Essential Chic Baby Gear – Tried & Tested by Yours Truly

Car Seats & Strollers

Going for a infant car seat to tag along with a travel system? We suggest the Britax Chaperone ($229) that is compatible with Britax Chaperone strollers. It also features true side impact protection and quick-adjust head restraint harness. The easy-to-install base has easy-t0-read level indicators which are a big help to provide quick reference for the proper angle of recline. The extra-large canopy and fun cowmooflage print is a plus too!

If you need something that last a little longer go for The First Years “True Fit” Premier Rebound ($200) that received five-star “ease of use” government rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Cupcake Mag too! The all new car seat can be used from 5 to 65lbs as your child will be secured in a 5-point harness – which most Safety Advocates recommend – to keep your child in a harness as long as possible, along with rear-facing too. We also love the two-position recline for better installation.

The Britax Blink is our first pick for a on-the-go compact single stroller for any toddler. Check our review for more about the super chic stroller along with our top choice double stroller, Contours Options Tandem.

But, if you plan to get into shape after baby then you MUST invest in the Jeep Overland Limited Edition Jogging Stroller ($220). Plug in your iPod right into the stroller to get you and your babe moving right along. With this jogging stroller you no longer have to worry about not hearing your little one or ear buds falling out. The stroller features Music on the Move parent tray where you can attach your iPod and go! It is a GENIUS idea that we can now, not live without. Repeat: NOT LIVE WITHOUT!

Going up and down hills was a breeze – it felt as if the stroller helps you really maintain good running form. The unique rear disc brakes also make great quick stops. And unlike many big and bulky jogging strollers when you’re done exercising you can easily fold up the stroller in an upright position for compact storage.

High Chairs

Chicco USA provided us with a modern print, Polly Highchair with Double-Pad ($150) – it grows with your child. The seven height positions and three reclining positions add for increased comfort. Your child sits right at the table with you and it has a convenient maneuvering with one-hand seat recline and easy to clean tray removal. We also love the two cushioned seat pads that are super easy to clean with a wipe. Let’s not forget safety with the five-point safety harness and brakes on all wheels – your little one won’t be going anywhere. It is the slimmest fold in its class. Easy to clean, not a space hog, and convenient features make it a must!

If you’re looking to not splurge on a highchair opt for the Serve ‘n Store LX High Chair ($80) from Safety 1^st. With its compact easy to fold ‘n stand frame the high chair offers lounge-style reclining to help feed newborns but also has a 7-poistion height adjustment to grow with your little one. The insert tray, cup holder and dish are all easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

As for a booster seat, we are a big fan of Mutsy. Check out our review here!

Baby Slings

Check out the oh so chic baby sling (Serena & Lily) and carrier (Baby Bjorn) we can’t be without here.

Monitor

You will actually get some sleep but only if you have Summer Infant’s NEW Slim&Secure Hand Color Video Monitor. It is a true peace of mind, day and night, when you have this monitor ($200) to look upon. The small, sleek and stylish design (they even come in pink) has an LCD 2.5” color screen with automatic black and white night vision. It provides a secure and private connection, so don’t worry about hearing your neighbors with the 100% digital technology. Our product testers also couldn’t stop

raving about the added parent convenience features like the flip stand, belt clip, auto time-out feature, ten hour rechargeable battery, LED sound lights and the one-touch video on/off button for nighttime convenience. If you have more than one child, no worries, one monitor can view both cameras with the touch of a button; a perfect way to feel secure and get sleep.

All About Diapers

Our diaper changing station would be quite naked without the Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer and New Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin ($29.99-$39.99).

The wipe warmer ($26) is perfect for your little one’s buns – it takes the chill right out of diaper changing! The Premium Wipes Warmer features the patented Ever-Fresh System to keep baby wipes ever so fresh, moist and free from discoloration. It is molded with an EPA-approved anti-microbial additive to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. It is the best way to keep wipes the freshest for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin.

