Watching babies discover and explore new sounds and textures is so rewarding. These NAPPA-Award winning toys are perfect for enhancing your babies development and they are super fun!

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Lights & Stripes Zebra

Dance all day with the Lights & Stripes Zebra™. Upbeat music and playful sing-along songs encourage your baby to move and groove. This zippy plush zebra features bold black and white stripes, colorful patterned fabric and a variety of textures to enhance tactile awareness. The friendly zebra’s tummy plays endearing phrases and introduces colors through catchy songs while glowing in five different colors. The plush zebra has a washable surface with removable electronics. This snuggly striped sidekick is perfectly sized for your little one to hug and bring on-the-go! $14.99, ages birth+

My First Farm

My First Farm

My First Farm is a farm set for toddlers, which playfully introduces them into the BRIO wooden railway system. This frustration-free play set will give small children hours of fun and help teach them about farmyard animals. The five wooden animals fit into the animal wagon ready to be transported by train to the farm. Each animal also comes with three distinct sounds, which are activated automatically when placed in the farm meadow. Learning about animals has never been so much fun! $59.99, ages 18 + months 

Butterfly Counting Pal

Butterfly Counting Pal

Enjoy a flutter of color with the Butterfly Counting Pal™ plush learning toy. Five colorful number buttons play a variety of songs to teach colors and numbers. A kaleidoscope of color, Butterfly’s light-up wing shows the colors of the rainbow. She also helps your baby fall asleep with soft, classical melodies. Each segment of this on-the-go toy features a dangling toy that rattles, squeaks, turns or crinkles to help develop fine motor skills. Learn at home or on the fly by using the included straps to secure the butterfly to infant carriers and strollers. $17.99, ages birth+

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads

Lalaboom Educational Beads are designed for exploration and learning. Featuring vivid colors, unisex patters and soft texture. These beads are designed to guide children through their developmental learning curve based on the Montessori educational approach. Children will be able to explore five developmental functions by manipulating the beads at their own pace. All beads can be easily washed and cleaned.
10-15 months: Explore Colors, textures & shapes with basic POP IT action.
15-18 months: TWIST IT.
18-24 month: MIX IT.
24-36+: STACK IT!
36+: LACE IT! $5.99 to 29.99, ages 10 to 36+ months

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Whimsical Wheel High Chair Toy

Capture baby’s attention with the spinning wheels, cascading beads and bright colors of the Whimsical Wheel! The spinning wheels encourage baby to reach, tug, and bat, strengthening hand-eye coordination. Trapped within the clear structure are colorful beads, which help baby connect the sound to sight. One wheel features a mirror, which is perfect for self-discovery. Plus, the suction cup base attaches to flat surfaces such as high chairs and table tops for frustration-free play. $9.99, ages 6+ months

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

My Peek-a-Boo LapPup

Learning is important business with My Peek-a-Boo LapPup™! Open the toy laptop and say hello to Scout or Violet before getting to work on learning about rhymes, shapes, colors and numbers. Press Scout’s or Violet’s name tag button to move their paws in front of their eyes and hear cute peek-a-boo phrases. Five crayon buttons light up while playing phrases and songs about colors. Shape buttons play rhymes about shapes, colors and numbers. Slide the clicking mouse up and down for additional imitative play. Close the lid and say goodbye! Available in Scout or Violet. $14.99, ages 6+ months

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Do-Re-Mi Textured Tunes

Dance along to three fun melodies on the Do-Re-Mi Musical Toy, teaching baby cause-and-effect by pushing the buttons to hear each song. At the bottom are soft, textured surfaces that encourage mouthing, aiding in the development of communication skills. The easy-to-grasp handle has a black & white pattern and click-clack rings to stimulate baby’s vision and auditory awareness. A great toy for playtime on-the-go! $9.99, ages Birth- 24 months

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Scout’s Learning Lights Remote Deluxe

Learning is on every channel with Scout’s Learning Lights Remote™ role-play toy. Explore all 17 buttons on the learning remote to hear more than 100 phrases, sounds and music while building fine motor skills. Flip between modes for role-play excitement or learning activities that introduce numbers and letters. Silly pretend channels inspire imaginative play. Switch to the Spanish channel to hear common Spanish phrases, listen and dance to three different music styles on the music channel and hear rain, snow and wind sound effects on the weather channel.$12.99, ages 6+ months

Spin & Chew Ring Rattle

Whether at home or on-the-go, keep your little one entertained with the Sassy Spin & Chew Flexible Ring Rattle. Perfectly-sized for little hands, this rattle is easy to grab and features a spinning ring and ball to stimulate senses. $6.99For Ages: Birth to 24 months

Bend & Twist Rattle

 

Sassy Baby’s Bend & Twist Rattle is soft and squishy — perfect for baby. The bright colors, different materials and variety of surfaces help stimulate baby. Rattle beads and click-clack rings stimulate baby’s developing vision and awaken auditory awareness. The soft, squishy material is perfect for baby’s environment. Dishwasher safe. $6.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more all things baby, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

Check out our latest NAPPA-Award winning baby products. They make great gifts too!

