1.   Diaper bags look more purse-like now. In fact sometimes they are indistinguishable from a purse. The "hobo" look is really popular, and it is the latest thing in diaper bags. Caden Lane and OiOi make great hobo bags.

3.       Retro is definitely a hot trend now, from crib linens to diaper bags.  The styling is au currant, but the fabric is purely retro - from the 1940s all the way to the 1970s. 2 Red Hens makes a cute 1950s inspired bag and for 1960s inspiration look to Dante Beatrix.

4.       Getting your bag organized is very popular. It used to be, you would just throw everything in the bag. Now, there are special pods for pacifiers, cases for wipes, bottle holders...the list goes on. One of the most popular of the accessories is the Diapee & Wippee diaper holder.

 5.  Dad's are in on the diapering action in a big way. There are several companies that cater specifically to dads - Diaper Dude ($52 - $112) and Mustard Sprout ($80) make great bags at lower price points. StorkSak's Jamie bag is a little pricier ($198), but is all leather and has been seen on Brad Pitt.

Funkie Baby Bibs make Meal-time Fun (and cute)

There are a lot of fun baby bibs out there, but none bring a smile to our face quite like Funkie Baby's line of bibs. The quality is outstanding and the price is good at $19.95.  (We've field tested these bibs ourselves. 4 messy kids couldn't penetrate the double lining!)  When you are looking for a bib don't just go for what it looks like. Make sure it is big so you can use it for a while and it's constructed to repel spills.

My personal favorites include the Sushi Bib, (pictured right), the Aloha Bib, and the Pink Passion Bib.

Mary, the other owner here at BabyBrowns.com is the super crafty gift-giver. She has been known to tie a color coordinated bib on the top of her baby shower gift for an amazing presentation. 

Keep Your Diaper Bag Clean with Jar Pac

I'll admit, the Jar Pac is not a sexy product to write about, but it sure is handy!  You know the drill, baby is screaming bloody murder because she's hungry. Then there's you, frantically digging for the jar of baby food. When you find it you hope it's not broken. 

Jar Pac has solved this drill for you with their little "baby food caddy". It's brilliance lies in its simplicity. You can keep your baby food handy, organized and safe in this zip around container with movable compartments that accommodate different sized jars.  It's available in two sizes, 3-pac ($7.95) and 6-pac ($12.95).  With a portable handle, it's easy to reach and to carry on its own.  Jar Pacs also make a great new baby gift - tie it on top of the big package with a big bow!

Petunia Pickle Bottom's Fawn Bassinet Cover

You don't have to be a decorating diva on your own right - let Petunia Pickle Bottom do it for it. (Is it just me, or is everything Petunia touches amazing?) Last fall, Petunia Pickle Bottom rolled out their bedding line under the name Fawn Collection.

The Fawn Collection is comprised of delicious looking covers to fit the forever hip Cariboo bassinet.  Petunia Pickle Bottom styles it up with their sleek take on what a nursery should look like. Case in point...note picture on left!

At $158 for the set, you're sure to see this one in your favorite Who's Who Magazines soon. While the traditional plain white cover is nice, I'd vote for spicing it up a little.

Baby Gift that pays "Home-age" to Baby!

We all love rattles, and blankets - but sometimes we want to give a new baby gift that is a little different.  This baby gift strikes the right chord by being different, and extremely thoughtful.  It's a hand-drawn picture of Baby's First Home - architecturally accurate right down to the doorknobs!

I sure wish I'd been given this baby gift when I was born, it would be neat to see the small 1970s house that welcomed me home years ago.

For $65, you give heirloom quality art that is hand-framed in your choice of colors. (Pink, blue, green, white, lavender, yellow.) All you have to do is send in the picture of Baby's First Home. Delivery is fast too - arrives beautifully presented in about two weeks.

Even Moses Would have Loved this Basket

When I had my first baby, I thought I'd cut back on expenses and not get a Moses Basket.  Boy was I wrong. I ended up borrowing a friend's basket and became hooked. Let me tell you, Moses Baskets are God's gift for a newborn and a Mom. 

