Babyology

Have a feast with Bombadill pretend play food

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Play food is one of those toys that evolves as the kids get older - in our house we have doughnuts that started off as rattles for wee little hands before becoming part of the tea party scene and are now a regular staple when playing 'shop keepers'.

Sweden's Bombadill have a fabulous array of baked goods such as cinnamon scrolls and cupcakes as well as sandwiches and ice creams. You can even buy Sweden's national cake, Princess Tårta (princess cake). With a play food collection like this, it will be high-tea for all! Bombadill food pieces are designed by the very talented Swede Birgitta Sjöberg and made from a deliciously soft velour, perfect for small hands.

You can buy these little cullinary beauties from the Huset-Shop. Prices start at US$9 and delivery to Australia is available.

Update - Magis Dodo and Puppy chairs with international shipping available

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

We love that Babyologists are always on the cutting edge of what fab new products are available and where. It's a great symbiotic relationship we have, where we inform the readers and the readers inform us.

The wonderful Kirra has advised that the Magis Dodo chair which we featured in March, is available with international shipping from Finnish Design Shop. Email them for price and shipping quote. They also stock those awesome Magis Puppy chairs.

Reusable bag company Baggu introduces Penguin

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Reusable bags have arrived on the scene and are here to stay. There are a plethora of companies now producing hip, distinctive and, most of all, practical reusable bags. Baggu is one such company, designing bags for groceries, beach outings, the gym or even a baby bag. Since becoming a parent, it seems I can never have too many bags. I always require one for something whether it's the farmer's market, a short outing, picnics in the park or even for my daughter's soiled clothing. Having a light, easy-to-carry bag that folds small enough to fit just about anywhere is priceless. I can throw it in the pram or nappy bag and go, knowing I'll never be without.

The choices from Baggu are wide, from 'Baby' to 'Big' bags, and a clever produce bag to add to your collection. My favourite is the very cool Lincoln Baggu, a limited edition bag featuring a screenprinted halftone portrait of Abraham Lincoln.

Now Baggu has just brought out Penguin, a simple and modern stuffed toy made from 100 per cent organic cotton. This little cutie is just waiting to light up your child's face. As Baggu states: it loves fish, is very friendly and looking for a good home.

Snap up the adorable Penguin (US$20) for your little one's enjoyment while ordering some reusable bags for yourself. Baggu bag prices start at US$6 each plus flat rate postage to Australia of US$10.

(Via Design Milk)

Sirocco chairs and storage - timeless design for chic longevity

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Those gorgeous Peanut chairs up there by Sirocco are just what design-conscious parents love. Sleek design, quality construction and a plethora of colours available to suit a variety of decors. What I love even more is that they come in both adult and child sizes, so that your furniture looks seamless from one sized person to the next. The child size is $70, or $63 a piece for four or more, and the adult's size is $80 a piece, from Little People's Linen.

Sirocco also design and make beautiful storage and sleeping solutions for your home. The designs are timeless and will look fabulous whether your child is only three or already 19 and off to university. The idea of buying once is appealing both from an economical and ecological perspective, and works when you've found designs like this that won't date within ten years.

I love the look of the toyboxes all stacked up below, proving their usefulness extends way beyond Thomas the Tank Engine and Barbie. The rock-solid bunk beds and lovely neutral bookends are beautiful as well and are all available, plus many more Sirocco items, from Little People's Linen.

Chloe In Style Booties - the cutest ever toasty tootsies

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Sandals suitable for winter newborns are no longer an oxymoron! These knitted booties by Chloe In Style come in various showy styles, whilst retaining all the toasty-warm attributes of the traditional knitted bootie.

Grab the Converse-style lace-up boots, sweet Mary Janes, cowboy boots or the notable sandals, which are sure to bring a smile to every face. My personal favourites are the cowboy boots as I'm hankering for a leather pair for my four-year-old. There won't be any newborns in this house so I'll be looking at these as a distinctive gift for friends.

