Update
Hot books, news and advice.
Big Fish
Deborah Diesen and Dan Hanna, creators of the New York Times bestseller The Pout-Pout Fish, introduce The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark (Macmillan). The cute book features Mr. Fish, who wants to help his friend Ms. Clam when she loses her pearl. But Mr. Fish has a secret: He’s afraid of the dark! With animated art and catchy rhyming verse, the book helps to remedy children’s nighttime worries. Download interactive activity sheets from www.deborahdiesen.com and find the good read at Barnes and Noble.
Memory Keeper
Capture the everyday moments of motherhood with Mom’s One Line A Day: A Five Year Memory Book (Chronicle Books). For busy moms on-the-go, the keepsake provides an easy way to record a single thought, family quote or special event each day for five years. It ensures memories last a lifetime. For more information, visit www.chroniclebooks.com.
Cup a Day
To wake up pleasantly despite what sleep troubles your family faced last night, start your day with smart sipping from Cuisinart. The Cuisinart Single Serve Brewing System has customization options that allow parents to create that perfect hot beverage. The five different cup-size settings and adjustable temperature control guarantee your desired drink tastes just right. The hot water button offers a delicious cup of coffee, tea, hot cocoa or soup, in less than one minute. Drink it all in at www.cuisinart.com.
Lending a Hand
Even if you didn’t splurge on the hot stroller of the season, you can push your child in style thanks to the Haypenny Handmitten. Debuting this month in three fashion-forward color combinations, including java and magenta, twilight and turquoise, and paprika and brown, the cozy hand wear is compatible with all stroller handlebars as well as stroller safety bars, perfect for keeping both mom’s and tot’s hands warm on blustery days. Made out of ribbed apalca wool with a breathable fleece interior, the Handmitten covers hands as it’s affixed to the stroller. The Brooklyn designer-mom clearly knows something about form, function and fashion. Finally, no more losing your gloves and other fall and winter attire while strolling around town. Discover more details when you shop for the fair trade duds at www.haypennydesign.com.
Designer Baby
If you’re looking to go hands free as you carry your infant, consider BabyHawk Mei Tai carriers. Create your own
BabyHawk with cool colors and patterns, personalizing the carrier as you please. Make it reversible or add extra pockets with the online options. Either way, the long Mei Tai straps allow you to tie and adjust the carrier to create the ideal fit. Design yours at www.babyhawk.com.
Safety First
A new iPhone app may help in saving the life of someone you know. I.C.E. Pics (In Case of Emergency Pictures) automatically takes a photo and e-mails it with the GPS map location to anyone you program. Users can quickly send pictures to themselves and others without fumbling with a contact list for each picture. A secondary feature on the I.C.E. Pics app confirms the location of your child on a Google Map by sending a message to your e-mail address along with a photo. For details, go to www.icepics.com.
Hi-Tech Toys
Recently launched by Senario, a new line of mini collectible robots called Zibits comes to life with a remote control. At the size of just more than two inches, the robots are fully equipped with robotic lights and sounds. Every mini Zibit comes with a name and background story, giving each robot its own personality. Kids can build their own Zibit communities with friends by adding to the collection. Log onto www.senario.com to get in on the action.
Hairy Situation
Make way for hair care both mom and baby can use. Le Baby hair gel is a hypoallergenic hair product made for babies, kids and anyone with sensitive skin. Without the use of harsh chemicals, it calms frizzies, grooms and moisturizes hair. The gel actually leaves tendrils smooth and rinses out easily. Learn more at www.lebabyinc.com.
Comfy Feet
Treat your family’s tootsies to some comfort. The Kushyfoot Deck Shoe Sock provides a sockless look under shoes for a casual comfort and style. Made from 85 percent cotton, the socks feel snug and come in a variety of styles for both men and women. The flexible and versatile socks adjust to every type of shoe. Do the sock hop at www.kushyfoot.com.
Sip Away
New to the market, CuteSip has launched an introductory line of decorative and dishwasher-safe bottles for children. Made from lightweight stainless steel, the bottles and sippy cups can be hand painted and customized. With interchangeable tops that include a nipple, sippy top and sports top depending on the drinker, CuteSip items can be easily traded between kids and reduce the money spent to buy a different cup for each stage of life. For further insight, head to www.cutesip.com.
Benjamin Ha is an editorial intern.