moms Archives - NAPPA Awards

April 2, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

Joolz Aer+’s

This stroller is designed to make traveling with your little one as smooth and comfortable as possible. Features one-hand one-second fold, a reclining seat and UPF 50+ sun hood with ventilation. $449, ages birth-4 years, joolz.com

Harmony Manual Breast Pump

A small, lightweight and discreetly portable pump for occasional and convenient pumping at home, at work or on the go. This simple to use and easy to clean manual pump is made with research-based PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields, designed to increase comfort and help produce more milk. $31.49, medela.com

Birdfy Feeder Bamboo

Relax and enjoy nature all around you with this smart bird feeder made from FSC-certified bamboo. Features a solar-powered camera for eco-friendly operation, allowing for bird watching with minimal environmental impact. Designed for easy refilling and cleaning. Supports AI recognition to identify over 6000 bird species, enhancing the bird-watching experience. $279.99, Entire Family, birdfy.com

Emotional Support Flowers

The flower plushies with individual expressions. They’re the perfect way to cheer up a friend, partner, parent, or loved one. These blooming beauties are perfect for snuggling up with, and sure to bring joy. $19.99, relatable.com

Menstruation Crustacean Lobster

A heat-up, huggable lobster heating pad that will be your new bestie for menstrual pain relief or general aches and pains. Whether it’s period cramps, muscle pains, or just a bad mood, microwave this comfort companion and it soothe the pain away with warmth and a relaxing lavender scent. $24.99, relatable.com

I Had a Miscarriage

Sixteen weeks into her second pregnancy, psychologist Jessica Zucker miscarried at home, alone. This book is a heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, and validating story about navigating these liminal spaces. It’s a reminder of the power of speaking openly and unapologetically about the complexities of our lives. $18.92, amazon.com

Buzbug LED Bug Zapper Indoor Electronic Mosquito Killer

Sixty UV-LED lamp beads attract and destroy mosquitoes, flies, and insects. Features a stylish house ornament design with a detachable PU leather handle. Covers up to 2,000 sq. ft., suitable for various spaces, including homes, offices, cafes. Not waterproof; works best at night and in dim lighting. The protective net prevents finger entry for electric shock prevention. Odorless, smoke-free operation with an easy-to-use power switch. $29.99, amazon.com

Buzbug Electric Fly Swatter Type-C Rechargeable Bug Zapper Racket

Instantly eliminates mosquitoes, bugs, bees, flies, gnats and fruit flies with a high voltage grid. Easily folds for convenient storage and portability. Three-layer security mesh protects children and pets, while insulation meshes prevent accidental contact with the electric net. $16.99, amazon.com

March 1, 2024 by NAPPA Awards Team

Wisest Learners: Unlock the Secrets to Your Child’s Academic Success

A modern and practical guidebook for both new and seasoned parents, providing invaluable insights and strategies to nurture inquisitive, motivated and triumphant lifelong learners. Discover a wealth of helpful guides encompassing parental strategies, learning foundations and learning strategy management. $19.99, wisestlearners.com

Love-me-Tender Nursing Bra

Crafted to support your breastfeeding journey with comfort and style. This wire-free bra is fashioned from an ultra-soft, luxurious, breathable nylon-spandex blend. With sewn on paddings, enjoy hassle-free washing. $60, lazywaist.com

The Coterie Diaper

A faster wicking, highly absorbent diaper with cleaner, more sustainable ingredients. Hypoallergenic and soft-as-cashmere, it is designed to minimize leaks, blowouts, and diaper rash so babies (& parents!) can enjoy dry, comfortable, and uninterrupted sleep. Made from 25% plant-based materials. Dermatologist-tested, free of fragrance, lotion, latex, and 200+ chemicals. $90/month, ages birth+, coterie.com

The Coterie Wipe

Gentle on both baby and the planet, is softer, stronger, and crafted with 99% water and 100% plant-based, plastic-free, biodegradable fibers–which can decompose in just 12 weeks (half the time of an orange peel). Up to 30% larger than average wipes. EWG-verified, pediatrician-approved, dermatologist-recommended, and has earned the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance. $30/4-pack, ages birth+, coterie.com

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

May 23, 2023 by

The ABC Kids Expo took place at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino last month, and I was thrilled to be in attendance. This year’s event once again brought together companies focused on baby and toddler products, ranging from strollers and car seats to smart monitors and anything else that might make parenting and childhood more fun, comfortable and safe.

