27 Products That Make Parenting Easier

In 2008, the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) celebrates a decade of highlighting top parenting products. This year, NAPPA’s team of expert judges and family testers noticed several new trends:

• an increase in organic and hypoallergenic products,
• many excellent self-published parenting books, and
• a shift in products aimed at helping parents raise genius babies to ones promoting more playfulness and emotional development. After evaluating hundreds of outstanding submissions, the NAPPA team selected the following products as the cream of the crop: The 2008 NAPPA Gold winners. They were chosen for their design, safety, convenience and overall quality and usefulness.

Pregnancy & Childbirth

The Essential Pregnancy Organizer: 40 Weeks +, Mango Media; $19.95;   www.essentialorganizers.com. Keeping track of key phone numbers, prenatal visits and vital pregnancy stats is easy and organized with this spiral-bound calendar notebook. Timely questions and checklists capture special moments, prompt thoughtful medical appointments, and help new parents plan for the baby’s arrival.

Wrap ’n Snap Nursing Bra, Q-T Intimates/La Leche League; $19.50;   www.llli.org.
Feel sexy while nursing and accommodate your fluctuating bra size. This cotton/spandex bra offers light, wireless support with a front-wrap closure that adjusts with snaps along the bottom band. Nursing flaps lower with one hand. Hand wash; line dry.

“Gold award for concept! This nursing bra is comfortable, stylish and fun!”
– NAPPA Judge

Baby Care

Blanket 212 Evolution, 7 A.M. Enfant; $185; www.7amenfant.com.
Wrap your child in a cocoon of warmth and style with this luxurious stroller sack. An outer nylon shell repels wind and water while premium fiber insulation keeps little ones toasty. An anti-slip back has openings to accommodate a five-point harness. Available in two sizes: infant to 23 months and 2 to 4 years.

The City Mini by Baby Jogger, The Baby Jogger Company; $199;   www.babyjogger.com.
This urban terrain stroller weighs 17 pounds and scores big for its one-handed, easy-to-fold-and-carry mechanism. Swivel wheel technology provides great maneuverability. Features include a padded, vented reclining seat; adjustable five-point harness with shoulder pads; and rear parking brake. The extra long canopy keeps out rain.

“This stroller is a clear Gold winner. It’s lightweight, easy to use and great looking!”
– Parent Tester

Judge’s Tip: It’s always safer to strap your baby in her car seat before attempting to collapse a stroller or load any baby equipment into the car.

HALO SleepSack Swaddle, HALO Innovations; $29.95;   www.halosleep.com.
This two-piece SleepSack makes swaddling easy when you follow the pictured directions sewn onto the garment. An inverted zipper runs from the neck to toe and facilitates diaper changes without undressing baby. Recognized by the First Candle/SIDS Alliance as a safe sleep product, SleepSack is available in fleece, cotton or organic cotton for preemies and newborns.

“My baby stays covered all night and sleeps well. I sleep better knowing he’s warm and safe.”
– Parent Tester

Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat and Base, Dorel Juvenile Group USA; $149.99-$169.99;   www.djgusa.com.
Newborns from 5 to 22 pounds travel easy with this space-saving infant car seat. It snaps easily into its base and indicates when properly locked in. Impact-absorbing EPP foam, extra side wing padding and a padded five-point harness keep baby safe. The Mico is compatible with a limited number of strollers, but not with supermarket carriages. Bold colors and styling add splash.

“The Mico is so easy to manage when you only have one hand free. Removing the seat from its base is the easiest I have ever used.”
– Parent Tester

Naturepedic No-Compromise Organic Crib Mattress, Naturepedic; $359; www.naturepedic.com.
Although twice the cost of an ordinary crib mattress, this extra-firm mattress is a must for children who may be sensitive to allergens. It’s constructed of pure organic cotton fill; 100-percent food-grade, nontoxic polyethylene for a waterproof/stain resistant surface; and includes a dust mite barrier cover. Now, won’t you and baby both sleep better?

“I like that the materials used in this mattress are both child friendly and environmentally friendly.”
– Parent Tester

Judge’s Tip: A crib mattress should fit snugly against the crib frame with no gap. If two adult fingers can fit between the mattress and the crib, replace the mattress immediately.

Quick Zip Crib Sheet, Clouds and Stars; $32.99;   www.cloudsandstars.com.
Makes changing soiled sheets easy with a zip-off top attached to a fitted base; to change the sheets, just zip off the top and zip on a replacement. Designed with the zipper out of reach of small hands, Quick Zip sheets fit snugly and come in fashionable colors for crib and twin-size mattresses.

Travels with Baby: The Ultimate Guide For Planning Trips with Babies, Toddlers and Preschool-Age Children, by Shelly Rivoli; Travels with Baby Books, 2007; $21.95;   www.travelswithbaby.com.
Plan the most enjoyable vacations for your family at every age and stage. Tips cover packing essentials, conquering jet lag, managing change, staying ahead of high-energy kids, and staying with friends and family.

