07. 1.2008
Egg-shaped incubator
Here's an interesting project from a UK Product Design student that caught my eye: Doug Campbell chose to concentrate on the incubators used in hospitals for newborn babies. We're all used to seeing the box-shaped incubators that have been around since the concept was first introduced, but Campbell has come up with a prototype for the first egg-shaped incubator.
In truth, it sounds like his main innovations are in allowing the incubator to be moved up or down vertically, ensuring that parents and medical staff can both get easy access. For mothers recovering from a birth, this particularly benefits the bonding process.
The shape would appear to be a largely aesthetic choice from Campbell, although it presumably allows a slightly enhanced access - and is apparently easier to clean. He cites Bill Stumpf as a design influence, but in truth, what could be more apt for an incubator than an egg shape?
Posted by Myf
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Tags: birth technology
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05.21.2008
A few picks from this year's ICFF
I only had time to do a quick breeze through this year's ICFF, and many of the children's products exhibited were previously written about here before, but there were a few new things I wanted to highlight. Spot On Square has had an amazing first year of business and they were newcomers to ICFF. We were one of the first to write about their wonderful Hiya collection and they've introduced a conversion kit for their crib - a panel with an opening that slides in that extends the life of the crib. Also new is the rocker and chair, shown above. With its cheerfully bright orange exterior, the chair shares the same clean lines as the rest of the collection and has thoughtful details such as the pocket in the back for books and an extra wide seat for sharing with a friend or sibling.
These amusing lights called Milk Gone Bad is a collaboration between Anatomic Factory and Bomboland. Crafted like milk cartons, the lights turned off is a clean white slate, but once turned on, the cartons light up with imaginary illustrations of mold (yes, mold, but cute illustrations of mold). I didn't really get the mold reference till I started reading more about them, but just saw them as colorful illustrations - would make a cute light for a kid's room.
Next is this new bassinet from CasaKids, a new addition to the Ola collection. Like many modern children's designs, the bassinet, which is arguably the most short-lived and disposable piece of furniture in the nursery, converts to another functional piece -this time, a desk when the bassinet is turned upside down, which is an idea I haven't seen before.
And lastly, new collections from Nurseryworks and DucDuc, usually reliable go-to brands for modern children's design, had me scratching my head at their respective booths. No images here, (I think I was too surprised to take pictures) but we'll be covering them, I'm sure, when they become available to the public later in the year.
Posted by Jenna
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Tags: design furniture ICFF
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05.11.2008
Happy Mother's Day
Babygadget would like to wish all mothers a wonderful Mother's Day today!
Posted by Jenna
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05. 2.2008
Spring Show & Sell on Sunday
If you're in NYC, come by the Spring Show & Sell hosted by Corduroy Kid and Small Magazine, this Sunday between 3:30-5pm. Do a little shopping with sales from labels like Kit+Lili, Pink Chicken, Baby Bean and Wonderboy, engage in Spring inspired craft activities, and watch a kids' runway show.
The event is held at NYC Explorers at 388 Atlantic Avenue (between Hoyt & Bond) in Brooklyn.
Posted by Jenna
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04. 4.2008
The Brooklyn Flea
If you're in New York, you may have heard some buzz about Brownstoner's Brooklyn Flea, which is set to open for the season, April 6th. Located in a huge school yard in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, the Flea will feature 200 vendors including usual flea fare (vintage items and antiques), but what sets this flea apart from perhaps others, is that the Flea is also giving local artisans, designers and crafters a chance to sell their wares offline.
I'll actually be there with my new company, Whimsy & Spice, selling handmade cookies, biscotti, marshmallows and brownies with Chefdad. If you're in NY this weekend, swing on by. There should be a decent selection of kid-related products and it should be a great time. I'd love to meet some Babygadget readers!
Posted by Jenna
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03.23.2008
Happy Easter
A happy Easter to all. It's a very sunny morning here in NY - still a bit of a chill in the air, but a very pretty day. I don't know about anyone else, but I find it a bit weird to "celebrate Easter" since I haven't been to church in years, so I haven't done Easter baskets for my kids yet. We did, however, go to this farm out on Long Island yesterday for their crazy Easter festival. My dad wanted to take the kids...but man, file that experience under "the things I would do for my family".
My idea of hell might come close to spending 2 hours under a stifling hot greenhouse full of farm animals, kids and their parents. The sun was beating down on the glass roof so there just wasn't any air (with farm animals!), and while there were all sorts of fun things for the kids to do and places to climb and explore, the greenhouse effect, the crowds, and the fact that any extra activity cost money aside from the entrance fee made it very unpleasant. Still, kids don't care about that stuff so they just had a good time.
ps. I want to thank all Babygadget readers who visited my new blog and sent us well wishes. It means a lot. Thanks.
Posted by Jenna
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03.19.2008
A new business, a new blog
As some of you may know, Chefdad is a Pastry Chef, and up until recently worked in the restaurant industry for over 10 years in NY. Late last year he decided to try working in a related, but slightly different environment, which due to some unforeseen circumstances just did not work out. Long story short: he's been home for about a month, which has been great for my freelance work and great for the kids (though they are getting a little too attached to him I have to say), but I'm sure you can understand how stressful it is for anyone not working in this economy, especially when you have kids. We're taking this as a sign of sorts, however, that it's finally time to start our own thing. It's a path that seems to be a natural progression to consider for any chef who's been in the business for awhile, but it's pretty scary when you don't have a lot of savings to fall back on. We live very modestly in a very expensive city, but we've decided to take the risk.
And of course we have a new blog. It's something that we've been wanting to do for awhile - a very photo saturated look at the meals that Chefdad makes every day (we very rarely eat out or take out) and general posts about family life. He's got more time to cook in the kitchen these days, but it's a testament to him that he used to come home from being in the kitchen 10 hours a day at work and start making dinner so that I can start my work. We're already a bit overwhelmed by all the logistics it takes in starting a business. This blog is a document of that too. Take a look if you can.
Posted by Jenna
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02.20.2008
Three Potato Four - KIDS!
Whenever I'm in search of a rare find, one of my favorite go-to sites is Three Potato Four. Partly because I love their story: new parents Janet Morales & Stu Eli quit the big city rat race in search of a more sustainable/kid-friendly lifestyle - this NYC mom can relate! But mostly it's because each week the whole family takes their keen eyes on the road in search of things quirky and cool for you and yours. The result is quite an original and charmingly personal menagerie of goods for the home. But since many of their finds are one-of-a-kind or in limited supply, I have not featured them here. Finally, with the launch of their extensive kids' collection, I have the perfect excuse to highlight these wonderful purveyors of vintage and original products. Do take a moment to browse. If something you like is already sold, don't fret, new fabulous finds are always on the way.
Posted by Justine
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Tags: decor retro toys vintage
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02.15.2008
Happy Friday and weekly wrapup
Valentine's Day got lost yesterday amid the stress of recent events at our house (not that I was ever fond of that holiday), but it didn't even occur to me until the Kid brought home a red construction paper card with white hearts and colorful squares. Awww, kids. I'm glad that the day was all red hearts and chocolates for her.
Some highlights from the week:
Frank and Frank, a story about a boy and a bear
Otto table and chairs
Brush Beauty: a clever sweeping toy
Stella stackable storage: nice but pricey
New Ola Collection by CASAKids
Posted by Jenna
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Tags: weekly wrapup
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02. 7.2008
Winners announced!
Thanks to everyone for entering our Lunar New Year contest, sponsored by Little Buddha Baby. Our 3 winners are Kelly Moran, Steven Poon, and Barbara Johnson. Happy new year!
Posted by Jenna
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