Our first annual Baby Product Guide introduces you to some of the terrific items we’ve found. From revamped classics to innovative inventions, these are great ideas—and two lucky readers are going to win them (and more!).

We’re offering two giant giveaways—one for a baby boy and one for a baby girl. The items in each basket total over $600 (suggested retail value). First, count the baby bottles in the March issue of MetroFamily, then go here to enter.

By Mari Farthing. Special thanks to our testers: Tralynn Stevenson, Sephina Stevenson, and Lauren Farthing.

Car Seat Poncho
$37.99 and up, CarSeatPoncho.com
How do you keep your baby warm in his carseat? Standard coats and jackets can be  too thick to use in the car. The Car Seat Poncho is warm for Baby, and drapes over the car seat. Designed for children 6 months and over (two sizes are available—small and medium/large), the ponchos come in a variety of colors, prints, and fabrics for boys or girls. Our tiny tester could not stop rubbing the soft, cozy fabric!

Baby Light & Clip
$14.95, BabyLightAndClip.com
This lighted nail clipper is small so it can trim tiny baby nails safely, and the light protects against clipping too short. A great feature of this clipper is that the handle is large and comfortable to hold—not too small as other baby-sized clippers can be. Also comes with a handy carrying case. I love that the light in the clipper allows for trimming Baby’s nails in dim light while sleeping, which is sometimes the easiest time!

Goober Baby Bag
$68 set, GooberBaby.com
This collection of stylish items includes a change purse (which holds a portable wipes container and diapers), a tote bag (to carry Baby’s essentials) and a change mat (folds up for easy packing). These pieces meet the functional needs of a child and the fashionable needs of parents. Items may also be purchased individually. Our tester loved the cute and functional changing mat, which folds up small but accomodates diapers and wipes.

Attachable Photo Books
$7.95, MOMWorks.net
Cute and durable, this book comes in My Family (or Mi Familia), My Friends, and My Birthday Party options. Sturdy cellophane sleeves hold pictures, and a bright rainbow-colored ribbon tether attaches the book to your stroller, carseat, or shopping cart. Children of all ages will love seeing themselves and their friends in their book. This is a great idea for children with family members who live far from home.

itzbeen Baby Care Timer
$25.99, ItzBeen.com
New parents know that babies can disrupt schedules. Keeping track of diapers, bottles, and sleeping can be daunting. Enter the itzbeen timer—a device that, with one touch, allows parents to track the time between events. Includes a night light, clock, and clip so you can carry the timer anywhere. When my son was born, I kept a chart in a notebook—this timer would have saved me so much effort!

SippiGrip
$6.99-$7.50, SippiGrip.com
Parents know the minute you step away to get something done is the minute the sippy cup goes flying. Enter the SippiGrip—a tether for your child’s cup. It’s a great device to keep the cup off the floor when you’re not sure what’s been on the floor before you! This strap paid for itself as soon as it kept my daughter’s cup off the floor of the bathroom while we were on an outing.
o yikes urban baby gear

diaper bag by OYikes
$120 and up, OYikes.com
The Cadillac of diaper bags, this 24/7 slingback bag includes an insulated bottle holder, zippered and partitioned accessory case, baby wipe case, and changing pad. All are made with a durable nylon exterior and a microfiber interior that can be hand-washed or spot-cleaned. Bags are available in messenger or slingback style, and in a variety of color-blocked options. I love that these bags have a life beyond the diaper and bottle state—the sturdiness and style lend great versatility.

The Baby Bunch
$49.95 and up, TheBabyBunch.com
An adorable gift idea for mommy and baby. This attractively-packaged bouquets is more than decorative—it’s a bouquet of baby items (cap, socks, onesie, pants) posing as posies that are 100% cotton (organic available). Mom can keep the colorful wooden rosebuds as a memento. I love how beautiful the bouquet looks, and it’s amazing how much the clothing looks like roses! A beautiful gift or shower decor idea.

My Pacifier Personalized Pacifiers
MyPacifier.com
Parents of multiples will love this idea—personalized pacifiers. Order them with Baby’s name emblazened onto the pacifier, or choose a word or phrase. Personalize them for a holiday or let your baby make a statement before he can talk. These orthopedic pacifiers come in several styles and colors with silicone or latex nipples. For babies up to 36 months. Designer pacifiers are also available—visit the website for more styles. Personalize pacifiers are sold three to a package; discounts for multiples. Our tester tried out holiday-themed pacifiers that kept her daughter happy and festive in holiday photos.

Grobag Baby
Sleeping Bag
$46 and up, GroBag.com
It can be a challenge to keep a baby covered at night. Squirmy little ones often kick off their covers, then wake up Mommy and Daddy to get their covers back on. This ingenious design keeps baby covered through the most strenuous of sleep cycles.

Kick and Grow Tummy Zone Developmental Mat
$44.95, BabyAngelBug.com
Tummy time is important for building Baby’s muscles. This developmental mat gives Baby plenty of bells and whistles to keep him happy on his tummy. The mat easily adjusts as Baby grows, and the variety of fabrics and toys will keep him interested. Enter code “MFM10” at checkout for a 10% discount. Our tiny tester was impressed with the bright colors and activities offered by the mat.

