lilSugar -- Mommy's little helper.

Mommy's Lil Helper: Diaper Dékor Plus

lilsugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:00:51 -0800

Diaper pails are hard to get excited about, until you find one that really gets the job done. The Diaper Dékor Plus ($40) is a garbage pail that will leave any nappy slinging parent bursting with excitement (well, as much as it is possible while holding yet another soiled diaper).

This handy and compact diaper disposal system can hold around 40 diapers (if you dare) all while fighting to keep your wee one's room smelling fresh. The step-and-drop design keeps little fingers out and the scented liner is easily removed with the built in bag cutter. What's more? The refills are biodegradable! Long gone are the sausage making days of the Diaper Genie, the Diaper Dékor takes the dirty work out of getting rid of messy diapers.

Do You Know Your Strollers?

babysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:00:10 -0700

Who paid attention to all the stroller reviews? Take this quiz to see if you recognize the buggies by their pictures. Test your strolling knowledge!

Question 5

5 of 5

We gave one of these bad boys away as a prize for the stroller review finale!

The Correct Answer:

phil & ted's Vibe

We gave one lucky mama a new set of wheels with the phil & ted's Vibe!

Strollin': Silver Cross Pop

babysugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Having reviewed quite a few strollers last month, there were still quite a few on my list that I have been wanting to check out before making any final purchases. Silver Cross is a high end brand that has long been known for their swank prams like those that Nicole Richie and Jennifer Lopez chose for their tots. Realizing that many more moms see the practicality of a simple stroller, the British company is now selling their own line of simple pushchairs.

Still fairly new to the US market, Silver Cross manufactures three lightweight buggies for young tots: the Pop, Micro and Dazzle. All three of the strollers remind me quite a bit of different Maclarens.

To see my thoughts on the Silver Cross Pop,

Strollin': Double Stroller Roundup

babysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 05:00:13 -0700

This week rounded out our month of stroller reviews. The double strollers were a delight to test drive, especially since I'm in need of one myself. Check out my slideshow to see which ones I reviewed this past week.

Strollin': phil & teds Vibe

babysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 13:00:04 -0700

I won't say that I saved the best for last, but the phil & teds Vibe is pretty darn sweet. Lightweight aluminum frame strollers have been dominating the market in recent years. New to the party is the fabulously sleek and functional Vibe. Much like the other phil & teds predecessors, the Vibe offers the dual-ride capabilities. But the Vibe has got a whole different, well vibe.

The sleek $700 pushchair is comfortably padded with cushy seats in a tandem position. The second seat attachment costs another $110. Each chair can recline for on-the-go napping or relaxing — whatever floats your wee ones' boat. And by wee, I mean newborns through four-year-olds. Older tots take the top seat with a maximum capacity of 55 pounds while smaller babes sit underneath. The bottom seat can handle up to 33 pounds making the entire load capacity 88 pounds.

To see a video and learn what else there is to know about the Vibe,

Strollin': BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller

babysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:00:26 -0700

When running after your kids isn't the only exercise you count on, the BOB double stroller enables jogging mommies to keep their running regimen up — even with double trouble on their hands.

Perfect for sidewalks, bumpy roads, and tattered trails, the BOB Revolution Duallie 12-inch Stroller keeps parents on track and their wee ones secure. While it's a bit wider than some others in the same class, the BOB offers families peace of mind that their lil honey is getting treated to a classy ride, as cushy reclining seats and air-filled suspension wheels provide a smooth run even over the bumpiest of roads. And, similar to the single BOB, car seat adaptors are available, making it easy to use at an early age.

To see what else I liked and disliked about the BOB Revolution Duallie,

Strollin': Maclaren Twin Techno XT

babysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:00:29 -0700

As you may remember from my Maclaren Volo review, I am a Maclaren fan. They are easy to manage, lightweight and practical. For those reasons alone, I was sure the Maclaren Twin Techno XT would win me over — even at $380!

Moms of newborn twins or a newborn and an older tot are in for a treat with the Twin Techno XT. Instead of having to wait until the baby is able to sit up on his own, newborns can cruise around in the separate reclining seats leaving the adapters and infant car seats in their rightful places — the car. The sibling can ride shotgun perched straight up without harassing their kin too much as they are each self-contained in their own chair.

To see what else I thought of the Twin Techno XT,

Strollin': Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller

babysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:04 -0700

Double strollers can be double the pain as they take up more space and often weigh more than a single option. However, when you've got more than one tot, they are usually a necessary evil.

