Gear Up

Grab Bag

With stay-at-home dads on the rise, retailers must address the need for products that cater to a man’s sense of style. Here to help tone down the frills and florals is Diaper Dude, a brand born from the idea that “fatherhood doesn’t have to be complicated or uncool.” Instead of carrying baby accessories around in a gym bag or backpack, Founder Chris Pegula created a line of masculine diaper bags with functionality and style equivalent to moms’ trendy totes. Debuted in August, the Diaper Dude Messenger III Courier Bag features a large main compartment and three front pockets, as well as insulated bottle pockets on both sides and a padded mesh back panel. The new macho style comes in a versatile dark gray colorway with a coordinating changing pad. (diaperdude.com, Wholesale price $49)

Designer or diaper? It’s a tough call when it comes to the JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag. Available for preorder, the bag sports a spacious interior with several organizational compartments and a washable changing pad. “The JJ Cole Caprice Diaper Bag allows moms to look effortlessly chic, while staying organized,” said Jen Pondel, director of specialty brands at TOMY International. “The bag has eleven pockets inside and out, which means the bag is not only super stylish but also fully functional.” Zipper exterior pockets allow for safe and easy wallet or cell phone storage, while insulated side bottle pockets keep baby’s next meal fresh and ready. Fusing convenience and safety with high style, the bag’s removable and adjustable shoulder strap gives mom the flexibility to sling it over her shoulder, carry it like a tote or even attach it to the stroller with complimentary Grips™ stroller attachments. (jjcolecollections.com , msrp $69.99)

Eco-chic customers will rejoice over the Green Label Hobo Bag by Lässig, new for 2017. Made from recycled polyester, or PET, the earthy diaper bag features a roomy main compartment with thoughtfully-designed pockets and accessories like removable pouches for coins, makeup, baby food jars or wipes. Also included are stroller hooks, an adjustable shoulder strap and a water-repellant changing mat. “The Green Label Hobo Bag is unique in the sense of design,” says Co-Founder Claudia Lässig. “This line is popular for the eco-conscious and modern parent because no longer do they have to sacrifice style for sustainability.” Available now in rosewood and gray. (lassigusa.com, msrp $179.99)

On The Move

Get charged up for 4moms Moxi stroller: the first stroller to enable “power on board” features with the help of power-generating wheels that charge with movement. Parents can charge any mobile device via the stroller’s usb port, as well as track temperature, time, distance, speed and battery levels via an lcd screen. The Moxi also illuminates pathways with both headlights and taillights for night visibility. And, for fitness fanatics, the stroller monitors steps and calories burned in conjunction with the 4moms app. Designed for infants to children up to 55 pounds, the stroller is compatible with a variety of infant car seats (including the 4moms self-installing car seat). Just released at retail this month, the new stroller also comes complete with a dashboard bag, canopy, front-wheel swivel locks and a flip-flop-friendly brake. (4moms.com, msrp $699.99)

Introducing the BabyHome VidaPlus 4-in-1 travel system—the only stroller capable of adapting to all baby and toddler stages, including day one carrycot (newborn to 6 months), reversible toddler seat (6 months to 33 pounds), car seat (newborn to 28 pounds) and lightweight stroller (newborn to 55 pounds). The VidaPlus was the company’s response to a growing demand for more convenience and efficiency without neglecting commitment to product design excellence. New for 2017, customers will love VidaPlus’ sleek and simple design that includes a high-quality aluminum structure, height-adjustable handlebar, large storage basket, compact folding capability and washable fabric. (babyhome.es, msrp $599)

Designed with active families in mind, the Entourage by Austlen Baby Co. is exceeding in versatility and storage capacity rankings across the stroller market. Released at retail this month, the patented design has a simple one-handed expandable frame with three positions that enable multi-child configurations and the ability to carry large items, such as ice chests, shade canopies, pool inflatables and even luggage. The Entourage has already received accolades for its incredible flexibility and storage capacity like the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (jpma) Innovation Award for “Best in Show” at the 2015 abc Kids Expo. “Like many parents, I found that strollers never had enough storage and flexibility for my family’s active lifestyle,” said Leslie Stiba, ceo and co-founder. “It’s been a pleasure working with a great team to solve this common parenting dilemma with a product that marries high concept and elegant design.” (austlen.com, msrp $849.99)

Safety First

With a growing number of homes and apartments with only a shower available, Primo released a solution to provide a safe and convenient place for parents to bathe baby without a bathtub. Enter the Charli Chair—a unique shower chair for babies that works on any flat surface. The chair uses a five-point harness to keep little ones safe, with the option of two reclining seat positions to adapt as baby grows from newborn to toddler. In addition, the chair’s adjustable height design eliminates the need to bend over while bathing, so parents can say goodbye to bath time back pain. The chair carries up to 37 pounds and is made with a nonslip seat surface and rubber feet along with corrosion-protected legs for water and rust resistance. (primobaby.com, msrp $139.95)   

