Parent-friendly Products

BornCute.com


An online resource for parents created by parents.

If you’re looking for the world’s best toy, kid product and gift ideas all in one place, look no further than BornCute.com. Owner/Editor Daniel Chabert and his team of writer parents are dedicated to helping Moms and Dads find the best, most suitable and safe products that help with their children’s learning and development. That’s why they say BornCute.com is “The World’s #1 Resource for the Best Kids Toys and Gift Ideas.”

A participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, the California-based company offers a plethora of resources to help parents make the right decisions when it comes to finding, buying and using appropriate toys and playthings that help kids develop into strong human beings. From lists of toys organized by age, girls, boys, type and best sellers to toy reviews, excellent blog articles on related topics to awards for Best Kid Focused Blogs (CRT is one of them!) – parents can find stuff that helps their children develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally through play.

Sign up on the mailing list for the latest toys, gift ideas and special offers. Enter monthly giveaways! If you’re a parent and would like to write for BornCute.com, click here for more information.

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Lil’ Sidekick


Designed by a mom on a mission to create a safe, easy-to-clean and extremely versatile solution that finally eliminates the drop game.

Amy is the inventor of Lil’ Sidekick, a multi-functional tether for sippy cups, spoons, toys and just about anything. “Four years ago I became a mom, and six months into it, I realized I had a huge problem,” Amy says on her website. “My adorable son Jaxen was a habitual chucker! He threw everything within seconds of giving it to him, and always in the dirtiest places.”

Amy tries everything on the market to help keep Jaxen’s stuff from getting thrown about and filthy – until she goes one a “mommy mission” to design something that was safe, versatile and easy-to-clean.

Made in the USA

Lil’ Sidekick is not your ordinary tether. It is packed with innovative and useful features such as a built in teether, patented break away points for added safety and is not easily undone by a child. “I designed it to be extremely versatile so it can adjust to secure any item, from a small crayon to a large stuffed animal,” Amy says. Lil’ Sidekick also secures to anything -a stroller, car seat, baby carrier, high chair, grocery cart- unlike limited-use competitors.

The Lil’ Sidekick tether is made of a safe, durable and FDA-approved material in the USA. It’s dishwasher safe and very easy to clean.  Additional benefits are that Lil’ Sidekick is designed for safety and effectiveness. The sophisticated universal design not only makes Lil’ Sidekick a high-quality, effective solution that eliminates the “Drop Game,” it can be used by all ages for a bike, in a purse, on luggage or by those with special needs and in hospitals.

Mommas Baby


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Ivy Norton is a mother of three who knows how difficult and expensive it is to raise babies. While she doesn’t help you watch and care for your children, she can advise you on the best baby products you should consider purchasing.

“I started Mommas Baby to help other parents find deals, provide parenting tips and review some the new products coming out,” Ivy says. “Having wasted so much money myself with inferior products, I’m here to help you save money and buy only the best.”

The Los Angeles, California-based Mom conducts product reviews, writes how-to articles and finds deals on merchandise. First time moms can especially find Mommas Baby useful, although plenty of fresh, up-to-date guides for experienced parents are available as well.

A few recent entries include:

Ivy’s been reviewing the best baby products since 2012, so check out Mommas Baby.

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MAM


Standard setting baby products 

Since MAM developed its first pacifier in Vienna in 1976, it has evolved to become a world leader in innovating and developing top quality baby care products for nearly 40 years. The company combines technological innovation, medical function and contemporary design to develop superior baby care products such as award-winning pacifiers, bottles, cups, teethers, oral care items and coordinating accessories that support a baby’s development from day one. Today, all MAM products are 100% baby safe: BPA-free, PVC-free, lead-free and CPSIA-compliant; and are used by families in over 60 countries and on five continents.

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MAM recently joined forces with the United Nations Foundation’s Shot@Life Campaign, matching all gifts made to Shot@Life up to $25,000 during this year’s #GivingTuesday, which began on December 1. The Shot@Life campaign is rallying to support for polio immunizations around the globe. Polio, a disease that once crippled hundreds of thousands of children each year, is now 99% eradicated and only remains endemic in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

“Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere so we must remain diligent in our efforts to combat this horribly disabling disease,” says Devi Thomas, Director, Shot@Life campaign. “With support from MAM we hope to raise funding and awareness for polio so we can put an end to this disease for good.”

Last year, MAM helped support Shot@Life’s efforts to provide thousands of pneumonia vaccines to children in developing countries during the #GivingTuesday campaign.

“For nearly 40 years, MAM has created products that promote the healthy development of babies,” says Isaac Cohen, Vice President of Marketing. “Our partnership with Shot@Life will enable us to further support our mission and reach more children across the globe.”

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Still Time to Support Shot@Life

All gifts made to Shot@Life from December 1 through the end of 2015 will go to support ending polio globally.

