Babygadget

Ink+Wit ABC Animal Poster

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:12:44 -0500

I think I'm going to have to start a collection of ABC, 123 posters. A quick browse over some of the ones we've covered here will show you how many fabulous options there are. It's hard to choose just one!

If you find yourself thinking along the same lines, then be sure to add ink+wit's poster to your set. Designer Tara Hogan has adorned her ABC chart with a menagerie of wondrous animals (That's twice the learning potential!), in hues of jolly yellow and cool blue which are sure to fit any nursery. What's more it's printed with soy inks on 100% recycled paper. Hmmm, great style and green... If ever a poster was THE ONE, this could be it.

Painting supplies that keep it clean.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:16:52 -0500

We've seen the never ending quest for the perfect gadget that keeps baby clean during mealtime. Now it seems that the quest for keeping toddlers clean during art class has been taken to the next level. These "spill-proof" paint pots have an inverted cone top, giving your toddler ample space to wipe off any excess paint. I could see how these might work - especially since the inverted top also prevents leaks if the cup is tipped over. The vinyl aprons, however, are not as impressive unless junior is wearing a t-shirt. Of course, who knows? Perhaps the freedom of movement by this abbreviated smock will inspire a real masterpiece. (And hey, what's the fun in painting if you don't get just a little messy?)

Deer print maternity dress

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:02:11 -0500

"Ooh, that's a nice girls' dress", I thought, when I saw this image, "but £24.99 is a bit steep".

Then I looked again, and realised I was wrong on both counts. It's a maternity dress, not a kids' dress, and the price is a stunning £224.99, if they haven't made an error on the website, that is. Hmm. A statement piece, I guess, but one that would be out of my price range.

Furniture & Design by ninetonine

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:37:40 -0500

As a New Yorker, I'm slightly obsessed with storage. As a wanna-be-designer, I'm equally obsessed with storage that looks good - especially when it comes to kids' stuff. The collection by Spanish company ninetonine addresses both of these concerns and adds a really nice touch of whimsy in the process. Part of that whimsy comes not just in the design, but in the name. Check out the zebra crib, for one. And the mouse table is really kind of cute (with no sharp corners, I might add).

Their website is still under construction and it looks like the only showroom out there is in Madrid, with another to open shortly in London.

Charley Harper ABC's

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:08:52 -0500

Why not introduce the ABC's and a genius illustrator to the little ones all at once? Charley Harper is loved by so many and for good reason. His nature-inspired artwork is not only unique but also sophisticated, quiet, graceful. This board book would make a great addition to a starter collection for baby and is likely to be enjoyed by children and parents for years to come.

Brother Max Food Portioners

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:55:39 -0500

Seen one baby food container, you've seen them all, right? Granted, it's very hard to get excited about innovations in freezer storage. But the Brother Max food Portioners are worth a quick look for the sake of a few nifty features.

Each unit clicks to the others to save maximum space. The pot mouths open wide so it's easy to pour pureed food in, straight from the pan. And when it comes to removing the frozen contents, you can push the base and pop it out.

So while it may just be another bit of baby kit for your kitchen, at least it's a useful one. And I do rather like the look of it, too.

One Up Designs wall art

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:51:46 -0500

One Up Designs feature some lovely graphics, but what makes this shop special is that you can customize the graphics with over 30 colors, ensuring that you'll be able to design the look on your walls with the color vision of your choice.

One Up Designs also has an etsy shop if you prefer to shop that way. It's interesting how many online shops with their own e-commerce are doing this, giving testament to the appeal and draw of etsy.

Love

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:27:01 -0500

Something quick and easy that says it all? And that would brighten up a kid's bedroom, summarize what family means to you in one word, comment on the general feeling around the house and all that good stuff? I really like these LOVE prints that come in an assortment of happy or soothing colors because of their simple design, the no-nonsense aspect of the word LOVE hung on a wall, the fact that each time I'd look at the print, I know it would make my day, put a smile on my face, remind me of all that matters.

Corvus: tools for kids

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:54:15 -0500

If you've recently been through the process of baby-proofing your house and placing all sharp implements out of your toddler's reach, you may boggle slightly at the concept of Corvus - real tools for children. Tools that include saws, pincers and drills.