The Toddler Years Bright From the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind From Birth to Age 3, by Jill Stamm, Ph.D., and Paula Spencer; Gotham Books/Penguin Group, 2007; $24.95;  HYPERLINK "http://us.penguingroup.com" http://us.penguingroup.com.
This may look like another “genius baby” book, but it zeroes in on what kids really need for brain development: love and affection, bonding, communication and lots of playtime. The authors provide convincing evidence from the latest brain and development research, and thoughtfully address complex topics.

Play to Talk: A Practical Guide to Help Your Late-Talking Child Join the Conversation, by James MacDonald, Ph.D., and Pam Stoika, Ph.D.; Kiddo Publishing, 2007; $16.95; www.playtotalk.com.
While it’s a must-have for families struggling with a late-talking or non-communicating child, this highly readable book is also great for any parent who wants to reach his child and find out what the child has to say. One of our favorite concepts is the idea of “people play” – just you and your child without toys or stuff, which develops socialization, communication and human engagement.

The Potty Training Answer Book, by Karen Deerwester; Sourcebooks, 2007; $10.95;   www.sourcebooks.com.
Among the best we’ve seen on this topic, this guide answers parents’ top 200 questions and offers sound information in an easy-to-read format. It takes a child’s temperament into account, covers a broad range of situations, and encourages families to do what works for them.

“I love this book! I wish I had it when my first child was toilet training!”
– Parent Tester

2-in-1 Potette Plus, Kalencom Corp.; $15.99; www.kalencom.com.
This portable child-size toilet seat has side “flaps” that fold out to fit over a regular toilet seat, fold down as legs to make a potty chair, or fold under for flat storage. A disposable plastic liner collects urine and poop. When done, just knot the bag and dispose. A 10-pack of disposable liners costs $5 online.

“This potty is very compact, lightweight and portable. I keep it in my trunk, slip it into my diaper bag when at the mall, and bring it to other people’s homes when I visit.”
– Parent Tester

Preschoolers & Up

clek Booster Seat (olli Model), Magna Aftermarket; $89.99;   www.magnaclek.com.
Booster seats are now mandatory in most states. This comfortable, stylish, backless and extra-padded booster seat waves goodbye to “numb bums.” This clek model stands above its peers for its 10-second installation and easy LATCH system.

Judge’s Tip: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children under 4 feet 9 inches tall or less than 80 pounds need a booster seat to ensure that vehicle seat belts properly fit their small frames.

School-Age & Older Kids

The Care & Feeding of an Athlete, by Toni Branner; Blue Water Press, 2007; $8.95;   www.thecareandfeedingof.us.
Get the facts in an easy-to-read format that touches on numerous topics, from basic injury prevention to managing priorities and one’s time. The nutrition advice doesn’t go overboard on pushing carb intake; instead, it emphasizes that a well-fed athlete needs fruits and veggies, too.

“This book does a better job with younger athletes than other books I’ve seen.”
– NAPPA Judge

     CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System), Kids Fly Safe; $74.95;   www.KidsFlySafe.com.
No need to carry a car seat onboard. This lightweight, FAA-approved harness ensures safe air travel for children from 22 to 44 pounds. It attaches to the plane seat lap belt and uses an additional belt and shoulder harness to restrain the upper body.

“I consider this safety harness a ‘must’ for traveling. My 5-year-old thought it was cool and liked wearing it.”
– Parent Tester

Money Savvy Pig and Money Savvy Football, $15.99; and CashCashe Beginning Personal Finance Organizer, $19.99; Money Savvy Generation;   www.msgen.com.
Help kids grasp the value of a dollar with a piggy (or football-shaped) bank with separate slots for saving, spending, donating and investing. The CashCashe, for older kids, uses a separate pocket in a locked and zippered pouch for each category. Tips on organizing money to reach financial goals are included.

Teens

Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers, by Nancy Amanda Redd; Gotham Books/Penguin Group, 2007; $20;  \ http://us.penguingroup.com.
This book for teens is about real girls and their shapes, skin, breasts, hair, nails and “down there.” It presents a refreshingly candid approach, a sense of humor and disarming self-disclosures. Read it first to make sure that its frank delivery and graphic photos fit your values and your daughter’s maturity level.

All Ages

Autism Asperger’s Digest, Future Horizons Inc.; $49.95 annual subscription;   www.autismdigest.com.
Some resources continue to evolve each year. That’s why we’re awarding this one an “encore” NAPPA Gold award for its continued excellence. We applaud the magazine’s affirming tone and topics, many written by professionals who are on the autism spectrum themselves.

