The Belle Baby Carrier - You Can't Go Wrong With Denim

My husband is totally willing to wear the baby, so long as it doesn't require a mei tai (too many straps) or a sling (too uncomfy on his bad shoulder). That basically leaves him with our Belle Baby Carrier which now comes in a gender-neutral denim. ... [More]

Monkey Bread for Your Little Monkeys

There is no shame in cooking with baking mixes or prepared foods, although I have a pretty stringent list of criteria for them to make it into my shopping cart. I am delighted to discover that the Monkey Bread mixes from Lollipop Tree pass with flying colors. ... [More]

A Parade of Organics

My favorite baby clothes were always the beefy cotton ones - just good, simple soft basics that felt cushy and cozy, that I knew wouldn't start to look worn or faded after a few weeks of the puke-wash-puke-wash cycle. ... [More]

idbids: Eco Toys With a Purpose. Well, Beyond Just Saving the Earth.

I'm doing my best to teach my daughter as many preschooler friendly environmental practices as I possibly can. And while she's become almost militant about making sure to turn off the water while she brushes her teeth, I'm betting there are lots of other things I'm missing. ... [More]

Baby in a Blanket: Not Just Baby Blankets Anymore

Question: Does the world really need more cute baby t-shirts? Answer: If those shirts are made from organic cotton, colored with organic dyes, tag-free, and ubercute, then absolutely. ... [More]

Bring It.

It's the invasion of the eco-bags! They're flooding the market and the truth is, as long as they keep being cute, we're going to keep posting about them. ... [More]

Ethical Underwear? Sure, Why Not.

We're going to go out on a limb and say if you've got money tied up in petrochemical pesticide stocks, this might be a good time to get out. The entire world is going greener, right down to their fair trade organic cotton underwear ... [More]

I'm In a Guatemalan State of Mind

I love local flea markets and craft fairs, provided the cool stuff outnumbers the lucite "keepsakes" and fell-off-a-truck tube socks by 3:1. Last year on a jaunt through the Ybor city market in Tampa, we came across the wonderful imports from Chi Chi Amor. ... [More]

Baby Tees that Say Me Me MEEEEEEE

It's been said that babies are all id. So why not develop onesies and shirts for babies called Me Tees that walk right into that fact? That's just what mom Melissa of Modern Me Baby did and I can tell you, Freud would just be tickled. ... [More]

Organic Fruit to Go With That Organic Cotton

Not every pregnant woman spends her pregnancy scarfing down Twix Bars and chocolate chip pancakes. Or so I hear. (Ahem.) Some actually go all greenmarket for nine months, craving organic bell peppers, counting carbs and actually taking her prenatal vitamins without fail. If you've got a friend like that, we've got the baby gift for you. ... [More]

Ja, Mon

That's it, it's official. Organic baby gifts are officially taking over the world. Not that we take issue with that, mind you. What could be better than knowing that the bibs and blankets your little one is bequeathed are free of icky chemicals and helping the earth to boot? ... [More]

Thoroughly Modern Zoo

Kids loves animals. Kids love animals on their shirts. And now Colette Kids is making killer tees that parents will love if they love a kid who loves animals on their shirts. ... [More]

Organic Bedding Just Keeps Getting Cuter

Of all the splurges one can make when it comes to decorating the nursery, the one I always fantasized about was fabulous organic bedding. It's a purchase you can feel good about (good for the environment! good for baby!) plus there's little cozier than a nice soft organic cotton. ... [More]

Reigning Men, Hallelujia

We could tell you that instead of set of boxers this Father's Day, a better idea would be to have gotten your guy a pair of organic cotton fair trade drawstring trousers. ... [More]

The Luxury Baby Wipe. For Very Lucky Newborns.

A high-end baby wipe? It was bound to happen. The new Baby Silk cleansing towelettes from MD Moms (who we looooove) are just wonderful if you are up to shelling out $12 for a pack of 72. ... [More]

Biodegradable Disposable Diapers? It Can Be Done.

