i get a lot of questions… where did you find that? where should i go to find this? so… i am starting a new blog category called: beaux cadeaux … since my husband is 1/2 French, i though i’d infuse a little Parisian flair… it literally means “lovely gifts” but these finds can always be gifts for you, friends, or just fun information + inspiration 
and now for “beaux cadeaux :: baby edition”
I am the first to admit that I can be a crazy nut when it comes to research… so, when i found out i was pregnant with my son 2 1/2 years ago, naturally, i began scouring the internet, consumer reports, baby magazines, and friend’s opinions to find the best and most budget friendly baby gear. many a night i spent up staring at my computer emailing myself my findings and here are just a FEW of my favs…
#1 … first up is the…. phil&ted’s DASH single/double stroller … now, i had tried out three other strollers before i found this gem. my husband tried it out in the store and said, ya, we’re getting that one! its super slim, lightweight, turns on a dime, is comfortable for me, and the baby, AND AND AND it converts into a double stroller! there are a bazillion ways to use it as a double stroller and it keeps the “footprint” of the stroller as a single. {in most double strollers, the kids sit side to side, which means the width of the stroller inhibits you from shopping through aisles, and sometimes, getting through doorways!} The Phil&ted’s stroller maintains the width of a single stroller because “technically” the kids sit on top of each other ” … its the best out there! it has an infant carseat adaptor that also works with most mainstream carseat brands {peg perego, graco, chicco…}
the DASH . in black
the many ways you can use it
#2 … second is the baby toy we absolutley couldn’t do without… enter, Sophie. the amazing French wonder-giraffe. thankfully, it has now hit many stores in the US. but 2 years ago, I had to order my sophie from Canada! the perfect baby gift!! at around $20, this squeaky accessory will thrill any mom-to-be! my son chewed endlessly on this thing!
the star
my son with his precioussss
#3… another fabulous find is the ikea highchair… we registered for a pricey wooden high chair and it works just fine… but as my mom and mother-in-law were looking to purchase one for their house as well, we found the IKEA high chair for their houses…they are great. all plastic and the legs come out very easily. we’ve traveled and vacationed with this little wonder. its great. and under $20!!
"ANTILOP" highchair
#4… another wonderful baby essential is the ever fabulous Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream. It not only heals existing diaper rash, but prevents future rashes. its great. and has the fabulous Mustela signature scent.
#5… BLANKETS…i’ve got 2 favorites… a cuddle blanket and a practical blanket… for the cuddle side:: we received a ton of blankets for our little one, but the one that stands out by far is the amazing little giraffe blanket. THEE softest thing you’ve ever felt. we forced our son to use this blanket because 1. it wasn’t cheap and i didn’t want to just throw it in a closet and 2. its super cute! its a little splurgy on the price, but in my opinion, its the softest blanket out there.
you have to try just feel them!! check out nordstroms!
on the practical side… Swaddle Designs takes the cake…a gigantic, lightweight, sturdy, awesome blanket. great for swaddling and also to drape over strollers and carseats to keep germy strangers from touching your little one when out and about! 
the standard blue...
pink dot + heart
brand new ... baby cheetah print!!
#6 and finally…. my most essential baby item… the best pump in the universe. limerick’s pj comfort takes the cake. with my son spending 8 weeks in the NICU due to premature birth, this puppy saved his life, literally! using even the hospital grade medela {the “ma-devil” as my husband called it} did not even come close to the amazingness of this pump. seriously, get over the price and just buy it! a complete 3 year warranty! you can’t go wrong!
pink and super cute too!
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
…blueberry teether
- great for teething
…teething bling for haute mamas
- bpa free and great for baby chewing … while still adding fun a fun, stylish accessory!
…gumdrop pacifiers. WAY better than soothies and they have a place to attach a pacifier holder strappy thingy
- gumdrop pacifiers in fun colors
the BEST baby monitor. Angel Care BebeSounds Movement monitor. Tracks every single breath/movement. If no movement {breaths} in 15 seconds an alarm will sound. it was more reliable than the hospital apnea monitor my son had when he came home from the nicu.
great reception . portable . and wireless!
so. there’s my take on baby gadgets. of course there are plenty of great baby websites… Layla Grace … jack’s harvest … heelarious and mom4life … i could go on and on… for now, that’s all! enjoy…
