The Clear Banister Gaurd Kit

Bought the Clear Banister Guard Kit from Cardinal Gates a few days ago. The gaps in between the rails of my banister are just too big, and I felt that this posed a safety risk for my son. The kit contains a large plastic sheet, a hole puncher, and some ties.

It's relatively simple to install. My husband did it in about a half hour (it's a small banister). All you need to do is measure the plastic, mark where the rails are, hole punch the plastic sheet and put the ties through and around the rails. Once all of the ties are securely around the rails, the plastic sheet will cover all of the gaps. No need to drill or screw any nails into anything.

So far it's working pretty well. My son is intrigued by his reflection in the plastic but other than that he pretty much stays away from the banister. It's barely noticeable, which is nice.

The plastic rolls are available in 5ft ($21.95) and 15ft ($47.88) lengths.

Zid Zid Kids

Are you looking for something other than a Disney character to decorate your child's room with? Check out Zid Zid Kids. Based out of Marrakech, Morocco, the company offers unique and beautiful children's furnishings, toys, and accessories. Here are some of the items:

Animal Caravan Double Sided Bird Pillow $44

Riding Elephant $284

Animal Caravan Hippo $30.80

Round Mini Poof- Zebra $78

Backpack Airplane $48

Animal Mask and Cape- Giraffe $68

Also, Land of Nod offers crib bedding with a Zid Zid design.

The Land of Nod

Just received The Land of Nod catalog. As usual, the catalog is amazing. The Land of Nod, a subsidiary of Crate & Barrel, sells children's furnishings. While the furniture may be a bit expensive, most of the bedding sets are reasonably priced. Get yourself on their mailing list and check out the catalog. It will inspire you to create an amazing space for your little one!

DwellStudio at Buy Buy Baby

The DwellStudio product line is now available online at BuyBuyBaby.com and at the Buy Buy Baby store in Manhattan. Really cute stuff...very mod. Check out some of the items available online:

Dwell Studio™ Transportation Crib Bedding and Accessories, 100% Cotton $359.99

Dwell Studio™ Gio Lemon Stroller Blanket $39.99
DwellStudio™ Multi Plush Owl $35.99
DwellStudio™ Burp Cloth and Bib Set $31.99
DwellStudio™ Charlotte Bottle Holder $19.99

The Warmest Jacket from babyGap

Four Gaps. That is how many Gaps I had to schlep to to find the Warmest Jacket in size 18-24 months for my son. Yes, I know I could have ordered it online and saved myself the trouble, but considering my office is near three Gap stores, you'd think I'd be able to save on the shipping and just buy it there. And yes, after visiting a fourth story, I managed to get my hands on it. Also, Gap is running an in-store promotion on the jacket right now (making it even more scarce), so I was able to get $10 off my purchase.

The jacket has a bunch of great features that are perfect for cold-weather days.

• Long sleeves with logo patch at arm, removable hood, zip front beneath snap placket, adjustable hook & loop fastened cuffs.
• Lower front snap-flap patch pockets, interior storm cuffs and snow skirt for extra protection from the elements.
• Warmest jacket has cozy micro fleece lining throughout.
• Comfortable down-filled water resistant polyester Warmest jacket with topstitching throughout.

Also got a great hat but they don't have that available online, so it really is worth a schlep to go check out their outerwear items in the store.

Geox Baby Shoes

My son is almost 15 months old so we needed to get him his first real pair of shoes. We went to Little Steps in Englewood, NJ, a store that only sells baby and kids shoes. The person helping us was very attentive. He measured my son's foot and then brought out lots of options for him to try on. Fortunately, the first pair he tried were the perfect shoes for him so we didn't have to search that long. We got him a pair of Geox sneakers. The shoes are 100% leather inside and out and are waterproof. The price: $65.

We went to Central Park today to test them out and my son seems to be getting the hang of it. He was apprehensive at first, but I think he likes his new shoes.

So if you happen to be in Engelwood, NJ and you are in need of some kid shoes, check out Little Steps.

Cynthia Rowley at Babies "R" Us

Designers are learning that babies mean big bucks. Cynthia Rowley has released a new line of clothing and accessories at Babies "R" Us. Here's a sample of her new line.