They come in an array of beautiful colours sure to suit any style of wardrobe and are available in sizes from three to 18 months. They're US$41-$48 a pair from Chloe In Style who ship internationally.

The all-round dollhouse for all-round fun

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

I have a strong feeling that Father Christmas will be bringing my daughter a dollhouse this Christmas. I know it is still months away, but I thought I’d help Father Christmas out with a little preliminary online research and a few age appropriate suggestions. I was thrilled to discover an unusual but beautifully simple doll house at The Wooden Wagon.

Designed in Germany by Christof Beck, the dollhouse is relatively compact and can be stored flat (as compared to other hot pink plastic ‘dream’ mansions on the market). I like the fact that the x-form layout allows for play on all sides of the house. Plus, it includes a wooden staircase, the all-important feature for my daughter. Dollhouses traditionally are flat-backed and stand against a wall, however not all children’s rooms have available ‘wall space’ to fit a dollhouse. I know my kids will get more use from a dollhouse that can sit on their little table and be played with easily by more than one child at a time. The Beck dollhouse is US$162.

The Wooden Wagon is a US shop specialising in wooden and folk art toys. As well as the Beck design, there are a number of other beautiful and unique dollhouses, farm buildings, dollhouse furniture and dolls. The clever All-in-One Dollhouse caught my eye. Like a jigsaw, the house and all the furniture pieces fit together into one easy-to-store unit. It’s priced at US$49.95.

While you're at The Wooden Wagon, check out some of their other offerings. If you want to choose a very special board book for a baby, their wooden farm book is divine. Polished birch plywood ‘pages’, bound with leather string and featuring quaint farmyard pictures, it’s a real treasure at US$19.95.

Wooden Wagon ships to Australia by arrangement.

Important notice for Bugaboo Bee owners

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:33:35 +0100

Bugaboo has recently learned that in limited cases the brake of the Bugaboo Bee does not work as it is intended. Bugaboo has developed a set of brackets that can easily be clicked onto the stroller. Once attached the brake function is secured at all times.

If you have a Bugaboo Bee, please ask for a set of brackets at your local retailer or on www.bugaboo.com.

Update - ten new Imprintables personalised stamps

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100

Having personally owned Imprintables stationery, I can vouch for the inspiring quality and gorgeous designs. We first cottoned on to Imprintables back in January last year, then updated you when they released their new personalised stamps. Now there are ten new designs available featuring cupcakes, owls, lollipops, pears, birds or cherries and a few plain styles with beautiful borders. These will suit a younger child or all people with a great sense of cute style.

Each personalised stamp is $45, including a stamp pad, plus post from Imprintables. The elegant original release stamps are still available, of course. I love these for an older child... or perhaps me! Sigh - Audrey is what we would have called our first child if a girl. It still looks so lovely to me up there in pretty Imprintables ink.

Serve me stacks - Oots lunchbox

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

There is a saying that there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. I guess it’s true, but sometimes I’m really glad that designers do precisely that. Take the humble lunchbox. At its most utilitarian, the lunchbox has to get your lunch from A to B without food getting scattered and squashed. Pretty simple, but thankfully that hasn’t stopped designers putting their own stamp on the lunchbox or adding a few extra ‘features’.

A Dutch design duo, operating as Oots, have created a nifty lunchbox that will ensure squashed fruit, oozing hummus and crushed crackers are a thing of the past. Aside from the fact that this brightly coloured lunchbox looks too cool for school, its upright design and fitted containers solve the problem of food being tossed around. Different sized containers stacked and fitted perfectly inside the lunchbox can be used in different combinations, depending on what’s on the menu.

The lid of the lunchbox is slightly shaped so that a drink bottle can be kept in place under the wide elastic strap – neat!

The containers are all food safe (made from BPA-free and phthalate-free polypropylene and safety tested for lead) and are also dishwasher and microwave safe. Knowing my boys, they would probably lose one of those custom-fitted lids on day one so it is good to know that the containers can be bought separately so you can have spares on hand.