In addition to its $25,000 matching contribution, MAM has created a line of Shot@Life branded pacifiers. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the limited edition pacifier sales will benefit Shot@Life.

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Jennifer Mitchell in as CEO

MAM recently promoted Jennifer Mitchell to the position of Chief Executive Officer for North America effective January 1, 2016.  Mitchell currently holds the position of V.P. of Sales for MAM North America and will succeed current CEO Fritz Hirsch who is retiring.  Hirsch will continue to act as an advisor to the company.

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LÍLLÉbaby & The Guncles


A new baby carrier that celebrates adoption – Benefits the Independent Adoption Center

Popular baby carrier maker LÍLLÉbaby and The Guncles (aka Bill Horn and Scout Masterson) are collaborating on an original, new, limited-edition baby and doll carrier to celebrate adoption. The bold geometric print is available now on LILLEbaby.com and Amazon.com. A portion of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the Independent Adoption Center (IAC), a national non-profit adoption agency.

Who are The Guncles®?

100715_CRTPost_LILLEbaby The Guncles doll carrier Simone2For six seasons, millions tuned into reality TV’s Tori & Dean and saw the couple’s good friends who became known as The Guncles (the words gay + uncles combined) to their kids. Throughout the years, fans tuned in to be a part of Bill Horn and Scout Masterson’s commitment ceremony as well as their efforts to adopt a child of their own. In 2010, with the help of IAC, daughter Simone Lynn became part of the family, which grew again in 2014 with the addition of son Bosley Jo.

100715_CRTPost_LILLEbaby The Guncles All Seasons Bosley“When our friends at LÍLLÉbaby suggested we create our own custom print to be featured on their popular carriers, we knew we wanted to design a bold, geometric print that was cheerful, sophisticated, and unique,” The Guncles say. “We are proud to be able to use this project to benefit a charity near-and-dear to our hearts – the Independent Adoption Center.”

With a fresh box of crayons and a blank sheet of paper, The Guncles created the colorful print by hand, an expression of the joy and love that adoption has brought into their lives.

“We are excited to announce this beautiful new collection and love this bold, one-of-a-kind print created by Bill and Scout,” LÍLLÉbaby President Lisbeth Lehan says. “We followed their adoption process last year, and it feels very special to be able to assist them in giving back to the organization that made their family.”

Benefits of Babywearing

100715_CRTPost_LILLEbaby The Guncles Airflow

“Wearing your baby is an amazing experience that serves you and your baby in so many ways,” Lisbeth says. “There are many benefits of babywearing, not the least of which is that it promotes bonding and attachment. Many social workers recommend babywearing as an effective way for new adoptive parents and children to bond. LÍLLÉbaby is thrilled to be a part of that essential bonding process and further support it through this collaboration.”

100715_CRTPost_LILLEbaby The Guncles Airflow Product ShotAll proceeds that The Guncles earn from the sale of this limited edition run of LÍLLÉbaby carriers will be donated to the IAC and LÍLLÉbaby is matching their donation. IAC plans to use the donations to assist adoptive parents with above expected or anticipated expenses, such as legal and medical fees.

“What a great and creative way for Bill and Scout to pay-it-forward to other adoptive parents with the help of LÍLLÉbaby’s wonderful products,” says Ann Wrixon, IAC Executive Director.

IAC is the largest open adoption agency in the country, facilitating adoptions in 49 states, and fully licensed with offices in California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Since opening in 1982, the IAC has successfully placed over 4,000 newborns with families in the United States. “The IAC is so grateful for their generosity.”

Good news for fans, too – The Guncles are currently in development on their own reality TV show.

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Baby K’tan


Newly expanded product line. Smart and simple parenting solutions.

052015_BabyKtan_03Founded in 2007 by two families, each raising a child with special needs in addition to two other children, the Chesals and the Wernicks developed a special line of baby wraps that help parents carry their children in a loving, nourishing way.

Baby K’tan products combine style, ease of use and comfort, providing families with high quality baby gear and accessories designed to help promote the natural bond between parent and baby.

Slips on like a t-shirt. The Florida-based company’s innovative “ready to wear” wrap uses a unique double-loop design that functions as an all-in-one sling, wrap and baby carrier, yet does not require any wrapping or buckling. Sized like clothing for the perfect fit (XS, S, M, L, XL) and can be used to carry children from eight to 35 pounds in multiple positions. Learn how to slip one on in three simple steps.

Baby K’tan recently launched several other products, including a diaper bag and the “K’tan Cloth” this year.

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Full Circle


The Hydration Collection includes five environmentally responsible and innovative water bottles.

Full Circle is a brand that “balances style, function, sustainability and affordability in every single product.”  The company creates green products for the home made with eco-friendly materials and a fair amount of panache, too.