As I quickly approach my due date, I am eager to find the double stroller of my dreams. The Joovy Caboose Ultralight Stroller ($270) fits the bill so I was hoping this would be my golden carriage.

To see what I thought about the Joovy Caboose,

Strollin': Double Seaters

babysugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:11 -0700

On a personal quest, I was especially fired up to explore the world of double strollers. Thanks to Right Start, I've got a pretty good idea of what's out there and hope that I can pass on some of what I learned to you.

I found it daunting to find the perfect single stroller two years ago. Now here I am seven-months pregnant looking for one that will suit my 23-month-old and her future sibling. I've seen the beastly duos that take up the width of grocery aisles and others that seem suitable for heavyweight lifting competitions. This week I'll show you some of the best and give you my two cents on the two seaters.

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Jogger Roundup

babysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:00:57 -0700

Hopefully mothers who like to get a workout enjoyed the write-ups of the three fabulous jogging strollers I reviewed from Right Start. While there are still more on the market, some of which I hope to test in the future, I can hardly see the downside of any of these sporty options. Tell me which one you prefer?

BOB Revolution

Baby Jogger

phil and teds Dash

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': phil & teds Dash

babysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 14:00:40 -0700

Some of the top-of-the-line strollers on the market today are those made by phil & teds. The New Zealand manufacturers have hit a sweet spot with their multifunctional line of duo seating buggies that serve many purposes while still looking sleek and sporty.

Great for a day out on the jogging path, the phil & teds Dash ($550) is suited to give mommy an easy outing while providing a baby (or two) a comfy cruise.

Perks mama can enjoy are an adjustable ergonomic handlebar, easy to manage rear brakes, a roomy storage basket that has pouches to stow small items, a sun canopy with a peek-a-boo window, and a long lifetime. Also, instead of having to double up on strollers, every phil & teds buggy is suited to add another seat (for an additional $100), magically turning it into a double stroller in minutes. A new feature for phil & teds, the area above the front wheel is now plastic. Why is that better you ask? The original fabric foot area design was appealing to the eye, but busy lil feet tended to wear the fabric down leaving tiny toes in danger of touching the wheel. The plastic board is an improvement to an already stellar stroller.

To keep reading about the phil & teds Dash,

Strollin': Baby Jogger City Classic Single

babysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:00:32 -0700

Mommies on the run can appreciate the ease and comfort of the Baby Jogger City Classic Single ($400). The reclining padded pushchair allows plush seating for precious cargo and the Quick-Fold Technology is one of the best collapses I've seen on any stroller. One simple pull on the back of the stroller and the chair is down in a flash. At 21 pounds, it's no easy task to lift the bugger, but it is on the lighter end of athletic strollers.

To see my other thoughts on the Baby Jogger City Classic Single,

Strollin': BOB Revolution

babysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:00:42 -0700

If running is your modus operandi, the BOB Revolution may be right up your jogging path. Although the price is a bit steep, it is comparable to those in the same category.

For $390, I can hardly find a better jogging deal than the BOB Revolution. There are so many things to love about it. First off, the air-filled tires provide an ultra smooth ride, as it is ready to handle all-terrain. Additionally, the front swivel wheel provides easy maneuvering, which is a huge plus when you're navigating a jogging trail that twists and turns. If you are on a straight path and prefer a locked wheel, just snap a latch down to keep the wheel locked forward facing.

To learn more about the BOB Revolution,

Ecotot: Good Guide

babysugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

What once started out as a research project at UC Berkeley, the Good Guide is now a valuable parent resource as it provides ratings on various household products, with a focus on baby gear. What's so special about the Good Guide? It gives products an overall rating and then breaks it down into three different ratings: health performance, environmental performance and social performance.

If you can't decide on which diaper cream to buy, check out the Good Guide to see what gets the best ratings. If you like to get into the nitty gritty, you can investigate which organizations provide product certifications and listings, examine cancer effects, toxicity and hazardous ratings, water and energy usage during manufacturing. As the site grows, so will the products and public reviews.

Strollin': Baby Joggers

babysugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:00:18 -0700

If there's one thing that new mommies are usually ready to get rid of, it's baby weight. Some are lucky as it falls off instantly without much effort while others claim breastfeeding does the trick. Still, some new mamas have to work hard to drop those pesky pounds. If running is your key to success, a jogging stroller may be what mama should order.

After reviewing some travel systems and lightweight strollers, I'll be giving you my thoughts on a few athletic strollers this week. Stay tuned!

