THE
BOOK
by NCW Magazine TM
2016
THE
BOOK
by NCW Magazine TM
The
MODERN REGISTRY MUST-HAVES Editor in Chief Barbara Manconi Editors Garrett Smith Ariane Moore Copy Editor Joelle Shelton Graphic Design Stefano Vignati Publisher Green Steps Media LLC
2016 Š All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. www.ncwmagazine.com ON THE COVER: Photo courtesy of Nesta’s Nest
NOT JUST ANOTHER REGISTRY GUIDE
I
f you are reading this book, you probably are expecting a baby, or just had one, or happen to visit a friend who did. Or maybe you just noticed it on someone’s coffee table and couldn’t resist from picking it up because it looks so darn cute…but be warned, you may suddenly feel the urge to have your own baby after you are through. This is NCW Magazine annual curated list of must-haves where parents and parents-to-be can find uncommon, one-of-akind products for the whole family and feel good about them. In our magazine, the editors tell the story. In this book, the products do. Each item is something that has been carefully selected. Like you and your family, the products in this book have their own story to tell. Maybe the materials used are vintage, up cycled or recycled. Sometimes it is the process by which something is created and built that is sustainable and gentle on the environment. Other times, companies have a social consciousness deeply embedded in their culture. Oftentimes, it is all of these things. We invite you to discover their story. Barbara Manconi
BUGABOO
JOGGING WITHOUT COMPROMISES
The new Bugaboo Runner is Bugaboo’s version of a jogging stroller rooted in performance, design and uncompromising function, as well as extending the value of the existing portfolio of strollers for the users. The Bugaboo Runner is a separate chassis designed purely for running that works with every current Bugaboo stroller model. Simply click any Bugaboo stroller seat onto the chassis with a set of adapters for a high-performance jogging option for parents designed to allow children to enjoy the comfort of the Bugaboo stroller seat they already love. WHY WE LOVE THEM You don’t have to be a supermodel to feel glamorous pushing the new Bugaboo Runner stroller. Its sleek, smart and sophisticated design, coupled with the name “Bugaboo” makes it one of the most stylish jogging strollers on the market. Its smooth run and smart design ensures both you and your child enjoy the ride.
www.bugaboo.com
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HUSHAMOK
HUSHAMOK
JOIN THE DREAMERS CLUB Mark and Julie Soboil founded Hushamok in 2008 after the birth of their first child, when a friend recommended a traditional baby hammock. The baby hammock worked wonders in soothing their little Lucas, who unfortunately was not a perfect baby. They loved the concept of this 1000-year-old invention, but they felt it needed a big update. With Mark and Julie’s background in Environmental Sciences, and interest in eco-friendly and organic materials, their journey to design modern baby furniture began. A year later Hushamok began selling its inaugural product, the Hushamok baby hammock. The couple and their team are immensely proud and committed to their creations. While Hushamok baby hammocks offer babies the best in sleep, MySeat is ideal for a child’s early development. Why We Love Them Needless to say, we love their aesthetic, but moreover, we love their sustainable philosophy and functionality. A perfect example is MySeat, which grows with your baby. Babies 12 weeks up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds can use MySeat (WOW, did you know that’s the equivalent of a 7 year old child?).
www.hushamok.com
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NATUREPEDIC
THE ULTIMATE SLEEP EXPERIENCE The health and good night’s rest of your child should not be negotiable. In order to get that important full night of sleep, a baby must feel safe, comfortable, and secure. Naturepedic meets these needs with their safe and natural crib mattresses, made with 100% independently certified organic cotton fabric and filling. They are safe not only because they are flame retardant and waterproof, but because of the materials used (and not used) to make them that way. Naturepedic mattresses meet governmental flammability standards without flame retardant chemicals or flame barriers and they are waterproofed with food grade polyethylene. Why We Love Them Naturepedic creates the ultimate sleep experience the natural way. There is no polyurethane foam, vinyl, PFCs, latex, wool or any other known harsh chemicals or baby allergens. The seamless covers double as bed bug and dust mite barriers too. Only the best materials are used to give your baby the best sleep and even better dreams.
