CoolBabyGear

Put a little spring in your step with Bounce a Bye Baby. ($52.95) It’s an essential health tool before and after giving birth. During pregnancy, using the ball will stimulate postural reflexes. During labor, it aligns the pelvis and eases pressure. After birth, it’s a great exercise ball, and a soothing tool for colicky, fussy babies. And it’s got a stability base, so you won’t suddenly roll away with baby. It’s a ball for all seasons.

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You’ve never seen a rocking chair like this. The Mamma Rocking Chair ($6,000) is the Mack Daddy of modern furniture. Industrial designer Patrick Messier designed it for his pregnant wife, so it’s a singular design. But you can co-opt it for your wifey. (We won’t tell.) This chair is one solid hunk of fiberglass, melded into a ribbon of pregnancy reclining perfection. Looks like a museum piece, rocks like a dream.

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Retro hipness meets modern convenience in the Capri Carry All Diaper Bag. ($96) This huge (16.3 x 11 x 7.3) PVC bag will hold as many diapers as you can cram in, and everyone will just think “Hey, great bag.” Think swingin’ London 1965…by way of new mom 2008.

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You don’t even know where your car keys are, you punch-drunk sleep deprived new dad. How about your baby’s bottle? Yeah, didn’t think so. (Okay, you are sleep deprived.) Good thing there’s the Baby Care Timer from Itzbeen. ($25.99) Set it and you won’t forget it: the Baby Care Timer lets you know when it’s nap time, feeding time and medicine time for baby. And it’s got a nightlight! So you can find your keys…

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Nursing is thankless, painful work. Be good to your dairy bar with Bamboo Nursing Pads. ($7.50) They’re extremely soft and thin, and surprisingly absorbent. And they maintain that softness even after multiple washes. Cap off a messy feeding for baby with a little luxe for you.

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Give this Newborn Baby Gift Set ($112) to your favorite proud new parents and you’ll never have to buy dinner again. This 7-piece set has all you need: top and bottom, booties, hat, bib, towel and teddy, all made of Egyptian organic cotton. (This, as you know from this site, is the softest in the world.) It’s soft and sweet, and the ultimate surprise gift.

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Take the work out of your baby shower with this super-cool Baby Shower Kit. ($85) It’s all here: everything you need to get the word out about your shower and say thanks for coming. 20 invites, thank-you cards, envelop seals, favor bags, a photo album and a gift registry. The kit features a classy polka-dot motif that you and your guests would love. Take a little shower stress off your table with the Baby Shower Kit.

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Mom, we know you love your baby. And that big lug of a husband. But wouldn’t you love an hour away from them both? Or a breakfast in bed? It’s okay to admit it. And now you can get your way, with this book of coupons from Harriet Ziefert. ($3.95) This 40 page softcover book, featuring illustrations from artist Amanda Haley, features 40 coupons for all of the above and much more. You love ‘em. But you need more sometimes. Cutting coupons has never been more theraputic.

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The Organic Gift Basket from Pottery Barn Kids ($119) is the perfect gift for expecting parents. This soft organic collection includes a hooded towel, a fitted crib sheet, a changing pad cover and an adorable teddy bear. Every piece is made of 100% organic cotton, so it’s a soothing and environmentally friendly collection. Baby will love this basket as much as mommy and daddy.

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You can‘t name-drop anybody programmed into your cell-phone, but at least you can name-drop your diaper bag. The Burberry Diaper Bag ($545) is enough to cause envy in any ‘hood. Super Nova pattern with black leather trim. 4 patch pockets and 2 side pockets inside. Roll-out baby mat. Adjustable cross-body strap. And that chic Burberry look. It’s the perfect accessory for the new mom that wants to look like an A-lister.

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