MyTime Highchair

 

 

Bring style and comfort to mealtime with Inglesina’s MyTime premium highchair. There are many things to love about this highchair — both the ergonomic backrest and the footrest can be reclined in 3 positions, ensuring the highest comfort for your baby. Also features easy-to-adjust height settings in four positions. MyTime is practical and stylish for parents to enjoy as well. The leatherette seat can be easily cleaned with a sponge, and the serving tray is dishwasher safe. Once folded, MyTime is extra compact and can even stand by itself. $199, ages birth to 36 months.

Tiny Love Magical Tales Black & White Gymini Deluxe

The Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe from the Magical Tales Collection is an infant play mat that encourages baby development from day one. A chic black & white fashion means parents no longer need to choose between style and development, while adjustable arches and musical melodies support the 7 developmental wonders – a comprehensive set of guidelines to measure developmental milestones. The Gymini enhances baby cognition and motor skills while helping parents bond with their littlest love. $47.99, ages birth-12 months.

The New Rules of Pregnancy: What to Eat, Do, Think About, and Let Go Of While Your Body Is Making a Baby

The New Rules of Pregnancy is a beautiful tribute and celebration of moms-to-be. In this lovely book, two leading OB-GYNs guide you, the modern pregnant woman, through all aspects of pregnant life in an easy-to-digest, compassionate and motivating way. Instead of a detailed week-by-week look at your baby’s development, it’s all about you, and how to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. $19.95.

The Peanutshell 23 Piece Newborn Essentials Layette Gift Set

As a collection of essentials and accessories for baby, this 23-piece Layette Set from The Peanutshell gives you all the best newborn must-haves. Available in pink, blue, or a gender-neutral grey. Each set includes basic white options as well, which are perfect for mixing and matching. With so many options, this set goes beyond the basics to create countless mix-and-match combinations for a girl, boy or both. $49.99, for newborns.

Nanobébé Breastmilk Bottle

The Nanobébé’s bottle is specifically designed for breastmilk. With its concaved surface area, breast milk is spread into a thin layer, allowing it to cool quickly  and warm quickly at safe temperatures. Provides familiar shape and feeding position for nursing babies. Multiple bottles can be stacked in the fridge and easy to clean. $10.99, ages birth-24 months.

For more baby must-haves, visit nappaawards.com. #playlearnconnect

We moms know to-do lists well. Keep going, keep doing. Take care of everyone and every project – that’s the mom life. But recently, I’ve been granting myself permission to embrace a different mindset: Treat yourself; no guilt allowed. Trust me: Your mind, body and especially your family will thank you for it.

The quiet room at the Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village.

For my recent “treat-yourself” solo date, I was seeking relaxation and pampering. For me to truly recharge, I need to be somewhere that feels “away” but is still close to home. The Four Seasons Westlake Village is an oasis of tranquility just off the 101 Freeway. The hotel is surrounded by the Santa Monica Mountains and has beautiful gardens, great restaurants and a staff committed to making sure you’re taken care of.

My day began with a veggie omelet and 33-layer croissant slathered in strawberry-and-thyme jam at the hotel’s recently opened Coin & Candor restaurant. The California brasserie features rustic, seasonal and locally sourced creations by executive chef José Fernandez. Warm, fresh bread is my glass of wine – the ultimate relaxation food. Starting my day with the delightful aroma of fresh croissants and house-milled Red Fife grain sourdough bread created by executive pastry chef Patrick Fahy (formerly at the French Laundry in Napa) was definitely the beginning of something wonderful.

Breakfast at Coin & Candor

After breakfast, I headed to the Spa at Four Seasons, where I slipped into a cozy plush robe. I tucked my phone – along with my to-do lists, emails, texts, responsibilities and world news – into my bag, zipped it closed and left it in the locker. My only companion was a book.

I poured a cup of chamomile citron herbal tea and headed to a lounge chair by the spa pool. My focus turned to the author’s words as I enjoyed the sun on my face. Before my treatment, I headed to the quiet room, where comfy sofa beds look onto a cascading waterfall filled with orchids. This is the kind of room you wish you could escape to every day.

Tea by the Spa pool

By the time I walked into the massage room with my therapist, Nancy, my mind had already stopped racing, and thanks to Nancy’s expert hands, I felt every knot in my back and neck untie. I asked Nancy to leave the door to the small patio outside open so that I could enjoy the fresh air and the subtle rustle of leaves.

