Move Over Oprah

At least once a week I say to myself "this is one of my favorite things, every mom should know about it." Well, enough already. I've got a list. It's in no particular order but suitable for sharing with the parents-to-be that you might know. Like they say, if I knew then what I know now...

1. Burt's Bees baby shampoo and Triple Paste Cream-- Having a baby in winter can mean eczema, as I discovered with Charlotte. It can also mean a flaky scalp. So far nothing has worked as well to calm her skin as Triple Paste (no, not Aquafore either). I must have tried every shampoo to keep her scalp clear. Burt's Bees, recommended to me by someone at Whole Foods, is super creamy. You can tell it's gentle because it leaves absolutely no chemical residue on your fingers or make your hands feel pruny. I love it. (I've tried them all, from California Baby to Mustella).

2. No Bunny's Perfect, by Anna Dewdney -- This would be on Harry's list. The book teaches toddler manners by explaining what good and bad bunnies do and don't do. Harry is fond of saying "bunny, no pushing! bunny no biting!" I swear it works! At least so far....

3. The Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper (The Little Palace Collection). The Stratford changed my world. We tried a traditional bassinet for Harry and it was the pits. With a c-section all the getting up and down to feed the baby was really unpleasant. I wish I'd gone co-sleeper then. These days they have a new Little Palace line, which is a little more stylish. It looks cute in the bedroom and converts to a free-standing bassinet when you're ready. She likes it. I like it. Four gold stars. Maybe five, for added good looks.

4. Apple Seed Maternity and Baby Boutique --Unhappy, as I was, with traditional maternity clothes stores, I was so excited when my husband brought home some togs for me from this Alexandria shop. They're lovely, almost worth the months of pregnant discomfort. They will fit you, make suggestions and yes, charge you a heap. But for a few nice things to dress up the pants from Gap Maternity and Motherhood, this places is aces. They sell online now and have adorable baby clothes and gifts, too.

5. Planning or thinking about having two kids? Don't bother with buying one stroller now and a second one later. If you think two might be in the offing, get a Phil and Teds stroller. One day, you can add on the doubles kit for the second kid. While there is no perfect stroller, this one has a lot to offer. It's sturdy (maybe too heavy, some say), folds nicely and is great for maneuvering. It's inline, so no trying to wedge unsuccessfully through doorways, and if my kids are any indicator, children like it. We have the sport model and during winter, when Charlotte was born, I got the cocoon attachment to keep her warm. It worked brilliantly. (At the very least, check to see whether the stroller you're buying for one kid can be adapted for two before you plunk down $600 or more...yes happy childless couples, that's what they cost, stop goggling.).

5. Craigslist. You've heard of it, but have you used it? If you're looking for things for the kids (a second crib, or a train set -- some of our purchases), you probably can't go wrong with the online want ad. We've saved hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dollars thanks to the list.

So what are your favorite things?