Connection Parenting: Parenting Through Connection Instead of Coercion, Through Love Instead of Fear, by Pam Leo; Wyatt-MacKenzie, 2007; $28 CD, also available as a paperback book ($14) or as book/audio set for $35;  HYPERLINK "http://www.connectionparenting.com" www.connectionparenting.com.
A few years ago, NAPPA judge Lawrence Cohen, Ph.D., gave a talk and was amazed by how thoughtful a number of moms were about their children and themselves. When he jokingly asked if they had all taken the same class, they said they’d attended Pam Leo’s “Meeting the Needs of Children” workshop. Now you can hear Leo’s wisdom and warmth in the comfort of your car or while exercising. She shows parents how to foster cooperation-building connections with their children while still juggling work, fragmented family and a faster pace of life.

DayRunner Family Matters Monthly Wall InfoCenter, MeadWestvaco; $40.59;   www.dayrunner.com/familymatters.
Getting organized is easy with this family InfoCenter. Simply sort, store and schedule important stuff by color on this handy bulletin board system. Each family member’s color carries through to plastic folders for storing papers, special spaces for writing reminders, and hooks along the frame for hanging keys, IDs, etc.

“The InfoCenter makes it really easy to keep track of our family’s school activities, appointments, papers and keys.”
– Parent Tester

Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper; Woodbine House, 2007; $18.95; www.woodbinehouse.com.
Gifts celebrates the lives of those with Down Syndrome (DS) and gives insight, hope and encouragement to new parents of children with DS and their families. Sixty-three moms candidly describe their journey through the distress, fear, challenges and joy of raising their children. This book is important for all parents to read – so that we may appreciate and encourage the amazing potential inside each child, and teach our children to do the same.

“My son has taught me … that the value of a life, of a human, of a child, is measured not by how much he or she can accomplish, but how much he or she can teach others about what really matters.”
– Janine Steck Huffman, essay in Gifts

Give the Gift! 10 Fulfilling Ways to Raise a Lifetime Reader, by Matthew Gollub, illustrated by Larry Nolte; Tortuga Press, 2007; $6.95;  www.tortugapress.com.
The colorful comic-strip format offers a nice counterpoint to more academic tomes. Humorous illustrations depict multiethnic families playing clever “reading” games, going on library adventures and limiting e-entertainment to make time for the printed page.

Living With Kids and Dogs … Without Losing Your Mind, by Colleen Pelar; Dream Dog Productions, 2005; $16.95;   www.livingwithkidsanddogs.com.
If you’re thinking of adding a dog to a family with kids, or kids to a family with a dog, you’ll want to read this book first. And even if you already have kids and dogs in the house, you’ll still find plenty of helpful guidance in this book.

The Modern Mom’s Guide to Dads: Ten Secrets Your Husband Won’t Tell You, by Hogan Hilling and Jesse Jayne Rutherford; Cumberland House Publishing, 2007; $14.95;   www.cumberlandhouse.com.
Moms across the country are dog-earing relevant passages of their favorite books and leaving them for dads to (hopefully) read. This guide spells out for moms what dads might be thinking and feeling, even if they won’t say, or don’t realize it themselves. While some moms won’t need this book, those co-parenting with the “silent majority” will love it.

ScreamFree Parenting: Raising Your Kids by Keeping Your Cool, by Hal Edward Runkel; Broadway Books, 2004; $21.95;  www.screamfree.com.
When we scream at our kids, we’re really saying, “Calm me down,” the author asserts. We’re putting them in charge of our emotional state. This book offers practical advice on how to manage your own feelings to interact more effectively with your kids.

Wondertime Magazine, Disney Publishing Worldwide; $4.95/issue;   www.wondertime.com.
This beautifully designed national magazine has short articles written by parents with refreshingly quirky points of view. Though it’s quite heavy on the advertising, at least the youngsters on the covers don’t look too polished or posed. It’s packed with creative ideas and information for parents of babies and toddlers. And it appeals to both moms and dads, with articles that feature dads and father-son activities, too.

Note: While all of these NAPPA-winning products have been judged, to the best of our ability, to be safe and well-constructed, we do not warrant their safety or appropriateness for your child and we are not liable for any injuries that may result from their use.

Want More Great Parenting Products?
Check out the 2008 NAPPA Parenting Resources Honors Winners coverage at   www.NAPPA.Parenthood.com for more handy, sanity-saving parenting tools and resources!

The NAPPA Judges

The 2008 NAPPA Parenting Resources entries were judged by NAPPA’s team of specialty judges, veteran parenting editors, family testers and lead judge Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. A former NAPPA winner himself (for his best-selling book Playful Parenting), Cohen is a licensed psychologist, author and nationally recognized speaker who specializes in children’s play and play therapy. This is his third year with NAPPA.
NAPPA’s 17 specialty judges hail from leading institutions across North America. Together with their teams of professionals, their expertise spans the fields of pediatric health, childproofing and injury prevention, prenatal and postnatal care, lactation, nutrition, fitness, child development, special needs and chiropractic health.
Last, but not least, dozens of family testers also played a key role in choosing this year’s Gold and Honors winners.