As for the new (just launched in November) easy-to-use Arm & Hammer diaper pail (you can read more about it here) that is designed to neutralize odors in the nursery through a patented odor-control system with the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at its core – and it gets the job done. The patented self-sealing system and refill bags that you simply snap, seal and toss in the trash – you only need one hand to gently push diapers through the seal – each bag holds up to 25 bags and blows the Diaper Genie away! No more frustrations with trying to get the diapers into the bag. Munchkin’s patented system automatically seals the bag when the lid is closed and keeps it sealed when the lid is reopened. The diaper pail includes three bag refills but you can purchase a 10-pk of refill bags for $5.99-$6.99.

Bath Tub

The Right Height Bath Center ($30) from Summer Infant is one of the most innovative and unique approach to infant bathing – and did we mention convenient? The four-stage growth plan makes bath time not only comfortable for babies but for us moms too! In the first stage, it features a cushioned newborn bath support. Stage two is the addition of a raised infant tub – it lifts the baby closer to you while helping not break your back. The third stage is a toddler tub with a kneeler – perfect for bathing older children easier. And finally, the fourth and final stage is a step stool – which will be around for quite awhile and we are sure you will get plenty of use out of it as it can hold up to 250 pounds.

You could also try the European style bath tub with Spa Baby ($45). It allows baby to sit in a natural upright position, similar to the womb and keeps your baby warm and relaxed in the bath. It is also super easy to use.

Playard

Summer Infant has done it again with The Natures Purest Hug Me Collection. The Complete Comfort Playard ($180) is a full-sized playard that offers all the conveniences for parents. Our favorite part? Eco-chic! It is made from naturally grown and colored cotton – the bassinet, canopy and playard sheet pad. We also love the 3 musical melodies, 2 nature sounds and 1 womb sound complete in the full-size bassinet with embroidered bumper. Another plus is the removable and easy to wash playard sheet along with the changing table and parent assist tray. The easy compact fold makes it easy for on the go travel along with wheels for portability and travel bag.

While some of these things may be luxuries to some (minus the car seat) after trying out and testing many products we fully support these brands and the products they offer. If you are soon to be expecting or if you are – keep all of these MUST HAVES in mind when making your registry and stay tuned for our top picks on more gear, featuring our fave things to keep your little one entertained.

Disclosure: We received the products above from the companies above as part of our review and for product testers. All opinions are solely our own. Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles tested. Baby approved.

etsy chic-mom pick of the week

Spruce up any outfit with this plush felt red rose black & white gingham headband ($12) - perfect for YOU or your chic little fashionista. The roses (clipped on with alligator clips) may be removed so you can wear the headband alone, wear the roses alone or on another headband. It gives you a versatile look for any season.

Like we have said - felt accessories are a MAJOR trend for the upcoming season and right NOW so head over to Sweet Ivy Girl on Etsy. Another favorite in the shop? Check out the rich gold Grosgrain stretch headband ($2.50) and Crimson Red Rosette ($3.50) - the perfect little accessories for your gal.

Don't leave home without BABY SPARE WEAR (GIVEAWAY!)

babysparewear is defined in one word: genius. It is now one of our favorite modern solutions for those pint-sized “fashion emergencies” in our lives; you know we all have many. It is the essential spare outfit for your baby and toddler and is tucked away in the perfect sized ready-to-go travel case that can easily been thrown in your purse or diaper bag. The super cozy cotton separates come in many styles and sizes and you can even build your own spare for your guy or gal.

If we had to pick a fave it would be babysparewear’s most popular fix kit yet – the fashion fix ($52). For those oh so chic moms and their babes - the newly adorned sweet yet modern graphics make the perfect three-piece spare outfit. The kit includes three super-soft, solid dyed heather essentials: a short sleeve tee and pants with the matching heather gray long-sleeve tee that is all packed into a screen printed cordura® nylon travel case with back pocket for spare wipes or diapers. Could it get any better? You might not even want to wait until you have a “fashion emergency” – it is that cute!

babysparewear philosophy (from babysparewear website)

babysparewear® is a line for baby that is all about mom: easy-care fabrics, versatile yet stylish designs, and compact portability for the mom on the go (is there any other kind?) babysparewear® takes an innovative look at modern parenting to create clothing essentials that simplify life and streamline travel with baby. So mom can finally leave the house with at least a few minutes to spare.