Let's face it, greener isn't always easier. I think we all want to be the best eco-moms we can, but for me there was no way I was venturing into the world of cloth diapering. ... [More]

Organic Crib Bedding Just Keeps Getting More Awesome

If you heeded our love for the Q Collection's junior line and picked up one of their gorgeous cribs, you need some worthy bedding to go with it. Heck, even if you have a different crib, there's no reason you can't go for some charming and earth-friendly bedding ... [More]

An Organic Carrier With the Soul of a Backpack

Back when I was carrying my babies around, if you wanted an earth-friendly choice you could've gotten a really ugly hemp sling. If you wanted something earth-friendly in a structured carrier, well, you were completely out of luck. ... [More]

LA Humor: Beyond Plastic Surgery Jokes

If you have spent any time on the West Side of LA, you will get a chuckle out of the new kids clothing line Rabbit Kinney. ... [More]

Queasy and Nauseous Never Tasted Quite So Good

I am fortunate to have made it through my first trimester fairly unscathed, with only a few "race to the toilet, hand over mouth" incidents. But if you're going to reach for a shaky tummy remedy about 24 times a day, forgo all the artificial sweeteners...
... [More]

Bringing Bamboo to the Bath

Moms with an eye towards organics know that sustainable bamboo is popping up everywhere for babies these days from towels to tees and now, bath products. ... [More]

Cover Me In Luxury

Maybe it's two years of looking at baby blankets in prints with names like "lime disco dot" but some days I'd kill to track down one simple, tasteful classic baby blanket. ... [More]

Endorsed by Little Rabbit Foo Foo

Not every kid needs a fancy Easter outfit. In fact, those scary pint-size bow ties and the dresses with frills upon frills upon crinolines might just make too much of a statement for some little bunnies. ... [More]

Sleep Well, Baby. Very Very Verrrrry Well.

You know how when you open up the crib mattress it smells like a science lab? Well when we opened our Natural Mat crib mattress last week, my toddler said, "mommy it smells like lemons!" ... [More]

Livin' the Green

It's clear that everyone's going green this year. But some retailers seem to be jumping on a trend, while others actually seem to be living their values. In the latter category, the very impressive Zia & Tia. ... [More]

One Sling Fits All

With all the love that I have professed for the pouch sling, it definitely has one downside: It's made to fit you and only you, which isn't so great when it's your spouse's turn to take the sleepy baby off your hands. So I was definitely intrigued by the Baby Bee sling from Honeywear which is truly one size fits all. ... [More]

The Anti-Bling Pacifier

With all the scary news lately (toxins and plastics and pthalates, oh my) I'm starting to look at everything that goes into ... [More]

Hungarian Beauty: Beyond Zsa Zsa

As moms, we all know that personal hygiene isn't what it used to be in our pre-baby days. Needless to say, regular pedicures and bi-monthly facials are a thing of the past for me. ... [More]

Mom-Approved Mistletoe

I'm all for celebrating the holidays with a bit of seasonal wear, but I haven't quite figured out why, in order for something to be considered festive, it has to be drenched in snowmen and candy canes. ... [More]

Baby Gifts That Give Back

Baby's First Way Cool Christmas Clothes

I have never understood what people need with a "Baby's First Christmas" onesie spelled out in red and green bling anyway. ... [More]

Better Living Through No Chemicals

After my daughter’s first bath irritated her skin from head to toe, I have been on the lookout for great baby bath products that are made from ingredients I feel I can trust. And pronounce. You know, more honey and oatmeal, less DMDM Hydantoin. ... [More]

The Chosen People

This month is National Adoption Month and we've been keeping our eyes out for cool things to honor the little people who had to make two tough journeys early in life - the one through the birth canal, and then the one to their meant-to-be-parents. ... [More]

Bamboo For Babies

While we're busy paring down the plastic in our kids' toyboxes these days--whoops--totally forgot about the plastic in the kitchen drawers. ... [More]

Spreading Joy

We're among friends, mamas. Let's admit that while we're always touched by the thoughtfulness of friends and family towards our babies, there's an entire category of  ohmygod you shouldn't have but SO glad you did gifts. ... [More]

Picky Eaters? It's Natural.