Obviously, these are for the slightly older child, and presumably to be used under strict adult supervision. I guess the premise is that with real tools, you can teach your children techniques that will be genuinely useful throughout their lives. Suddenly I'm looking at all those plastic, impractical toy tool-sets with a very jaundiced eye.

Peek Through Nesting Cubes

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:32:29 -0500

Quick. Name two games that babies and toddlers love. At least one of them should be "peek-a-boo." At 19 months, my son still thinks it's hilarious to cover his eyes with his hands and open them saying, "peee-boo!" Which is one of the reasons that these Peek Through Nesting Cubes by For Small Hands (yes, I realllly like that place) caught my eye. I just think that most toddlers would get a kick out of looking through these blocks, especially when stacked up as high as their heads.

What was the second game I was thinking of? Why, knocking stuff over with one giant whack, of course! Don't tell me your kid doesn't love doing that.

Petit by Sofie Schnoor

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:56:35 -0500

Sofie Schnoor is apparently one of Denmark's best known shoe designers, but I have to confess that I had not heard of her until someone pointed me towards her Petit range for kids.

And now I can't get enough. Have you ever seen such adorable, yet seemingly hard-wearing, footwear? I just can't decide whether I prefer the impractical silver shoes with stars on them (I bet the silver peels off) or the unusual green boots.

The Little Travelers

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:30:09 -0500

I just placed my order for all three DVD's and can't wait to get them, watch them with the kids on our Friday night movie night. The Little Travelers starts with the idea of raising global children, children who are living life and would rather be engaged than distracted. L.A. area mom, Angelina Hart loves to travel and now so do her daughters. They began documenting their journeys and making beautiful, authentic movies that have become a beloved source of inspiration for those who follow them around the world and read mom's insightful, informative, fantastic blog. I have become a huge fan and know that you will too. Current titles available for purchase on their site include Japan, Bali and the British Isles. Read, watch and fall in love.

The Buddy Bath by OK Baby

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:08:01 -0500

My husband and I were recently over in France for a wedding. The dollar being what it is, we decided to make the airfare worth it and hit Germany and Switzerland on our way there. Naturally, we went to a lot of baby stores and had to restrain ourselves from buying a lot of cute clothes, toys and gadgets over there (lest we get hit with a hefty baggage weight fee). This Buddy bath by the Italian company OK Baby was one of those gadgets. I believe what my husband actually said was, "Where the heck was this when we had our baby?!?!"

We loved this bath because it allowed wiggle room for baby's arms and legs, unlike most infant baths which seem a bit tight once baby has a few months under his belt. (By the way, the Buddy is for babies from 0-8 months.) A suction cup base allows you to use this bath in an adult sized tub without fear of slipping. Had we the space (or, most importantly, a new baby), we would have snatched this up and made room in our luggage.

Nadia Sparham

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:03:38 -0500

Now and again I get serious career envy, and Nadia Sparham is a case in point. She seems to have carved out a niche for herself, producing work quite unlike any of the more predictable crafts you see everywhere. She makes cushions and beautiful ceramics, but what really caught my eye are her murals.

These are not just any murals. They are multi-media pieces, put together from paint, fabric, buttons and sequins, and featuring her recurring inspiration, lollipop-style flowers. While she's done work for shops, it seems she's equally amenable to decorating your home in the same innovative way. What a wonderful addition to a nursery; kids will love not only the look of these, but the feel, too.

The amazing Rumba table

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:51:56 -0500

This link was passed on to me by a musical blog friend, whose kids have been surrounded by instruments and the joy of playing right from their early days. In my family, we're not so musical, but I found myself thinking how, if we had one of these, we might just get that way.

It's called the Rumba table. Each of those modules has a musical instrument beneath it: you choose from tambourine, cymbals and drums of various kinds, bells and chimes. So, from the top, it looks like your average coffee table. Get a few people round it and start slapping the tabletop, and the fun begins. You can even swap the modules around.

To really get a good idea of what these tables can do, watch the videos on their site. After that, you may not be able to resist.

(Thanks, Shani!)