We had an amazing time at the First Annual Philadelphia Baby & Family Expo on October 16th and we’re already planning for next year. But, it was a whirlwind, and we didn’t get to spend as much time with all our exhibitors and vendors as we’d hoped, so our Philly editor decided to put up some of our highlights and most memorable brands and services for expectant, new and seasoned parents.
Stay tuned for another round up of some of the fab local, Philly-based products, shops and services that were also highlighted at the Philly Baby & Family Expo!
Featured Image Photo Credit: Tammy Bradshaw Photography
Milla – Beyond Maternity: One thing that has always made me crazy about nursing fashion is a) the lack of style and b) the high prices for anything that I would consider wearing out of the house. Milla’s nursing line, just launched this year by momprenuer Kristine Golden, offers stylish, comfy, reasonably priced nursing (and pumping!) wear for mamas. Shop the Milla online store and use the coupon code achildgrowsvip to get $10 off of any purchase of $60 or more.
Lilu Hands-Free Compression Pumping Bra: Speaking of pumping (which can be one of the least fun things about being a nursing mom), we’re super excited with this new product, just entering the marketplace. Lilu is a hands-free, compression pumping bra with some pretty awesome, innovative design elements. First, the bra compresses and massages your breasts while you’re pumping so you don’t have to. If you’re truly pumping hands free, and this compression bra is doing it’s job well, you’ll be more relaxed during each pumping session, and a more relaxed mama releases more milk, so it’s a win-win for everyone! Lilu is still in the final stages of development, but stay connected to this awesome brand by signing up to try the product and hear more about when and where it will hit the marketplace.
Tiffin Talk: If you’re like me, you might be struggling to get beyond the “how was your day?” questions with your kiddos (mine are in kindergarten and second grade). Sometimes my husband and I are pretty good at having interesting, open ended conversations with our girls, but more often, we’re caught in the slog of “brush your teeth,” “put on your shoes,” and “hurry up, we’re late!” marching orders, not to mention the distractions that our admittedly low tech family still battles. The founders of TiffinTalk aim to help parents solve that age old problem (made worse by the modern day frenzy of our hectic schedules of work, school, ballet, soccer, and more) with their boxed cards to encourage connections between parents and kids of all ages, from preschool to teens. In a time where we have learned to rely on technology as an efficient means of communication, we are coming to realize what is often lost in our texts – and, as a result – in our lives. TiffinTalk believes in looking up, not down, to communicate – wirelessly.
Rose & Rex: Speaking of low tech, we’re always on the hunt for a one stop shop to get our kiddos beautifully crafted, educational, interactive toys for little ones of all ages. Rose & Rex is a relatively new discovery for us, and it is becoming my one stop shop for baby and birthday gifts. Everything in this lovingly curated online toy boutique is thoughtfully selected by education professionals, teachers, and child development experts to foster well-rounded skill building. Their toys are interactive, help develop imaginative play, and stimulate discovery. What more could a parent or gift giver ask for?
Poofy Organics: The marketplace is full of organic, eco-friendly, “natural” skin and baby care lines these days, so it can be hard to figure out where to focus. What I love about Poofy Organics, a new discovery for me, is that they have something for everyone, from lipstick to deodorant to toothpaste to all-purpose house cleaner. A large portion of their line is certified organic and toxin-free. Want more information about how that works and the products that aren’t certified? They give a great overview here so you can do your own research to make an informed decision. Plus, they have a product called Happy Boobies Nipple Cream for nursing mamas, so sign me up!
Potty Schmotty: Potty. Training. Sigh. I see parents shuddering from across the room when this subject comes up. And everyone (including myself) has an opinion, usually a very strong one, about the “right” way to potty train our children. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to being, Potty Schmotty can help! Check out their website for their potty training guide that will help your little one potty train as easily as possible, in three easy steps. They also offer guidance for educators who are filling in the potty training gaps in day care and preschool!
Mollie Michel is a South Philly resident and a Philadelphia public school parent. A recovering non-profit professional, Mollie is also an experienced birth doula, Certified Lactation Counselor, and the mom of two awesome girls and a sweet pit bull named Princess Cleopatra. In her spare time, she is usually trying to figure out how Pinterest works, training for a(nother) half-marathon with her dog at her side, or simply trying to keep up with her increasingly wily daughters.