www.naturepedic.com
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LULUJO
BLACK IS THE NEW SWADDLE
This exciting line of bamboo swaddles is on trend with styling your baby in black and white. Simple yet forward designs to satisfy the palette of those who prefer modern over traditional. Made with bamboo sourced rayon they are generous in size 120 cm x 120 cm (47 � x 47�), versatile and durable yet lightweight. Babies love the silky soft texture and moms love the versatility and range of uses. Not only used for swaddling, these wraps can also be used as a blanket, a nursing cover, a portable crib sheet, a change mat, a stroller cover, and more. WHY WE LOVE THEM We are crazy about the new Modern Collection: stylish, lightweight, versatile; we particularly love its bold statement (black patterns) and the gender neutral design. A refreshing new look from the traditional pastels.
www.lulujo.com
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MARPAC
SERIOUS SLEEP FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Here is a phrase that you will never here come out of a parent’s mouth, “I slept great last night.” Sleeping well through the night is vital for our bodies, as well as our baby’s bodies. There is no perfect remedy to solidifying 8 hours of great sleep for parents, but there is the Dohm sound machine. Dohm creates the soothing sound of rushing air naturally, with no digital loops or recordings. Its unique sound lulls baby to sleep, and its noise-buffering functionality means neighbors outside, parents watching TV, or siblings playing in the next room won’t disturb baby. Adjustable tone and volume make it possible to create the perfect sound environment - especially helpful for the nap and bedtime needs of newborns, toddlers, and children. WHY WE LOVE THEM You won’t just love how well your baby sleeps… you’ll love how YOU sleep, how you feel, and how you live. Plus, its compact size makes it portable for any occasion.
www.marpac.com
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DOONA
THE NEXT GENERATION CAR SEAT‌OR SHOULD WE SAY STROLLER?
The Doona convertible car seat system is the answer to every parent’s prayers. Doona was designed to provide parents with a safe and practical way to travel with baby, both in and out of the car. With the push of a button, Doona goes from car seat to stroller. No more carrying the car seat on your arm and gone are the stressed filled moments of spending 10 minutes to unpack and pack your baby from your car. WHY WE LOVE THEM It is intuitive, sleek, sophisticated, but so practical. It is the only infant car seat with a built in mobility system. We also love how much extra space Doona frees up in the trunk of your car where you would typically store a stroller. www.simpleparenting.com
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BAMBO NATURE
www.bambonatureusa.com
A Healthy LifestYle starts with you Your child will spend three years of his life wearing diapers. For over three decades Bambo Nature has taken every measure to bring you a premium baby diaper that is gentle, soft, and made of 100% sustainable materials. Bambo Nature has earned more credentials, awards, and eco-labels than any other diaper on the market. While other brands are busy making claims, they are busy substantiating their diapers’ premium quality with concrete proof. The European Nordic Swan Eco-label in particular is one of the strictest labels to achieve. WHY WE LOVE THEM With so many challenging decisions parents have to make, choosing the right diapers shouldn’t be one of them. Bambo Nature’s rigorous certifications are only the beginning. We tried them and we named them the “no rash diaper”, they are super soft, and they last the whole night. Really the best eco-disposable we have tried so far, actually the best disposable.
Use code NCW30 at www.bambonatureusa.com for 30% off first purchase
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SIMPLE PARENTING HYLAND’S BABY
Good Comprehensive Care Moms Trust
Moms have turned to Hyland’s for over a century. A baby’s first year can be rough. And for firsttime parents —things can feel especially tough! Hyland’s Baby is there to help. From soothing coughs to calming fussy babies, they are doing what they have done best for over a century. Their homeopathic formulas deliver medicine that’s safe, natural and effective* and contain no artificial flavors, dyes or parabens. Why We Love Them We love Hyland’s homeopathic baby products because there are no harmful chemicals, or strong medicines; just 100% natural goodness. For every cough, cold, pain your child is going through, Hyland’s provides a solution. *The uses for their products are based on traditional homeopathic practice. They have not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration.