Post massage, I enjoyed the steam room and a long, hot shower, then headed to the luxe salon, Rhythm & Hair, for a blowout, which began with a wonderful scalp massage and ended with soft waves that I enjoyed for several days. It turned out that hair stylist Ryan (at left in the photo with me) and I had a lot in common. We chatted about our favorite “Friends” and “Gilmore Girls” episodes, growing up in L.A., food and culture.

When I went back to the locker room to get dressed and grab my bag, I felt like I was leaving a week-long beach vacation. I had no makeup on, but my hair felt soft and wonderful, and I looked refreshed and relaxed. I thought about grabbing one of the signature drinks at the lively new bar inside Coin & Candor, but opted instead to take a walk around the property, soaking in the lush mountain views and gardens before heading home.

The happy, relaxed me was ready to dive back into my to-do list.

A walk around the Four Seasons Westlake Village

play learn connect

We were so thrilled to be with L.A. Parent chatting about Mother’s Day Gift Ideas. Check out our video segment featuring recent NAPPA Award-winning products perfect for mom!

Products featured in this segment:

TWELVElittle On-the-Go Backpack, Kids N Such Diaper Backpack, ErgoErgo, Frankie Cameron Bag, Stories for My Grandchild by Honey Good, Kindred Bravely Criss Cross Nursing Top

 

New baby coming? These NAPPA Award-winning products make the best gifts!

TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print

Stylish and super practical! Designed with multitaskers in mind, the TWELVElittle On-The-Go Backpack in Stripe Print can be carried for any occasion — family outings, work functions and travels. The spacious main compartment has five pockets for maximum organization, and a separate opening for a fully padded laptop sleeve. The backside has a zipper pocket with an opening on the top and bottom, to be used as a sleeve to fit through luggage handles. The D-rings at the back of the backpack allows the bag to be attached to a stroller using the TWELVElittle Stroller Clip Set (sold separately). $165

Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage Smart All-in-One Convertible Car Seat

Designed for 10 years of use, the Evenflo Gold SensorSafe EveryStage Smart All-in-One Convertible Car Seat delivers a high level of protection and performance, from babyhood to toddlerhood and beyond. There’s a lot to love about this premium quality, easy-to-adjust car seat designed with the SensorSafe smart app. Ride with confidence, knowing that your baby’s car seat has been side impact and rollover tested, as well as tested for structural integrity at 2X the federal crash test standard. With EasyClick™ Installation, it takes just 60 seconds to get your child’s car seat 3x tighter for a wiggle-free seat. Trust in a brand that understands your need for the gold standard in safety, connectivity and quality—and more than delivers. $279.99, ages 4 – 120 lbs.

Pursuit All Seasons

The Pursuit All Seasons is comfortable, stylish and versatile for all weathers.  It features LÍLLÉbaby’s sleek signature style, functionality and comfort, with an added focus on safety enhancements. With its customizable comfort, temperature control mesh panel and water-resistant shell, the Pursuit All Seasons has you covered no matter where your adventures take you and your little one. This carrier also allows for safe baby wearing with reflectors on the front and back of the carriers as well as reflective stitching. $150, ages birth to 24 months.

Kleynimals Toy Keys

Kleynimals are an innovative stainless steel toy keys created by a mom. We know that babies and toddlers love to play with our keys and Kleynimals provides the fun stimulations kids crave without the lead contamination and daily grime that comes with household keys. These keys are eco-friendly, non-toxic and American-made. As an extra bonus, these keys can be personalized to create a practical keepsake gift. $35.00, ages birth to 24 months.

LIL ESSENTIALS

The best of Lil ‘O’ Blossom bath and body care is a perfect gift. Pamper babies and little ones with Lil Essentials — made with nourishing ingredients that are gentle, effective and luxurious. Includes Gentle Shampoo, Detangling Conditioner, Fresh Body Wash, and Nourishing Baby Oil. 2 fl. oz. each. $28.00

For more baby shower gift ideas, visit nappaawards.com! #playlearnconnect

We had a blast covering Toy Fair New York. We saw so many fun products including carpool karaoke, a booty shakin llama, super heroes in all shapes and sizes, a new Harry Potter Sorting Hat, the latest surprise toys, giant outdoor bubble makers, dolls and doll houses, great games for the whole family and so much more!

We’ll continue to bring you the best throughout the year.

 

#PlayLearnConnect #tfny

We’re excited to share two of our newest NAPPA Awards book winners.

DITTY BIRD MUSICAL BOOKS

Meet Ditty Bird, an adorable bird who loves to sing and will take your little one on a musical journey of playful learning. This charming musical book collection is educational, interactive and fun for inquisitive babies and toddlers. Promotes early language and fine motor skills, auditory development, music appreciation and bonding. Each board book has a “music” button on each page, which triggers one of six captivating tunes, sung by children. $16.49, ages: 1 – 3.

