DailyCandy Kids New York

Open Wide

2012-02-13T09:45:00Z

J&R Jr. Launches in Lower Manhattan

A burger is good. A burger with the works is better.

The same goes for big-box baby stores. This week downtown Manhattan gets its first such retail oasis, J&R Jr. Occupying the 15,000-square-foot second floor of electronics mecca J&R, the store stocks everything from cribs and car seats to PlayStations and paint sets.

The array of gear and goods is vast but selective. And you can shop it all in peace thanks to kiddie diversions throughout the store — think iPads, instruments, art tables, and a baby play yard. Other helpful offerings include baby and birthday registries, citywide messenger service, and free in-store assembly (buy a stroller, walk baby home in it).

An on-site event space hosts daily story time and classes by Moonsoup, Rockin’ with Andy, and Little Maestros. And a lineup of monthly family concerts is in the works.

We know, it’s a mouthful.

J&R Jr., 1 Ann Street, at Broadway (212-238-9060 or jr.com).

Photo: Courtesy of J&R Jr.

CELEBRATE
Valentine’s Day with Rockin’ Railroad
What: Experience Kidville’s newest interactive music class with a V-Day themed party.
Why: Includes a lovely lunch.
When: Tues., 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Kidville, 163 E. 84th St., b/t Third & Lexington Aves. (212-772-8435). Tickets, $35 in advance online at bigcitymoms.com; $40 at the door.

GROOVE
A Celebration of Black History with Calvin Booker and Friends
What: Move your bodies to hip-hop, jazz, and rhythm and blues.
Why: Booker channels Savion Glover with his dance style — a mash-up of tap and hip-hop.
When: Sat., 1-1:30 p.m. & 2-2:30 p.m.
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., at St. Marks Ave. (718-735-4400). Free with museum admission.

TREAT
Fastelavn
What: The Nordic version of Halloween, where kids dress up in costumes and sing for candy.
Why: This Scandinavian sing-along includes games and goodies.
When: Sat., 1 p.m.
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave., at 38th St. Reservations (recommended) to 212-847-9740. Children, $7.

A Slippery Slope

2012-02-09T09:45:00Z

Rent Snow Clothes Online

We don’t mean to make a mountain out of a bunny hill, but ski vacations with kids can get steep.

Before the whole thing heads downhill, check out Rent Snow Clothes, a new online shop that leases high-quality kids’ ski apparel for a fraction of what it would cost to buy.

Outfitting your kids from hats to socks runs $100 for eight days. Or fill in the gaps by ordering individual items a la carte. The jackets, ski bibs, base layers, mittens, and toppers are all by The North Face, so your kids won’t look mismatched (or neglected) on the slopes.

Rentals are in four- or eight-day increments, and the company ships to anywhere in the United States. When your vacay is over, drop the gear in the mail and send it back.

All the items are inspected and cleaned between skiers (a little birdie told us the wares are new this season), so you get the goods in peak condition.

Available online at rentsnowclothes.com, $5-$100, plus shipping.

Photo: Jan Greune / Look-foto / Getty Images

Prudent Baby's DIY Crayon Valentines

2012-02-07T07:00:00Z

We Heart Bloggers: DIY Valentines

2012-02-07T07:00:00Z

Now Exhibiting Creative Indoor Programs

2012-02-06T09:45:00Z

Warm Up to Culture

Before babies you whiled away wintry afternoons in the American Wing at the Met. (Or sometimes it was more like the shoe wing at Bergdorf Goodman.)

The city’s museums are still the perfect place to take refuge from the cold — even with young’uns in tow.

Rubin Museum of Art
Participants in Yak Packers enjoy games, story time, and a themed art project related to the museum’s collection of Himalayan art every Wednesday and Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. 150 West 17th Street, at Seventh Avenue (212-620-5000). Adult and first child, $10; additional children, $5; babies under 1 year, free.

Children’s Museum of the Arts
Wee Arts allows budding artists to try their hand at a variety of materials and mediums. Sessions run Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:45 a.m.-noon, and end with music and a romp in the ball pit. 103 Charlton Street, between Greenwich and Hudson Streets (212-274-0986). $22 per family (up to three people).

