JJ Cole Diapers and Wipes Caddy

The JJ Cole Diaper and Wipes Caddy is something that my house could certainly use. We have a stack of diapers and some wipes out with a basket full of powder and creams...not very HGTV!

This handy caddy features room for diapers and wipes along with a bottle of lotion. There is a separate drawer for cotton balls, balms and other small items. A coordinating changing pad is included.

There are three color choices : pink, blue and green. All feature rubber non-skid feet on the bottom to erase at least one wiggle from diaper changes!

Available for $29.95 from amazon.com.

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillows

The My Brest Friend nursing pillows are the choice of hundreds of NIC units and birthing hospitals across the country. It is also the #1 choice of lactations consultants and is sold by La Leche League. And then there are the rave reviews from nursing mothers who say that their My Brest Friend wrap-around nursing pillow helps them to achieve the perfect position and maintain comfort allowing them longer holding and feeding cycles with their babies!

When I nursed my first two children I used a Boppy...but when my baby is born this fall I will most certainly be using a My Brest Friend pillow...who can argue with professional and first-hand praise?! Not me!

The pillow comes in a variety of fabrics and styles including a wonderful inflatable travel version. I recommend the deluxe that is plush and soft for baby as your main nursing pillow.

Visit babycenter.com to purchase where My Brest Friend pillows are currently on sale starting at $35.96 for the original style. And if you spend $59.00 or more, get free shipping with coupon code FREESHIP59!

PortaMee

The PortaMEe carrier is for those of you who often wish you had an extra hand (or more)...and I envy all of you who just thought, "oh, that's not me!" Because yesterday, my two year old daughter wouldn't even sit to eat, her favorite activity, on her own...it was a full-fledged Mama day! But back to the PortaMEe carrier...

It features a cell phone pocket on the honeycomb-gel padded shoulder strap that is really comfortable. The carrier also has a zip flap pocket and attached wallet, exterior diaper bag on back that holds up to three diapers, ointment, a disposable pad and more. And I feel a need for a reminder...all this is on a carrier, not even a diaper bag!

The other main feature is the interior lumbar support...and what a difference that makes! The PortaMEe carrier can be used on babies weighing eight pounds/six weeks old (with the use of the infant headrest) all the way up to your tired toddler weighing 35 pounds. There are many color options and accessories you may purchase to suit your needs such as an infant headrest and hooded cape.

Available at portamee.com...carrier prices start at $149.00.

Cocoon Couture Wooden Accessories

Last month I posted on Cocoon Couture's Kinder Bags and that was such a hit that I thought I'd also let you know about their wooden accessories as well.

First up is the lovely Enchanted Tree which is about as tall as a six year old! It features silk screened wooden leaves with prints inspired by vintage wallpaper...which you know I have a soft spot for! Also on the tree are acorn pegs to hold bags, necklaces and other special treasures. And if you look carefully you'll notice the bird and sleepy owl nesting on the branches!

In addition to the very large Enchanted Tree, Cocoon Couture also makes book ends and shelf stands which are designed with simplicity in mind to show the natural beauty of the wood grain. They are made from environmentally friendly ply wood from plantation forests; beautifully finished with non toxic varnish safe for children and the environment.

Visit cocooncouture.com to see all wooden critter accessories available.

Health Alert: Dads Need Folate Too

I read a piece in the July 2008 Parents magazine last night indicating that when you're trying to conceive, it's just as important for your husband to take his vitamins...specifically, for him take 700-1,000 mcg of folate!

If you are planning on trying to conceive, visit men.webmd.com to read more about the study.

Green Toys

Green Toys is a company dedicated to providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional toys. All of their toys are made from recycled plastic milk containers that are non-toxic, save energy, reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions. And all of the toys contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or Bisphenol-A (BPA).

The products were designed without an external coating as well, eliminating fears of lead paint...and they meet the FDA's requirements for food contact. This is key for their Tea Set and Cookware and Dining Set...and because my daughter ate her crackers out of the sand pail yesterday afternoon!

All aspects of its toy production, including manufacturing, packaging, assembly, and fulfillment, occur in California, a state known for strict environmental standards. In addition, the close proximity of the company’s vendors and operations eliminates unnecessary transportation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Green Toys Inc. has also extended its environmental efforts into its packaging by using recycled paper products with no traditional plastics or films.

Green Toys just announced their line this past February and already have four hit products on their hands for every child: a Tea Set, Sand Play Set, Indoor Gardening Kit and a Cookware and Dining Set.

Visit greentoys.com to learn more about their products (prices start at $19.99), and for a list of online retailers or to find a retailer near you!

Orbit Baby Photo Contest

If you are one of the many new parents who have purchased the Orbit Baby travel system, you should be aware of the Orbit Baby's Travel Photo Contest.

Simply sending in a photo of your stroller in use can get you a $100 gift certificate, along with celebrity status by being featured on the Orbit Baby site...along with celebrities such as Marcia Cross, Tori Spelling, Heidi Klum and Nicole Richie.

Visit orbitbaby.com for entry rules, to submit your photos, or to browse other contestant's submitted photographs. Good luck!