That stage between baby food and fully independent dining (you know, with utensils and napkins and food that's actually ingested) can be pretty awkward as I've now learned twice. Not only are toddlers not yet adept at transporting the food from plate to mouth, they tend to be annoyingly picky. ... [More]

Saving The Earth One Empire-Wasted Toddler Dress At A Time

This cozy lounge dress is simply adorable and stylish, no doubt about it. So would you be surprised if I told you that the vivid blue you see is 100% organic cotton from genius kids label Kate Quinn Organics? ... [More]

Organic? Yes Way.

While I want to reduce the number of chemicals in and around my kids these days, I still want to get them dressed in the morning and think "Cute!" before I think "Organic!" ... [More]

Baby Food That's Yummy Enough for Mummy Too

Now that my son is a full-fledged food eater, I'm on the prowl for something other than that jarred food that I swear all tastes exactly the same -- gross. And while I know many savvy mamas out there choose to whip up their own meals, that's not one of my skills. ... [More]

Calling All Earth Lovers

While we like to promote eco-conscious clothes and gear whenever we can, it's tough finding green-wear that's up to our standards. There's something about a "My parents recycle" toddler tee that just rubs me the wrong way.
... [More]

Chic Organic Maternitywear. For Real.

Only once in my life have I encountered a woman who told me, "I can't wait to get pregnant because the maternity clothes are like SOOOO CUTE!" I think she was high. ... [More]

Sweet Tea

I'm always intrigued by Asian art traditions, not only because my mother is Chinese, but because, let's face it -- the stuff is absolutely gorgeous. And this hand-dyed baby kimono from Itty Bitty Lady Bug is no exception. ... [More]

So Which Color Gets Them to Pick Up Their Toys?

I remember reading somewhere that color has such impact on behavior and mood, that babies in yellow nurseries actually cry more than babies in blue nurseries. So guess who has a yellow nursery? Hello. ... [More]

Looking Smart

I admit to being a bit skeptical when it comes to all these baby products that promote early learning. Is it really necessary to label a baby spoon and bowl with words and pictures? ... [More]

A Totally Organic Experience

We love organic kids clothes' for any number of reasons, but sometimes I get the feeling that the companies who make them are just jumping on a trend to make a buck. Then there's Little Green Stars. ... [More]

Babies That Actually Sleep Like Babies

After receiving a sample of the Cozy Cocoon, I admit I was skeptical. A single piece of fabric that you just stick your baby in, like a sock? It can't be that simple to swaddle, can it? ... [More]

The Smarter Animal Alphabet

I will be honest, when I got wind of another line of alphabet tees, I wasn't expecting much. But whoa! Where are the silly illustrations? Where's that old standard, C is for Cat? ... [More]

The Thymes They Are A-Changin'

I've been a fan of The Thymes line of bath and beauty products ever since the sigOth and I first spotted them in a great boutique on vacation years ago. He wanted the fig leaf-cassis candle, I wanted the lavender lotion. We compromised - by buying forty different things. ... [More]

Organic Bedding, Hold the Hemp Jokes

While I applaud the intent behind buying organic, I have to admit I'm a little cynical about what I'm getting. The fruits and veggies are smaller, the meat is way pricier, and the clothes - at least they're getting better, if slowly. ... [More]

No C-Ems

Aside from the rare celebrity or overexposed heiress who schedules her delivery around her publicity schedule, most women don't exactly look forward to c-sections. ... [More]

Playing Like it's 1899

Kids today, they've got it so good. Back in my day, toys were made of plastic. We played with their semisynthetic choloride polymer parts, and no one complained. But now we've grown up and want something completely better for our offspring, something like our great-grandparents might have owned. ... [More]

War (huh), What Is It Good For?

If you're the type with Another Mother For Peace's classic War is Not Healthy For Children and Other Living Things button on your blog, or decal on your tote bag, or bumper sticker on your hybrid...we've got just the materni-tee for you. ... [More]

Oh, Bull

There's something about kids tee designers and bad puns that seem to go hand in hand. Not sure what it is, but we've come across enough "chick magnet" tees featuring little baby chickens (Get it? Get it?) to lasts a lifetime.