American Folk Art Museum
Every Saturday, 1-2 p.m., the Families and Folk Art program provides a kid-friendly tour of the exhibits followed by art-making activities inspired by the collection. 2 Lincoln Square, Columbus Avenue, at 66th Street (212-595-9533). Admission is free.

The Jewish Museum
Art workshops take place Sunday, 1-4 p.m., in the activity center. The space is equipped for whatever project strikes their fancy — be it painting, sculpting, or drawing. 1109 Fifth Avenue, at 92nd Street (212-423-3200). Free with museum admission.

Whitney Museum of American Art
Even if your bub is too itsy to get artsy, he can still tag along for the Whitney’s weekly stroller tours. Crying babies are welcome (the museum is closed to the public), but check the calendar before you go, the tours are only select Fridays, noon-1 p.m. 945 Madison Avenue, at 75th Street (212-570-3600). Adult admission is $25.

SAVE
Off-Broadway Week: Two-for-One Tickets
What: Take Junior to a show, you go for free.
Why: Participating productions include Freckleface Strawberry, Gazillion Bubble Show, Stomp, and more.
When: Thru Sun.
Where: Tickets online at nycgo.com.

LISTEN
Spellbound Storytime
What: The Spellbound Theatre hosts a story hour for babies and toddlers, featuring classic fables and nursery rhymes.
Why: Includes music and puppets.
When: Wed., 4 p.m.
Where: Birth Day Presence Studio, 182 Eighth Ave., b/t Garfield Pl. & 1st St., Park Slope (917- 751-6579). Admission is $5.

SEE
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Golden Heart Symphony
What: The little creature from the sun is back in NYC with his combo of catchy tunes and quirky animation.
Why: This special performance includes musical accompaniment by The Chelsea Symphony.
When: Sat., 11 a.m.; Sun., 4 p.m.
Where: Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, 2537 Broadway, at 95th St. (212-864-5400). Tickets online at symphonyspace.org. Adults, $25; children, $15.

Photo: Evi Abeler / Courtesy of Rubin Museum of Art

That Can-Do Spirit

2012-02-02T09:45:00Z

Armommy Homemade Accessories and DIYs

Moms who can, do. Moms who can’t, buy things that look like they do.

If you love the idea of homemade but lack the skills to make anything other than a bed, meet the moms of Armommy.

Mother-daughter duo Rae Friis and Jane Kelly started their brand after Rae called up Jane (her mommy) with an idea. She wanted a tank top to go under her shirts to help make breastfeeding in public a less revealing experience — and so the Empire Tank was born.

All of the company’s products have an equally charming, inventive, and whimsical feel. Our favorite is the Bumper, a small pillow you tie around door knobs to eliminate slammed doors and crushed fingers.

For those who want to DIY, a video series launches in April. The first classes will focus on home decorating and entertaining (think: fabric napkins, picnic blankets, and seat cushions). For those who can’t fathom using a needle and thread, the site is packed with customizable valentines for order and printables to download.

C’mon, even you can press print.

Available online at armommy.com, $4-$35.

Photo: lovestudiophoto.com / Courtesy of Armommy

19 New Books for Kids

2012-01-31T09:30:00Z

Take Cover

2012-01-30T09:45:00Z

7 A.M. Enfant's Baby Shield

Come winter, you’re like the mailman. Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom will keep you from delivering your little parcel to music class.

And considering how the mercury rises and falls with unseasonal abandon — that’s a tall order.

Allow us to introduce the Baby Shield. The latest innovation from 7 A.M. Enfant comes with two covers — a heavyweight quilted barrier for the most frigid days and a waterproof wind guard for more moderate temps. Easily interchangeable, the two options zip on and off faster than the jet stream dipping in from Canada.

Both covers can also be used independently as blankets (elastic straps hold them in place), for days when you make a last-minute switcheroo between stroller and car seat with no time to move the whole muff.

It’s just the thing to keep your tot going all winter. And keep you from going postal.

Available at Heights Kids, 93 Pineapple Walk, at Henry Street, Brooklyn Heights (718-222-4271); online at 7amenfant.com, $179-$219.