*GIVEAWAY* and *DISCOUNT CODE*

Veronica, the creative mind behind babysparewear is giving you a chance to have your very own kit by giving our readers a chance to win a babysparewear gift card for $15! Please visit the website here and pick out which kit you would buy. Become a follower of Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles (which you should be anyway) and post a comment telling us your favorite set. We will select the winner by 6pm (est) on Monday January 18th! Start commenting now and good luck!

For those who can't wait to win you can get shopping now with an exclusive discount code. Use code chicmom to get 15% off your order! Happy Shopping!

The Preppy Poppy -- Personalized Products for Particular People

It was just a few months ago when we were lucky enough to meet Angela Parks (Owner/Designer) and be graced with one of the cutest catch lines ever – Personalized Products for Particular People. When you put two of our favorite things together – preppy + personalized – you get the most adorable online store known as The Preppy Poppy.

The owner herself sent us a sprinkling of her fabulous work and it remains one of our favorite one stop shops for everything from a quick personalized gift (the preppy key fob $8) to something special for your little babe (grosgrain headbands designed by YOU $12).

We just can’t get enough of the TUTU CUTE SETS for your little princess. Full of tulle and ribbons – they are beyond perfect for making her feel special. Just pick out the colors, ribbon and font making it all about her! The Preppy Poppy is all about high quality – it isn’t your average tutu! And let’s not forget the coordinating bow too – it is TUTU cute.

Super chic and essential for all new moms – the tri-fold burp cloth is anything but ordinary. The designer fabric paired with the personalized monogram makes it the ultimate boutique burp cloth ($16). Everyone will be asking where you got it when it is pulled from your diaper bag.

These are just a few things we wanted to share with you from The Preppy Poppy – you need to take a browse around yourself (and shop!) to see the dedicated, passionate, and just to die for work by Angela Parks.

Stay up-to-date with everything Preppy Poppy on Facebook and Twitter!

pediped® Footwear Debuts New Tights and Socks Collection

pediped^® is proud to introduce the new Tights and Socks collection. Available in six adorable styles, the Tights and Socks collection comes in a wide variety of fashionable colors designed to compliment any outfit and all pediped^® footwear.

The Ruffle Pima Cotton Capri is an adorable tight with a ruffle trim. These capri tights ($15) are made with Pima cotton, a superior cotton with a longer thread length that is woven into a softer, denser fabric. Pima cotton is light and comfortable, yet provides unparalleled warmth. The high-quality cotton offers long lasting wear.

Also available in Pima Cotton are Pima Cotton Capri tights and Pima Cotton Tights. Both of these tights have a touch of Lycra^® offering a superb fit. Recommended retail for the capri tights is $9.00, Recommended retail for the full tights is $10.

“We are excited to introduce our new legwear collection designed with the comfort, style and quality for which pediped® is known,” said Angela Edgeworth, pediped® President and Co-Founder. “Like our shoes, our new tights and socks are certain to become wardrobe essentials for everyday wear or to provide that perfect fashionable touch for any outfit.”

Pediped is also joining the effort to go green with Organic Tights ($13) and Socks ($5). The Organic Cotton Tights and Organic Cuff Socks and Organic Ribbed Socks are made from certified organic cotton and manufactured using an environmentally friendly process.

The new pediped® Tights and Socks collection is available now on www.pediped.com.

About pediped^®

pediped^® footwear was launched in 2004 by Angela and Brian Edgeworth in their quest for the perfect soft-soled shoe for their first daughter. Exceptional quality, unsurpassed comfort and distinctive styling have made the award winning company one of the fastest-growing children's footwear brands in the United States. pediped^® footwear is sold in over 2500 stores in the United States and 40 countries worldwide with an offering of more than 120 designs for boys and girls between their two lines, Originals and Flex. Originals (soft-soled shoes for newborns to age 2+) and Flex (rubber-soled shoes for children 1-6 years) are available in EU sizes from 20 to 29. For more information, visit www.pediped.com or call 1-702-567-0311.