www.hylandsbaby.com
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NESTA’S NEST
A BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINABLE NEST
This beautiful bed comes all the way from Berlin. The designer was inspired to find a safe, natural, sustainable bed that would fit her New York City nest. There was nothing that met her requirements, so she decided to create her own solution. What followed her idea was beauty, delicacy, durability, and sustainability. This “nest” is a one-of-akind piece that is made from 100% wool felt and eco-certified wood. It will truly make for a happy nest for Mom and her baby. WHY WE LOVE THEM Dedicated to remain regional and sustainable, Nesta’s Nest is produced only in limited supply to ensure the highest standards, quality of materials as well as its sustainability. This is a truly one-of-a-kind piece and we are happy to say that you can find it exclusively in our SHOP by Natural Child World.
shop.naturalchildworld.com
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MRMARIA
LIGHT UP THE STARS
Mr Maria is a Dutch design studio whose dedication to the virtue of innocence, as well as to quality and sustainability makes it an innovative source for fun, modern designs for children of all ages. Their pre-made and customizable lampshades project artistic contemporary design to fuel of children’s imagination and provide them with a safe and warm environment. Why We Love Them The Mr Maria modern collection of youthful and earth-friendly designer lamps will be a fun and unique addition to any child’s room. The lamps are LED powered, providing an energy efficient, long lasting, and safe source of lighting. All lampshade creations are made out of durable and recyclable polyethylene and come equipped with a dimmer, so you and your children can create whichever ambience is most desired to make them feel safe and happy.
shop.naturalchildworld.com
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Spot on square
FUNCTIONAL MEETS BEAUTIFUL Spot On Square constantly pushes the boundaries and expectations of what a modern nursery can be. Designing for today’s modern family, Spot On Square strives to develop goods that compliment a modern, eco lifestyle and can be easily transitioned throughout your home. Families grow and your Spot On Square furniture is made to grow with them and look good doing it. WHY WE LOVE THEM Spot On Square is one of the first to have made sustainable, eco-friendly and innovative materials and processes a priority in the nursery. But they get our vote mostly because they were able to combine strict safety and eco-friendly standards without compromising the taste for a modern aesthetic.
www.spotonsquare.com
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STOKKE
A CLASSIC THAT KEEPS INSPIRING
The iconic Tripp Trapp chair was the first high chair of it’s kind designed by Peter Opsvik in 1972. Made of solid European beech wood, it’s intelligent design grows with your child, providing a comfortable, ergonomic seat at any age. It’s made to fit right up to your dining table to bring your baby into the heart of your family, allowing your little boy or girl to eat, learn, play and develop alongside you. WHY WE LOVE THEM Rarely we see in the baby industry a product that stands the test of time to the point of becoming an icon. This is what the Tripp Trapp is: an iconic design piece that will make a statement in any modern home.
www.stokke.com
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ROOM & BOARD
CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN MADE
For more than 30 years, Room & Board has helped people create beautiful homes by offering modern designs handcrafted by artisans. When you invest in timeless design, American-made quality and sustainable materials, you’re shopping in a way that reflects your values. More than 90 percent of their assortment is made by American craftspeople—woodworkers, weavers, printmakers, metalworkers and artists in communities across the United States. These long-standing partnerships result in a collection of exclusive furniture and accessories that are truly unique. By working directly with the people who make their products, Room & Board is able to offer great value at a great price. Why We Love Them Room & Board’s furniture isn’t made to match. It’s designed to mix—so you can create a personal space that works for your family, now and into the future. Whether you’re looking for a crib for your new arrival or a sectional that can host a crowd for movie night, your home should look and feel the way you want it to, without compromise. www.roomandboard.com
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CRANE
DESIGN FOR BETTER LIVING
Crane USA was founded in 2005 on the belief that design is an attitude and the home is a personal expression of an individual’s lifestyle. We also realize that more than ever before people are looking to improve their health and their home environment. Crane’s Iconic Drop Humidifiers use Ultrasonic technology to deliver a soothing Cool Mist, providing relief from dryness while using less energy than a standard household light bulb. WHY WE LOVE THEM Crane USA products are functional and efficient at fulfilling your home improvement needs while communicating an appreciation for elegant design. They succeeded at adding the fun in an otherwise not-so-exciting industry.