The expo featured 250 exhibitors from the around the globe, and as I walked through exhibit halls — 15,000 steps the first day — I was thrilled to see many NAPPA Award winning companies showcasing their latest line of products.

Safety and innovation in car seats and strollers were two big trends, as were gender-neutral tones and natural and breathable fabrics.

Take a look at the video below for a sneak peak of what’s new in the world of parenting gear. And for more gift ideas and product reviews on award-winning baby and toddler essentials, visit nappaawards.com.

February 11, 2021 by

While every day is a great day to show your love and appreciation for your kids, Valentine’s Day gives all of us a wonderful opportunity to express our feelings — and nothing says love more than kindness. At NAPPA Awards, we are celebrating kindness and positivity all year long by showcasing books, music and other great products that will bring joy and connection to your family and remind us that we need to be kind to ourselves, to each other, to our community and to our world.

Best for Mom

Let’s start with all the moms who always put everyone else first. We know this past year has not been easy, parenting through a pandemic, that’s why we love KindNotes. These beautiful jars of 31 handcrafted messages, enclosed in mini decorative envelopes, combine the charm of handwritten notes with positive affirmations perfect for a little pick-me up. Comes in a variety of designs and themes and can be customized. Starting at $34.95, kindnotes.com

And we think every mom deserves some quiet time to reflect and recharge. MamaZen Mindful Parenting App provides the perfect space to relieve stress, fatigue and anxiety using a combination of meditation, hypnotherapy and mindfulness . The 150 brief audio sessions (5-15 min) cover common topics among moms. 30-day free trial, then $14.99/month, mamazen.com

Spread Kindness Through Music

We know you’re going to love these recent NAPPA Award winners as much as we do. Music is such a wonderful source of well-being and the messages of kindness in these songs are universal and great for all ages.

Make it Happen!

Cheery, charming and energetic songs celebrate the simple joys of life, while also delivering positive messages of empowerment, courage and strength. Packed with lyrical wisdom centering on creating meaningful relationships and experiences. $9.99, staceypeasley.com

Thank You, Mister Rogers – Music & Memories

A heartfelt tribute album featuring classic songs performed by award winning artists. Highlights include the spirited Latin rhythms on Jaci Velasquez’s playful take of “You Can Never Go Down The Drain,” Jon Secada’s Spanish interpretation of “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” and actress/singer Rita Wilson, whose husband Tom Hanks wonderfully portrayed Fred Rogers in the movie, provides a tender rendition of “Sometimes People Are Good.” $10.95, thankyoumisterrogers.com

A Mind of Your Own

Featuring Nashville-based songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, a Brooklyn-based, fiddle-playing child psychiatrist and an array of acclaimed Americana performers in a captivating and upbeat debut album filled with songs and skits touching on a variety of topics—making new friends, coping with failure, learning a new language, dealing with emotions and bullying. Invites listeners to think deeply on feelings and emotions that come with growing up, while focusing on resilience. $14.98, folkways.si.edu

Words to Inspire

Find a cozy nook and start reading together. Beautiful illustrations and words will inspire you to be in awe of nature and all the creatures around us. There is so much to be thankful for if we just take a look around and really notice.