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Maclaren Techno XT

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:00:01 -0700

What do Matilda Ledger, Ramona Gyllenhall, Violet Affleck, and Alexander Schreiber have in common? They all cruise around in the Maclaren Techno XT. King of the lightweight stroller category, Maclaren dominates with five options all under 17 pounds.

Weighing in at 14.2 pounds, the Maclaren Techno XT offers the ease of an umbrella stroller with a few extra perks. To see why the Techno XT is a crowd pleaser,

babysugar Diaries: Isabella Oliver Maxi Cardi

babysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:00:52 -0700

Known for outfitting some of Hollywood's "A-list" celebmamas like Minnie Driver, Gillian Anderson, and Jessica Alba, Isabella Oliver is one maternity line that keeps mommies-to-be dressed to the nines even through month nine.

The folks at Isabella Oliver graciously sent me the Maxi Cardi to test drive. Knitted with 90 percent lambswool and 10 percent cashmere, the fluffy sweater is a luxury for chilly days. After a long day at the office or running errands on my cankles, I look forward to coming home and putting on the cuddly sweater that looks a bit more like a robe than outerwear. Long and boxy, it's not so divine on my 5'4" stature complete with bursting belly, but I can imagine it would be more flattering on taller ladies. Perfect for plane rides or lounging around, the comfort is unbeatable.

However, for $230, I think Isabella Oliver has more to offer a stylish expecting lady. Below, check out some of my favorite pieces from their collection.

Strollin': Quinny Zapp

babysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 10:38:45 -0700

Mommies who find themselves running more errands than a Capitol Hill page girl or boy may fancy the Quinny Zapp. Much like its posh sibling, the Zapp still boasts fabulous features, but has a few less amenities, which is why the price is a more reasonable $200.

Available in five of the same spunky hues as the Quinny Buzz, the Zapp affords tots comfort in canvas like a seat atop a lightweight aluminum frame. When it comes time to store it, the Zapp easily folds into one of the most compact strollers on the market making it a cinch to store in the car or hallway closet. Also taking hints from the Buzz, the Zapp's swiveling front wheels make it feel more like an all-terrain pushchair than an umbrella stroller.

To see what the drawbacks are of the Zapp,

Strollin': Bugaboo Bee

babysugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00:40 -0700

If labels make you happy, but prices let you down, the Bugaboo Bee may be an option you can't resist. Celebs like Matthew McConaughey, Gwen Stefani and Dave Grohl probably didn't bat an eye at the $530 price tag, but it's a luxury many of us can't afford. The attractive pushchair does have a fair number of sleek features that many parents find worth the investment.

Crafted by the same makers as the Bugaboo Cameleon, the Bee boasts many of its characteristics and makes a name for itself with some significant differences. To see what the "buzz" is all about,

Strollin': Maclaren Volo

babysugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:00:35 -0700

Perhaps one of the oldest and most trusted brands of strollers is Maclaren. Known for their ease of use and simple style, the English born brand is a top seller worldwide. The hard part comes when you have to pick which Maclaren to purchase.

Available in a variety of spunky colors, the Maclaren Volo is the lightest stroller option weighing in at 8.6 pounds. Crafted with high performance aluminum, the basic buggy collapses with a quick step on a switch and a pull of the toe. Using just one hand, a mommy can easily toss the stroller in the trunk or use the attached strap to throw it over her shoulder.

To see why I gave this stroller a high rating,

Strollin': Lightweight Strollers

babysugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Last week I reviewed five of the top travel system strollers on the market. This week, I'm taking it down a notch and honing in on more reasonable lightweight strollers from Right Start.

Often used for travel, quick trips to the park, a stroll to the local eatery or in the trunk of the car, lightweight buggies often help moms get from point a to point b without much hassle or concern. As practicality is the name of the game, the price tag often reflects that. Stay tuned this week to see which pushchairs are up for the test!

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Strollin': Peg Perego Skate

babysugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 05:00:03 -0700

Last on my list of travel stroller systems is the new Peg Perego Skate. The Italian born Skate is easy on the eyes and a smooth ride, but the $900 price tag will make you flinch.

Like so many of its peers, the Skate can face forward or backward depending on mommy's preference. Only the Skate seat has telescoping capabilities giving tots the option to see the world in varying ways. The Skate also brags,"One Soul, Two Identities" as it stands alone in its ability to transform the bassinet to a toddler seat by simply releasing a few straps. If your child falls asleep in the seated position, you can quickly and easily turn the seat into a comfy napping spot where baby can spread out and relax. Even better, it means that the bassinet and the toddler seat are included in the price.