Cynthia Rowley Footed Tuxedo Coverall $14.99 (cute, but still not as cute as Classic Baby Tux)

Cynthia Rowley Hip Hip Hoodie Coverall $12.99

Cynthia Rowley Long Sleeve Oh, Baby Patterned Coverall $10.99

Cynthia Rowley Sweet Dreams Jacquard Knit Blanket $21.99

Cynthia Rowley Bow Bag Diaper Bag $34.99

Cynthia Rowley Canvas Storage Bin $12.99

Discovery Rock 'n Play Center

I saw this item in a recent One Step Ahead catalog. I love baby stuff that can be used for multiple purposes. This Discovery Rock 'n Play Center can be used as a play gym, travel bed, rocker, and crawling hill! The Discovery Rock 'n Play Center retails for $129.95. You can buy it
http://www.onestepahead.com/.

Hallmark Personalized Photo Plates

Having a party? Want your face on the paper plates? You're in luck. Hallmark Cards today announced the introduction of Hallmark Personalized Plates. The plates give consumers the ability to design paper plates with full-color photos and text. More than 200 plate designs, including birthday, wedding, graduation, pet birthday, baby celebration, retirement and anniversary, are available at http://www.hallmarkparty.com/. Consumer can add their own photos, write their own personal message or choose from among more than 700 unique suggested messages.

The nine-inch paper dinner plates come in packages of 10. Each package retails for $10.

2009 Hot Toy List for the Holidays from Toys "R" Us

Toys "R" Us unveiled its annual Holiday Hot Toy List, which includes 36 new toys specifically chosen for outstanding value in quality, price and play. Included in this list is the "Fabulous 15", representing the best new toys of the holiday season. Here's a look at the top 15:

BAKUGAN BATTLE BRAWLERS(TM) NEW VESTROIA(TM) Maxus Helios(TM) 7 in 1 from Spin Master $39.99

ChixOs(TM) Pink Design-A-Luxury Loft from Spin Master $26.99

Color Me a Song(TM) from Crayola Beginnings(TM) $24.99

Disney Netpal from ASUS $349.99
Disney-Pixar Toy Story Interactive Buddies Talking Action Figures (Buzz and Woody) from Thinkway $99.99

Disney Princess: Just One Kiss Princess Tiana Doll from Mattel $89.99


Fast Lane JLX OVER DRIVE(TM) RADIO CONTROL ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE from Toys"R"Us $159.99

Laugh & Learn(TM) Learning Farm from Fisher-Price $79.99

Little Mommy(TM) Baby Ah-Choo(TM) from Fisher-Price $34.99

Mindflex(TM) from Mattel $79.99

NERF N-Strike Raider Rapid Fire CS-35(TM) from Hasbro $34.99

Star Wars Fan's Choice Anniversary Edition Home One Mon Calamari Star Cruiser from LEGO $109.99

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN CONSTRUCTICON DEVASTATOR from Hasbro $99.99
Wii Sports Resort(TM) from Nintendo $49.99

Zhu Zhu Pets(TM) Hamster from Cepia $9.99

IKEA Crib, Mattress, and Sheets

My in-laws decided to get a crib for their house so that my son would have somewhere to sleep when we stay over. They went with the IKEA Gulliver crib.

I have to say for $99 this crib is awesome! I had read reviews on various sites about how good IKEA cribs are, so I suggested they get one from there rather than spending hundreds of dollars at a furniture store. The crib is lower to the ground (no drop-side), so it's easy to put the baby down without straining your back.

Besides the crib, I found the IKEA crib mattress to be very good too. Soft but firm.

Also, the sheets are surprisingly soft...dare I say, even softer than my Baby Gap ones! And they are only $8.99 for a set of two! All in all, IKEA is a great place to get a second crib for grandma's house. It's also good for first time parents on a budget. You don't need a fancy, shmancy crib to make a nursery look good. Focus your attention on creating a fun environment for your child with wall art and unique toys instead.

Halloween Costumes for Kids

Halloween is a little over a month away so if you have kids, now is the time to start searching for the perfect costume. My son was only 4 months old last Halloween so he went to daycare in a pirate pajama outfit (not from the Pyramid Collection). Here are some cute costume ideas for your little ones.

The Baby Candy Corn $20

Baby Sushi $25

Cupcake Kid $59

Hamburger $59

Swaddle Blanket & Cap Set Costume $19.95

Peacock Costume with Booties $34.95

Triceratops Costume $24.95

80's Rocker Girl Costume $15.95

Baby Costume Ice Cream $19.89

Baby Costume Little Trees Car Freshner $21.89

Baby Skunk Costume $39.99

Newborn Baby Chili Pepper Costume $26.99