Baby gift sets, and how to make them more personal

We admit it: We all want to be the ones at the shower who hand over a gift and get the biggest "awwww..." from the crowd when it's open. Not that it's a contest. Still, if you want to put together something extra-special, it's about putting more thought into the gift than just clicking a box on an online registry. ... [More]

A changing pad and chic chevron diaper bag in one

Changing diapers is hardly what I'd call my chicest hour. But then I had never used this.

Finally, a rear-facing car seat that won't squish your toddler's legs

Thanks to the American Academy of Pediatrics's well-intentioned rule that babies under the age of two should remain in rear-facing car seats, there's plenty of cranky, uncomfortable toddlers out there, whining in backseats across the land.

Meet the newest tummy-time floor pillow for babies (then wonder whether they make them for adults.)

Bring on spring with these cool new stroller shades from Bugaboo

We're almost out of the stroller stage at my house (sniff), but that doesn't mean I don't have total stroller envy. With all the gorgeous colors and amazing features, they've really become as much of a style statement as they are a gear essential for parents. But since it's a bit much to change strollers with the season, here's the next best thing. ... [More]

Forget permanent markers -- laminated labels organize in style

Surely you've gotten the memo: Dear Parent, All of your children's items MUST be clearly marked with their names. Every time, I know the teachers mean me. I swear, I am always looking for the darn Sharpie to write my daughter's name on her sandwich box for the hundredth time. But eventually it washes off, and hey, I have other priorities to keep up with, like making sure there is some sort of lunch in the box suitable for consumption. So I am now humbled and grateful for the genius of Mabel's Labels, a longtime CMP fave. I fully believe they just may have a huge hit on their hands with their newest product--I know they're a hit in my house. ... [More]

Lotus Everywhere Crib: Puts "travel" back in travel crib

I'm always amazed to see the vast improvements in baby gear even since my littlest one, only two, was a baby, which gives me hope that they will one day be able to manufacture sleep for us parents. Ha. ... [More]

The best portable travel crib? journeyBee is an excellent new contender

Back when my now-tween was a babe, the one piece of equipment I dreaded using above almost anything else was her "portable" playpen. ... [More]

The coolest new baby gear: Editors Best of 2012

So many fabulous new gear essentials have come out in 2012 that we're excited to share some of our very favorites. ... [More]

What the Mayans got right: hot chocolate

Well, we have to say that we, for one, are beyond hapy to know that the world is still here today, Mayan calendar apocalypse warnings not withstanding. ... [More]

Coffee gifts? Don't mind if I do. Give, I mean.

I have to admit, I used to just settle for a cup of coffee from just about anywhere, and then quickly douse it in milk and sweetener. Then I had a proper cup of joe. ... [More]