Lunchboxes are US$35 each and the ‘deluxe’ version (which includes five containers) is US$45. Oots ships internationally.

We mentioned Two Dishes and a Cup back in 2007, also by Oots, which is also worth checking out.

G2 Stainless Steel bottles for healthier drinks

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

A great drink bottle for my child is priceless and these stainless steel water and drink vessels from Goo-Goo Baby are exactly what I'd classify as great. The G2 drink bottle features 100 per cent recyclable, BPA-free food-grade stainless steel which won't ever transfer toxins, chemicals or previous drink flavours into your child's chosen liquid. This will in turn inhibit mould growth, which we all know can crop up in plastic bottles. It also has a clever hinged lid to prevent leakage.

These elements are a necessity in drink bottles. And just as important to our little people, there's a choice of four scrumptious designs - Funky Monkey and Gerber Daisy are my faves.

To get your hands on one (or two!) of these 400ml drink bottles, go to the Goo-Goo Baby website. Price is CA$14.99 each (that's Canadian dollars) and shipping is available to Australia. While you're there, take a look at Goo-Goo Baby's popular G2 Stainless Bottle System - it's three bottles in one, very ingenious.

(Via Inhabitots)

Creature - a wild way to learn the ABCs

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:00:00 +0100

My toddler loves scanning the daily newspaper at breakfast to find the inevitable cutesy animal picture that’s wedged somewhere in between the tabloid headlines. So, like thousands of other animal-obsessed toddlers across the country, she’s going to go ape over these.

I’m talking about the latest Creature offerings from celebrated US photographer Andrew Zuckerman. The snapper’s hit 2007 photography book, Creature, was designed with adults in mind so we’re glad to report his stunning images of wild animals have just been released in two new formats especially for small children to enjoy,

The floor puzzle set featuring a chimp, a lion, an elephant and cuddly tiger cubs will leave your kids gobsmacked. Not because the puzzles are terribly difficult – they’re only 16 pieces, after all – but because of the spectacular detail contained in each incredible image.

Then there’s Creature ABC, a glorious animal alphabet romp that takes little ones on a wild walk from alligator all the way to zebra. Again, Zuckerman’s photographs will amaze, making this our official Babyology alphabet book of choice. Not only will your little ones learn their alphabets and their animals, they’ll also pick up an appreciation for fine photography along the way.

You’ll find the Creature puzzle set online at Sons & Daughters for US$24.95 and Creature ABC for US$19.95 from Chronicle Books.

(via Minor Details)

Il Tutto Nico - glossy glamour in a baby bag

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

She sure is beautiful, isn't she? I recently became the proud owner of the new Il Tutto Nico bag and every time it comes on an outing I'm stopped to ask where I got it. I love that it's black yet still eye-catching with its lovely glossy patent finish.

The black-with-red-polka-dots lining makes everyone who sees it swoon - plus it's water resistant, and zips out for easy washing Co-ordinating accessories of insulated bottle holder and change mat come in the same stunning polka dot print. There is also a waterproof zip case to store wet things safely.

The Nico comes with Il Tutto's signature bear, this time in glam silver. There are so many pockets that everything stays fabulously organised, yet the bag is still big enough to have a large internal cavity which holds all those winter jumpers. It's an ideal larger size for those like me, who have two young kiddies. I have found since the cold weather hit, I am carrying around so much more and the Nico handles the load with grace and ease.

Grab one from Kids Central for $249.

Here is the video from the LifeIn Style show earlier in the year, where we first saw the Nico:

{vimeo}3294599{/vimeo}

Maclaren buys Netto!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Everyone's favourite baby brand Maclaren has cemented its position in the competitive nursery division by acquiring Netto Collection, the stylish offerings of interior designer David Netto.

Here at Babyology, we're fans of his work, so we're glad David will be continuing his involvement with the brand. And what parent doesn't love Maclaren? It sounds like quite the partnership between style and substance. We can't wait to see what springs from the collaboration, but with their respective reputations, we're sure it's bound to be good!

