When it comes to the baby world, the product evolution just keeps getting better. Just two-and-a-half years ago, my son was a dependent little newborn, happy to lie in quiet slumber for most of the day. Now he's a rambunctious - very high-spirited - toddler with a mind all his own.
I'm not oblivious to the latest baby trends, though. I've got friends with youngsters who are trying out some very innovative products from bathtubs to Bumbo seats, making life just a smidge easier in the parenting world. Read on for some of the top choices I've come across.
Tooth Tissues
by My Dentist's Choice
What it is: According to the American Dental Association and the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry, baby teeth and gums should be wiped after every feeding. For busy families on the go, nighttime feedings and anytime in between, disposable Tooth Tissues makes it as easy as a simple swipe of baby's gums and teeth to help prevent tooth decay. Each wipe includes aloe vera and is formulated with xylitol, a proven cavity fighter. They are paraben free. The company said the product was invented by dentists who wanted to develop a natural product that makes this task quick and simple. Tooth Tissue comes in a convenient package filled with 30 disposable wipes.
What I thought: This great idea is a safe way to keep baby's gums and teeth clean before a toothbrush can be used. With so many things in and out of a child's mouth, this is the next best thing to waterless hand soap.
Recommended age: Birth to toddler.
Recommended price: $6.99
Where to get it: www.toothtissues.com, www.amazon.com, www.babiesrus.com and www.target.com.
Spa Baby Eco by Spa Baby
Tubs Inc.
What it is: Warm, soothing and sized just perfectly for baby, Spa Baby Eco has just launched its next generation tub. This European-style baby bath is the first to be made from 100 percent recycled plastic. According to Spa Baby Tubs, the Spa Baby Eco is free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and latex, and infants are soothed by the womb-like feeling this innovative tub cocoons them in while bathing. In addition, Spa Baby Eco comes with a new non-toxic bath mat for extra security.
Keeping your baby cozy in the bath makes Spa Baby inherently energy efficient, with its low-water usage, small surface area to keep the water and your baby warm - no further warming measures are required during bath time.
What I thought: Most baby bath tubs require the baby to lie on a slight incline, causing them to get cold and frightened.
This tub is nice because the baby can be kept at eye level while the parent sits on the floor next to the tub.
It also has seemed to help ease gas pains, according to many of my friends who have tried it out. (It also makes for a really cute photo opportunity.)
Recommended age: Newborns and older.
Recommended price: $46.95
Where to get it: www.spababytubs.com.
SmartZip sleeper
by Hello World Clothing Co.
What it is: According to Hello World Clothing Co., the SmartZip sleeper is the brainchild of a loving family who wanted an easier way for savvy parents to connect with the needs of their children and with their own world.
"We realize that busy parents and children have one important common thread: each other," www.helloworldclothing.com said. "When your child shines the eyes of innocence in your direction, everything else is insignificant."
The baby sleeper unzips at both ends, allowing for better, quicker access to the bottom half of your baby.
Available in "Blue You Away" and "Made You Blush," the sleeper helps a child tell the difference between "it's time to wake up" diaper changes and quick middle-of-the-night diaper changes.
FYI: For every SmartZip Sleeper sold at www.helloworldclothing. com, the company will donate $1 to the Amani Children's Foundation and New Life Home Trust, both organizations that help care for orphans in Kenya.
What I thought: This product made my friend's baby look like a cute little link of sausage.
Although it's snug-fitting, the zipper is a God-send. The fact that it opens from the bottom is all that I need to say. A mother obviously didn't invent the sleepers that require undressing the poor child in the middle of the night. Two thumbs up for this product.
Recommended age: Newborn to 12 months.
Recommended price: $28.
Where to get it: www.helloworldclothing.com.
