Equipment Renaissance

There’s definitely been the dawning of a new age when it comes to baby and toddler gear. Innovative designers have introduced better versions of the old primary-coloured plastic equipment parents need, and for that we’re ever thankful. With all this new gear, we’re thinking you might even want to change it up when Baby #2 or #3 comes along.

The Better High Chair
The gang at Boon have done it again with the Flair Chair, a revolutionary new highchair with some great new features. It’s got all the important safety measures such as a five-point harness and a restraining post, but what we really love is the stylish pedestal stand and the effortless height adjustment (think barber chair—the pneumatic life mechanism makes it easy to adjust to any height, including under the table). The best part? The seamless seat—no cracks or crevices—makes clean-up easy. Because crevices are definitely menaces when it comes to drips, drops, and crumbs. Available from L’il Niblets and Baby Sprouts and other retailers across Canada ($319)

The Better Play Mat
Not that we have anything against the usual bright ABCs playmates (at the nursery school that is), but if you’re going to have them all over your living room floor it’s nice to have something that complements your décor. PLAYSPOT is a beautiful and innovative soft EVA foam floor surface that keeps your child comfortable and happy. What we think makes it particularly savvy though (and not just the pink and brown version that matches our logo) is that Skip Hop’s Playspot is designed, tested and manufactured for children of all ages, unlike other foam tiles that are only safety-rated for children 3 and up. It’s easy to put together with its unique connector system, and you can configure it in endless ways to fit your style by changing the inner circles or adding more sets. Available from Cheeky Monkey ($109.99)

The Better Portable Crib
Remember that first trip to Grandma’s when baby was 6 weeks old? As if the sleep deprivation wasn’t enough by then, the 100 or so pounds of gear you had to bring along was the straw that broke the camel’s back for sure. Enter the Pogy travel crib from Sunshine Kids, a great new design alternative to the heavy pack & play option. Made from breathable nylon fabric with a removable insect net and a washable foam mattress, Pogy pops open instantly and stores flat too. Perfect for hotel stays and weekends away, or for a bassinette alternative in any room in the house. Available from Safety Superstore and Mountain Baby ($49.95)

The Better Bib
We haven’t been shy about saying that Mally’s Bibs really are the better bib but they just got better! Along with their super-cute new collection of leather bibs (we love the sushi design), Mally’s now allows you to custom-create your own bib. Love a design but not the colours? Choose your design, front, back and pocket colours with the help of the nifty new design tool which allows you to see your creation online before you buy. Available at www.mallybibs.com ($38)

Call it Baby Equipment 2.0 if you will—we’re just glad to see there is a better way.

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