To learn more about the Peg Perego Skate,

Strollin': Stokke Xplory

babysugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:00:00 -0700

If Jane Jetson was your role model growing up, the Stokke Xplory ($1200) may be for you. Though the Orbit Baby title probably suits the space lady better, the Xplory is a suitable choice for the futuristic fashionista.

The innovative design allows parents to push their tots at a higher level via telescoping capabilities, or lower depending on preference, making it less of a back bender for the pusher and a better view for the babe. And, common to many other brands, the Xplory allows for forward or rear-facing positioning.

To learn more about the Stokke Xplory,

Strollin': Orbit Baby

babysugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:00:54 -0700

If you pay attention to what the celebmamas are pushing these days, then you'll know that the Orbit Baby travel system ($900) is the ride of choice with Hollywood's most elite. Marcia Cross, Halle Berry, Matthew McConaughey, Nicole Richie, and Jessica Alba are just a few who chose the posh buggy for their wee ones.

To learn more about the swank stroller,

Strollin': Bugaboo Cameleon

babysugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:00:23 -0700

First up on my Right Start stroller review — the multi-terrain Bugaboo Cameleon! Born in 1999 in Holland, the best-selling Dutch stroller has quickly become a favorite for families all over the world. The beautifully crafted travel system can work for a baby from day one through their toddler years.

Configured with an adapter, the base of the Bugaboo Cameleon ($899) fits many infant car seats (Graco Snugride, Maxi-Cost Mico, and Peg Primo Viaggio) which makes it easy for moms to transfer the child from the car to the stroller with one simple snap. While most car seats are safe and cozy havens for wee ones, many doctors advise parents not to let the child spend too much time in the seat as they need to develop their muscles and stretch out their body. For parents who plan on spending lots of time on the go with their newborn, the bassinet feature of the Bugaboo Cameleon is an added bonus.

To find out more fun facts about the Cameleon and see a video of it in action,

Strollin': lilsugar's Stroller Reviews

babysugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:00:00 -0700

One of the toughest baby gear decisions a mother-to-be has to make is which stroller to buy. With all the options available, it's near impossible to test drive every ride. So, I took the liberty of reviewing a vast assortment of buggies for all of you mommies in a stroller quandary.
Right Start graciously showed me some of their inventory covering various categories — travel systems, lightweight, jogger and double strollers. In the next few weeks, I will spotlight each stroller. At the end of all the reviews, we'll be giving away one stroller to a lucky lilsugar reader! So stay tuned and get ready for the onslaught of stroller information. First up, travel systems!

We will be finishing off our mini season of original stroller reviews with a special giveaway in October. Stay tuned for more details.

Babysugar Diaries: Boob Maternity Fall Fashions

babysugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:00:49 -0700

I've been searching for the perfect jacket to take me through the last few months of pregnancy and found one by Boob Maternity and Nursing Wear that fits my fancy. While I don't much like shopping with a bursting belly, the Swedish born company sent me a package full of samples that I was more than willing to test drive. Check out my slideshow to see the jacket I adore and some other fab pieces of mama apparel.

Babysugar Diaries: Paige Maternity Jeans

babysugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:00:34 -0700

Many mamas-to-be find denim too restricting, but jeans suit most occasions so pregnant women get a lot of bang for their buck when they invest in a pair. Paige sent me a pair of Laurel Canyon maternity jeans ($185) to review and since I am a fan of their regular jeans, I was excited to give them a go.

After washing and hemming them to my liking, I slipped on the swanky dungarees. A perfect fit on the tush and legs, I was thrilled to look hip in (gasp!) maternity jeans! Constructed with 98 percent cotton and the remaining percent spandex, the black stretchy belly band starts where a normal button and belt loops would be and rises to just below the belly button leaving no room to bare your burgeoning belly or bottom.

While some maternity jeans pull all the way up to the bra line and look unsightly on the hanger, they do keep the belly from looking pinched in half. When wearing tight shirts with my Paige jeans, I can see the line where the band stops. For slim mamas–to–be that's not a problem, but for mothers who are more cushioned, the split may be a tad too much. The seam didn't bother me too much though because I went out and purchased another pair in white and between the two, I hardly wear anything else.

