SEPTEMBER 2006
REAL BUG JUICE
ProBugs is a new, organic, whole milk kefir drink, similar to yogurt, that is both kid- and parent-friendly. Kefir has 10 live and active cultures, and is high in protein and low in sugar. The drink pouches, which are spill-proof, are also eco-friendly, using less energy and packaging than traditional juice boxes. The Sublime Slime Lime and Orange Creamy Crawler flavors will make kids forget this is healthy stuff. $4.99 for a four-pack of 5-oz. pouches, at Whole Foods and Gristede’s. From Lifeway Foods, www.lifeway.net. (9/06)
SO SOFT
If you can’t make time to visit a spa, bring the spa home. Incredibly soft chenille robes used at Canyon Ranch spas and The Sagamore are now sold at the J. Shadow Apparel website, www.jshadow.com.. $70, in six colors. (9/06)
FOR FLAT FOLLICLES
Pregnancy can wreak havoc on your hair, but Osmotics FNS Revitalizing Shampoo, Conditioner and Serum can put life back in your locks. The products, which also combat aging and chemical treatment damage, nourish the scalp with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. The all-natural line is sold at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, and at www.osmotics.com; $18 for the shampoo, $24 for the conditioner and $68 for the serum. (9/06)
GOT THE FEVER
Temperature taking is never easy with a sick child, but new Vicks’ thermometers have an “InSight” feature to help parents. A color-changing display gives visual clues: Green = no fever; Yellow = fever is slightly elevated; Red = fever alert. The ComfortFlex, which can be used orally, rectally, or under the arm, and the SpeedRead both give readings in 8 seconds and have glow displays for middle-of-the-night temperature taking. From Kaz, at CVS and other drug stores, $9-$14. For more information, go to www.kaz.com or www.vicks.com.
You can also use your child’s favorite Disney character to get the job done. Dr. Fresh Disney Digital Thermometers feature Mickey or Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Cinderella or The Little Mermaid, and give a 10-second read whether used orally, underarm or rectally. $10.99 at drugstores; more info at www.drfresh.com. (9/06)
WHOOZ IN A NAME
You can easily identify your kid’s sippy cup, or a water bottle at a soccer game, with BumpyNames Orbit Labels. These stretchy labels, which come in a few hundred names, or can be customized, can go through the dishwasher or microwave; they fit small baby bottles or large sports bottles. Names also come in Braille. BumpyNames in blue or green are $6.95 for a 3-pack. The customized ones, $11.95 for a 4-pack, come in pink, teal or light blue — all at www.bumpyname.com. (9/06)
PLUGGED-IN BABES
Now babies can go to sleep with their iPods; the new iCrib Sound System combines a nightlight with an MP3 player. You can program your iPod, iRiver or Rio with soothing lullabies, and download free Mozart selections at www.munchkin.com. The iCrib attaches to the crib’s railing, and features auto shut-off, so you don’t have to sneak back into baby’s room once she is slumbering away. From Munchkin, $29.99 at Target. (9/06)
REALLY GOOD CLEAN FUN
Plastic placemats can be good for the environment, plus keep kids entertained. Good Clean Fun Placemats, made from corn, come with soy crayons; you can wipe off what’s drawn and use the placemat again. When you can no longer reuse the placemat, it can be composted. These come 10 in a package, in “Number Fun” and “Endangered Animals” designs, with four crayons; the adhesive strips on the back keep the placemats secured. From Fresh Baby, www.freshbaby.com. $9.99, available at Nature’s Pantry in Westchester, and in NYC at Giggle and Sons + Daughters. (9/06)
