The standing joke about wishing kids came with a manual is funny when you're on the outside, but once you have children the notion is all too real. Father and author Joe Borgenicht teamed up with his own dad, pediatrician Dr. Louis Borgenicht, and a group of other experts to create a series of Owner's Manual books with step-by-step parental instructions and schematic diagrams.

The books may look silly, but they're actually the perfect gift for first-time parents. The Baby Owner’s Manual tackles questions like the best way to swaddle a baby and how to make your newborn sleep through the night, while The Toddler Owner's Manual addresses common issues for the ages one to three crowd.

It's not exactly a coffee table series, but it is entertaining crib reading.

It is a proud and momentous occasion when a wee one takes his first steps. For many parents, it can be frustrating to watch other's toddlers take off leaving their tot in the dust. Each kid develops at his or her own pace, but there's nothing wrong with coaching children along to achieve their developmental milestones.

For all of the many products sold for youngsters who are slow to take their first steps, I know a homemade trick that can work just as well. Take an old water jug (like the kind you may have at your office) and flip it upside down so the wide circular base is on the bottom. The baby can push it along the ground while having something sizable and sturdy to hang on to for balance. Your wee one will love the new activity and pretty soon, you might find him toddling around all on his own.
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Most lil ones take time out of their days to nap, but there's a product that may help you send them off to slumber quicker than a lullaby. The Downtime Sleepy Hat ($22) is an organic cap that parents can tuck over the baby's head and eyes. The flip down mask blocks out light and visual stimulants. The eyelid detailing signals others not to disturb the sleeping babe.

What do you think of the breathable pima cotton cap?

If junior's a jock and you'd rather he hit the books, maybe there's a fashionable medium? Peek…Aren’t You Curious has a shirt that will help teach your lil athlete history while he's on the field trying to make it. Reminiscent of old football jerseys, their Election T’s ($44) are educational bearing the names and numbers of former presidents. So whether you tot is the next David Beckham or an Einstein in the making, they can sport it. The shirts hit the shelves in Peek...Aren't You Curious stores and online in September.