Them Push Presents

Children's Books the Way They Used to Be. Literally.

I'm so excited to have discovered (at Toy Fair, of all places) the wonderfully named Seattle-based Laughing Elephant Books. ... [More]

Pillowcases That Could Keep You Up Giggling

I have so much respect for designers who really do innovative things with nursery bedding. And if it's got a sense of humor - all the better. ... [More]

Socks To Be You

Socks don't tend to be something moms get excited over. In fact, aren't they the butt of jokes about bad gifts, along with fruitcakes and Dustbusters? ... [More]

The Drool On the Diaper Bag Will Be Your Own

While we love tracking down cool, smaller label diaper bags, there's something extraordinary about finding one that really - no, really - no other mom on the playground will be carrying. ... [More]

Dropps it Like it's Hot

I really wish someone had warned me about the crazy amount of laundry that one tiny baby requires - and the crazy amount of extra-special baby detergent that, truth be told, doesn't work worth a damn. ... [More]

And the Seasons, They Grow Round and Round

My philosophy is if you're still looking for a desk calendar in late February, then you're the type who needs one the most. Take this Plantable Eco Calendar found at the Olive Barn. ... [More]

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Drool Catchers

Pak Nak Fever

As a child of the 70s, I remember insisting that my mother sew my soccer patch, my daisy patch, and two souvenir patches from a family trip to Europe right on the top of my Osh Kosh overalls. ... [More]

Time To Work Off Those Pregnancy Kit-Kat Cravings?

Breastfeeding the kiddo through three layers of activewear isn't feasible - or is it? ... [More]

"I'd Like to Thank Cool Mom Picks..."

Motherhood means giving up more than your waistline, I realize, as Oscar weekend is upon us and of all the nominated flicks, I've managed to catch only one of them. ... [More]

Pillows Almost Too Cute To Hurl at the Kids

We know. When it comes to kids, sometimes you just have the urge to, you know, toss something about. For such an occasion, we humbly suggest the throw pillows from the Modern Basics brand new Baby Boo collection. ... [More]

A Long Way From Dumbo

I'm not always enamored of animal artwork for the kid's room because much of the time, you end up with baby-ish images longer than you have actual babies. ... [More]

Wonder Woman, Mom...Same Difference

Ah, at last "mommycards" that recognize the true nature of the mommy has nothing to do with juggling grocery bags and walking a dog while wearing a Bjorn. ... [More]

Congrats, You're a Babysitter. Er...Grandparent.

Often seen on message boards: How should I tell my parents I'm pregnant?

The Gifting Tree

With a slew of Spring birthdays among my family and friends, I'm always on the lookout for appealing jewelry gifts that won't break my piggy bank. So when I found the tree necklace at CnK Designs, I knew I had this year covered off. ... [More]

Ground Control to Major Aidan

We joke that since the lead paint recalls, that we're all happy to let our kids play with cardboard boxes. But the reality is - kids like to play with cardboard boxes! ... [More]

Doing Good Meets Looking Good

I've got a thing for alpaca. And not just because my daughter wants one as a pet. (Thanks, Diego.) It's eco-friendly, it's soft and warm, and it doesn't pill. ... [More]

A Remedy For That Not-So-Fresh Feeling

Once they're past that delicious newborn phase, kids (and their rooms) do not continue to smell like sunshine and rainbows. After a couple of serious playground sessions, my girls' rooms take on that not-so-subtle twinge of sweaty sneakers. ... [More]

Speaking of Cool...Tell Us More About You

If you, lovely CMP reader, would be so kind (seriously, seriously kind) as to fill out this simple little anonymous survey and tell us a little more about you, we will do you one in return and automatically enter you to win the beautiful freshwater pearl and silver Motherhood necklace from Blue Poppy Jewelry. ... [More]

Born With a Silver Spoon. Or Bracelet.