www.crane-usa.com
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TEMP TRAQ
TOO HOT NOT TO HAVE IT! TempTraq is the first and only 24-hour intelligent thermometer that continuously senses, records, and sends alerts of a child’s temperature to your mobile device. Soft, thin and flexible, the patch is comfortable to wear and easy to remove. A true peace of mind for any parent!
WHY WE LOVE THEM Seriously, this answers every parent’s prayers. Imagine monitoring your child’s temperature from the next room, allowing him to sleep soundly. You can even monitor multiple children at the same time on the same device. What’s not to like? www.temptraq.com
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PUJ
BATH TIME JUST GOT EASIER
The Puj Tub is the easiest bath tub ever! Designed by husband/wife team Ben and Katie Richardson, the Puj Tub is made from a soft foam that folds and conforms to almost any sink. The unique shape cradles and protects the baby during bath time allows it to hang or store the tub flat anywhere you would like...even on the back of your door and out of sight! WHY WE LOVE THEM This bath tub is so soft, cradles the baby’s little body so well, and it is extremely flexible and light. If you have back problems, this tub will enable you to stand straight without having to lean forward, a big plus for us. .
www.puj.com
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WELEDA
BORROW IT FROM BABY The Weleda Baby line is a carefully formulated selection of Calendula and White Mallow Baby Care products ideal for the care of the delicate skin of your baby and child. Unlike mineral oils, plant-based oils nourish and protect without clogging pores or making it difficult for your baby’s skin to absorb moisture and oxygen. Organic and wild-crafted Calendula extract or White Mallow inside each product render your baby’s skin soft and smooth, wrapping your child in a layer of warmth and protection, like a loving hug. WHY WE LOVE THEM We love their scents but what sold us is the fact that all of their products are so gentle that they can be used since the first day of baby’s life. Great for any skin type, especially for those prone to eczema. Check out also the natural care for mommy to help you relax, unwind and replenish.
www.weleda.com
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4MOMS
IT MOVES LIKE YOU DO
The 4 moms mamaRoo comes with everything a 21st century parent could ask for. It is the first-ever, app-controlled infant seat. The Bluetooth-enabled seat allows parents to control its five unique motions, speeds and sounds from a compatible smart device. It’s the only seat that bounces up and down and sways from side to side just like parents do when comforting their infants. The seat also reclines to any position maximizing your baby’s comfort, making it ideal for babies who need to be held all the times. Why we love THEM The mamaRoo is a savior for all those parents who aren’t getting any sleep. It was intuitively designed to recreate the most affective motions for putting a baby to sleep. We love that it comes with a bluetooth capability to stream music and of course we are in love with their sleek and modern design that fits any home. This is a MUST-HAVE for new parents.