Mommy's Lil Helper: Sole Mates

babysugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Katie Holmes, Kate Beckinsale, and Victoria Beckham are a few moms who don't let children get in the way of fashion. Sporting heels at the beach, playground, or pool are no big deal to these glam mommies. More in tune with Jennifer Garner's sneaker style or Reese Witherspoon's flats fetish, I don't bother much with heels.
This Summer, however, has thrown me into a tizzy with weddings galore on beaches, lawns, and other outdoor settings. Thankfully, I've got Sole Mates to lend me a helping, well, heel. The plastic heel covers are intended to keep your slim sticks from sinking into grass, grates, or other tough-to-manage surfaces. The $20 accessories spared my Jimmy Choos an untimely death and me the embarrassment of popping up and down in the turf. They also allowed me to chase my wee one around the lawn without hesitation. I dare say some of my mom friends had mom envy.

Toy Box: Water Ball from Little Tykes

babysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:01:00 -0700

As summer heats up, moms are challenged to entertain their school–free tots with activities that will keep them cool and hydrated. It's hard to beat the good old sprinkler in the lawn trick but the $15 Little Tikes Water Ball certainly gives it a run for its money.

While mom or dad inflate the mongo beach ball, the kids can slip on their swimsuits and watershoes preparing for an afternoon of spritzing and slippery wet games. Attach a water hose to the fully blown ball and let the waterworks begin. Parents can determine the height of the fountain sprays by adjusting the water pressure.

Now mom really can sit and relax with her lemonade in the shade.

Text and Tunes: Lisa Loeb's Catch the Moon Album

lilsugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:05:00 -0700

Lisa Loeb and Elizabeth Mitchell's children's album Catch the Moon ($14) is a subtle and sweet addition to a genre that normally produces the type of tunes that wear on adult nerves. Loeb's lullaby voice is the perfect vessel for folky favorites like "Big Rock Candy Mountain," "Catch The Moon" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." The songs are infectious, but not repetitive or flighty — the ideal soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon or a wind down to naptime.

To see Loeb perform "Catch the Moon" with Elizabeth Mitchell,

Baby Bump: Niki Biki Tank Top

babysugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:47 -0700

When I became bountifully pregnant, it seemed that all of my shirts were mimicking those of Britney Spears in her "Hit Me Baby One More Time" days.

When the tummy grows, the shirts rise leaving maximum exposure to belly buttons and unsightly elastic waistbands. Keep your underbelly hidden with a lengthy tank top from Niki Biki ($17).

The camisole is made from a nylon/spandex blend giving it a weightless velvety soft feel and enough stretch to keep a prego (or tall) lady covered.

Baby Kaed Diaper Bag

lilsugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 06:00:00 -0700

If you're a woman looking to showcase a sense of style while carting your kid's belongings, then throw the Baby Kaed Sheri bag ($335) over your shoulder and head out the door. Made of leather and offering a bit of shimmer, the metallic diaper bag has ample storage pockets for bottles, diapers, wipes, toys, snacks and changes of clothes. The single and double straps rest comfortably on mommy so she can still maneuver a babe in arms and hold the hand of another tot.

The carry all comes with a changing pad, soiled clothes sack, wipes container and matching makeup bag. Plenty of compartments provide easy access to keys, a cellphone and BlackBerry. When you're not with the kids, the tote is eye candy as a purse or lil beach bag with the ability to accommodate everything you need. The bag is an investment, but its design goes beyond baby so you will get your money's worth. It is also available in black.

Texts and Tunes: Pat the Bunny

babysugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 07:30:00 -0800

This week is Children's Book Week and to kick it off, we wanted to feature an old classic that makes us smile. You probably remember it from your childhood and will also enjoy reading it to your lil ones.

Pat the Bunny ($10) has been in print for 67 years and has sold over six million copies.

This modest book is simple, but remarkably entertaining for infant to preschool aged children. Patting a fuzzy white bunny and sniffing a bouquet of flowers, keeps tots stimulated from beginning to end. And, reading, "Paul and Judy play peek-a-boo. Can you play peek-a-boo with Paul?" never gets old.

Warning: All the patting, smelling, and tugging that goes on while enjoying, you might want to stock up on a couple copies. Babies like to eat the bunny, too.

Tunes and Texts: Goodnight Moon

babysugar — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:00:16 -0800

If there's one book that's synonymous with bedtime, it's Goodnight Moon. I was given at least three copies of it when I was pregnant. It is one of the few books that my husband and I both recall our parents reading to us when we were wee ones. He claims that it can still put him to sleep. (I keep a copy of it on our bedside table in case of emergencies).

Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd created this masterpiece over 60 years ago and it has become a staple in most children's libraries. There are bright colored illustrations as well as black and white ones to hold a baby's attention. On top of the pretty artwork, the story is written in a sweet and soothing rhyme - just what baby needs at bedtime.

Goodnight noises everywhere... yawn.