If you're looking for a special baby gift - I'm talking reeeeally special - we've just found a designer who can absolutely give that blue box store a run for its money. ... [More]

Banz Bonanza

Last month, a family trip to Mexico found my daughter, hilariously, in the same Gap swimsuit as half the kids on the playa.
... [More]

Longing For the Days When We Wondered What the # Button Was For

I still remember my childhood fascination with our old rotary phone. I mean, they looked pretty cool and you could crush a coconut with it, although it did take way to long to dial a freaking phone number. ... [More]

Even if Your Playlist is Embarassing, Your iPod Doesn't Have to Be

I know that I'm probably the last person on this green earth to own an iPod, but I figure that since they come out with a better one every year, I might has well wait until then. ... [More]

Swan Lake on a Budget

As an avid ballet lover, I've been waiting for the day my daughter was old enough to make it through the Nutcracker. But considering she can't make it through a Disney movie without a snack and at least one dance break, I'm not willing to shell out the dough to take her to an actual performance. ... [More]

Allergy Mom: Not Quite the Title Anyone Hopes For

It was over seven years ago, but I will never forget that day: My perfect, happy toddler stuck one chubby finger into the square of peanut butter sandwich I'd just handed him. In less than five minutes he was covered in welts. ... [More]

Letter of the Day

Yes it's true, your child will, one day, have a favorite letter. And when that day comes, you might consider turning to ABCD Tees, ... [More]

C.W.A. (Cards With Attitude)

Nothing lifted my spirits as a new mom like a card in the mail, but the printed sentiments never quite nailed the realities of my situation. Like, Congrats on your baby. Now get ready for your hair to start falling out. ... [More]

Livin' the Green

It's clear that everyone's going green this year. But some retailers seem to be jumping on a trend, while others actually seem to be living their values. In the latter category, the very impressive Zia & Tia. ... [More]

Tell Me More Stories

Amy Friedman’s wonderful multicultural Tell Me a Story compilation was easily one of our favorite CDs of 2006. So of course we’re thrilled that she’s at last released a follow-up with Tell Me a Story 2: Animal Magic. ... [More]

Rainy Day Barrettes

I'm the type of mom who, when barricaded in the house by a torrential downpour, needs to get out of the rut of  the paints- crayons -dvd routine.  ... [More]

It's Valentine's Day, Mamas. Now Go Out and Get Some.

My husband definitely has the lesser of the two libidos. So after a long day of wiping butts and chasing after the kiddos, I'm ready to go, and he's the one complaining about a "headache." ... [More]

CMP Hearts Real Simple

We just wanted to let out a little annoying girlie squeal, sorority party-style, for finding ourselves in the March issue of Real Simple Magazine in their Best Blogs feature (quick links here).We're honored to share top parenting/family blog kudos... ... [More]

Anchovies? Yes Please.

While it's definitely gotten easier for moms to track down cool onesies, commandeering an entire funky baby layette can be challenging. I suppose "funky" and "layette" aren't necessarily synonymous, unless you're browsing Anchovies, a new shop that's neither salty nor stinky. ... [More]

Not-So-Basic Basics

We've had the awesome Netherlands kids label Buisjes En Beugels, or BB+++, on our radar for some time now, just waiting (and hoping) for it to arrive on North American shores ... [More]

Art for All My Sisters and Me

I don't have a little girl, but if I did, I'd definitely want to decorate her room with positive, joyful, encouraging, you-can-do-it-girlfriend types of things. Things a little less princess and a little more like the mixed-media artwork of Kelly Rae Roberts. ... [More]

Tastes Like Chicken

Okay so they say that newborns aren't exactly ready for poultry. But when it's this funny little MiYim pink chicken rattle spotted at Essere Organics, I suppose you could make an exception. ... [More]

The All-Purpose Thank You Note

I’ve been looking for thank you notes that would be equally suited for job interviews, baby gifts, and preschool directors. (God help me). Tall order, perhaps? Not once I discovered the lovely line of m: studio stationery from stationer Margot Madison.

My Kingdom for a Horse

Okay so I know that most any child is imaginative enough to grab a broom or a Swiffer or even a paper towel roll, and turn it into a horsie. ... [More]

Cupcakes? Who Doesn't Like Cupcakes?

Every so often, I have occasion to visit friends with a couple of young kids of different ages, and I'm stumped about what little gift will appease them both. Then I stumbled upon the Kids Mini Cupcake Kit at Pink Olive Boutique. ... [More]

Buddy Has Two Mommies

One of my greatest reservations when considering a move away from New York was the perceived lack of diversity in middle America. ... [More]

The Cow Says Moooo. Also: Carry Me, Mama!