(Via Bubble Blog)

Carton Furniture - for the cardboard lovers in your life

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Cardboard furniture for kids is not something I'd ever have thought of. But now that I have, it makes perfect sense, as what do kids absolutely adore? Cardboard boxes. My own daughter is obsessed with boxes and when one lands in our house, we have a very hard time getting her hands off it. She loves to sit on it, in it and just carry it around.

Originally designed in 1965 by Riki Watanabe, the Carton Furniture Series Kids Set has been reproduced by the Metropolitan Gallery in Tokyo. It consists of one 'table' and two 'stools' but really the options for play are endless. I can see my little one using the table upside down as a nesting place for her dolls. Another fantastic element is that when tots are finished playing, the stools can be easily placed inside the table (as seen above) - a wonderous space-saver.

It comes in some lovely and lively colours and is made with only recyclable folded cardboard so there are no nails, glue or tape holding it together. This may sound flimsy but the truth is quite the opposite. The cardboard is incredibly strong and will hold the weight of an adult.

The Carton Furniture set is available from Metrocs in Japan for ¥7,140 (approximately $91 at time of writing) plus shipping. To order, follow the instructions on the Metrocs site listed here.

(Via Design Milk)

Lego roundup - surround yourself in Lego

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

We've had so many cool Lego products on Babyology, we thought it was time to do a bit of a roundup so Lego addicts can have a fresh fix. Up there is a Lego candle. Kid-friendly candles? Hmmm, maybe not, but adults can be just as into Lego as the little ones so it'd make a novel gift. These days, candles are mostly ornaments anyway as we can only light them once the kids are in bed. Why not have something that fits right in with the kiddy stuff?

Candles are available in red, blue and yellow and cost US$48 plus shipping from A and R Store.

Here's a reminder of the Lego products featured in the past:

We loved the Skew Bookshelf by Swedish design team Smånsk. It's still just a concept unfortunately, but we can still admire its beauty and Lego-inspired quirk.

Last November, Lego jewellery was all the rage at Babyology. Shana Logic don't stock it any more, but there is a whole stack of new and wonderful Lego jewellery at Groglmann's on Etsy.

I knew I would regret not buying these when I wrote about them last October. If you find these ice-block moulds for sale anywhere, give us a shout out as the Lego Store are all out of stock. Perhaps they will release some more in time for our hot season at the end of the year. We can only hope!

We're these little beauties are still around for purchase! Featured here in January, we thought they would make brilliant back-to-school bags for Kinder kids. Buy from Lego Shop for US$31.99 each plus shipping.

I thought I'd throw one more newbie in there, just to top off a great Lego roundup! That up there is a silicon Lego cakepan. Thrill your little Lego fan with the cake of his or her dreams - what a cinch of a cake idea it is for a parent to make. It's US$21.99 plus shipping from Lego Shop.

The Lego Shop deserves more than a lingering glance. It's packed with fabulous Lego objects which aren't readily attainable here. Go Lego crazy!

Crumpler release bags for the little ones!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Crumpler make unbeatable bags which happen to be ultra-groovy and the ultimate in build quality. It was only a matter of time until Crumpler tapped the kiddy market - the shapes and colours of the bags lend themselves beautifully to children's products and these two new releases are scaled-down versions of popular adult styles.

The 'Baby Pea' up there on the left is a small version of 'The Yee Ross' daypack and will hold some eats, toys, a jacket and raincoat very comfortably. 'The Baby Anchovy' - the mini version of 'The Seedybar' pack - is made to fit a bit more inside for older or larger kids, or those with lots to carry. It has a reflective strip for the safety of bike riding kidlets.

It'll be neat to see kids with smaller versions of their parent's backpacks. Finally a super-cool way to wear a family look! The 'Pea' is $60 and the 'Anchovy is $70, plus shipping, from Crumpler. Alternatively, pop into one of their stores. There are 1300 worldwide, so chances are you could be passing one real soon.

