New & Noteworthy May 2007

MAY 2007

EASY RIDER
Now you don't have to have the same stroller as everyone else.  At FAO Schwarz, you can customize a Maclaren Volo Buggy.  At the store's computer kiosk, you can choose the hood, seat, harness, frame and liner in different colors ($250); then the stroller is sent to your home in less than three weeks. You can also order online, at www.fao.com.  FAO also just opened a Paul Frank boutique where you can customize a T-shirt. The store is at 767 Fifth Avenue, at 58th Street. (5/07)

DISCRETION RULES
Breastfeeding in public can lead to overexposure, so Bebe Au Lait's new "Hooter Hider" is a welcome idea.  This fabric cover is available in several different patterns, and can be adjusted to make a mom more comfortable and shield baby from the sun.  $35 at www.bebeaulait.com, Full Circle Family Care and Breastchester, Inc. (5/07)

SOOOTHE
Out at the playground - and your little one gets a scrape, a bug bite, too much sun?   Mundo's First Aid Balm covers all the bases.  The salve combines organic comfrey root and calendula with olive oil, in an easy-to-pack tin.  Online only: www.mundoproducts.com; $14. (5/07)

COOKIES TO GO
If you don't have time to bake, two new natural cookies offer healthy treats.  Curious Cookies have no trans fats, no chemicals, and are Kosher.  There are kid-friendly chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin, and gluten-free versions that taste just as good.  The 'muffin top' offers the best part of a muffin, in a reasonable size.  Curious Cookies come individually wrapped, making them a good choice to pop in a lunch box.  $5.99 for 10 cookies at www.curiouscookie.com.  Nana's Cookies has new Cookie Bites, which are trans fat free, chemical free and Kosher.  They also contain no refined sugars, no dairy and no eggs.  There are gluten-free versions, like lemon dream or oatmeal, and the cookies are also individually wrapped.  At Whole Foods or http://healthycrowdcom.host-manager.com. (5/07)

SIP AND SAVE
Taking a drink to the playground often means spoiled juice. Since bacteria in room-temperature food can double in 10 minutes, keeping food and drinks cold is critical. Thermos has new insulated lightweight, stainless steel sippy cups - Foogo. Foogo also comes in a hydration bottle, with a pop-up straw; and an insulated food container so you can tote lunch or snacks.  Each sleek item is $15 at www.thermos.com.  For budding artists, Playtex has the Create My Own sippy cup, with an insert that toddlers can design, with crayons, markers, stickers, or photos. $4.99; www.playtexbaby.com. (5/07)

HAIR TODAY
Hamadi Beauty is an organic hair care line from Los Angeles stylist Jamal Hammadi, whose philosophy is to nourish hair while you style, with natural ingredients including shea butter, essential oils, and honey. These products, $18-$40, are available at Aria Salon and online at www.hamadibeauty.com. Barex has a new line of shampoos, conditioners and stylers, for frequent shampooers, dry, fine, frizzy or colored hair.  The products are $9.50-$28 at www.oloffbeauty.com. (5/07)