I love to browse the CMP archives for children's artwork, because My latest find is the stick-leg art from BeesKneesStudio. Artist Erica Vess creates original acrylic paintings of farm animals which are simple, colorful, and cheerfully unique.

Your Right to Chews

The baby may be bor (and yes, he's wonderful, thank you!) but thanks to breastfeeding, I'm still taking care to reach for nutritious food. Well, most of the time anyway.
... [More]

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

Thanks to my "slopey" shoulders, I have an incredibly difficult time finding non-athletic bras with straps that stay up. Reaching into my shirt to reposition the boulder holders has become a part of my regular routine. ... [More]

When Mini-Adult is Perfectly Acceptable

I probably sound like an old fuddy-duddy everytime I go shopping for my kids, but when I see "Chick-magnet" shirts and too-short mini skirts that look like something right off an adult rack, I can't help but cringe a little.

Bringing the Rat Back

I used to look forward to my Chinese great-grandmother's new year celebration every year -- the gorgeous decorations, the yummy food, and new lucky animal. She could even make the boar look cute.

The Alphabet Spells Her Name

When I saw this customized ABC name poster at Madebygirl, I knew I had found the perfect birthday present for my little speller.

Robeez Hits the Pavement

The powers that be at Robeez must have heard my pleas, since their new Tredz line, launching today, is perfect for those little walkers and runners who are ready to venture outside, needing a non-slip, water-resistant and extremely flexible sole.
... [More]

It's Better to Give and To Receive

ECHOage is an interesting service which aims to show kids both the joy of giving even while doing a little receiving, all in a way that's kinder and gentler to the environment. ... [More]

The Only Thing Missing is a Diaper Changer

I've seen grown women fight it out over the need for a changing table on those baby message boards. I understand the problems faced by parents with limited space, but trust me, a diaper change on the bed can go horribly, horribly wrong. ... [More]

Wow, It Really Is a Super Tuesday.

It's Tuesday, Feb. 5th, the day that They Might Be Giants release their new two-disc, CD/DVD combo Here Come the 123s.

Swaddled, Snuggled, and a Little Spoiled

When you think of swaddlers you don't think of anything particularly luxe. Mostly I conjure up the pilled receiving blanket we swiped from the hospital (shhh). Or at best, some ugly yellow thing that you find on your friend's baby registry. ... [More]

Lucy's Name in the Sky, Without the Diamonds

Thanks to my husband the pilot, I'm definitely into planes as children's room decor; but that doesn't mean I'll just grab any old picture of an aircraft and slap it up on my son's wall. ... [More]

The Journey to Adoption Just Got More Beautiful

While adoptive parents can certainly document their child's first steps, first foods, and first booger-flnging incident like any other, the baby book pages about prepartum cravings can be a little awkward in their emptiness. ... [More]

100 Billion Calories Never Tasted So Good

So if you asked me what I most certainly do not want (or need) for Valentine's Day, you know, other than a pair of red leather chaps, it would have to be a 14,000 calorie box of chocolates.
... [More]

Sometimes Six More Weeks of Winter Isn't So Bad

It's only the beginning of February in the Deep South and I've already had it with the cold. But then I was introduced to Kaching Design's new shirts and I realized that maybe I could live with the chilly temps a little longer. ... [More]

Canine Love

I swear, we don't have a house filled with junk food (so back off, Sanctimommies). Yet for some reason, my toddler already equates each holiday with what crap she will get to eat that day, and candy hearts are on the horizon. ... [More]

Tattoo Valentine's Card: Next Best to the Real Thing

If the sigOth skipped the flowers this year and came home with a permanent heart on his arm with my name in it, well I'd just be tickled. ... [More]

Oh Boy, a Boy!

If you're wondering why things are moving a bit slower around there these past couple of days, it's because our right hand woman and senior editor Julie Marsh had baby #3, a boy, yesterday afternoon -- 12:46pm to be exact.... ... [More]

Art That Sparks Imagination

When you're looking for figurative art for a nursery, the selection is often limited to happy kids playing with happy animals under a happy sun. But I'm intrigued with taking a more Waldorf approach to the art, in which the kids' expressions leave room for interpretation - and story telling.

Make-Your-Own Valentine

Upon scoping out the selection of Valentine's Day cards at our local card shop, I was nearly eaten alive by the sea of licensed characters professing their love. Eek! ... [More]