Best Products For Babies and Kids October 2016
These 18 October Must Haves For Mom Are Scary Good
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For many, the month of October is essentially one long lead-in to the very last day, when it's all costumes and candy, but for the other 30 days, it's more than just Halloween prep. Need evidence? We've got 18 pieces of proof. This month, along with a few frightfully cute tees for your little one, you have plenty more cool products to stock up on, from the new Fall shoe arrivals to STEM-inspired toys that will keep your distracted kids occupied at least until Christmas. Read on for our editor-approved picks of scary-good items for the entire family. (Don't worry, there's still at least one costume idea ahead . . . )
1 Kano Pixel Kit
"If you haven't heard of Kano, trust us, you will. The London-based computing company opened up a world of STEM-inspired creativity to kids and adults alike with the launch of its Lego-like Computer + Screen Kit ($285, originally $300). And they're doing it all again with the debut of three new kits: a camera kit, a pixel kit, and a speaker kit, all of which let 6-year-olds and up build and code the world around them with simple steps. The brand-new Pixel Kit ($130) is our personal favorite thanks to its brilliant light board, and it's also the first to be available. If you order now, it will ship in January. Go ahead, reboot your kids' education now." — Kate Schweitzer, senior editor, Moms
2 Jonathan Adler Crafted by Fisher-Price Deluxe Rock 'n Play Sleeper
"Not only is this sleeper ($150) insanely stylish (which is exactly what you would expect from anything designed by Jonathan Adler!), but it's also pretty innovative with its technological features. Download the corresponding app to control custom rocking, music, sound, and vibrations without having to get close enough to disturb your little one." — Lauren Levy, assistant editor, Moms
3 Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook
"Being pregnant, one of the most annoying things is constantly being told what I can't eat. Thanks to certified nutritionists and registered dietitians Stephanie Clarke and Willow Jarosh – and their resourceful Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook ($16) – I have an official user's manual for what I can (and should!) be consuming. Much more fun this way, no?" — KS
4 Switch Witch
"Similar to the beloved Elf on the Shelf, the Switch Witch ($30) is the seasonal toy that has parents' backs. This helpful witch comes around for Halloween to magically swap out some less desirable candy for a few parent-approved, yet still very special, treats." — LL
5 Miracles Happen Raglan Shirt
"After a complicated pregnancy, the owner of Mama B. Designs gave birth to a son six weeks early. Ever since, she's made it her mission to spread awareness of premature birth, the number one killer in babies. With a purchase from her new Miracle Line, including this “Miracles Happen” raglan shirt ($29) for proud moms, a whopping 50 percent of proceeds will go to March of Dimes. Talk about being a miracle worker!" — KS
6 H&M World Wildlife Fund Conscious Collection Gorilla Costume
"Looking for a Halloween costume that does some actual good? Such a hope seemed impossible until H&M unveiled its latest collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund, which includes this Conscious Collection Gorilla Costume ($25), complete with a fluffy padded shirt and lifelike mask of the at-risk animal. For every item sold, 10 percent of the price will be donated to support WWF's work in conserving endangered species." — KS
7 RH Baby and Child Mali Printed Canvas Teepee
"New for Fall, Restoration Hardware's Baby and Child came out with an adorable canvas teepee tent ($179). The graphic pattern, bamboo poles, and oversize tassel detail add a chic feel to this kid-friendly escape." — LL
8 Playgro Music Drive & Go
"If you've just had a baby, the idea of your little one behind the wheel of a motor vehicle isn't something you have to worry about for a long while. Still, this stimulating Playgro Music Drive & Go toy ($26), which attaches to the bar of any stroller, is a good starting point. And, it can't hurt to get some practice in. The colorful gears to turn and twist will help your kiddo develop fine motor skills . . . get it?!" — KS
9 Skylanders Imaginators
"Although this game is only available for preorder now, you're going to want to get on this. Available for all major gaming systems, this incredible game ($100, officially available Oct. 16) allows your child to delve into the world of Skylanders and actually create and play with their own characters. This imagination-provoking game is going to be one of the hottest gifts of the holiday season — mark my words!" — Alessia Santoro, assistant editor, Moms
10 Hi Little One Phooonnetic Ghost Tee
"Halloween tees are cute, but personalized Halloween tees? Even cuter. Hi Little One just launched four different styles, but our personal favorite is the Phooonnetic Ghost shirt ($35) that, with the addition of a few extra vowels (bonus points if your kid's name has an "o" in it!), gets a spooky update. Need more motivation? The makers donate 10 percent of profits to organizations that support pediatric cancer treatment." — KS
11 River Rose and the Magical Lullaby
"If you're a fan of Kelly Clarkson (who isn't?!), you are going to want to rush out to get her picture book debut with this enchanting story inspired by her own daughter, River Rose. River Rose and the Magical Lullaby ($19, available Oct. 4) also includes a link to an original lullaby written and performed by the Grammy winner." — KS
12 Chooze "Scribble" Rocket Sneakers
"If you and your kid are bored by the new Fall offering of sneakers, the geniuses at Chooze feel your pain. Known for creating unique footwear silhouettes with a creative twist, all shoes are purposely mismatched, as seen with this pair of Chooze Rocket sneakers in "Scribble" ($55)." — KS
13 Belly Bandit Mother Tucker Capri Leggings
"So what if 99.9 percent of your wardrobe is elastic? Just because you live in leggings doesn't mean every pair has to be identical. The geniuses at Belly Bandit agree, which is why they introduced a shorter option, just in time for Fall. Plus, the new Mother Tucker capri leggings ($75) have three separate compression zones, resulting in 360 degrees of breathable, seamless support. And rest assured, no matter how often you wear them, they'll hold their chic shape, so you'll always look fab — both before and after pregnancy." — KS
14 Pacidose Medicine Syringe
"For any mom who has had trouble getting her child to take medicine, this is going to be a lifesaver. Whether your baby still uses a pacifier or not, the Pacidose syringe ($13) helps to get the medicine at their own speed and is a heck of a lot easier than trying to get them to drink from a little plastic cup or a spoon." — AS
15 Crayola Art With Edge Line
"With tweens in mind, especially those who are attached to technology and may need a break, Crayola has found a way to include them in the therapeutic coloring book trend. Featuring coloring books and kits with less childish designs than normal coloring books, the Art With Edge line ($7-15) is a great just-because gift idea for your kiddo, or it can be stored away as the ultimate stocking stuffer." — AS
16 Motherhood Maternity Fall 2016 Plus Collection
"Motherhood Maternity's new plus collection is focused on improving fit to make women of all sizes feel comfortable during the entirety of their pregnancies. From this adorable graphic tee ($30) to fancy holiday party ensembles worthy of a memorable celebration, these new options will keep moms-to-be ready for any occasion." — LL
17 Remarkably Average Parenting
"A follow-up to the widely successful and hilarious Instagram account, Average Parenting Problems, this Guide to Remarkably Average Parenting ($20) from Mommy Shorts blogger Ilana Wiles is a coffee table winner. That is if you even have a baby-proofed coffee table. Or the time to read with all that average parenting to get to. But you get the idea." — AS
18 Freshly Picked Moccasins Winter Styles
"Appropriately named 'Sweater Weather,' these adorable little booties ($60) will keep your baby's toes nice and warm. The knit texture exterior is embossed suede and the fringe detail and leather soles complete the sweet look that will keep your little one cozy and comfortable." — LL