Good Morning, Good Morning

The lyrical wordplay encourages children to explore their surroundings and notice the subtle sensations within their bodies, all while helping them develop their daily mindfulness practice. Written and illustrated by women of color and featuring diverse characters. $12, ages birth-4, bounlesblooms.com

The Mighty River

Celebrates the community we share through nature and the diverse animals and plants that call the river home. Includes beautiful illustrations, a wide array of information, ideas on how to protect our waterways and space to draw and describe river animals and scenes. $15, ages 2-8, years, beautifulworldbooks.com

Kindness Tales

A curated collection of children’s stories celebrating the timeless power of kindness to make the world a gentler, safer and even more loving place by author and highly-respected folklorist, Margaret Read MacDonald. $16.95, ages 6-10, augusthouse.com

The Book of Cultures

A 120-page picture book for young readers to discover the world, embrace its diversity and go on adventures near and far, all from the comfort of their home. Featuring 30 stories with buddies from different countries, followed by a 2-page activity snapshot on each culture. $35, ages 4-9, worldwidebuddies.com

Be Together

To teach our kids about their big feelings is a true gift. Sit together, talk and use these creative and colorful cards to enhance your child’s social emotional learning.

The Little Yogi Deck: Simple Yoga Practices to Help Kids Move Through Big Emotions

A colorful card deck featuring 48 simple yoga and mindfulness practices to help kids work through big emotions on and off the mat. Eight color-coded categories include anger, worry, excitement, sadness, joy, jealousy, shame and peace. Includes a practice booklet. $19.95, ages 5+, Shambhala.com

Mindful Moments: Guided Exercises and Mantras for Kids

Easy-to-follow guided exercises blending mindfulness meditation and empowering affirmations to build emotional intelligence and encourage kids to tap into the present moment and their unique strengths. Includes mindful tips booklet. $30, ages 2+, boundlessblooms.world

Imagine That

It is through play that kids learn about life. Give them a world filled with imagination, kindness, love and generosity.

Poppy the Kindness Unicorn & Pawley Bear

Join Poppy and Pawley on their journey filled with friendship, kindness, and lots of fun as they spread kindness through Sharewood Forest. $34.99, ages 3+, plushible.com

Care Bears: Love-A-Lot Bear

A group of huggable BFFs living that sweet caring life. Perfect for unlimited bear hugs and ready for you to take on your adventures of sharing and caring. Comes with a collectible Care Coin to spark on conversation and action on everyday acts of kindness. $14.99, ages 4+, Walmart.com

Sharewood Forest Friends

Enter a magical world filled with friendship and sharing. Each friend comes with an adorable outfit, pajama set and reusable packaging that unfolds into a unique playscape, where kindness grows as large as the mighty oak and spreads like wildflowers. $34.99, ages 2-4, sharewoodfriends.com

For more product reviews visit nappaawards.com

June 22, 2020 by Elena Epstein

We’re excited to introduce you to Nicole Black, a mom and wellness entrepreneur. Nicole, who lives in Santa Barbara with her daughter, is the creator behind the Spa Girl Life Candles, a 2020 NAPPA Award winner.

While working in the spa industry for many years, Nicole learned about the soothing benefits of aromatherapy and relaxation and the healing powers of crystals. Creating a life of intention to manifest your dreams, wishes and desires is how Spa Girl Life Candles came to be. The candles are hand-poured using soy wax and cotton wicks. Each candle arrives with two stones and a link to a guided meditation as well as a mantra card. These candles are great for moms and moms-to-be. You can read our mom evaluators comments about these candles in here.

Tell us a little about your daily life as a working mom.

If I were to sum it up in one word, it would be busy! Balance has become my middle name because I am regularly working on three projects. The first project is The Spa Girl Life – my luxury candle line, which fulfills my professional needs. My secondary project feeds my soul, working on my second book, The Spiral Staircase: The Path Isn’t Always a Straight Line. My third project is my passion project. This year I am working on getting my late father’s film “Pretty Poison” named to the Library of Congresses National Film Registry. Balancing that with spending time with my daughter, cooking, cleaning, and spending time outdoors every day keeps me pretty busy.

How do you destress and maintain your own well-being?

Ho’oponopono. An ancient Hawaiian method of releasing and restoring oneself to a zero state, using a four-sentence mantra designed to restore peace. Plus, I light a lot of candles. Aromatherapy and a warm bath allow me to put things in perspective.

What do you enjoy doing when not working?

Travel. Exploring new cities and all of the adventures that go along with that is my absolute favorite past time. Being out of my element allows my brain remarkable creative freedom, and some of my best ideas show up when I have been on vacation.