www.4moms.com
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BABY K’TAN
A WRAP WITHOUT ALL THE WRAPPING
The award-winning Baby K’tan® ORIGINAL Baby Carrier is an innovative blend of a sling, wrap and carrier, providing the positions and benefits of all three. Made of 100% soft natural cotton, the Baby K’tan Baby Carrier is free of harmful chemicals, formaldehydes, dyes, and hardware. Sized like clothing for the perfect fit, the Baby K’tan ORIGINAL Baby Carrier slips on easily over a t-shirt to comfortably carry newborns and up (8-35 lbs.). Its unique double-loop design is lightweight and compact like a sling, yet supportive like a structured carrier. Why We Love THEM When it comes to versatile slings, it is difficult to find anything else that can compete with the Baby K’tan’s ORIGINAL Baby Carrier. Offering multiple positions without the need for wrapping or buckling, the carrier provides security for carrying baby and privacy for mom while nursing. After struggling with fabric a mile long and complicated how-to videos with other wraps, the simplicity of the K’tan brought to us a welcome sigh of relief. www.babyktan.com
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PURA STAINLESS
A BOTTLE THAT GROWS WITH YOUR CHILD
Pura was conceived with a simple notion… to provide the safest and most adaptable juvenile feeding solutions to parents around the world. Currently they offer the only 100% plastic free infant and toddler bottles in the world. Their bottles are crafted from only food grade stainless steel and medical grade silicone with no BPA, EA, or other toxins; only the safest materials for your precious-ones. WHY WE LOVE THEM Pura’s bottles feature a modern shape, beautiful European inspired colors and modular design. The modular design functions seamlessly with Pura silicone infant nipples, sippy spouts, straws, and the new silicone Big Mouth™ sport top. The same bottle purchased for an infant will go with them to preschool, elementary school and beyond, another way to eliminate waste and give thanks to Mother Earth. www.purastainless.com
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PACIFIC BABY
THE BAMBOO REVOLUTION Pacific Baby is committed to bringing safe, healthy, environmentally sustainable, innovative and practical new baby products to market using only sustainable and recyclable materials. Their comprehensive range of all natural, plastic-free anti-bacterial/microbial plates, bowls and utensils are made primarily from natural bamboo flour, with some rice and wheat husk, corn starch and food-grade color pigments. They are completely plastic-free, healthier, biodegradable, durable and machine washable. WHY WE LOVE THEM 80% hand-made, no two items are exactly alike, they have a roughly hewn consistency and natural texture that parents and babies love.
www.pacificbabyworld.com
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The Honest Company, led by mom and celebrity Jessica Alba, doesn’t need introductions anymore. However this leading healthy lifestyle brand, makes our Must Haves list every year for their commitment to creating products that are effective, safe, delightful, accessible and responsible. In pursuit of its mission to empower people to live a healthy and happy life, The Honest Company’s portfolio of 100+ products addresses the ever-growing category needs of baby, personal care, home care, vitamins & supplements and gear. WHY WE LOVE THEM They keep growing and innovating, adding new products and expanding the awareness about he importance of using healthier alternatives for the family. Their clean and minimalistic design is just an added bonus.
HONEST
IT DOESN’T BELONG JUST TO THE NURSERY
www.honest.com
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GELEEO
REDEFINING COOL Geleeo is a stroller cooling gel liner created for parents by a parent, Helene Xu, to prevent children from overheating in their strollers. As a mom of a toddler, she became distressed seeing her sweaty toddler in the stroller. After a long searching for a solution, she found none and invented her own. Step up to this stroller liner that’s filled with hydrogel designed to dissipate body heat without needing to be chilled. It fits all toddler strollers with detachable straps and is reversible with four color combinations (tan, blue, pink and gray). WHY WE LOVE THEM Geleeo’s award-winning design allows for constant gentle cooling without the need of battery or prior refrigeration. It’s such a simple, effective, and green way to cool off your kids outdoor. There’s only one flaw: it doesn’t come in an adult size for your beach chair.