Knights Club: The Bands of Bravery

Knights Club: The Bands of Bravery is a middle-grade graphic novel series that makes your child the valiant hero of a fantasy quest—pick your panel, find items, gain abilities, solve puzzles and play through new storylines again and again. This book combines two loved genres: graphic novels and stories that allow readers to choose their own adventures. $9.99, ages: 8 – 12.

Know a new mom? She’ll be excited to learn about these latest NAPPA Award winners.

TotsBots EasyFit Diaper

TotsBots EasyFit diaper is the ultimate all-in-one reusable diaper. At the heart of it’s design, the EasyFit is made for your baby’s comfort, and makes changing time effortless. Super absorbent bamboo interior is soft on baby’s skin, stay dry edges make for leak-free wear and waterproof exterior comes in a range of fun, brightly colored prints. The clever adjustable popper design  ensures a great fit from birth to potty-trained. $26.95.

The Molar Magician

The Molar Magician is a uniquely designed teething aid shaped specifically to reach and soothe the back of the mouth molar area for babies and toddlers. Unlike traditional teethers, the flexible, yet firm, arms and legs reach back around front teeth and gums to the areas your little one needs the relief the most. The oval shape is designed to prevent The Molar Magician from reaching too far while also allowing for easy one-handed use by small hands. $15.99, ages 6 months+.

Lullabuddy

The Lullabuddy is a lullaby player & speaker that comes pre-loaded with 2 hours of Mae Robertson’s award winning lullabies and love songs — music that both parents and babies will enjoy.

The super compact music player comes with a shuffle button, a one-hour timer and a mini USB cable for charging. When fully charged, it will play for up to 18 hours. The music was remastered specifically for the Lullabuddy with wonderful sound quality. The speaker is also Bluetooth enabled so that other music can be played from a mobile device. Lullabuddy is easy to use. Just press play and enjoy. $60, ages birth+.

Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer

This sleek, compact sterilizer cleans five bottles in five minutes with the click of a button. The Tommee Tippee Electric Steam Sterilizer kills 99.9% of all germs without chemicals. BPA and phthalate free. $69.99.

MEMEENO Baby Belly Band

The MEMEENO Belly Band applies optimal amount of coverage, compression and natural warmth on a baby’s belly, providing womb-like security and just enough hug around the tummy to ease out gas and relieve aches caused by colic symptoms. The band is uniquely designed with a baby’s safety and comfort in mind. It’s made from high quality GOTS-certified organic cotton fabrics. All prints use organic water-based dyes. $17.99, ages birth-12 months.

For more award-winning baby and new mom products, visit NAPPA Baby Essentials.

Check out our latest NAPPA Award winners just for baby and new mom!

The Nuzzle Baby Lounger with AiraTex 

This lounger provides an ideal spot for baby – sides swaddle baby and prevent rolling with best in class breathability. The AiraTex three dimensional weaving technology cradles your baby on millions of fingers of thread, quite literally holding your baby up on a bed of breathable air for a safe and comfortable rest. Naturally regulates baby’s body heat. Washable, interchangeable cover available in several playful designs. Portable, lightweight and hypoallergenic. $189, ages infants – 8 months

Nanit Plus

This high quality video monitor helps your baby and you sleep like a baby. Nanit’s overhead HD camera tracks and understands everything happening in your baby’s crib (sleep patterns, parent visits, room conditions), and then provides personalized, scientifically-backed sleep guidance to help your baby, and you, sleep better. $279, ages birth to 36 months.

BelleMa Euphoria Pro with IDC and 3D Milk Collection Kit  

This efficient and compact breast pump features a Closed System designed with a barrier to prevent milk form entering the tube and the motor — an important feature since milk residue in the tubes and motor can cause contamination. This model also offers the IDC feature, allowing mom to control the suction levels on left and right pumps separately. Moms with different breast conditions can now express using both pumps adjusting the suction levels individually. $129.00, ages birth to 12 months,

SnoozeShade for Playards and Pack’n’Plays

This soft, safe, stretchy breathable mesh canopy for playards was invented by a British mom. It’s perfect for creating a darkened, calm and distraction-free sleep environment for little ones wherever they are.
Great for room-sharing with baby, trips away from home, camping, vacation or during bright summer months. It also gives protection from insects and mosquitos. $89.99, ages birth until child outgrows playard.

zooby Car and Home Baby Monitor

Zooby Car and Home Baby Monitor by Infanttech

This car and home baby monitor is cute and portable. Comes with a free app for your smart device.  Zooby lets you keep an eye on baby day and night even when baby is in a rear facing car seat. Features two-way audio and three preset lullabies. $169.97

For more product reviews for your little bundle of joy, visit our Baby Essentials section of NAPPA Awards.

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