The annual New York Baby Show took place on the weekend of May 19 and 20, attracting over 3,000 new and expectant families from the metropolitan area. Unbeknownst to the 100-plus vendors at the show, a special panel (see sidebar) perused the event for five outstanding products to award “Best In Show.” Here they are:
aden & anais
Most noted for their muslin swaddles, aden & anais has grown to include an expanded line of baby and child products that are stylish and luxurious yet practical and affordable. Their latest invention, The Serenity Star, is a true original: a feeding and sleep system that includes an electronic feeding diary, nightlight, sound machine, clock, and room temperature indicator, all pulled together within a beautiful and nursery-perfect white star.
Britax
As one judge put it, Britax was “the life of the party” at the New York Baby Show, keeping the energy and good vibes flowing both with regular contests and events throughout the weekend. Of course, it didn’t hurt that they have such a popular line of strollers and car seats. Of special interest to families with sibs: their new B-AGILE Double Stroller, the company’s first stroller to offer side-by-side seats.
Lazoo
Inspired by a popular series of Japanese children’s books, Lazoo offers a variety of colorful products marked by an emphasis on imagination and play, including videos, apps, activity books, and apparel. It’s amazing how their fun, engaging sensibility translates into everything from an app for drawing (“Squiggles”) to boys’ rompers.
StrollAway by MetroTOTS
Almost every city family could use more living space. The StrollAway, a storage solution for bulky fold-up strollers, gives them just that by offering a convenient and easy way to hang strollers from door tops. Its durable steel hooking system, which is adjustable to any door size, works with most popular strollers—and it’s simple and easy to use.
Ubbi
Diaper pails can be such dreaded company. Ubbi has changed that with steel containers that are stylish, colorful (eight shades to chose from), and lightweight—and that do a good job of keeping odors contained. They can be used with typical kitchen garbage bags, or, for the green-minded, an eco-friendly washable and reusable cloth liner is also available. Parents will appreciate how easy it is to use and to clean—and how easy it is on the eyes.
Honorable Mention: The Windi
The booger-busters who relieved your baby’s runny nose with their NoseFrida snot-sucker are bringing their expertise to a whole new orifice. FridaBaby has now introduced The Windi, a disposable catheter that, when gently inserted into your baby’s rectum, works to relieve painful colic, constipation, and other gas-related issues. It works in seconds, so you can be sure to have your smiling baby back in no time.
Meet The Judges
- Liz Gumbinner: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Cool Mom Picks
- Melissa Keswin: Senior Buyer for Kids, Gilt Groupe
- Elena Mauer: Deputy Editor, The Bump
- Eric Messinger: Editor, New York Family magazine
- Mary Ann Zoellner and Alicia Ybarbo: Senior Producers, TODAY Show; Co-authors, Today’s Moms: Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First Year and Sh*tty Mom: The Parenting Guide For The Rest Of Us
For information on next year’s New York Baby Show, visit newyorkbabyshow.com
