Have you ever shopped for a car seat and found the choices out there weren’t good enough for your car?  Either the design, or fabric, or color of the plastic just didn’t look like a good match for your car interior.  Well, with Clek’s limited edition Oobr Saddle booster seat, the reverse is apparent – this seat is could be too good for your car.  The Saddle is made from high-grade automotive leather – you know, the kind that gets softer and looks more luxurious with its use over time.

So, is there a car in your garage that is the perfect match for Oobr’s Saddle?  If so, run out and grab one, since there’s only 250 in this limited run.

Clek Oobr Saddle  |  $499 Pre-0rder via Magic Beans

Here’s a story of how one resourceful dad fixed his Bugaboo, and also the amazing future of 3D printing.

Duann Scott’s Bugaboo recently developed a problem with the handle lock on the pram, and the official replacement parts from the manufacturer are priced at $250. That price seemed outrageous to Duann, since the broken part was simply a small metal plate. Thankfully, Duann is a do-it-yourself kind of guy, so he was able to model a replacement part himself. After the design was complete, it was simply a matter of uploading the design to Shapeways where it was 3D-printed in stainless steel for about $25. Once the parts arrived in the mail, Duann popped them into the hinge, making the pram as good as new again– and the Scott family had saved themselves $225.

Read the whole story at Geek Dad, and see the step-by-step repair at Instructables.

image by Duann Scott

Give it to the Aussies to know about the sun, and let them come up with a wonderfully simple solution to a shade tent for your family beach trips.  Called Sombrilla, this tent is easy to set up, easy to get under, and easy to carry.  Order Sombrilla ($150) directly from the makers, Hollie and Harrie, and US delivery is just $30 flat rate from Australia.

So simple, it’s one of those things that leaves you wondering “why didn’t I think of that!”  via Holamama.

Mentioned in today’s Wall Street Journal, Paris-based Withings, has developed a baby monitor that you can access via your iPhone, computer, TV, or any other Internet-connected device.  The Withings monitor includes a microphone to you can talk or coo with your baby long distance, set up a music playlist, and sensors to report back the temperature, humidity, and sound levels in the room.  Pricing for this do-it-all baby monitor has not been set yet, but estimated between $200 to $300, and will be available in March.

Read more from WSJ and CNET.

Were you a new dad with a hip designer daddy diaper bag?  And after the new dad label wore off, did you start realizing that there were perfectly suitable alternatives that didn’t have to be a “daddy diaper bag”?  If you were like me, I traded in my daddy bag for just my black Northface backpack.  Worked just fine.

Well now, here’ three cool bag alternatives for dads (and other guys, too) that have even more personality as you evolve away from your new dad bag.

The Carter Duffel ($195) from Property of …, made of washed and coated cotton – big enough to carry most of dad’s and baby’s needs for the day.

Farm Ruck Sack ($160) from Makr Carry Goods – made of natural heavy cotton duck and un-dyed leather, includes unique exterior closures, multiple pockets and leather washers/reinforcements.

Finally, the Kelly Moore bag ($199) is on top of my wish list because it’s a “camera bag” that refuses to look like one.  They have bags just for mommy photographers too.

(PS to new dads – From one dad to another – all those diaper bag “essentials” aren’t really necessary, so convince your wife that you prefer a cool bag over a diaper bag.)

Skip Hop sent us a few of their Zoo Packs, a line of small scale backpacks just for little kids.  I found that they’re perfect for my two-year old because she loves the monkey bag, and the pack is just the right size that it can’t be overloaded.  And while Skip Hop promotes that their Zoo Packs are BPA free, Phthalate free, and PVC free, it’s the banana zipper tag detail that makes it a winner for me.

Skip Hop Monkey Zoo Pack |  $24 at Amazon.com

Calling all mommies with influence – do you blog, have hundreds of Twitter followers, or just have lots of Facebook friends?  PujBaby is looking for your help.  Apply as a product tester and review their innovative Puj Tub, a soft bathing tub for your infant that folds up to store away easily.  All reviewers will be given a free Puj Tub for their review, and then are expected to post their review via blogs or social sites.

Quick – reviews will be limited to 100 product testers and the deadline is November 11.

My family of 5 has been through a lot of strollers. With three children, our strollers have each seen their day. As my youngest is out of a baby carrier now, I’ve been looking for a stroller that’s not super bulky, but also can withstand the push and pull. And I think I’ve found it in the Britax Blink Stroller.

Read the full Mommy review here.

via The Cradle

Getting ready for a new baby arrival can cost a lot of money. Whether you have a specific budget to stick to, or just want to stretch your dollar further, there are many easy ways to economize without depriving your baby of a thing.

Remember, new babies need lots of stuff, but not everything has to be purchased right away. Many purchases can be put off until six months or even a year after your baby is born. And of course, some purchases can be skipped altogether.

One thing to remember when you’re shopping is that the ticket price is only part of the equation. Sometimes spending more in the beginning gives you a much better value in the long run.

To start some new baby money saving tips include:

• Spending more in the beginning may offer a better value in the long run.
• Consider products that can grow with your child, such as a convertible car seat or a multi-stage crib.
• Be aware of safety issues with hand-me-downs. (See Product Recalls)
• Need a changing table? Just add a removable changing tray to a dresser.
• Skip the bedding set – all you need is a crib sheet.
• For bath time, warm water and a cloth is fine for the first few months.
• Invest in a handheld food mill and puree your own baby food. It’s easy, inexpensive, and fast!

Read the whole article here

Bath time can be tons of fun for baby and parent alike, especially when you’re stocked up on duckies, squirters, and other entertaining tub toys. To keep bathroom chaos at a minimum, you need storage, and the Tubby Storage is one of my favorites is this cool toy holder from Skip Hop.

The Skip Hop Tubby has a clean design, vibrant colors and a cool shape. Plus, it’s made of neoprene (think wet-suit fabric) that dries quickly and stretches to fit your toys. 

But that’s not all I love about it. It’s also well-engineered with a mounting plate that secures to any tile or glass surface with four strong suction cups, which means it’s made to stay put. Skip Hop earns another A+ for great execution of a baby basic.

Ali Wing, baby product expert, is author of giggle guide to baby gear and founder of giggle.  Follow Ali on Twitter and the Giggle Fan Page on Facebook.

Attention Washington DC & Metro Areas Readers:  You’re invited to the Grand Opening Celebration of Giggle’s newest store this weekend, June 20 & 21.  Visit Giggle Events for more celebration details.