www.geleeo.com
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DAILY CONCEPTS
YOUR BABY’S FIRST SPONGE SHOULD BE AS PURE AS HE IS
Daily Concepts’s range of scrubbers and sponges is modern, fun, smart and functional. They have a product for every member of the family, every skin type and shower experience . Daily Concepts Konjac sponges are made of a Japanese jelly-like potato that is naturally hypoallergenic and delicate, especially on baby’s skin. And you would not want anything else on it. WHY WE LOVE THEM Daily Concepts’ ambition is to change the world…one shower at a time! They have elevated the showering experience to a whole new level of quality and performance. Plus every scrubber comes with a patent pending fading label that lets you know when to replace your scrubber, so that you avoid growing colonies of germs in your shower. www.dailyconcepts.com
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NATRACARE
FUTURE THINKING Twenty five years ago, Susie Hewson realized that she was seriously concerned about the crude oil plastics, chlorine bleaches, synthetics and chemicals persistently being used to make feminine hygiene products. The effect these materials have on women’s health and the environmental devastation caused by the production of the raw materials and post-consumer disposal, meant that for her, doing something about the situation was the driving force which led her to develop the organic and natural Natracare products. As an environmentalist, in designing the tampons, pads and wipes, the solutions had to be both healthier for women and children and have a soft footprint on the Earth Why We Love Them Natracare stands for more than just organic and natural products. It is an award winning, ethical company committed to offering organic and natural solutions for personal health care, which leaves a soft footprint on the Earth out of respect for all that follows. Independent, scientific lifecycle analysis proves that award-winning Natracare can substantiate all of its green claims so you can feel good about using their products.
www.natracare.com
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BETTER LIFE
Safer for the Mess Makers (Not the Mess) With every spray, pour, and pump, Better Life proves that the most powerful cleaners can be safe for kids, pets, and the planet. In 2007, lifelong friends Tim Barklage and Kevin Tibbs were watching their kiddos crawl across the floor. As their toddlers’ tiny hands picked up dust, dirt, and potentially dangerous cleaning residue, the concerned dads had a classic lightbulb moment. What if cleaning products could cut through grease, grime, and dirt without compromising on safety? Tim, always the optimist, challenged Kevin, an innovative formulation chemist, to create a new line of plant-derived, non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaners that would defy expectations for safety and performance. Kevin hopped right into the lab, and Better Life was born. WHY WE LOVE THEM Better Life develops all of their cleaners, soaps and lotions in-house from the ground up, so that they can create cruelty-free, sulfate-free, petroleum-free products without compromise – and without synthetic fragrances. Their products challenge the way people think about natural cleaning, with more plant power and fewer warning labels.
www.cleanhappens.com
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WASH WITH WATER
INSPIRED BY TENDER MOMENTS
WASH with WATER was inspired by the personal story of a mother and her desire to use the very best ingredients in order to capture and preserve what is pure and beautiful in youth. Wash With Water award-winning line of bath and bedtime products are designed to improve the look, feel, and health of skin from newborn to parent for all ethnicities, with high end luxury ingredients like our signature combination of Moroccan Argan Oil and Calendula. All Wash with Water products are produced right here in the USA, with responsible sourcing, recycling, and community in mind. From the thoughtful development of their organic products to the eco-conscious packaging, each child has always been and will remain at the center of Wash With Water choices as a company. WHY WE LOVE THEM Since the very first time we tried these products it was clear that their formulas were natural, clean and still very effective. Gently enough on a newborn skin but still effective on a grown-up’s one. We love the convenience of their “washbox” subscription that delivers monthly to your home or that of a loved one. www.washwithwaterorganic.com
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LIFE IS MESSY, YOUR NURSERY DOESN’T HAVE TO Mod Mom Furniture was born in a Los Angeles garage in 2007, the product of designer turned carpenter Kiersten Hathcock. Her unique, eco-friendly, child-proven toy boxes are made from birch plywood in USA, tall enough for little ones but functional for older ones as well. WHY WE LOVE THEM Life is messy with children and ModMom storage boxes enable you to store and hide clutter while keeping the home stylish and tide. We love the whimsical design and the overall eco-friendly approach.
MOD MOM
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shop.naturalchildworld.com
BREAST OR BOTTLE? Going back to work doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding. With mimijumi, you can now bottle feed by day and breastfeed by night. Babies love them because the breast-like nipple looks and actslike a real breast during breastfeeding, minimizing nipple confusionand allowing baby to go back and forth from breast to bottle with ease. WHY WE LOVE THEM Possibly the most good looking bottle on the market! We love the fact that mimijumi engages the baby in a true sensorial experience.
MIMIJUMI
shop.naturalchildworld.com
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