ACCESSORIZE
Sarah Graham Fingerprint Jewelry
What: In a rare NY appearance, the San Francisco-based metalsmith takes impressions of your children’s fingerprints to make into custom jewelry.
Why: Initial necklaces are so last year.
When: Tues., 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: Sprout San Francisco, 1375 Third Ave., b/t 78th & 79th Sts. (212-861-0670). Starting at $175; mention DailyCandy for 15 percent off.

WATCH
BAMkids Film Festival
What: Seventy-three films from 26 countries, all meant for the youngest cinephiles.
Why: Shorts programs each day offer hour-long lineups of mini movies.
When: Sat. & Sun., starting at 10 a.m.
Where: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Ave., b/t Ashland Pl. & Saint Felix St. (718-636-4100). Tickets online at bam.org. Adults, $12; children, $9.

HEAR
Elizabeth Mitchell
What: Mitchell shares sweet folk-inspired sounds, performing with her husband and 10-year-old daughter.
Why: Beautiful renditions of songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, and the like.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.
Where: 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St., b/t Canal & Vestry Sts. (212-601-1000). Tickets online at 92y.org. Adults and children, $15.

Photo: Courtesy of 7 A.M. Enfant

What's for Dinner: Baked Chicken with New Potatoes

2012-01-26T09:45:00Z

Kids Who Love to Cook Shares a Dinner Recipe

Gone are the days of fantasizing about a hot young dish firing it up in the kitchen. These days you’d settle for your kids taking on a dinnertime dish of their own.

Which is why the new web series Kids Who Love to Cook has inspired us to invite our littles to the kitchen counter. The videos showcase real kids (not actors) making real meals (no fancy editing or switcheroos). What you see is exactly what they made — all by themselves.

We asked Abby, a KWLTK contributor, why she loves to cook and found her answer to be as satisfying as her baked chicken.

There’s something about cooking for family or friends. You’re feeding the people you care about! And cooking relaxes me. It’s like therapy. I’m just minding my own business in the kitchen. No chatting, emailing, or texting. It’s my alone, quiet time.

Baked Chicken with New Potatoes, Carrots, and Caramelized Shallots
Serves four to six

Ingredients
8 pieces chicken (4 thighs and 4 drumsticks)
4 new potatoes, halved
4 young carrots
4 medium-large shallots, halved
2-3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp. soy sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 425°.

2. Put chicken, potatoes, carrots, and shallots in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce (if using); season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss everything in the baking dish and place in the oven.

4. After 20 minutes, turn the chicken pieces and scrape off the shallots clinging to the pan. Spoon juices and shallots over the chicken. Return dish to oven.

5. After another 20 minutes, check if chicken is cooked through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Find more dinnertime inspiration online at kidswholovetocook.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Kids Who Love to Cook

20 Wall-to-Wall Kids' Room Ideas

2012-01-24T09:44:00Z

Happy Campers

2012-01-23T09:45:00Z

Summer Camps in the City

You can buy birthday gifts en route to the party and whip up cookies hours before the bake sale. But procrastinate on signing up for camp and you’ll be in for a loooong summer.

Six spots to consider for the under-five set.

The 2 and ups
CitiCamp at Citibabes has biweekly themes ranging from dinosaurs to space to buried treasures. Each theme is explored through art projects, music and movement, dress-up, and free play. 52 Mercer Street, at Broome Street (212-334-5440). Two-week sessions. Call for pricing.

The 2012 camp program at New York Kids Club is built around the summer Olympics (think sports and fitness meet global culture). We love that their enrollment options give parents total scheduling flexibility — you choose how many days, hours, and weeks. Multiple locations (347-706-4700). Prices vary, starting at $280 per week.

The 3 and ups
Get the kids out of your tiny apartment and into The JCC in Manhattan. The building has a full-size gym, huge rooftop playground, theater, two beautiful pools, and more. Littles will beat the heat with daily swims in the training pool and water play on the roof. 334 Amsterdam Avenue, at 76th Street (646-505-4430). Starting at $2,500 per four-week session.

The Art Farm in the City offers much of the usual camp curriculum (crafts, music, soccer) paired with the unique opportunity to care for animals — birds, bunnies, lizards — at their on-site petting zoo. 419 East 91st Street, between 1st and York Avenues (212-410-3117). Prices vary, starting at $250 per week.