Favorite place to be with your family?

Together! In my world, it doesn’t matter if we are in a tropical paradise or a snow-covered mountain, time spent talking and laughing with my loved ones is my favorite thing.

Best life advice?

Live each day fully and in the present moment. The good news is if it were a great day, you would be able to tell stories about it forever. If it wasn’t a great day, it’s over, no need to reflect on it any longer. Additionally, remember to embrace all five senses: smell, touch, sight, sound, and taste.

Best advice for moms – new moms, moms with teens, mom entrepreneurs.

My advice for all moms is the same – be present and show your children you love them. New moms: you’re going to get a lot of unsolicited advice. Take what you can use and forget the parts that won’t work for your family. Moms with teens: be present with your children, know who their friends are, and ask a lot of questions. Mom with jobs: you are doing incredible work! It isn’t easy to balance work and life. Do the best you can each day and strive to do 5% more the next day.

What was your motivation behind launching Spa Girl Life?

Candles have always instilled a sense of peace inside of me. After leaving the restaurant group I co-founded, I felt as if I was at a crossroad, what should I do next? As a serial entrepreneur, I am always looking at products and thinking of ways to improve them. One of the things I noticed about candles that come with accessories is that you have to be incredibly patient waiting to get the prize inside. I wanted to create a candle that had crystals that could be used with guided meditations while burning the candle. Hence the mini first aid kit for the soul was born. I hope that women will have a moment of peace in their busy days to reflect and breathe.

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

June 9, 2020 by

Ice cream scientist Maya Warren. Photo by Jeff Miller/UW-Madison

Maya Warren has a job title that would get most kids’ attention. She’s an ice cream scientist. Translation: Warren is senior director of international research and development/tastemaster at Cold Stone Creamery, and has a doctorate in food science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in frozen desserts. After being introduced to food science through the Food Network show “Unwrapped,” she decided to combine her passions for ice cream and chemistry to create a career that lets her do what she loves every day.

While her favorite ice cream flavor fluctuates between cookies and cream and a double-buttered candied pecan that is her own creation, the L.A.-based flavor maker finds inspiration for new flavors everywhere. “Whether it is at a fine dining restaurant, the candy or yogurt aisle at the grocery store or just following up-and-coming food trends across the globe, creativity is always around us,” Warren says. “It is really fun to push the envelope with ice cream flavors.”

Honey, cornbread and blackberry jam? Thai curry, peanuts and lime? Why not! “The flavors you can make are totally endless!” Warren says. “Now, not everything will taste amazing, but you never know when you might develop an amazing flavor that will leave people wanting more.”

What does she eat when she isn’t eating ice cream? “I love a great plate of veggies,” Warren insists. “I pretty much add spinach and broccoli to anything and everything … except ice cream. I’ve definitely not tried spinach or broccoli ice cream!”

The recipe this ice cream scientist has shared is the no-churn variety, which means you can make it without an ice cream maker. She says both varieties are very tasty, and that the main difference is in the process. No-churn recipes involve whipping the cream separately to create foam and give the mixture lightness, which wouldn’t be efficient for large-scale production. Ice cream that is churned freezes a prepared mixture and uses the machine to incorporate air during the freezing process.

Using this no-churn recipe, you create the base, then let your creativity loose to create your own flavor combinations. “Layer in whatever your creative mind and taste buds desire!” says Warren. Want more inspiration? Follow the ice cream scientist on Instagram, where she hosts live “Ice Cream Sundays with Dr. Maya,” demonstrating her recipes so that families can follow along.

The No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe:

2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream, chilled

1¼ cups of sweetened condensed milk (approximately one 14-ounce can)

¼ cup evaporated milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Inclusions of your choice – broken/chopped cookies, sprinkles, caramel and/or fudge sauce, etc.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk and vanilla extract.Gently mix with a spatula until homogeneous, then set aside.

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a smaller mixing bowl. Starting on the lowest speed to avoid splashing, then gradually increasing to the highest speed, whip with a hand or standing mixer until whipped cream forms stiff peaks, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip the cream or it will turn into butter.

