baby

While Nicole Richie was pregnant with daughter Harlow, her and boyfriend Joel Madden started the Richie-Madden Children's Foundation. Madden said, the foundation was an idea the couple had when they found out they were expecting. "We grew up in Los Angeles," he said, "and we want our child to be a part of the community, and to know that there's a responsibility to help the community". The foundation provides direct assistance to those in need (disadvantaged children in the U.S. and worldwide), however their broader mission is to raise awareness of issues such as health care, education and human rights. The organization is still in the early phases but Joel and Nicole wasted no time getting started. In January they organized a surprise baby shower for 100 expectant mothers at the Los Angeles Free Clinic in Hollywood, they gave out tons of gifts including Baby Bjorn products, cribs, mattresses and toys from Fisher-Price! To find out more about their mission and how you can help visit richiemaddenfoundation.com!

Apparently, some of the residents of David's village in Malawi were shocked to hear of the amount she spent and noted that such an amount "could have paid for 10,000 chickens and 500 goats, or 10 mud huts."

Cotton Monkey Bedding is a line of linens made from 100% certified organic cotton, grown without any pesticides or chemicals, and is finished with wool batting that is not treated with formaldehyde or bleach and is antimicrobial. Only non-toxic dyes are used. The result of all this is that the bedding is ultra-soft and as safe as can be for a baby's sensitive skin. They make sheets, quilts, crib bumpers and throw blankets, and you can mix and match the various patterns they offer. A full Cotton Monkey set, which will outfit a crib completely, is $704.

The word "luxury" is not often found in conjunction with "diaper bag" but the Luxe Diaper Bag from Fleurville manages to combine the two with ease. The bag is practical and surprisingly attractive, made from waterproofed leather in black, pink or blue, with three exterior pockets and an adjustable shoulder strap. Inside, the bag is loaded with an insulated bottle holder, wipe case and changing cloth, so your gear will be coordinated, as well as conveniently put together. Will it replace designer bags as a must-have fall purse? Unlikely, but at least it makes carrying baby supplies as stylish as it can get. Price: $375.

[via Babygadget]

While some doctors can help parents-to-be select the gender of their as-yet-unborn child, should they be interested in such a decision, it is an expensive and time-consuming procedure. For those interested in a less involved procedure, GenSelect makes kits that are supposed to help influence the gender of a baby, one for boys and one for girls. The kit claims to be 96% effective in "pre-conception sex selection" and comes with a money back guarantee. It's an interesting concept and, while less creepy than having a doctor actually choose a particular embryo, the FDA-approved product is bound to raise some eyebrows. A 3-month kit will set you back $439.

[via ShinyShiny]

Disney has just announced the introduction of two collections of luxury children's apparel, aimed at infants and toddlers, due in department stores like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom this fall, as well as at some boutiques. The lines, Classic Disney and Walt Disney Signature, will "offer cashmere blankets, hooded robes and mittens, bibs and burp cloths, organic cotton tees, cardigans, and casual separates." While they will make use of the well-known Disney characters and artwork, their use will be subtle and understated.

The Classic Disney collection will focus on the classic films, including Bambi, Pinocchio and Lady and the Tramp, and their characters. Bambi will be the first character to launch, with baby blankets and burp clothes to be followed by the organic cotton tees and pajamas. The Walt Disney Signature collection will be "vintage-inspired, eclectic and of the finest quality," with pastel colors and cashmere, silk and linen fabrics adorned with sketchbook artwork and appliques.

It looks like I was wrong when I said that Gwen Stefani wasn't using the all-fabric baby slings that so many celebs have been seen with recently. She is. She was spotted with an orange zebra striped sling from the Rockin' Baby Shop. The slings are interesting because there are five different carrying positions that they can be used in, varying by age, weight and comfort for the parent. The particular sling pattern that Gwen has appears to be sold out, but all the 100% cotton slings are vibrant and eye-catching, not to mention that they're unisex and can be worn by both mom and dad. If the zebra pattern is what strikes your fancy, try the pink and black zebra sling instead. Price: $97.

[via X17online]