The 4 and ups
Get a daily dose of the great outdoors, sans the long bus ride. Oasis in Central Park takes full advantage of the park’s facilities for a program that focuses on sports and recreation. 3 West 95th Street, at Central Park West (718-596-4900). Starting at $1,005 for a two-week session.

Bank Street Summer Camp offers enrichment inside the classroom (activities follow Bank Street’s progressive educational philosophy) and out (regular swim excursions to Lake Welch in Harriman State Park and weekly field trips). 610 West 112th Street, between Broadway and Riverside Drive (212-875-4705). $960 per two-week session; $2,880 per five-week session.

CELEBRATE
Chinese New Year
What: Ring in the Year of the Dragon in Chinatown with a traditional firecracker ceremony and cultural festival.
Why: Singing and dancing, plus tons of animal costumes.
When: Mon., 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St., b/t E. Houston & Canal Sts. Free.

HEAR
Carnival of the Animals
What: The Little Orchestra Society’s Lolli-Pops series is back with a whimsical suite by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.
Why: You’re never too short for a little high culture.
When: Sat., 10 & 11:30 a.m.; Sun., 1 & 2:30 p.m.
Where: The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College, 695 Park Ave., at 68th St. (212-772-4448). Tickets online at littleorchestra.org. Adults and children, $40.

SEE
Frog Prince
What: The classic Brothers Grimm tale gets a humorous update with lessons in expressing feelings and facing fears.
Why: The interactive performance gets kids on stage.
When: Sat. & Sun., 2 p.m.
Where: Galli Theater, 347 W. 36th St., b/t 8th & 9th Aves. (212-352-3101). Tickets online at ovationtix.com. Adults, $20; children, $15.

Photo: Roberto Munoz / Getty Images

A Preconcert Warm Up

2012-01-19T09:45:00Z

The Fresh Beat Band's Playlist

We’ve been stalking Nick Jr. for months, sending anonymous emails to the network begging Kiki, Marina, Twist, and Shout to take the show on the road (our kids kept asking).

So we’re not going to try to hide how excited we are about The Fresh Beat Band going on tour. (Yes, we may have let out a whoop in the grocery store when we found out. No, our children weren’t present.)

And when the foursome agreed to share their personal preconcert iPod playlists with us, it was a great day.

“Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” by Stevie Wonder
Who’s listening: Kiki (Yvette Gonzalez-Nacer)

“Dancing Machine,” by Jackson 5
Who’s listening: Marina (Tara Perry)

“Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” by Al Green
Who’s listening: Twist (Jon Beavers)

“Smooth Criminal,” by Michael Jackson
Who’s listening: Shout (Thomas Hobson)

“Get Rhythm,” by Johnny Cash
Who’s listening: Marina

“Start Me Up,” by The Rolling Stones
Who’s listening: Twist

Plus, on January 31, the Beats are releasing a twenty-track album with music from the show, including “Just like a Rockstar,” “Get Up and Go Go,” and “A Friend like You.”

No need to thank us for sharing the news. After all, friends give friends a hand.

To find out if The Fresh Beat Band is coming to your town, go to freshbeatbandlive.com. Tickets, $15-$119.50.

Photo: Randee St. Nicholas / Courtesy of Nickelodeon

17 Toys for Small Playrooms

2012-01-17T09:15:00Z

To the Letter

2012-01-16T09:45:00Z

Mr. Boddington's NYC ABC poster

Junior wakes up in the morning asking for bagels and lox — from Zabar’s. Your New Yorker-in-training is a quick study.

So it’s only fitting that his first lesson in letters would indicate that C is for Central Park Zoo and M is for Metrocard.

Local stationer Mr. Boddington’s Studio — founded by designer Rebecca Schmidt-Ruebensaal — is best known for its dapper wedding invitations. But since Schmidt-Ruebensaal became a mom two years ago, they’ve got baby on the brain. Their “NYC Loves ABC” poster is the first glimpse at an extensive new baby line rolling out later this year.

The 11-by-17-inch poster features Mr. Boddington’s signature hand-drawn style and plenty of tongue-in-cheek Big Apple references: S is for Schlepping, J is for Jaywalking, and H is for Hipsters.

