lil finds

There are some divine diaper bags out there, from trendy faux patent, fancy designer bags and even dad-friendly styles, but that doesn't mean you want to lug them around everyday.

Keep things light by packing the bare essentials into a diaper bag alternative, such as the Pronto ($30). It's a simple diapering kit that unfolds into a changing pad with a “pronto pillow" and pockets for all the essentials.

Not into the Pronto? Try one or two of the alternatives to go — and remember, if you are just stepping out for a second you really only need wipes, a place to lay baby down and a fresh diaper.

What's more fun than a soapstache? A mustache on a stick ($36) your lil dresser upper can carry on the playground, in the store or around the house!

These little delights from Etsy's somethingshidinghere shop have become a cult classic for children and playful adults.

Get crafty and make your own with a chopstick, glue and black pipe cleaners or fake mustache from the dollar store.

Even though 73 percent of you have lil ones that love bath time I know convincing tots to clean off facepaint, dough and the day's grime isn't always easy. When my children say they'd rather stay dirty I whip out the bath boats or funny soap to help make bath time, playtime.

I adore this Molle Dog Washcloth that adds a little girlie and French touch to cleaning up. The cloth says, "Where are you going? Don't get lost!" in French and is a steal for $2.95.

While my 2008 stroller reviews have sparked a discussion about the benefits of full travel systems versus their lightweight siblings, the granddaddy of stroller manufacturers, Maclaren, has thrown a new product into the ring that is sure to have your tongues wagging.

The Maclaren Grand Tour LX, the company's first non-umbrella stroller, was unveiled last week and its features have moms doing a double-take. In addition to the multiple-positioned, forward- or rear-facing seat, removable carry cot, and infant car seat compatibility, the pushchair features front chassis safety lights with a remote control, stain-resistant Nano-Tex fabric available in eight colors, adjustable telescopic handles and an undercarriage basket with a removable shopping bag. To see what has me lining up to test this beauty, including another photo, read more

Youngsters love to find unexpected treats hidden in their lunch boxes. While cupcakes and cookies are probably the most sought after treasures, your wee one may be pleasantly surprised to find one of these nifty Beetle Sporks ($10) in their package of tasty and nutritional eats.

Tots can easily take the funky bug and unfold the wings to create a spoon or fork for their meal. When grub time comes to a close, the beetle folds back up and stows away for another day's use.

Moms and dads spend endless hours choosing a moniker for their mini-me so why not give their offspring a personalized gift to showcase that fabulous choice? Alex Casey Baby offers gift givers the option of tagging burpers ($34) and onesies ($32) with a babe's name. The small cotton cloths come in packages of three with an infant's first, middle, or last name on them. Choose a name with up to nine letters to display on the onesie which comes in pink, blue, or black.

Sometimes you need to pare down your diaper bag to nothing but the basics. When some friends in from out-of-town recently suggested a family brunch at a tony new restaurant, I jumped at the idea. Halfway through the meal, my daughter needed a diaper change so we headed to the ladies' room. After bopping a few too many people with my bag on our way into the restroom, I spent another five minutes fishing for the necessities. My diaper bag can hold a week's worth of snacks, toys and goodies, but it's not perfect for every occasion.

I was dancing in my seat when I came upon this alternative —the Joyababy Diaper Clutch. To see why I am ga-ga over this product, read more

I'm always looking for a cute birthday present that can be my standard gift for the year. When someone recently gifted my friend's son a few personalized placemats from Olive Kids ($10 each), I knew I found a winner.

With more than 40 designs, including popular holidays and traditional boy and girl themes, each heavy-duty laminated placemat is personalized with a child's name. The themes have helped to direct our dinner conversation, and allow us to practice our letter recognition.

As a city-dweller, I'm constantly amazed by the fast paced world around me. Sometimes it is nice to just slow down a bit and let my surroundings sink in. We try to provide my daughter with a taste of that as well as with drives to the country. I revel in seeing the freedom she feels while running in fields or taking in nature's simple beauty.

That's why I went ga ga over UrbanTots' line of recycled greeting cards. Printed on 100 percent post consumer materials, the cards feature simple and modern vignettes inspired by the designer's, Jude Martin, country lifestyle.