Babies are the cutest companions but can also be the most daring explorers, which is why babyproofing your home is key once your little one becomes mobile. Looking to keep your kiddo safe without sacrificing your style? These products will do the trick—and you actually won’t mind having them in your house because they look that good.

Skip Hop Playview Expandable Enclosure

Skip Hop

Once in a while, you need a way to safely contain your little mover. This flexible hexagon play space is made with a sturdy steel frame, breathable mesh panels and a hinged door panel for simple, one-handed access. You can configure the panels however you like, or even mount the apparatus to the wall to create a convenient room divider. A serene gray-and-white color scheme with a cloud motif works well in both modern or traditional homes, so keeping baby safe at play stays easy on the eyes.

Available at skiphop.com, $160.

Fusion Gate

Fusion Gates

Sometimes you want your baby to have more freedom but not the complete run of the house. That’s where doorway gates come in handy. Fusion Gates has tons of styles, finishes and widths to choose from, all safe and certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). The dual-mounted pressure gate is made with high-impact-resistant polycarbonate panels, aluminum framing and a steel hinge and latch, plus a one-finger finial for opening with ease. With screen designs ranging from trendy chevrons to a clean and classic Greek key border, there’s an option for every taste. The system also allows for interchangeable art screens so you can switch up your style.

Available at fusiongates.com, $199.

The Stair Barrier

The Stair Barrier

In addition to blocking off doorways, you’ll want to secure your stairs so baby can’t do any unsupervised climbing. The Stair Barrier has contemporary and versatile options that can be quickly installed between a wall and bannister or between two bannisters, then unbuckled and rolled neatly to the side for safe access. The soft, expandable gates are lightweight yet durable with heavy-duty webbing, and they’re travel-ready for wherever you may go with baby in tow. Choose from styles like Just Black (pictured), Burlap Charcoal, or farmhouse-inspired stripes.

Available at thestairbarrier.com, $154.99 and up.

MyDMoose Cable Management Box Organizer

MyDMoose

A potentially dangerous household item that babies seem to love is power cords. Keep yours safely out of the way and organized with this stylish and sleek box organizer. The box keeps a power strip or surge protector out of crawlers’ reach and effectively hides your chargers, power adaptors and various media cables, all of which can otherwise become a tangled mess. Rubber feet keep the box where it’s placed too!

Available at mydmoose.com, $24.99.

Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System

Safety 1st

Kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers are full of more potential dangers than most parents care to count. Keep them closed and far from curious hands with a set of discreet but super-strong locks that does the job thanks to the power of 3M adhesive and a magnetic locking mechanism. Each pack comes with four toddler-tested locks and a magnetic key that you keep out of children’s reach.

Available at bestbuy.com, $14.99.

Elf Star Furniture Corner Guard

Elf Star

As soon as your baby starts cruising on furniture, you’ll realize just how many sharp corners are lurking around your house. Whether they're wood, glass, granite, ceramic, metal or plastic, you’ll want them covered in case your little one falls nearby. This 12-pack of extra thick, premium, high-density corner guards is a great, non-toxic choice and comes in plenty of color options to match your tables, counters, cabinets, fireplace hearth and more. Elf Star also has edge protectors for added safety and impact-absorbing benefits.

Available at myelfstar.com, $9.99.

Bink Doory Finger Pinch Guard

Bink

If you’re hoping to maintain your clean, white aesthetic after bringing kids into your home, look to Bink for modern babyproofing products, including Dots safety plugs for electric outlets, Up & Away to get blind cords safely stowed, and Bumpy Mini silicone safety corners for furniture. Our favorite is the simple but essential Doory, which acts as a doorway buffer to prevent accidental finger pinches. It’s non-toxic, fits over virtually every door width, and is designed to last throughout childhood.

Available at binkmade.com, $18.99.

Kikkerland Whale Bath Mat

Kikkerland

Splish splash, baby’s taking a bath! The only problem is you can find yourselves in a seriously slippery situation. Enter the Kikkerland Whale Bath Mat. Its no-slip suction cups adhere the mat to the tub’s surface, and the latex-free, mildew-resistant natural rubber design keep it clean and safe for use with little ones. Stick this on the bottom of your bath and get baby suds up while staying secure.

Available at kikkerland.com, $19.

—Whitney C. Harris

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Following on the heels of retail giants such as Toys “R” Us, Gymboree and Bed Bath & Beyond, Party City recently announced closures for the upcoming year. While the national chain isn’t shuttering all locations (far from it), the company has plans to close 45 stores permanently.

Between bday bashes, weddings, grad gatherings and all the other festivities you attend regularly, it’s hard to comprehend the idea of a top party retailer shutting down. But like other brick and mortars have found, retail isn’t an easy game to conquer in the age of the internet—even for Party City.

According to Chief Executive Office, James M. Harrison, in a press statement, “Each year, Party City typically closes 10-15 stores as a part of our prudent network optimization process and in response to ongoing consumer, market and economic changes that naturally arise in the business.” Harrison also added, “This year, after careful consideration and evaluation of our store fleet, we’ve made the decision to close more stores than usual in order to help optimize our market level performance, focus on the most profitable locations and improve the overall health of our store portfolio.”

