Finally escaping the morning sickness and extreme fatigue routine of the first trimester of my pregnancy has been a big reward in and of itself. And while I'm finding the second trimester and its nesting phase to be so much more enjoyabl…
Even though I'm a first-time mom-to-be, I feel like I'm already an expert on the best non-toxic nail polishes for kids. I adore painting my nieces' nails; it's such a fun bonding activity, and they love it too, especially when we can wea…
Back in 2014, Kate spent some time with the original Taga Bike with some pretty stellar results, and I'm not the least bit surprised she fell for this cool family bike. It's brilliantly designed, can ferry up to two kids in the front com…
While we admit we don't always love packing lunches every morning, we do love picking out cool new lunch boxes for our kids each year in time for back to school. And so, our Cool Mom Picks 2016 Back to School Guide continues with tons of…
With lots of kids heading back to school in early August, and September really not that far behind, it's not too soon to start thinking about back to school. Especially when they're some of the most adorable backpacks and lunch boxes you…
You know how much we love to seek out the very coolest baby registry essentials and must-haves, both as a group of moms who are searching for cool baby gifts for our own new additions, and as those who only wish we had them when ours wer…
If I had a dime for every time I walked into what was once a clean den or bedroom to discover it's been colonized by tiny pillow forts and sheet palaces, well, then I could buy one of these awesome, animal-shaped HULKI playhouses instead…
If you're up for the adventure, camping with kids can be a really fun, inexpensive way to get away for the weekend . While it’s admittedly not the best night’s sleep you'll ever get (though really, what parent gets a good night's sleep a…
We've found the cutest new children's toy, and it includes fairy dust. Or a treasure map. What more could any child want, really? The new, cool nature kits from Rose & Rex are what little kids' dreams are made of, packed neatly into a cu…
After 25 years as a woman with a period, you can't blame me for growing tired of the monthly tampon, pad, and pantyliner rotation. Sorry, no menstrual cup love from me -- though I know lots of ladies love them. So, after seeing the Faceb…
My kids have gotten to the age where they play sports year-round. Their favorite is basketball, so I don't have as many of those irritating grass and dirt stains that you football and baseball parents have. But wow, the sweat in those je…
With news that even Phthalate-free and BPA-free plastic baby bottles may not be all they're cracked up to be, more parents are on the hunt for glass baby bottles. While not long ago, the idea of glass baby bottles once inspired panic in …
My husband has a habit of calling our household cleaning supplies "chemicals" -- as in, "Where are the chemicals to clean off the kitchen table?" It kind of drives me crazy because it sounds so harsh . But, of course, he's right. So rece…
My daughter loves her screen time, that's for sure, but lately I have been keenly aware of the other creative toys that she, as an 8 year old, really gravitates to, without any prompting from me. Or really, the toys that I realize I'm al…
Since Cool Mom Picks started a decade ago, we've made it our mission to find small, independent stores that sell unique, eco-friendly, hard-to-find toys for your kids so that all you have to do is scroll and shop. My newest favorite, Oh!…
I learned soon after becoming a mom that there are just some years I will not get my you-know-what in order in time, to be able to send out holiday cards. New Year's cards are a terrific alternative as we've suggested before, but look, h…
My kids were in a museum gift shop with friends this summer and of everything in the store, all four spent the entire time fighting over (I mean, taking turns with ) what's best defined as a handmade voice or music recording gadget from …
I like to buy natural cleaning products and supplies as much as I can. In fact, I follow my mom's mantra and use vinegar and water only on my hardwood floors . It's partly because I get headaches when I walk in the door and my house smel…
As cute as those little baby fingers and toes are, winter is coming, and it's time for all those digits to go under wraps. If you're looking to keep your little ones snug and warm in something really special, you've got to check out the …
With holidays coming up, we're seeing a lot more interest in building toys and maker toys, a trend we've loved since, well, before it was a trend. And earlier this year at Toy Fair, when I saw the new 5-in-1 pegasus kit from YOXO I thoug…
Any parent knows the importance of a go-to baby blanket, because a baby blanket is never just a blanket; it's a play mat, a changing pad, a lovie, a spot for tummy time and sometimes yes, a perfect cover for snuggling up and keeping warm…
The nursery in our apartment was used by the previous tenant as a walk-in closet so as you can imagine, it's small. Every item our baby's room has to earn its place by either looking great or serving us with high functionality. Ideally b…
When you are pregnant or have a new baby, you are suddenly super aware of all the ingredients in everything you put in and on your body. Decoding labels can be a chore and while we're all for splurging when it counts, it's even nicer whe…
If your kitchen cabinet is anything like mine, the brightly colored kids cups, bowls and plates have likely taken over. If you're going to give into the kid stuff (which you probably should, unless you like broken dishes), first check ou…