Boppy -- A Classic Brand

A few months ago when working on our Chic Mom list of must-haves, we remembered a classic brand we all know and love - Boppy. For those of you who don't know, the Boppy pillow is all about bonding with your babe. We have to agree and it definitely has "been shown to increase bonding between mom and baby and to contribute in many ways to the well-being of the mother." It also is a helping hand because us mommas can never have enough. We are sure you multi-tasking moms can agree.

The Boppy pillow is simply the best. Not only can new moms get the support they need when feeding their infant but it is has been voted the #1 baby product for the past seven years and it has our approval. You can use it so many ways and change the style with many cotton-polyester blended Slipcovers. It is perfect for all those feedings and makes you and your babe comfortable. The Boppy pillow ($35) is also perfect for the baby while lying, playing and learning to sit. All the Boppy pillows have the Miracle Middle so they won't outgrow it right away with the stretch panel to fit all size waists. You can buy the Boppy Pillow and Coordinating Slipcovers at Babies “R” Us. We love THIS one!

The newborn lounger is newer to the brand but moms can’t stop raving. This is the only support pillow that is uniquely designed for newborns and preemies. All of our moms who gave it a try couldn’t believe how content their little bundle of joy was as they lounged safely keeping mom’s hands free. Like the Boppy pillow, the cotton soft slipcover removes easily for a change in color (additional slipcovers sold separately) and frequent washings. Available for a little under $27 (what a steal!) from Amazon.

Another favorite is the Cradle in Comfort Bouncer ($54.99) from the Boppy Flower Festival Collection available exclusively at Target. It is one of the softest fabrics a bouncy chair has featured for your little one to rest on. We love the removable infant bolster that supports even the smallest newborns. Another great feature is the adjustable settings that allow you to set the bouncer to recline in a locked bassinet position or a bouncing position. Two plush toys are included along with music and vibration for your guy or gal to kick too.

The play mat is also a great find which features a soft mat in the shape of a garden leaf for hours of fun. We love the mini Boppy pillow that is included, to cradle baby for tummy time fun while being comfortable and supported. You also can attach toys to the pillow or pad via the six links included. It does come with a plush dragonfly with crinkle wings, water-filled teether and plastic ring rattle to keep them busy. It is available for purchase at Babies “R” Us.

Want to check out the other products and learn more about Boppy? Make sure to stop by the Boppy website.

essential chic- mom needs inside your hospital bag

Why we can't tell you everything you may need, here are a few essentials we just can't let you leave off your list when packing the hospital bag - for both you and babe - minus registration papers, insurance card and all that boring stuff.

For the chic-momma we suggest packing at least 2 to 3 dear johnnies hospital gowns (we love the fashion- forward ava print!) to make you feel comfortable, stylish and beautiful – hey, ya gotta look good in those first pics right?! You will feel totally safe and secure in the feel better hospital gown. Throw on a headband (we love this one) and make sure you have a hair tie to complete the chic momma hospital look – at least you will look glam through the drama & pain. During labor make sure you have your EOS Lip Balm for those chapped lips. It will add a little labor & delivery glow and keep your lips feeling healthy, and it’s 100% natural!

Make sure you also pack a bathrobe, slippers and socks for that ick of a hospital floor along with a brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo, if you’re lucky enough to grab a shower. Also, don’t forget loungewear for the trip home and a nursing bra that is one size large than your normal size.

Moving on to the reason we are at the hospital – the babe. For those expecting a girl, here is the perfect hospital hat! A boy? We love this hat from Etsy!

Make sure to pack the perfect first blankie (celeb fave!) - Little Giraffe Spotted Luxe Blanket, along with Trumpette Socks, and his/her very first lovey from Bundled – and don’t forget the newborn sized “first day home” statement outfit.

Pack it all up in your Timi & Leslie Le Petit Voyage Overnight bag. It has all the great features of a well organized diaper bag with a chic designer hand bag appearance. Both you and babe will look stylish going to and from the hospital. Even better, they are on sale now here.