Twenty-six pint-size love letters to the city. We’re spellbound.

Available online at mrboddington.com, $20.

EAT
Kids Food Festival
What: Two days of activities and entertainment geared toward teaching kids (and their parents) the ins and outs of healthy eating.
Why: Hands-on cooking classes, celebrity chef demonstrations, free tastings, and live music.
When: Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Citi Pond at Bryant Park, W. 40th St., b/t 5th & 6th Aves. General admission is free; tickets required for special events. Get them online at kidsfoodfestival.com.

SEE
The Incredible Journey
What: The classic 1963 kids’ movie chronicles the adventures of three pets who get lost on a family vacation and must find their way home.
Why: Way better than the 1993 remake.
When: Sun., 11 a.m.
Where: Film Society of Lincoln Center, 144 W. 65th St., b/t Broadway & Amsterdam Ave. Tickets online at filmlinc.com. Adults and children, $6.

STYLE
Cozy’s Braid Bar
What: Budding starlets look the part with red-carpet-worthy hair; choose from fishtails, French braids, braid headbands, and more.
Why: Also on the menu: oh-so-trendy feather extensions.
When: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Cozy’s Cuts for Kids, 1125 Madison Ave., at E. 84th St. (212-744-1716); 448 Amsterdam Ave., at W. 81st St. (212-579-2600); 1416 Second Ave., at E. 74th St. (212-585-2699). Braids, $15-$45 depending on style.

Photo: Courtesy of Mr. Boddington’s Studio

4moms Origami Power-Folding Stroller Launches

2012-01-12T09:45:00Z

It's Ready to Roll

We’re all charged up around here. Why? The stroller from Tomorrowland has arrived. And it’s out of this world.

The inventive team at 4moms teased us with the Origami stroller for months; the futuristic ride is finally ready to roll. Believe the hype, people. It power-folds with just one touch of a button by way of a built-in generator that charges while you walk. Yes, we said power-folds, as in you don’t have to do anything but watch.

An LCD screen serves as command central, tracking how far you’ve gone and indicating battery power. Sensors in the seat ensure it will never close while baby’s on board, daytime running lights keep you in other people’s sights, and four cup holders mean two parental lattes and two sippies are welcome to ride.

But our favorite add-on is the USB port and cable that lets you charge your phone.

Beam us up, Scotty.

Available online at shop4moms.com, $850; handle bar bag and phone charger, $40. For more information, go to 4moms.com.

Photo: Courtesy of 4moms

4 New Web Shops We Love

2012-01-10T09:45:00Z

Thumbeline, Shop Belle, Little Choux, and Darling Clementine

Four new shops to help feed your Pinterest habit. New board: cutest things for kids.

Thumbeline
This Cali-based clothing boutique is our curatorial dream. Sophisticated design, quirky details, and boatloads of personality pop from every page. Load up on hard-to-find European lines (Bangbang Copenhagen, Mini Rodini, Le Toit de la Lune) without the spendy shipping fees.

Shop Belle
A mix of classic good looks and on-trend finds from designers like Velvet & Tweed, Anais & I, Tom & Drew, and Blu Pony Vintage. Owner Maria Nagy promises small boutique attention with big store perks (flat-rate shipping, free gift wrap, free returns).

Little Choux
A collection of indie and lesser-known designers of home decor, toys, and wearable accessories for kids (everything from towels to headbands). It’s like the love child of Etsy and your favorite neighborhood boutique. In other words, it’s got a lot of heart.

Darling Clementine
The Brooklyn-based shop feels like the best-of recommendations you get from a close friend. Tightly curated selections mean there aren’t five sleep sacks to choose from, just owner (and mom) Lindsay Meyer-Harley’s favorites.


	Shop the stores! Check out our editor favorites at all four shops.

Photo: Jordan Siemens / Getty Images

4 New Kids' Shops We Love

2012-01-10T07:00:00Z

Three, Two, One, Class Off

2012-01-09T09:45:00Z

ExerBlast Classes for Babies and Toddlers

Patient Name: Little Susie O. Scheduled

Symptoms: Bored of ballet, apathetic in art class, tongue-tied in Mandarin.