Using a spatula, scoop and gently fold the whipped cream into the sweetened condensed milk mixture until all of the cream is folded in. This now becomes your ice cream base – set aside.

Grab your storage container and a ladle. Using the ladle, scoop a layer of ice cream base into the container. Spread a layer of inclusions on top. Add another layer of ice cream base, followed by another layer of inclusions, and alternate until all of your ice cream base and inclusions are in your container.

Place a lid, plastic wrap or parchment paper over your ice cream. If using parchment paper or plastic wrap, gently press down until it lightly touches the ice cream. Freeze for 5-6 hours or overnight. Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 5-7 minutes if the ice cream is too hard to scoop. Enjoy!

April 23, 2020 by

One fun side-effect of being at home is that everyone has lots more time to make – and eat – breakfast. This French toast recipe from La Brea Bakery makes use of their wonderful baguette (in case you didn’t finish it off with dinner) and doesn’t require any special equipment or technique. You can put the whole thing together the night before, then quickly finish it up in the morning to kick-start everyone’s day.

La Brea Bakery Oven Puffed French Toast

1 La Brea Bakery baguette (unsliced)

10 eggs

½ cup all-purpose flour

6 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon baking powder

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup milk

1 cup dark beer

Pinch of coarse salt

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cut the bread diagonally into ¾-inch slices and place in a dish in a single layer. Whisk together the eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, vanilla, milk, beer and salt. Pour over both sides of the bread. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least one hour.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a very large ovenproof skillet, melt the butter. Add the soaked bread, and brown on one side. Turn the bread over and place the skillet in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the toast is puffed and golden brown on the bottom.

For Los Angeles residents, fresh-baked artisan breads and pastries are available for 25% off for pick-up at the La Brea Bakery Café on South La Brea. The café’s full menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner is available for pick-up, and also through Grubhub, Postmates, UberEats and DoorDash. In addition, health care workers, first responders and essential front-line employees can receive a free boxed meal that includes a sandwich, chips and a cookie when they present their badge or proof of employment at the South La Brea café.

April 15, 2020 by NAPPA Awards Team

Our homes have always been our havens and now more than ever we are grateful to have a cozy place with our families to shelter in and face the current crisis with strength and hope.

With kids learning from home and parents working from home, we want to share a few NAPPA Award-winning products that will bring a sense of security, some ease and fun to daily activities.

Baby & Toddler Proof with Ease

Keep your little explorer safer while at home with Safety 1st Furniture Straps. These universal straps work in 3 different configurations to keep your children safe. Secure your TV to the Wall; Secure your TV to your Furniture; Secure your TV to your Furniture and your Furniture to the Wall (first strap of its kind).

While your curious toddler explores the house, the Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock will keep them out of restricted cabinets and drawers. Each magnetic lock provides a strong, childproof hold, and can be easily mounted to most surfaces. Operates with a magnetic key that should be stored in a high or secure spot. Adhesive backing allows for easy installation.

Make Brushing Teeth More Fun

BriteBrush is a game changer for kids who don’t always love to brush their teeth. This toothbrush uses songs, games and live coaching to encourage proper brushing in accordance with the Modified Bass Technique, a method that is widely endorsed by dentists. The brush also uses proprietary, smart sensor technology and a vibrating handle that encourages total mouth coverage and side-change recognition – and is equipped with a Parent Check Light to provide peace of mind that children are brushing correctly.

Add Ease to Your Cooking Time

We are all spending a lot of time home cooking now and the Kitchen Gizmo Snap N’ Strain’s universal design will take the strain out of straining. This heat-resistant, silicone colander is a practical way to get your food strained thoroughly while avoiding transferring the food out of the pot.

Keep Your Makeup Tools Clean

We know that your time is valuable and the Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner is here to help. Who wants to take the time to not only clean makeup brushes, but wait for it to dry? The Luxe spinner uses the newest technology to get all the dirt, grime and oil off of your brush within seconds of pressing the handle button.

