2012 Buzz Guide: Gear
The year’s hottest product launches
January 03, 2012
Here's the low down from our Gear Guy, Jamie Grayson, on the most anticipated product launches of 2012.
Clek Foonf. "This long-awaited convertible seat from Clek has a rear-facing weight limit of 45 pounds and a forward-facing weight limit of 65. Add to this an extended height limit, rigid LATCH technology to make installation much easier, and their new REACT safety system (think of the crumple zones in cars), and you have one revolutionary car seat. My full review will appear in StrollerTraffic's upcoming January Gear Guy Guide, and the Foonf launches in June."
Boba 3G. "This carrier's third incarnation, available now, is suitable for babies from 7 to 45 pounds (unlike earlier models), making it suitable from birth for many infants. Well-padded shoulder straps are contoured, which will help women eliminate “boob crushing.” Boba also features stirrups for children to help them support themselves in a more ergonomic seated position."
City Mini GT. "Baby Jogger's new GT soups up the standard City Mini with improved seat and back support, brakes conveniently located on the side of the handle, and much better wheels. It launches this spring and weighs around 21 pounds. You're gonna want one."
Orbit Double Helix." Orbit's first double stroller, coming in late spring or early summer, will be available as a complete double, or as an add-on attachment to convert the G2, if you already have one. I played with it at ABC (check out my impromptu demo video). I love it. Dare I say it even functions better as a double than as a single?"
City Versa. "Baby Jogger is introducing another game-changer coming this year. The Versa has a reversible seat and the patented one-handed fold that has made Baby Jogger famous. Did I mention it folds with the seat attached—facing BOTH directions? That's right. They nailed it on this one. Look for it this spring."
2012 Buzz Guide
The top parenting trends and topics for the year, from the StrollerTraffic experts
January 03, 2012
Welcome to 2012. Now that the revelry is over, it's time to prepare ourselves for the next 365 days of adventures in parenting. To that end, check out what our on-the-pulse panel of experts has to say about the most noteworthy subjects of the year.
We've got gear guru Jamie Grayson rounding up the most exciting new product launches. Seedlings Group fills us in on the most controversial parenting topics. Sissy+Marly offer their take on upcoming trends in nursery design, and the MD Moms explain the pressing question of "to treat or not to treat" colic. And because a new year means—at some point—another birthday party, Amy Atlas shares some ahead-of-the-curve ways to make it fun and fabulous.
2012 Buzz Guide: Décor
The year’s freshest looks for modern nurseries
January 03, 2012
The tastemaking founders of Sissy + Marley offer their take on the key elements of a stylish nursery in 2012.
Lucite furniture. We're seeing cribs, chairs, and rockers in lucite. We love using lucite in kids' rooms. The transparent nature of the material is perfect for small spaces, and it's über chic.
Grown-up prints. The prints you choose for your baby's bedding, rugs, wallpaper, and upholstery don't need to be babyish. Instead, think chevron, ikat, chinoiserie, or bamboo. These fabulous prints will never go out of style, and they look amazing in a nursery.
Sophisticated color. Skip the pastels and opt for fresh neutrals—we especially love navy, for a boy or a girl.
Serious art. Parents are incorporating everything from abstract paintings to framed photographs by well-known photographers to whimsical handmade pieces by designers like Tamar Mogendorff .
2012 Buzz Guide: Parties
Cool ways to celebrate birthdays in 2012
January 03, 2012
Sweets Stylist and talented event pro Amy Atlas explains what’s hot on the birthday party circuit for 2012.
Saying cheese. Photo stations were a big trend in the wedding industry in 2011, and we think they’ll be big at kids’ parties in 2012. They’re a great way to have fun while preserving memories. You can even make your own props, like chalkboard signs or costumes.
Mixmaster drinks. In the vein of the ice cream topping bar, kid-friendly drink stations with fun flavor embellishments will likely become quite popular this year. The options are endless and can be coordinated with the rest of the party. A hot cocoa station would be great for the winter; try a lemonade station in the summer.
Healthy treats. We’ll continue to see healthier foods on kids’ party menus. Expect to see more and more families displaying gluten-free goodies and allergen-free snacks alongside party staples like cake and cookies.
Lace and doilies. Vintage was a big trend last year, and now we’re seeing lots of lace and doily-inspired decorations for girly parties. Go to your local thrift shop or fabric store to find inspiration and props.