Despite rumors of helium shortage-related closures, Harrison did note, “Most importantly, we have signed a letter of agreement for a new source of helium which, subject to final execution of a definitive contract, would provide for additional quantities of helium beginning this summer and continuing for the next 2.5 years.  We believe this new source should substantially eliminate the shortfall we are experiencing at current allocation rates and improve our ability to return to a normal level of latex and metallic balloon sales.”

How do you know if your Party City will close in 2019? The retailer is still yet to release the locations of the 45 stores.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Gaelle Marcell via Unsplash 

 

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Every parent wants the very best for their baby, but the cost of baby products—like diapers and wipes—can get pretty steep. Now you can score high-quality items with very wallet-friendly prices, thanks to these new Brandless baby and pets collections!

Brandless launched in July 2017, offering organic food staples and household items for a very exciting price of just $3 per item on most items. Since then, it has expanded to include safe beauty products and non-toxic household cleaners at the same cost. Now, Brandless is introducing new items made just for babies and pets.

The new collection—which launched today—includes super adorable diapers that are just $9 a pack and made with sustainable plant-based materials. They are also hypoallergenic, free from latex, fragrances, lotions and chlorine and come in six cut prints in non-toxic ink in sizes 1 to 6.

Besides diapers, the Brandless baby the collection also features baby care products including Plant-Based Baby Wipes, Unscented Baby Lotion, Tear-Free Baby Shampoo and Wash and Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream. All items are just $3 and are free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates and fragrance.

Brandless also wants to help you feed your baby healthier products without steep prices and now offers organic, non-GMO baby food pouches in six flavors across two developmental stages for just $3 for a pack of four. The collection also has teething wafers in two flavors.

You can also score great deals on things for your fur babies. The new Pet collection features protein-first treats, supplements, non-toxic toys and clean pet care products.

All of the items are now available on Brandless. You can also set up subscriptions for items like diapers and wipes to have them delivered regularly. &

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Brandless

 

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If you love the impossible softness and adorable prints of Aden and Anais baby blankets and swaddles, then you’ll be super excited to learn that the company has just released a new line of disposable diapers.

photo: Aden and Anais

Aden and Anais has become a big name in baby gear in recent years, and once you’ve touched that soft cotton fabric it’s not hard to see why. The only thing softer, is your baby’s skin. Which is why these new disposable diapers sound amazing. And you’ll find the same signature prints on these super soft diapers that are hypoallergenic and free of fragrance, lotions, latex, and chlorine.

photo: Aden and Anais

Besides being soft and cute, these diapers are also eco-friendly. Aden and Anais has partnered with Trees for the Future and will plant one tree for every package of diapers sold. The diapers come in sizes 1-5, and in a variety of package sizes that start at $12.99. Each pack features two different patterns in boys, girls and unisex selections.

What’s your go-to diaper brand? Share your favorites in the comments below. 

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Here’s a reason to get excited about diaper duty that we promise will brighten your day, lighten your laundry load and maybe even make your baby smile. Keekaroo has just launched the Peanut Diaper Changer, a game changer in the battle against blow outs, and here’s why you’ll love it.

It’s a Problem Solver

Babies poop. A lot. And it’s messy. The Peanut Diaper Changer makes cleaning up after you clean up your kiddo up easy. It doesn’t require a cover like traditional pads, so all you have to do is wipe it down. Those changing pad covers get dirty just about every day, and the stains can be tough. Not to mention the juggling act of trying to take the dirty one off while holding your baby so his clean clothes stay clean! While this price of this changing pad is on the high side, remember that you don’t have to buy a stack of covers to go with it. You can even spray this one down in the tub if the disaster requires.

It’s Safe

The soft, cushy, pad is made from a latex-free material that’s designed and tested for hospital use. It’s safe, won’t absorb spills, won’t crack and is bacteria resistant. It’s also free of all the bad stuff — PVC, BPA and phthalates.

Also great – the peanut design and raised edges help your baby stay put within the changer. Plus, the material it’s made of is slip resistant so it won’t slide on the table, dresser or wherever you place it. Though, of course, you should always keep one hand on your babe, and the pad comes with a safety strap too.

It Has Style

The Peanut Changer comes in seven colors to fit your nursery’s scheme. We love the bright aqua and purple; the black and grey are great for modern, neutral baby decor; and you can also choose red, brown or lime green.

Available online at Amazon, $117.

What’s your secret for keeping Baby happy during diaper changes? Share your stories in a Comment.

–Julie Seguss

Shout out to San Francisco mom Grace Welch. We wrote about her cool diaper pad back in August. Turns out we weren’t the only fans.

The Green Parents’ List has just come out with their list of top ten products Baby & Kids product (among their rigorous criteria, items must be in compliance with the strict lead, phthalate, and heavy metal content restrictions of the US Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Turns out, Patemm pads are not only stylish, they are PVC, PHTHALATE, LEAD, FORMALDEHYDE, LATEX, and BPA-FREE and proudly made in San Francisco.

Pssst…they make great baby shower gifts. Way to go Grace!