Viva La Revolution!

I'm always looking for great political kids' tees because really, what is more 2007 than a toddler with a cause? But the fact is, most of the threads look like the design was an afterthought. Why can't socially-conscious families dress their kids in hip clothes too? Does it always have to look like some guy in the mall just stamped "No War" on a ratty tee in iron-on letters and called it a day? ... [More]

Saving the Earth One Sore Nipple at a Time

We know the decision to breastfeed has nothing to do with saving the planet. But when you're slathering on the Lansinoh, it's nice to have in the back of your mind that you're doing something more than just sustaining your own flesh and blood (like there's a more honorable cause). ... [More]

The Joys of Boys

I never truly realized the value of baby powder until I had a boy -- need I say more? But with a baby with sensitive skin, I wasn't going to settle for just any powder. ... [More]

Coloring Books Meet Couture

My daughter is a certified coloring addict. We've no shortage of crayons, coloring books, and completed pages (and walls) all over our house -- and if I have to color another Elmo, I might just lose my mind. ... [More]

Hey, Joe

Have I mentioned that my kitchen and its various electrical appliances intimidate me? That sometimes even the the relatively benign coffee pot has turned on me in my hour of need? One morning not long ago, it tried to brew up something completely undrinkable, thereby ruining my entire day. Lack of decent coffee has that effect on me.

Go Ahead and Get Fresh

I considered making my own baby food for a total of five minutes. I had a challenging infant and I desperately cut down on chores; however as a conscientious (albeit tired) new mom, I didn't want to give up on good, nutritious food either. ... [More]

You're Never Too Young To Accessorize

My daughter has reached the age where she must take at least three random items with her wherever she goes. And then, leave them in the car. While I'm not about to pick a battle with her every time we leave the house, I am going to try to find a compromise -- say by letting her bring as much as she can fit in one of the mini linen totes from Nubius Organics.

I Saw the Sign

We tend to see certain ironic baby tees over and over, with the same cheeky quips (cranky baby! chick magnet!) repackaged with different graphics. So I had to stop and give pause when I came across the 100% organic cotton shirts created by mom Liz Murphy of Speak Clothing. ... [More]

Zen and the Art of Baby Dressing

When I brought my firstborn home from the hospital, I was hit with the unreasonable urge to discard anything rough that might come in contact with her fragile infant skin. It seemed criminal to let anything but the most butter-soft fabrics touch those downy limbs. My husband had to draw the line when I threatened to tear up the wool carpet in the living room. ... [More]

Organic Just Got a Little Spicy

I'm a huge fan of organic clothing, particularly because my daughter has extremely sensitive skin. But the muted creams and pastels aren't necessarily my taste, nor are they very practical when they're clothing a self-feeding toddler. ... [More]

It's Actually Pretty Easy Being Green

As I am just beginning to realize, there is no end to the fears we have as parents. Just as our kids outgrow the SIDS risk, we're worried about mercury in water. When they're done with the finger in the electric socket phase, we're reading up on what's in those plastic Halloween masks. ... [More]

Only One Sheep Required

As an avid musician, children's toys and music boxes have all but killed my love for music--it's nearly impossible to find a nice nursery music maker that isn't bright yellow and blue and doesn't play a weird choppy version of Fur Elise. (You know, that awful Beethoven piece that you never want to hear ever again). ... [More]

A Pregnancy Book That Won't Cause Night Sweats

The combination of hormones and excitement forced me to buy umpteen pregnancy books that caused me anxiety for most of my pregnancy. Other than the few times I referenced them for help with weird uterus pangs and a description of "the mucus plug," the stack of them were better as a nursing stool than source of comfort. ... [More]

From Field to Fingers

Let's face it, some parents aren't gourmet chefs, let alone halfway decent cooks, so when it comes time for solid foods, many of us (and yes I'm raising my hand, here) struggle with the guilt that comes with feeding the kid pears out of a jar. ... [More]

