Ellie designs | Ellie's Picks

COOL PICKS

	This section contains other companies’ products that I have found useful and my baby really likes. Check back often, I will be adding more products. E-mail me to submit your picks.
[ Furniture \| Feeding Supplies \| Food \| Clothing \| Miscellaneous \| For Mom ]
FURNITURE
	Crib I highly recommend a crib with a foot control to raise or lower the side. That way, you can lower it one-handed, while carrying a sleeping baby. Check Consumer Reports before buying any crib. This is the Graco Simplicity Aspen 4-in-1 Deluxe Crib, which I found at Wal-Mart, but I have NOT checked it with Consumer Reports. I also found similar one-handed release cribs at Sears and KMart.
	High Chair Like the crib, I recommend a one-handed tray release. It makes it a whole lot easier to get a squirming baby into, and out of, a high chair! Check Consumer Reports before buying any high chair. This is the Graco Harmony Hampton High Chair, which I found at Wal-Mart, but I have NOT checked it with Consumer Reports.
FEEDING SUPPLIES
	Boppy Now that I had it for my third child, I wonder how I ever managed without it when I had my first 2 children! Now I can't imagine using pillows and cushions that slip and sag! It supported her weight evenly and at the right height for breastfeeding. No more fumbling with the pillow to get comfortable. When she was old enough to play on her tummy, it kept her propped up so that she could look around easier. And when she was learning to sit, it helped support her, so she wouldn't topple over. You can find it at Keiki Time at The Maui Mall.
	The First Years Take & Toss Spill Proof Cups inexpensive...under $3 for 6 cups at WalMart Kahului microwave and dishwasher safe lightweight and easy for baby to hold spill proof affordable enough to lose now WalMart has the BIG cups so you don't have to refill as often!
	Soft Spout by Nuby Great for when baby is older and has teeth! The spout is like a baby bottle nipple, so there are no bite marks! there are no valves to clean, yet it is spill proof! the opening is just a slit in the top which lets juice pulp through, but doesn't spill, unlike other cups that have holes that clog baby can get a good grip on these cups because it is shaped like a sports bottle inexpensive...under $3 at WalMart Kahului
	Parents’ Choice Feeding Spoons inexpensive...under $3 for 5 spoons at WalMart Kahului heat sensitive -- rubber grips and spoon tip change colors when it touches hot food. spoon head is small enough for a little mouth the handle is long and thick enough for a good grip comes in a pack of pink and purple or orange and green
	Baby Safe Feeder Great for giving fresh food to babies WITHOUT the risk of choking! The Baby Safe Feeder is perfect for babies who are starting solids and have some teeth, but cannot chew large pieces of food. Cleans easily in the dishwasher.
	Mrs. Miwako’s Kitchen Towel Longs Drugs has it for $1.99 on sale. They are 11.5" x 11.5" and very soft with a thin border of colored, zigzagged trim (in pink, blue and yellow trim)...great for cleaning baby at meal time, or bath time. In the packaging, it looks too stiff to be comfortable for baby, but after the first rinse, it looks like the photo at the left...so soft!
FOOD
	Hanalei Poi One of the best "brain" food for babies. Babies enjoy it because of its natural sweetness and smooth texture. Unlike any other, Hanalei Poi from Kaua`i is made a special way so there is no bacteria that will sour the poi. Grown-ups will love it, too! Longs Drugs in Kahului has the cheapest Hanalei Poi at $4.29! Or go for the giant bag at Costco!
CLOTHING
	Little Wonders Side Snap Shirt The snap tabs are fastened down on both sides instead of only one side...making it easier to snap and unsnap...even one-handed! The tabs last longer and the edges don't curl up with multiple washings. Also comes in colors and prints. Click here to see a close up of the snap tabs. I found this at Sears Kahului.
	Carters Bodysuit It feels softer and thicker than others...a higher quality bodysuit. Holds up better after multiple washings. It also comes in colors and prints. I found this at Sears Kahului.
MISCELLANEOUS
	Cup Holder Not sure of the safety factor, so use at your OWN RISK! This is a cup holder for strollers, called "Stroll'r Hold'r" and was meant to hang on a stroller handle bar and be used to hold mom's cup or water bottle. I use this on the crib railing for my baby's water cup. This cup holder was a great help when weaning my baby from nursing at night. Now, she just reaches for her cup of water, takes a drink and goes right back to sleep. She loves to put the cup in and out of HER holder. I like the fact that I know where her cup is and not somewhere on her bed causing a wet spot. I found one called "Stroll'r Hold'r II" at One Step Ahead.
FOR MOM
	What To Expect When You're Expecting Invaluable information for first-time mothers (and fathers)! Whomever said that babies don't come with manuals never read this book! See also: What To Expect The First Year What To Expect the Toddler Years
	Nursing Bras I love the Playtex Expectant Moments brand from WalMart. 4-hook closure for incredible support and comfort, especially for fuller figures inexpensive features large, plastic hooks that are easy to find using one hand
	Poise Sanitary Pads Ok, we don't want to think about it, but when that time of the month comes back and it flows like a raging red river (mine did), these pads work better than the most super maxipad! So they're not as thin as the other pads, so what, no more leaks for me! This definitely outweighs the embarrassment of buying them at the store!
	Depend Undergarments Here's a great idea for night-time period protection. You may not feel sexy in these, but you can get a good night's rest (or at least part of it) knowing that you won't have any leaking on your bed. Get the diaper version (fitted briefs) so you and your baby can be styling in the same attire! My baby cracks up laughing everytime I put one on!