A Better Baby Registry
Not happy with the one-size-fits-all baby registries she could find when she was pregnant with her first child, former Amazon developer Natalie Gordon created Babylist in 2011. The online registry allows expectant parents to add anything from any store – plus home-cooked meals, pet sitting, college funds or any other baby gift you can imagine. One in five first-time families now uses the free, Oakland-based service, through which gifts worth more than $100 million have been given. FREE. babylist.com.
Hands-Free Pumping
Take the hassle out of pumping with The Flow from San Francisco-based Moxxly. The accessory kit allows for hands-free pumping without getting undressed. It includes dishwasher-safe flanges that fit inside a standard bra, two 5-ounce bottles that sit tightly against the body, spill-free valves and a tubing adapter to connect to the top four pump motors on the market. Additional flanges, bottle sizes, freezer bags and a smartphone app with volume sensor and pumping tracker will be available this year. $79.99. moxxly.com.
Help After Maternity Leave
Returning to work after the birth of her daughter, Danville mom Lindsay Mitchell found it challenging to find the resources and support she needed. So she co-founded The Returnity Project, an online platform where new moms can share their experiences and get help with going back to work. A centralized Hub covers topics from business travel to mental health issues. Since its launch in September, more than 100 women have submitted “Returnity” stories, and its Instagram community has more than 5,000 followers. FREE. thereturnityproject.com.
A Diaper Bag That Can Outgrow Baby
Tote your baby gear in style with a handcrafted leather bag from Sonoma County’s Frankie Cameron. Designed for continued use post-baby stage, styles from totes to backpacks include a zip-out washable liner featuring two interior zip pockets, one for a matching changing pad, and six interior elastic pouches. $225-425. frankiecameron.com
Things We Like celebrates the best products, people and places that make parenting fun. Got a suggestion? Email Janine DeFao or submit your idea here.