Must-Haves

Back to Basics

We tend to worry enough about our kids without the seemingly constant reinforcement by the media about how scary, dirty, and unhealthy our world is. And, then there's the banter about so-called controversial topics: Do vaccines cause autism? Will antibiotics harm my children in the long run? Can nitrates in hot dogs cause cancer? Should parenting really be so stressful? New York's most-loved pediatrician, Dr. Michel Cohen has a refreshing message for nervous parents: "DON'T WORRY SO MUCH." In his just-released on paperback book, "The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent," Dr. Michel offers an easy-reference format about common parental concerns and how to solve them without too much fuss.

The doc of choice for celebrity parents (Jennifer Connelly and Annie Leibovitz among them), Dr. Michel's comforting approach gives parents the confidence to relax and trust their instincts.

"The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent," also addresses pediatric urban legends with reliable and reassuring information on ADD, vaccines, asthma and more.

$14.95; Available at bookstores and at www.thenewbasics.com

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Dr. Michel is back on ModernMom.com! Starting this week, Dr. Michel will be answering your questions and writing a bi-monthly column on "Modern Parenting."

Have a question for the good doctor? Email him at

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Have you entered our Baby Photo Contest yet? Submit a favorite photo of your little one before April 1st! Details here.

On the Bag

Designer diaper bags are all the rage these days...Kate Spade, Nicole Miller, and even Gucci offer totes to shlep your on-the-go baby necessities in style. Here's our recommendation on a unique diaper bag for under $60. OK, yes, it is from our Snapfish / ModernMom Photo Center -- but it's really a good one! In addition to being practical AND affordable, this bag features the best "design" of all...your precious bundle of joy, or any other photo of your choice for that matter.

The high-quality personalized diaper bag is made of black microfiber with a black gingham interior and has plenty of room for everything you need when you step out with your baby.

The bag comes with two removable holders with zippers and a removable cloth bottle-holder. Outside includes two pockets and zip-out changing pad, with over-the-shoulder cloth straps.

AND, before April 1st, save 20% off your work of art by using code WEARAPICon your purchase.

Personalized photo diaper bag - $59.99 at the ModernMom.com Photo Center

Sugar and spice…

With her daughter, Sophie, as inspiration, Jennifer Vallez used a background in design to create her stylish line of clothing for girls that goes beyond the cookie-cutter pieces available today. Sophie & Lili's new spring line features the hip Esther tunic, the fun Veruca wrap skirt and comfortable Gigi pant set that go from the playground to dinner at Grandma's without a second thought.

Best of all, you can throw the 100% cotton pieces in the wash so your little fashionista will be back out at the park in style in no time. Stylish, comfortable and easy to wash? What more can a girl ask for?

View the line at SophieandLili.com; Buy it at PamperedTot.com.

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Take It From A Parent

Most parents we know can offer at least one item that they'd like to invent to make their lives easier...or can go on about how they could improve an existing product to make it better.

Inventive Parent carries more than 90 products invented by parents out of necessity, which in the words of founder Sharon Mullen, are "better than those dreamed up in a corporate laboratory."

Some of our favorite finds on the InventiveParent.com site include:

Making your own fresh, healthy baby food is so easy with the Fresh Start Kit. The kit comes with freezer trays, an easy to follow cookbook, video and quick reference guide and offers more than 40 simple recipes for babies.

So Easy Baby Food Kit - $34.95

Make shower time fun and easy for your big kid. My OwnShower attaches to your existing shower head to quickly place a Fish, Frog or Dolphin version at your child's level. My Own Shower - $19.95

One of our favorite Inventive Parent products - the TabyTray safely attaches to car seats and strollers for an on-the-go entertainment center. It includes a cup holder and room for crayons (so they don't go rolling around everywhere) and is a cinch to clean.

Taby Tray - $21.95

Take the crust off sandwiches, cut them in half and seal up the edges all at once with Good Bites. Made of plastic without any sharp pieces, this handy cutter allows kids to help out at lunch or snack time too. Good Bites - $5.95

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Coming soon on ModernMom.com:

You asked for it, we deliver. In the next weeks, we'll be adding new features to ModernMom.com including:

- Travel section: Every week we'll give you the tips needed to take great vacations and getaways with the family including reviews of must-have gear, family-oriented itineraries for various cities, and more.

- My Baby Today: Content specific to the various stages of pregnancy, the first year with your baby and beyond.

- Modern Mom in the City: A guide to services, shops, and more in your city. We'll be starting with Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston. Email us if you'd like to us add your city!

ThriftyMama’s Guide to Maternity Wear

What to wear, what to wear - one of the many concerns of all women during the magical time of pregnancy. One conundrum we face is the rapid change of both our size and the seasons during the joyous nine-month long extravaganza. Put down your pregnancy books and let's chat about shopping just for Modern Mom-to-be. This week, we asked Mom and Editor-in-Chief of ThriftyChick.com, Lizabeth Sorensen to find what's hot in spring/summer 2005 maternity chic that won't cost a bundle.

To Panel or not to Panel

Well I will tell you one thing I never thought I would go so far as the dreaded panel, butalong month 7 or so it happened. I was full out belly buster panel girl. How did it feel? Great! Where do you go to get a super smooth supportive belly paneled pant for less than $20? IMaternity.com

My Girl Wants to Party All The Time Be a guest this picnic party season, not the party tent! Wear a dress that hugs your curves just right Shop MimiMaternity.com and get this dress for only $49.99 while supplies last!

Need some support? Your regular control tops just are not going to cut it. If you are to invest in anything it should be a great pair of hose to wear when the occasion arrives. Spanx.com has started a line of Maternity support systems that are your key to comfort and elegance in any situation. Shop Spanx.com

Shield your Belly from the Rain You probably don't like the idea of buying a coat that you may only wear for a few months, but honey- please you can't let your belly hang out in the rain. Do not worry, our friends at OldNavy.com are here to save your rainy day and you won't have to save up! See their growing selection of maternity outerwear. This hottie is on sale right now for only $24.99 & Get $5 Flat Rate Shipping on your entire order at OldNavy.com!

Have something to say? Can't they already tell that you have a bun in the oven? What is with all of the questions? Well you know that centuries of funny, nosey and well-meaning intrigue is not going to stop but a fun and hip new line of t-shirts plays right back with humor. Check out Due and Sprout in boutiques near you and coming to a major department store and online this spring.

Lizabeth Sorensen the Mama-in-Chief of www.thriftymamadaily.com. Sign up for The Daily Stroll and hear what really works in pregnancy and baby fashion. Head on over to www.thriftychick.com to get the latest in fashion and a weekly Fabulous Finds Newsletter to lift your shopping spirit!

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