Even for tasks as ordinary and un-glamorous as changing diapers, I still want to have cute gear. What? You don’t think that changing pads and diaper carriers can be cute? Well, check out the offerings at TushyGear. They carry some adorable changing pads and blankets that you just have to take a look at.

Sometimes you just don’t want to lug around a full blown diaper bag. The changing pads at TushyGear are the perfect solution for carrying just a couple diapers and wipes without having to resort to sticking them in a zip lock bag. They’re hand sewn in the U.S. and come in a variety of attractive prints. Honestly, I have a feeling that these have the potential to be the next must-have celebrity baby accessory.

I’m a big fan of the small boutique-type online stores. Sure, I buy stuff at the big box mega stores. But whenever I can, I try to support the mom and pop places. It just seems like you’re more likely to find something genuinely different and unique. And because many of these places produce their own products and in smaller quantities, you are definitely getting something that will stand out from the rest of the mommy crowd. Check out TushyGear and I think you’ll be pleased.

We all want our kids to grow up to be super smart and solve the world’s problems, don’t we? Of course we do. Well, kids don’t just become smart on their own. It’s our job to stimulate those little brains and get them moving down the path of intellectual superiority. One of the activities that my kids really love is doing puzzles. I can see the gears turning in their heads as they’re thinking about how the pieces fit together. And there is a fantastic sense of accomplishment when they get them completed.

I’m always looking for new and interesting puzzles to challenge my kids, and I found probably the best selection around at Educational Toys Planet. My kids are a bit younger, so the over-sized floor puzzles are great for them. But they also have a fantastic selection of math puzzles and jigsaw puzzles for the older kids. They have some really unique products - puzzle crafts, map puzzles, first puzzles. There’s definitely something for everyone. So, if you’re looking for a great way to spend time with your kids and to get their minds working, pick up a puzzle or two.

Whether it’s a horse, zebra, or cow, kids love their rocking toys. And like me, you probably want to give your kids all the playthings that will make them happy. But maybe you’re one of those parents who can’t bear the thought of bringing another large, brightly colored, cartoon-themed, toy in to the house. This is the answer. The Olga Rocker is probably the most stylish kids rocker that I’ve ever seen. With its clean and modern lines and natural colors, this is sure to blend in with your swanky adult decor. And as long as it rocks, your kids will love it! So really, it’s the best of both worlds - fun for the kids and nice piece of furniture. I found the Olga Rocker at Modern Tots, a very cool shop with a wide range of hip and modern products. It’s a bit on the pricey side at $280. But well worth it if aesthetics are important to you.

After my recent posts on Diesel jeans and Burberry booties for infants, I received a few messages along the lines of “Yeah, those are cute… but c’mon! Who’s going to spend that kind of money on baby clothes?!” I agree. Even though I really did like those items, realistically, they’re just a bit too much. Even for a splurge. However, I’ve always got my eyes open and I found these little sandals that are hip and cool… and they’re just the right price. There’s baby stuff out there that is obvious baby style. But these things are just tiny versions of the adult sandals. So cute! I’m pretty fond of Kenneth Cole stuff myself, so I love that I can put my little one in the same thing. And like I said, they’re pretty reasonable for a little splurge. $39 at Zappos.com. Available in a variety of infant and toddler sizes.

At first glance, the Stokke Xplory is a weird looking stroller. If you’re used to the traditional image of what a stroller should look like, this is nowhere near it. But if you like modern attention-getting style, then this is the ride for your little one.  Still not sure if it’s really for you?  Consider that this is the stroller of choice for Madonna, Courtney Cox-Arquette, Heidi Klum, Tori Spelling, and other famous moms.  You do want to have the same stroller as the celebrities, don’t you?  Of course.  Besides making you really cool, it’s actually a very well designed and functional stroller too.  One of the neatest features is the ability to raise and lower the seat height, so you can bring baby right up near you.  You can get all the details at the Stokke website and you can find it for purchase at several of your higher end baby stores for about $1000.  Yes, for about a $1000.

I’m not going to even try to justify this one. They’re cute and soft and cozy. Yeah, they’re kind of over-priced and not the most practical purchase you can make. But if you want to start your kid on the path of snooty country clubs and high priced designer clothes, then you must buy these booties for them! Hmmm… did I just justify buying these things? I guess I did.  So there you go, valid reasons to buy the Burberry Check Booties: social status, and they’re cute, soft, and cozy. Available at Nordstroms for $69.

I know, I know… infants do not need Diesel jeans. But just think about all the things that you’ve bought for your kid. How much of that did they really need? Exactly. So, if you’re going to make an irrational purchase, what better than these fashionable little jeans? Besides, these are more about making the parent feel hip. A two year old won’t know the difference, but imagine the pride you will feel in showing off your little fashionista. Just don’t let them play in these things. Maybe save them for the next Baby Loves Disco. They’re available directly from the Diesel Store in 6-24 month sizes for $75.