For more award-winning products visit nappaawards.com

March 19, 2020 by Christina Elston

When was the last time you took a deep breath? If you’re like many of us, it’s been a minute. Stressful times (like when you are quarantined at home with your kids) make most of us resort to shallow breathing – or even holding our breath.

This can lead to low-grade chronic stress, says Sandy Abrams, who specializes in sharing calming, empowering breathing tips in the corporate world and is the author of “Breathe to Succeed.” Abrams, mom of sons who are now 22 and 24, uses these techniques in her parenting as well. “I started to use the power of breath in parenting for all sorts of different applications, like patience and being present.” Here are three of her favorites:

Sandy Abrams

Beverage and Breath: Most of us like to enjoy a cup of something (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) to start the day, even when the morning is chaotic. Create a morning ritual by setting an intention for the day, holding your cup, closing your eyes and taking three deep breaths. “Find in that small moment a sort of meditation to empower yourself for the day,” she suggests.

Lion’s Breath: This is one of Abrams’ favorite breathing methods to use with kids. It immediately purges negative energy – and makes everyone laugh. Just close your eyes, take in a deep breath through your nose, then snap your eyes and mouth open wide as you stick out your tongue and breathe out with a roaring sound. Afterward, enjoy the giggles. “Laughter is a great thing to do with your children,” Abrams says. “Laughter is breath, too.”

Bumblebee Breath: To close all the “open tabs” you have running in your brain and tap into creativity, try this technique. Close your eyes and take a long, deep inhale. Close your ears with your thumbs and use your fingers to gently cover your eyes. For the whole length of an exhale, make a humming/buzzing sound like a bee. “After one or two rounds of that, you just breathe normally for a few rounds and then you open your eyes, and you’ve got that blank slate you need for creativity,” says Abrams.

Taking three deep breaths any time (especially with your eyes closed) is a great way to regroup when life throws you a curve. Make your exhales longer than your inhales for a deeper sense of relaxation.

Stay well.

#staywell #playlearnconnect #nappaawards #family #parenting #kidsathome

January 29, 2020 by

Our latest NAPPA Award winners bring fun and learning together.

Bookful

A mobile app for kids that uses augmented reality to bring books to life. Choosing from an extensive library of AR books that features the best publishers such as Penguin Random House and DK, the child can learn, read and have fun at the same time. The books range from classics such as Peter Rabbit to Hasbro’s Transformers. Ages 3-8, $59.99, bookful.app

Cooking class Global Feast!

Provides a wonderful opportunity for kids to gain practical kitchen skills through preparing food from around the world. Step-by-step photography feature children from a wide range of backgrounds preparing dishes that reflect their unique food traditions. A pop-out food passport, world language flash cards, and flag stickers provide additional fun on their global food journey. Ages 8+, $18.95, www.storey.com

Heartsongs of the Rainbow

Created by a pediatric speech pathologist with the goal of uplifting, inspiring, nurturing and supporting those in the Special Needs Community. This album can also be enjoyed by all children. Each song allows children the opportunity to learn and demonstrate simple physical and gestural movements as well as to vocalize with repetitive, easy-to-make sounds. Ages 2-10, $15, theadrienneprocess.com

Busy Kid

Start the important conversations about money early with this educational app. Kids will learn about money management, including saving, spending, investing and helping others through the app. Ages 6-16, $7.99/year, Busykid.com

Be Kind: You Can Make the World a Happier Place! 125 Kind Things to Say & Do

With joyful illustrations and kid-friendly writing, this idea book serves as a delightful, easy-to-read collection of 125 concrete activities kids and their families can pick and choose from and act out in their daily lives — no special occasion required. Ages 5+, $12.95, storey.com

Kid Activists

Every activist started out as a kid—and in some cases they were kids when their activism began! But even the world’s greatest champions of civil liberties had relatable interests and problems–often in the middle of extraordinary circumstances. Features kid-friendly texts and full-color cartoon illustrations on nearly every page. Ages 9-12, $13.95, quirkbooks.com

For more book and app reviews, visit NAPPA Awards. #playlearnconnect