tumbles.of.fun

A few weeks ago, some of my coworkers attended the 2008 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and they returned with all sorts of gossip about forthcoming baby and children's products. I wanted to clue you in on the scoop about some cool new car seats.

For starters, clek, (a company known for its sleek, modern booster car seats) is coming out with a full back booster seat that will give your child increased protection in a collision. The new booster seat is called oobr and will be available in early 2009. And for the fashion forward, they've even partered with Paul Frank for two very cool, special edition prints. You can meet oobr and get a peak at Paul Frank's designs at clek's web site.

I've also been told that Combi is working on a new car seat, which will be narrower than their previous designs. Parents of multiples are sure to love this since you should be able to fit three across--even in a compact hybrid! I'll post more information about this mysterious new car seat as soon as I get it!

Check back often for more scoops, deals, and information from the world of children's products, courtesy of Mother Goose!

I know it's a little early to be thinking about the holidays, but I like to plan--and order--my gifts ahead of time in order to avoid morphing into a frazzled, mall-crawling maniac during the "most wonderful time of the year." So from now through December I'll be blogging about great holiday gift ideas from CSN Stores that you can order from the comfort and relative calm of your own home.

I'm kicking things off with Bilibo's innovative Play Shell. This toy is perfect for the child who has everything because it can truly be anything thanks to its simple yet ingenius design.

Let's start with the basics: What is it made of? This has become a really important question now that modern parents must contend with scary toy recalls as well as concerns for the environment. The Bilibo shell is made of shock resistant high density polyethylene. Don't let the big word scare you: polyethylene is non-toxic and 100% recycleable. And it comes in Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Pink so there's a color for every child's preference.

Phew. Cross that concern off of the list.

Now, what will your child do with it? The answer to that is almost anything either indoors or out, but let me give you some suggestions. First, the Bilibo shell is a great bucket. Little kids will love filling it with sand, dirt, water, or snow. And just think of the sand castle and snow man building possibilities.

Which brings me to my next suggestion: stacking. The shells can be aligned or stacked in many ways, like three-dimensional puzzle pieces. I love the way two shells can be joined to form a friendly-looking sphere that's perfect for building giant snow balls, among other things.

Children can also rock, sit, stand, or spin on these durable shells. This kind of active play helps develop motor skills and balance (no matter what the weather is outside). Plus, thanks to the shell's open-ended design, the shell promotes creative play, too. It can easily become a cradle, turtle shell, drum, cooking pot, ship, or even a fort for smaller toys.

Give your child a Bilibo Shell this holiday season and you're sure to discover a hundred more ways to play with it!

I don't know about you, but it seems like every summer just when I think I'm in control of my schedule, September rolls around and ruins everything. Now I'm scrambling to get out of the house on time. It seems like no matter what I do, I'll be running late for the next few months until I can get everything under control again. (re: after the holidays. cringe.)

If you're kids are having the same problem with punctuality, you might want to try a little bribery. Nexttime's cute clocks make great wall art and a great motivator for kids. With a bright clock on the wall they at least can't say they lost track of time.

Nexttime's Fun Collection features a wide range of designs that will appeal to younger kids and tweens. Their glass wall clocks feature cartoon animals and cute little phrases ("Time Out," a cat tells the mice that are playing on his tail) that will make little kids laugh. They also have larger numbers that are easier for younger kids to read.

The foam clocks, on the other hand, have a funky look that is sure to appeal to tweens. They're definitely more appropriate for older kids, who have no trouble telling time. These designs are sure to make tweens feel more grown up. And they'll look great in your tween's room.

My favorite has got to be the Giraffe Foam Wall Clock. The pink isn't too childish and the giraffe is just girlie enough. Tween girls are sure to love this clock now and through the coming years. Personally, I would have put this clock up in my dorm room--maybe it would have helped me make it to a few more 8 AM classes.

Well, Labor Day is somehow behind us and fall is just around the corner. Your kids have probably already had their first day of school and your life is returning to its school year schedule. So maybe by now you've managed to buy all of those back to school necessities. But maybe not.
And if you're still searching for a backpack sans Hannah Montana or Batman, then you're in luck. DwellStudio has just added three chic backpacks to their line of modern baby and children's products. The designs take playful subjects like cars, animals, or polka dots and turn them into something thoroughly modern that both parents and kids will like.

Anyone at any age can appreciate the style of these backpacks but at 12" high and 9" wide, they're perfectly designed for younger kids. Two adjustable shoulder straps ensure the right fit. They're made of durable, coated canvas and can be spot cleaned. An outer pocket and zippered closure make it easy for little hands to grab what they need. There's even a matching pencil case to help keep your child organized.

If you're feeling twinges of jealousy right now, I can help! DwellStudio also makes Diaper Totes and Weekender Bags in the same styles as their backpacks, which make great purses even if you're long past changing diapers.