Diagnosis: A bad case of the extracurricular blahs.

Treatment: A regular dose of ExerBlast’s new classes for toddlers and preschoolers.

Notes: The innovative fitness-slash-gaming concept made a splash with the elementary school set this past fall. The new Blast, Bend, and Breathe program is geared toward littles ages 2½ to 4 — think obstacle course meets life-size game board. Kids chase moving lights across the floor, build with crates, and bounce through the ball pit. Class finishes with yoga-inspired stretching and relaxation exercises.

For even younger bubs, try Learning from Your Baby seminars and mommy-and-me yoga.

It’s sick fun.

ExerBlast, 100 Reade Street, between Church Street and West Broadway (888-898-9797 or exerblast.com). Spring classes begin January 19. Preschooler Blast, Bend, and Breathe and postnatal yoga, $225 for eight sessions; Learning from Your Baby program, $50-60 per class.

SHOOT
Classic Kids UWS
What: The fab family photographers just opened a new space.
Why: Mention DailyCandy for half off the price of your sitting and an eight-by-ten archival print.
When: Offer good thru Feb. 29. Call to schedule your sitting.
Where: Classic Kids, 395 Amsterdam Ave., at 79th St. (212-799-3730).

MEDITATE
Yoga Pajama Party
What: A drop-off pj party (for kids ages 3-8) featuring yoga, stories, crafts, games, and a healthy dinner.
Why: Hello, Saturday afternoon activity.
When: Sat., 4-7 p.m.
Where: Bija Kids, 900 Fulton St., at Washington Ave. (718-483-4795). First child, $35; siblings, $25.

WATCH
Parsons Dance Family Matinee
What: The renowned modern dance company presents a kid-friendly program to wow your brood.
Why: The strobe-lit Caught leaves you breathless.
When: Sat., 2 p.m.
Where: The Joyce Theater, 175 Eighth Ave., at 19th St. (212-242-0800). Tickets online at joyce.org. Adults & children, $19-$59.

Photo: Courtesy of ExerBlast

Mix-and-Match Nursery Design

2012-01-05T09:45:00Z

My Tiny Nest's Design in a Box Service

A nursery is the tabula rasa of interior design: four blank walls; nothing but possibility.

But the combination of white space and raging hormones leaves you seeing Disney princesses.

My Tiny Nest’s e-design service for expectant moms will set your vision straight.

The custom Design in a Box offering starts with an extensive questionnaire that gathers your likes and dislikes, budget, and essential room information. Next, designer Alessia Corpino and architect Julie Frank assemble a tool kit of around 100 four-by-six note cards that feature color images of everything from rugs and cribs to wall art and lighting — all of which could work together in your nursery.

On the back of each card they include product name, specs, price, purchase information, plus notes they’ve written during their research. Essentially they’ve done the busy work, so all you have to do is mix and match to create your dream.

Admittedly, services like this aren’t new, but the presentation and selection of products in our box had us at hello.

Because when it comes to baby’s room, it’s nurture over nature.

Available online at mytinynest.com, $750.

Photo: Niki Dankner for DailyCandy


	Need design inspiration? We’ve picked more than 60 cribs, rockers, bedding, and more to spruce up any nursery.

Get into a Sample Size

2012-01-03T09:45:00Z

Bluum Product Samples for Mom and Baby

You never met a resolution you could keep for more than a day. (Ahem, we can smell your coffee breath from here.)

We’re turning over our promise to try something new to Bluum, a subscription service that sends monthly packages of sample-size goodies for expectant and new moms (and their offspring) right to your home.

The most recent box was packed with testers from Plum Organics baby food, Dr. Sears baby wash and shampoo, Spiffies cleaning and teething tooth wipes, Dapple all-natural bottle and dish soap, and Wysi Wipes reusable cleaning wipes.

Haven’t heard of some of the brands? That’s the point. Trial-size products give you just enough to get familiar with the goods. Want more? Of course, you do. So log on to the Bluum website to buy full-size items (shipping is always free). While you’re there, write reviews of the products you tried and earn credits toward future purchases.

No willpower required.

Available online at bluum.com, from $9 a month.

Photo: Courtesy of Bluum