Keep it Simple, Silly

With all the paintings, knick-knacks, and brightly colored toys in my daughter's room, it's a wonder she can actually sleep. Combine that with the busy crib bedding patterns that most stores sell, and it's overstimulation central in there. ... [More]

Life is Good in the Sack

As I prepare for the arrival of #2, the memories of newborn-dom are sneaking back up on me. I distinctly remember bumbling around in the wee hours of the morning trying to change a diaper and resnap the dreaded baby onesie as quickly as possible so not to lose any extra minutes of precious sleep. ... [More]

What They Don't Tell You In Lamaze Class

Topping my list of things they really should teach you in your birthing class but don't (and it's a long list, believe me) is the variety of afflictions affecting your nether regions, post-baby. Who knew it would be like giving birth all over again! ... [More]

Say Sayonara to Snaps

While I became pretty handy at slipping and snapping my daughter into her onesie, I have to admit that I still had trouble getting those tiny baby clothes over her gigantic head without a few decent tugs. And really, at 2am who needs the extra trouble? ... [More]

Almost Good Enough to Eat

What kid doesn't love Play-Doh? Let me clarify: What kid doesn't love to eat Play-Doh? Hey, I'm all for it, except for the fact that I have no idea what the "secret ingredients" are that's used to make it those lovely neon colors.

Fun, Cubed

While my home has seen its fair share of battery-operated toys that never want to turn off, I’m proud to admit that my daughter prefers her cute little handmade cloth block my godmother made for her first birthday. ... [More]

A Totally Organic Experience

I listened to my mother when she told me, "Never underestimate the power of the rattle." However, after three plastic shakers and a stuffed bunny that sounds like it's filled wtih a couple grains of rice, I was still faced with a screaming baby. I wish she had been a bit more specific about the kind of rattle.
... [More]

Babies + Chemicals: Not The Best Combo

It seems that along with my bright wit and sparkling personality, my daughter has inherited my sensitive skin. And while I have found a few products that suffice, sufficing isn't good enough when it comes to my girl.That's why I'm... ... [More]

Wait, So All Drummers Aren't White?

As a woman of mixed heritage, I've often wondered how to promote diversity in our home when most of my toddler's toys and clothes feature white folks--you know, because all farmers, ballerinas and musicians are white. Right.That's why I love the multi-culti... ... [More]

Baby Wears Barley

Organic is all the rage these days. Even the big bad box stores are getting into it. The two Williams sisters behind Spunky Sprout, however, jumped on that commendable bandwagon years ago with their environmentally friendly online baby tee boutique.... ... [More]

Get Twiggy WIth It

Crayolas Schmayolas. The coolest crayons are rough-hewn, organic and free from political bs (like calling a peachy-tan color, "flesh"). Inntrax Twig Crayons are certified non-toxic, and handmade in Poland from from discarded twigs.

One Less Thing for Dads to Freak Out About

You know what about impending fatherhood freaks me out more than anything else? That my nice little sleek-and-minimal- with-a-side-of-organic-cotton aesthetic will be buried under the inevitable onslaught of pastel plaid ruffles and battery-powered, light-flashing, muzak-emitting "baby crack". ... [More]

Now It's Easy Bein' Green

We here at Cool Mom Picks are all about being kind to the environment. But trying to live that way can be a challenge, particularly in you live in a not-so-green state like I do. ... [More]

Nothing Comes Between Me and My VedaBABY

Cool Mom Picks has yet to determine our version of five stars or two thumbs up but whatever it is, VedaBABY has earned it in spades. ... [More]

Have a Tres Chic Earth Day

Hey, we kind of like the environment. You know, since it lets us breathe and eat and all that kind of stuff. But at the same time, we're moms, and we know that while we want the earth to be around for a very long time, we still need things to be reasonably simple and convenient.

Erin Go Organic

While I have seen a pint of Guiness served as a three course meal, you might want to consider some other options for your St. Patty's Day fare. ... [More]