Partnering with voxx Corporation, Project Nursery debuted a high-definition baby monitoring system that allows parents to check in on baby using a secure encrypted connection on two chic video displays. The system includes a 5-inch parent unit, portable mini monitor and an accompanying camera unit with pan, tilt and zoom capabilities. The parent unit features a user-friendly interface that allows parents to check the temperature of the child’s room or to sing a lullaby through the intercom. The system’s mini monitor can even be clipped to a keychain.  All devices are wireless and WiFi-free to ensure a reliable connection under any conditions. (projectnursery.com, Wholesale price $299.99)

While most ear thermometers are sterile-lookin with numerous buttons, the new Elmo Smart Ear Thermometer by Kinsa only has one button, one setting and a backlit lcd screen. “There’s no brand in the world that parents and kids trust more than Sesame Street,” says Inder Singh, founder and ceo of Kinsa. “We are thrilled to work together to make caring for sick children easier by offering both guidance and comfort right in their moment of need.” The smartphone-connected thermometer quickly and accurately records sickness details and provides guidance on what to do next. The Kinsa app also can even show common illnesses that are circulating within communities. Better yet, Elmo’s voice comforts kids with sympathetic messages like “sorry you aren’t feeling well” and “feel better soon.” (kinsahealth.com, msrp $59.99)

Comfort Zone

Meet The Nursie: the latest solution for arm discomfort during breastfeeding. The Nursie is a pillow that slips onto the forearm and is made from soft washable fabric. The product is even travel-friendly enough to to fit inside a diaper bag. “The Nursie is revolutionizing the way mommies feed their babies, especially while on the go,” exclaims Founder Tiffany Meinhart. Each pillow is made with a 100-percent cotton shell and hypoallergenic staple fiber filler. Available for preorder in a variety of patterns and designs. (thenursie.com, Wholesale price $17)

The DockATot Baby Lounger was created specifically to mimic a snug prenatal atmosphere. The product’s plush cocoon-like design allows for optimal protection and durability with 100-percent cotton, machine-washable covers. New to the U.S., the DockATot Baby Lounger comes in two sizes. The DockATot Deluxe is intended for babies’ newborn to 8 months, suiting activities from tummy time to napping. The DockATot Grand is for tots 9 months to 36 months with bumpers that act as a bed guard, allowing for an easier crib-to-bed transition. In addition, the DockATot recently added the option of a toy arch accessory (shown below) for enhancing playtime. DockATot products are available online at DockATot, Amazon and PishPoshBaby. (dockatot.com, Wholesale prices range from $37 to $175)

Value Meal

A minimalist chair with a designer edge, the Micuna Ovo City is perfect for sophisticated tots. This high chair combines comfort and safety with elegant design for a smooth blend into any home interior. Ideal for 6 months to 3 years, the Ovo (meaning “egg” in Portuguese) features a removable and washable round tray with raised sides to prevent spills, a footrest and leatherette straps for safety. The legs and frame are made from solid beechwood (adjustable for two heights), and the seat shell is sculptured from molded polyethylene. As the child grows, the chair evolves; the bottom part of the legs are removable to make a comfortable chair perfect for the dining table or a small desk. Optional fabric seats for added comfort can be purchased separately. Available for preorder, the Ovo will debut in January. (micunausa.com, Wholesale prices from $258 to $276)

Pump up your feeding selection with Lansinoh’s SmartPump. Designed with three customizable pumping styles that mimic baby’s natural feeding patterns for maximized milk production, the Bluetooth-enabled pump communicates with the Lansinoh Baby app to track times and dates of pumping sessions. The app also provides resources from troubleshooting to encouragement, as well as manual options to track baby activities like growth and diaper changes. The pump itself is built with a hygienic, closed system that keeps milk from entering the tubing or motor to prevent mold and bacteria. It also has independently adjustable suction and style modes for maximum comfort, along with  a bpa- and bps-free guarantee. Each SmartPump includes an ac adapter or can be used with six aa batteries for on-the-go pumping. (lansinoh.com, msrp $199)   

Re-Play infant spoons were designed to complement both feeding baby and baby self-feeding. Re-Play utensils are made from recycled milk jugs, so they are good for both babies and the environment. The material is gentle on mouth and gums but tough on little teeth with an ergonomic grip for easy handling. Upon purchasing the spoon set, customers can mix and match utensils with Re-Play’s plates, bowls and cups to create a vibrant dinnerware set. The length of the utensil handle keeps mom’s hands clean and allows baby to help feed themselves. All products are pvc-, bpa– and phthalate-free.  Each set comes with four infant spoons, including one travel case to keep the spoons clean on-the-go. (re-play.com, Wholesale price $5)