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_BthechangeFull Circle is a Certified B Corporation, one of over 750 from more than 60 industries in 27 countries that uses its muscle to solve social and environmental problems. The goal is to redefine success in business.

Full Circle makes products for cleaning, wiping, sweeping, scrubbing and drinking that not only get the job done, they’re stylish, functional products made from sustainable and renewable resources.

Which can only be great for families and their homes, yes?

Drink Up

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_WaterCucumberI especially like the Wherever Water Cucumber water bottle that “turns any cucumber into beautiful green spirals that deliciously infuse your water with subtle flavor,” and the

031115_CRTPost_FullCircle_WaterLemonWherever Water Lemon water bottle, equipped with a built-in lemon reamer to easily add lemon essence to your drink.

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Cricket’s Circle


A baby registry with interactive, hand-holding features for new parents.

022515_CRTPost_CricketsCircle_CLogo - CopyIn less than a year since its launch, Rachel Blumenthal, founder and CEO of Cricket’s Circle, is living up to her promise of simplifying the baby registry process for parents-to-be by combining a holistic, interactive registry with personalized content.

“We created Cricket’s Circle to give every expectant and new parent their own ‘Cricket,’ a one-stop shoppable resource for trusted product recommendations and helpful advice.”

In January, Cricket’s Circle expanded to eCommerce, launching its baby registry service. The company researches and tests products, and then –along with parent-knowledge-narrows down the vast array of baby products to three recommendations per category, all in an effort to make shopping easier for parents. They even partner with retailers to get the top baby and toddler items into one registry and shopping cart. What’s more, Cricket’s Circle’s blog is fully shop-able, too.

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Earlier in her career, Rachel worked for Yves Saint Laurent, jeweler brand Rachel Leigh and eyewear company Warby Parker, which is cofounded by her husband Neil –as well as having her their son, Griffin, before creating Cricket’s Circle. As a new mom and entrepreneur, Rachel is in the business of giving and receiving advice – she welcomes yours, too, at rachel@cricketscircle.com or share your comments on social.

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Hatch Things


070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_logoSimple solutions for smart parents.

A city-dwelling Mom to three boys –and an industrial designer to boot- Sonjie Feliciano Solomon founded Brooklyn, NY-based Hatch Things so she could focus her design skills on kids and the stuff that surrounds them. Speaking of designing smart, modern products for urban parents, Hatch Things recently introduced two products to the market:

SureShop™ is a reusable shopping bag with a patent pending design that that won’t let your stroller fall over. It redistributes weight towards the stroller’s center of gravity to keep it standing upright. The bag clips to umbrella strollers, most single handlebar strollers, shopping carts, chair backs, bike handles and more – plus it holds up to 10 pounds on each side. Watch a video:

070914_CRTPost_HatchThings_ColdsnapColdSnap™ is a coat extender that uses body heat and an optional thermal insert to keep mom and baby warm and dry. The patent-pending, waterproof, draft-proof design clips to the edges of your coat and wraps around either your baby bump (when coats don’t fit anymore) or your new little one. It also comes with a reversible hood, so baby can face inward or outward. Plus, I love the name!

HatchThings got ink! “Since we introduced SureShop in October at ABC Kids, the response has been very positive and momentum is building,” Sonjie tells me. “It has been featured as a great problem-solving product  in many online and print magazines including Real Simple, Pregnancy & Newborn, Apartment Therapy, All You Magazine, Stroller Traffic, A-List Moms and MomTrends.” And now, Children’s Retail Today!

The Honest Company


111413_HonestCompany_logoWhat you may notice first about The Honest Company is that celebrity mom and actress Jessica Alba is the founder.

When I became a mom, I finally became the person I am, that I always should have been. It’s the most satisfying job in the world. But, it can also be overwhelming and confusing. I created The Honest Company to help moms and to give all children a better, safer start.

Compassionate Collaboration. What you may not realize is Jessica’s co-founder and chief product officer is Christopher Gavigan, father of three and former CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World (a national nonprofit empowering parents to protect their children from toxic risks), author of a best-selling book and instrumental in educating people through a collaboration with WebMD.

The two make diapers, wipes and baby products, bath and body essentials, cleaning products and vitamins for babies and homes that are effective, safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient and affordable. Not to mention good for babies and families alike. HONEST!

111413_HonestCompany_productsBundled for Brilliance. The growing product line is also available in groupings or bundles, where the merchandise can be customized, personalized and shipped anywhere. The company also makes things such as free trials, shopping incentives –oh yes and bundle savings- available to its growing list of customers, too.

Healthy, Happy Homes. The Honest Company strives to offer its customers the safest products, the best service and the most useful tools that help create healthier, happier homes. It’s a one-stop-shop for parents to give a better future, not only to their own children, but to kids all over the globe. How? The Honest Company gives back by donating product, money and time to finding solutions for health and social issues affecting children and families.