Baby can sleep cozily in the basket in place of a big crib (where they sometimes feel lost) up until 4 months. And if you are going on a trip to show off baby, the basket is completely portable.  My kids are over 4 months now, so I use it to store stuffed animals on the floor. Plus my daughter loves to put her doll baby

Hoohobbers makes a great line of Moses Baskets, the price is good ($135), the quality is superb, and it comes with a all the linens and padding. This Retro Squares Moses Basket is one of my favorites.

Reese Li Lexington Diaper Bag - Says Springtime!

Simple is sometimes better. Especially with diaper bags. I think Reese Li has done an outstanding job with their new spring collection. The Lexington Collection is simply fabulous. Simple, modern, refined. All words you strive to be, but sometimes don't feel when you're sporting a diaper bag. 

The Lexington bag comes in a variety of patterns, but some of my favorites are: Black Geo, Black Flora, Earth Flora, and Baby Blue.

It's a good size at 14'' wide x 11.5'' tall x 5.5'' depth, and has a wipeable exterior. The exterior is matte wipeable - not the shiny kind that tends to look plastic. And it's especially handy because it can be worn as a backpack - a great feature for the grocery store.  The colors can be worn year-round, yet it is very springy.  Only $150.

Nursery Artwork that Captures Your Imagination

We've seen the Alphabet themed nursery, but never done quite like this.  This amazing rendition of alphabet art is both breathtaking and a conversation piece. I absolutely love this artwork. My daughter and I have spent hours looking at it, talking about it, playing "find and seek" with items in it.  It's really an interactive piece of artwork. Plus, it gender neutral.

At  40" x 30" this nursery art is such a good size, it will make a great statement in your nursery or playroom.

It's available in stretched canvas for $280, or as a mural banner for $141.

Nursery Lighting that's Subtle and Sweet

If I see one more "hey diddle diddle" lamp, I'm going to scream. And then throw it out the window.  Maybe it's because spring is here, or maybe it's because it's so dainty, but I absolutely love this Tulip Nursery Lamp.  I think the best part about it is it doesn't yell "I belong in a baby's room"! This is a lamp that would look cute in a kitchen, bathroom or sunroom as well as a baby's room.

At $178, it isn't inexpensive, but as is the case with all things in life, you get what you pay for. This is a purchase you can enjoy for years. 

If you are looking for Boys lighting, there are many other cute lamps to choose from.

No More Girly Diaper Bags for Dad...now he can get in on the Action

Dads need to get in all on the diaper changing fun too, so help him out and give him a bag worth his dignity.  Please ladies, he's tired of sporting your frilly diaper bag.  The Marshall Bag is one of the best Dad's diaper bags we've seen in a while.  The quality is fantastic, and it is packed with features that all diaper bags should have (diapers load from outside pocket, Ipod hole, key clip, two outside bottle pockets, waterproof snack-bag...) Well worth the money.

We've tested this bag personally, and it was a huge hit.  My husband loved it.  The Marshall bag is big enough that a laptop will fit in it, or a change of gym clothes. But I hope my husband fills it with items for its original purpose - baby things!

At $80 it makes a great new Dad gift, father's day gift, or just because. It comes in Dark Green, Black, Yellow, Camo & Red.

Chocolate Gigi by Storksak - Angelina's Bag of Choice

You have to admit, Angelina Jolie knows a thing of two about parenting and fashion.  So, it's a safe bet her diaper bag would be the coolest.  Her bag of choice? The Chocolate Gigi by Storksak.

Nicely styled - with clean modern lines. And nicely priced. Only $198. This is affordable Hollywood luxury. The Gigi also comes in Black and Sky, and  Rose.

We can't guarantee that the Gigi Storksak bag will give you Angelina's high cheekbones and pouty lips. But we can guarantee you that this Storksak Gigi will put a spring in your tired-out-mommy step!

Cute Maternity Suits? Yes, you heard me.

I never in a million years thought it could happen, I firmly believed that there was no such thing as a decent maternity swimming suit. I stand corrected. Big time. Nicole Michelle Maternity gets an A+ for this suit. It's so stylish you'll wish you could spend more time in it.

Nicole Michelle swimsuits are flattering to a growing belly. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of letting it all hang-out. This suit keeps it under wraps in a tasteful yet flirty way. Everyone who has ever had a baby knows that you grow a little - all over. That's why it's nice to have a little cover up on the back side too. (Trust me on this!) And the pattern on this? It's so yummy, it just feels like summer!