New Parents Rely on Other Moms & Dads to Prepare for Baby - by Sharon Mullen

When most new parents are preparing for the arrival of baby this Spring, more often than not, they will not be sure what they will need as the dizzying array of options can be overwhelming. Rather than relying on recommendations by corporate America, many new parents and their loved ones are turning to products invented by other moms and dads that were created to solved real-world parenting challenges. Inventive Parent (www.inventiveparent.com), a premiere online parenting resource and a provider of solutions invented by real moms and dads, is pleased to announce their top 10 list of parent-invented, safe baby essentials.

1. Baby Sherpa Diaper Backpack

The first 4-in-1 diaper bag, cooler, video and parent pack that was created by active parents who understand the need for versatility, durability and comfort. Baby Sherpa is the diaper bag that keeps everything organized and easy to find, providing convenient storage for food, diapers, medicine, blankets, wallets and more.

2. Auto Mobile

Baby’s travel mobile with Velcro fasteners that easily attach and release from car’s ceiling. Gone are the days of fishing in the back seat and floor for lost toys! Available in three designs, the simple patterns, bright colors and expressive characters dangle from the car's ceiling, holding baby’s interest even while being put into the car seat.

3. Baby Banz

Protect baby’s eyes from the sun and glare in summer and all year long. In a trendy wrap around design and available in six different colors, Baby Banz offers 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. Fully adjustable and breathable neoprene band stays on while playing and floats in water.

4. Baby Shield

For any carrier, swing, bouncer or combo stroller, the Baby Shield protects baby from the sun, disease-carrying insects, curious pets and the weather. Provides ideal protection for newborns under six months, an age when it is generally not recommended to use sun block or insect repellant containing DEET.

5. BearView Infant Mirror

Used for rear-facing car seats, Bear-View Infant Mirror allows the driver or passenger to safely keep an eye on baby while driving. This plush Teddy Bear provides the widest view of infant available.

6. Breathable Bumpers

For years traditional padded Bumpers have held a place in Baby's crib. Now, however, as evidence mounts that re-breathing baby's exhaled air may be a leading contributor to SIDS, parents are abandoning these bumpers. Fitting most standard cribs, the Breathable Bumper allows visibility and airflow to the baby.

7. Baby Burrito

Newborns and Preemies are soothed and comforted when they are swaddled. Their surrounds are restricted, much as they were before they were born so it is soothing for baby to feel that old, safe feeling. An alternative to the traditional swaddling wrap, the 100% cotton flannel burrito cradles baby in softness and warmth.

8. Halo Secure-Fit Crib Sheet

Regular crib sheets can bunch up and pull off a mattress as baby moves around which risks baby becoming entangled and their breathing restricted. The Secure-Fit Crib Sheet stays on the mattress all night, keeping baby safe and sound.

9. Travel Bear Changing Mat

Gone are the days of wee pads that come with the diaper bag and as a replacement to disposables, the Travel Bear Changing Mat is a fun, antimicrobial changing pad that is washable and reusable. Treated with AgION Antimicrobial to shield baby from unsanitary public changing tables.

10. Dr. Browns Natural Flow Baby Bottle

Dr. Brown's Natural Flow is the only baby bottle that features a patented internal vent system that reduces colic, spit-up, burping, and gas. Babies feed more comfortably because the vent allows them to nurse without fighting the negative effects of a vacuum or the discomfort of ingesting air bubbles. It also helps reduce fluid in the ear and eliminates nipple collapse.

All of these products are available through http://www.inventiveparent.com.

Sharon Mullen is a parenting expert, mom and President & CEO of Inventive Parent (http://www.inventiveparent.com) which she started when she invented her own product, the Original Car Seat Cozy, after finding that attachable blankets did not exist for baby carriers and car seats for children over one years old. Later, after she recognized the lack of products and availability to solve parents’ real-world challenges, she started Inventive Parent, a provider of over 200 parent-invented solutions for maternity through pre-teen and an online parenting resource.

For more information, visit http://www.inventiveparent.com