Update - new forest design for Beep Beep Slings

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

A firm fave with Babyology and with our discerning readers, Beep Beep Slings were featured here last August and December. Now they have another luscious design freshly released this season. The eye-catching Forest has shades of blue and green with splashes of red. Beautifully worn babies everywhere will just love this snug, stylish space so close to a loving adult.

Like others in the Beep Beep range, Forest is fully reversible with no annoying knots, buckles and rings to bother with - just a gorgeously simple pouch-style sling. Beep Beep Slings are available in two sizes - medium and large.

They're $75 each, including shipping within Australia or to New Zealand, from Beep Beep Slings.

Check out the gorgeous new bibs that have just been released while you are over there.

The big slide at IKEA

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

I'm forever being asked to get off children's equipment at playgrounds. I realise how odd that sounds, but even though I'm in my 30s, I still enjoy sitting on a swing or bouncing on a jumping castle. Until I'm asked to get off.

So I'm digging the idea of having the Virre slippery slide from IKEA in my home. I know they're meant for kids, with the smooth wooden surfaces and wide base for extra stability, but I can't help notice that IKEA recommends it for children 18 months and older. They didn't say how much older!

Style-wise, it's pure IKEA. Practical, easy-on-the-eye, and typically easy to assemble. And if you've the room for it, you can always have it in the rumpus or play room. That should stop any strange 30-something old women trying to bum a go.

The Virre is not yet available in Australia, but will no doubt make its way here shortly. Keep your eyes peeled and in the meantime, you can read about our love of other things IKEA here.

iRobot Roomba Robotic Vacuum - A must have for busy family life

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

When I first learned of this clever robotic vacuum from Mandi here at Babyology, I was intrigued to say the least. I will confess to vacuuming on a regular basis as I love to have clean floors, but I don't love the actual task of vacuuming. I think this is true for most of us. It's loud, laborious, time-consuming and with our busy lives tending to children, vacuuming tends to be put off until absolutely necessary.

That's where this ingenious flat and round little robot can take over. The efficient iRobot Roomba vacuum is a remarkable invention that will fit perfectly into family homes for when those massively busy days bombard us. You can leave the house in the morning and come back to clean floors! He or she (or whatever you christen your Roomba) has all the features of a standard vacuum plus some very groovy exclusive extras.

Those extras include the smart robot technology of being able to sense the dirtiest areas and cleaning more thoroughly in those spots, automatically returning to its 'Home Base' when finished for recharging, and sensing stairs and drops. I think the best part is it will clean under your furniture - something most of us dread or simply don't do.

To get more information or to purchase, head over to the Salton website. The iRobot Roomba 530 is available in Australia and is priced at $599.

Woodland animals visit the nursery with Amenity

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:00:00 +0100

Cot linen featuring bunnies, ducks and cute woodland creatures is certainly not new. In fact, I would hazard a guess that ducks and rabbits are probably the most popular animals for nursery co-ordinates. But before you dismiss the idea of these nursery favourites, take a look at the beautiful range from Amenity.

Amenity design a large range of organic fabric pieces from alpaca throws to hemp pillows. Included in their collection is a superb range of nursery co-ordinates. There are bunnies, squirrels, ducks and deer but these large, bold designs in rich browns, golds, oranges and contrasting cool blue and apple green are as far from traditional as you can get.

I love the designs for a number of reasons. Firstly, they are equally suitable for boys or girls. Having had three boys and then a girl, the cot linen and quilt covers I used were obviously bought for boys - at the time of buying them, there was a distinct lack of anything stylish and unisex available - the Amenity designs would have been perfect!

I also like that the designs are bold enough to be suitable for a toddler’s bedroom. Babies very quickly grow out of ‘cutesy’ nursery designs, and Amenity has cleverly bridged the gap with pieces that are perfect for an older child. In particular, the floor pillows are fantastic. The simple designs really pop against the classic white Oeuf cribs that Amenity also sell and would look equally at home in more traditional décor.

Blankets range from US$45 to US$115, floor pillows from US$110 to US$180 and large prints are US$110. Amenity ship to Australia.