Babychix Gift Basket
$35 as shown, BabyChix.com
The Babychix gift basket is three gifts in one—a cute 100% cotton outfit for Baby (3-6 months or 6-12 months size), a ceramic diaper to store a variety of items, and a reusable PVC bag for mom. Ceramic diapers are available in pink or green camoflague, filled with a snack, in a set of six (perfect for shower décor), or in a candle version. I love the tiny ceramic diaper container, perfect for shower decor.

Secure 2 Me baby blanket
$42, Secure2Me.com
It’s not easy to keep a blanket on a baby in a stroller or car seat. This blanket has clips in each corner that hold the super-soft blanket in place. The blankets come in a variety of weights for year-round use. Our tester loved how soft this blanket is. The clips are easy to use and they don’t mark or damage the fabric they attach to. The large size makes it versatile enough for small babies and toddlers.

The Sleep Easy Solution Book
$14.95, HCI-Online.com
Some people cringe at the thought of putting Baby on a schedule, but the authors of this book have proven that doing so is helpful for children and parents alike. They promise parents who adhere to the plan that their babies and toddlers will sleep through the night and nap regularly—without tears and anxiety. The program for taking care of babies is reasonable and flexible.

CuddleBabe Infant Fleece Wrap
$34; CuddleBabe.com
A stylish, comfortable, and convenient alternative to a bulky jacket for Baby, the fleece wrap fits in Baby's carseat, providing warmth without the additional bulk of a jacket, which can hamper proper seatbelt usage. Available in a variety of solids and colors.


BabyFable Art Print
$29 and up; BabyFable.com
If you are looking for a unique idea to announce your baby and enhance her decor, these art prints are a great idea. Choose your print style from a variety of original watercolor paintings created especially for BabyFable (themes include the zoo, fairies, and trains) and personalize it with your child's information - twin-style prints are also available. Sizing starts at 8" x 10" and goes up to 16" x 20" depending on your needs. A cute addition to any nursery!

My Baby's Day activity tracking software
$14.95 and up; MyBabysDay.com
Make getting Baby on a routine easier with this software program, which can track activities for up to three children. Great for tracking potty training, breastfeeding, medication, sleeping patterns, and even for children with special needs such as autism. Available on CD or downloadable from the company's website.

Bebe Au Lait's Nursing Cover
$35 and up; BebeAuLait.com
Breastfeeding moms may feel a bit uncomfortable in public; this nursing cover is both cute and clever, offering protection and privacy for mom and baby. Available in a variety of fabrics, colors, and patterns.

Babeebrite
$14.95, MommyBeeHappy.com
Great versatile product for more than moms. Use the handy clip, or slide the light off the clip and into a pocket. Check on Baby when he’s sleeping, search in your purse or diaper bag, use instead of a standard light for night-time baby care duties or use it to help get your key into the front door lock.

WubbaNub infant pacifier
$9.95, WubbaNub.com
If your child is calmed by a pacifier, probably you know how hard it can be to keep the pacifier in Baby’s mouth. Enter the WubbaNub pacifier, with a cuddly pet attached to help your baby find and hold it. Several designs available.

GlamaJama onesie
GlamaJama.com
What do you get the baby girl who has everything? Couture, of course. GlamaJama takes you “from the crib to the catwalk” with sparkling styles for babies, toddlers, and moms. Smart and sassy styles include shirts with tattoo style graphics, crowns, hearts, and dragons.

Happy Green Bee organic clothes
Prices vary; HappyGreenBee.com
Mix and match clothing and accessories for babies in three sizes (small, 15-20lbs; medium, 20-25lbs; large, 25lbs and over) and a variety of solids and stripes. The soft, easy-to-coordinate fabrics are durable and fun to wear.

Havins Originals baby clothes
$20 and up, HavinsOriginals.com
For one-of-a-kind baby clothes with that vintage appeal, look no further. These items are hand-spun 100% cotton, custom-dyed, and vintage washed for individuality. Perfect for the parent looking for something original, hip, and fun.

WedgEZ
$3.95, WedgEZ.com
This “how did I live without it?” product easily removes outlet safety covers and saves Mom’s manicure. This handy product comes with a cord clip that fits on most standard vacuum cleaner cords. Sold individually or in a 3-pack for $9.99.

aden + anais hooded baby towels
$29.95, AdenAndAnais.com
Give baby’s skin a treat with soft, 100% cotton washcloths and hooded towels. The towel is soft terry and generously-sized. The washcloth is soft, layered muslin. Items are packed in a reusable translucent pouch. Other items available on website.

Burrito Baby Swaddling Blanket
$29.95, BBSleepSolutions.com
A swaddled baby is a happy baby. The Burrito Baby Swaddling Blanket is a 40” square of two layers of soft flannel (in a variety of colors and patterns) and instructions for how to use it. An optional free instructional DVD is also available, providing more information about soothing your baby.

Hi-Chair Bib
$20, PoiWear.com
For some kids, eating is a full-body experience. The Hi-Chair Bib offers more coverage than most bibs on the market. Made from washable 100% cotton and backed with nylon, this lightweight bib covers from shoulder to knee. Appropriate for ages 6 months-3 years.

Stars and Clouds Zippered Crib Sheet
$16.95; CloudsAndStars.com
Whether Baby has an accident in the middle of the night and the sheets need a quick change or she is a restless sleeper who untucks the sheet as she tosses and turns, parents will appreciate this cute sheet set. The bottom slips under the mattress and the top zips on, so the sheet not only stays put, but changing the sheet is as easy as unzipping the old and zipping on the new. Available in gingham and solid colors; also sold in bundles.