When the arctic wind whips at your frost-laden windowsills, and your feet can never quite feel warm enough, then it’s time to find solace in these tried-and-true winter diversions and products. Stay toasty warm and avoid cabin fever with this roundup of everything under the weak sun to assuage your wintry soul. The Vermont Country <... >

You’ve read every book under the sun about pregnancy and nothing was off limits when discussing with your friends every gory detail of childbirth. But now that your bundle of joy has finally arrived, you’re feeling a tad unprepared. There are so many products to have, advice to take and new things to learn, to <... >

Cleaning my home is not high on my priority list; thus said, I admired the results after finally using the bottle of Thymes all-purpose cleaner on my kitchen counter. One rushed morning I missed my cup while pouring my coffee. Without thinking, I automatically reached for the spray bottle of Thymes and used it to <... >

New moms always remember first holidays with their baby, so add to their pleasure with one or more of these stress-saving, soothing or simply fantastic items. Though it’s a blissful time, it’s far from easy, and many of these products will render those sleepless nights far more enjoyable. The Offi Dachshund Pet Lamp doubles as <... >

Turn your child’s room into a magical night sky and provide a nightlight with Cloud B’s Twilight Sea Turtle. This plush toy illuminates a child’s room in soothing hues of blue and green as stars are cast onto the ceiling. A sea turtle storybook is included to teach children about these endangered sea animals, and <... >

It may take a village to raise your children, but there are definitely a few people in your life who chip in more than most: your child’s music, dance or art instructor, coach, tutor, doorman (if you have one), teacher, sitter, and of course, all of your extended family and doting friends. Show your gratitude <... >

Nothing puts a flush on a wee cheek or a twinkle in a kid’s eye more than a gift to unfurl. Here are some wrap-worthy gifts for some very fortunate boys and girls this holiday season. Playmobil never fails to thrill with a vast selection of superb toys. This year let your kids recreate the <... >

November’s spotlight shines on Thanksgiving and all for which we’re grateful. Part of any family’s bonding rituals is food – whether a traditional dish passed down to link the generations, or a new focus on health, organics and local farming. Here’s a roundup of new items for the kitchen – and delicious new things to <... >

Parents aren’t the only ones who will savor tea at the Plaza, as the hotel offers a charming children’s menu, portraits of its most famous child resident Eloise, and the opportunity to see a real ballroom. With the economy in a downturn, city parents would do well to explore locally – and the autumn leaves <... >

I’ll never forget the day we brought him home. We took about…oh…a thousand pictures, friends and family came over to meet the cutie patootie and I could barely contain myself from smothering him with kisses and cuddles. Our baby’s name is Flanders, after the beloved character from The Simpsons. Seems an odd name for a <... >

From the time I put pillows under my shirt and checked out my profile in the mirror, I’ve always looked forward to being pregnant. ‘What a joyful experience being pregnant must be!’ I naively thought. And for the most part, it has been an amazingly wonderful journey. But I’d be lying if I didn’t admit <... >

Leaves go from green to gold, squash gets scary and your kids are turning into little monsters! That is, unless they’ve decided to be witches, fairies, Harry Potters, Twilight characters… Autumn is the season for dramatic transformations, as well as a great excuse for your whole family to flaunt their creative colors! Year after year, <... >

When the air turns cool and thoughts of autumnal family getaways spring to mind, consider a weekend whirl at Six Flags Great Adventure. In contrast to summer, lines are short and swift, and the theme park’s great performances are at their peak before the close of the season. Fright Night weekends are featured all throughout <... >

If you’re looking for a distinctive “only-in-New York” baby boutique, stroll through the meatpacking district to YoYa on Hudson Street and YoYamart on Gansevoort, which carry high quality toy, furniture, book, baby skin care and clothing imports. YoYa and YoYamart aren’t your average baby stores, but then, no baby is average either. Find the Erbaviva <... >

Being charitable isn’t completely altruistic – we help ourselves when we help others by improving our community and our world. Here are some big-hearted companies with broad visions to provide hope and nuts-and-bolts help for a better future. Where better to start for forging a brighter future than with babies and children? Or their mothers. <... >

What child wouldn’t want to see a gazillion bubbles? That’s the premise of Fan Yang’s The Gazillion Bubble Show, which casts multitudes of the entrancing orbs into a variety of eye-defying shapes and colors amid music and a spectacular light show. People are wholly covered in bubbles, and bubbles are used in jaw-dropping, unforgettable ways. <... >

From bum balm to lotion, including tummy butter, sunscreen, talc and bath wash, the sheer volume of products and the frequency with which they’re used on babies–and by expectant mothers–is something to seriously ponder when purchasing. So if you’re eschewing harsh chemicals and additives, then consider these brands with core values for you and baby. <... >

Adjusting to the back-to-school grind and being well prepared for it is now covered, thanks to Seagate Technology, Hammacher Schlemmer, eBags.com and Briggs & Riley. From alarm clocks to hard drives and backpacks, here are some top-grade offerings: Hammacher Schlemmer’s iPod Docking Projection Alarm Clock Radio not only plays your own music and casts the <... >

You’re comfortably ensconced on the sand or poolside – what do you reach for? Apart from guilty-pleasure magazines and sunscreen (see Screening Smart in this issue), here’s a roundup of superlative items for brilliant beach days. Noah Bhody’s “Own These Words!” can change your life. Filled with 5000 power words, along with their correct pronunciation, <... >

Green Toys are a sound investment for a variety of reasons: they’re healthier for children, they’re usually crafted with more care so they last longer, and they support the local or national economy. In this purposefully scaled-back era, green toys are what you want your children to remember for posterity. The sturdy Plan Toys Dollhouse <... >