Make your life easier with these genius products from your favorite Swedish megastore
IKEA is known for its innovative and affordable styles, including adorable new items just for kids. But it’s the classics that parents go to again and again that we really love. From the beloved TROFAST storage to keep all those toys in check and an IKEA changing table for your nursery to versatile items for the inevitable living-room-play-room combo, here are some of the best IKEA products that make lives easier and more stylish at the same time.
DUNDRA Activity Table
Whether they like trains miniatures or Hot Wheels, the classic DUNDRA activity table will work for everyone. There's a large drawer for storing toys or art supplies and the wide top gives kids plenty of room to play.
They're too old for a high chair, but can't quite reach the table in an adult-sized one. That's where the URBAN junior chair comes in handy. It reaches the table so they can be a big kid, and there's a footrest for added support.
Whether it's for arts and crafts, school supplies, or extra kitchen storage, this versatile three-tiered storage cart is any parent’s saving grace. Made of powder-coated steel, it comes in three colors (turquoise, black, and white).
Do you need stylish storage for the playroom? Try the KALLAX. What about a chic upgrade for your entryway? The KALLAX. How about an affordable dining room hutch? Yup, the KALLAX! This storage system does it all and definitely deserves its spot on our list of best IKEA products for families.
No nursery is complete without this IKEA staple: a Scandinavian-modern rocking chair made for those midnight feedings or restless nights. It comes in several color combos, is easy to clean, and has a 10-year warranty.
"I don't need extra storage." Said no parent, ever. One of the best IKEA products of all time, you can use these storage cases for almost anything: clothing, linens, toys, kids' gear, the list goes on! And at this price, we're definitely stocking up.
This box is a collaboration between IKEA and LEGO®, and it's both a kid's and parent's dream storage container. Made with plenty of space to store bricks, the top has the classic LEGO® studs on top, which makes it a perfect place to build, too!
One of the best IKEA products for families, this extendable bed is perfect for transitioning from a toddler bed to a twin. At its minimum, it is just over 49 inches long and a little over 76 inches at its longest. The in-between size keeps it cozy for kids who aren’t quite ready for that giant bed or for bedrooms that are tight on space. (You must buy the slatted bed base and the mattress separately).
One of IKEA’s bestselling products, this little fuzzy rug looks just as good next to a grown-up bed as it does in a kid’s room. It’s the small dash of hygge your home needs. They also have a snugglier version, the ULLERSLEV.
Does your child's room look like a tornado of toys? The TROFAST storage combination with boxes has plenty of room to stash their stuff. The lightweight bins are easy to use, move or store. Use this pick with the Trofast lid to seal playthings in place.
IKEA storage benches come in a variety of styles, from upholstered to hall-tree style, but we love this simple wooden bench with built-in storage. It does double-duty as extra seating and a place to keep homework essentials, something in the age of work-and-school from home becomes invaluable.
Setting up for your child's next sleepover was never this easy! This folding mattress is super simple to use, fits under the coordinating SLÄKT bed, and keeps guests comfy all night long.
Make changing time easier with this set of four racks. Keep everything within arm's reach, and away from baby, with these mini baskets. use the convenient containers to store washcloths, skincare items, diapers, wipes, or anything else you need right now.
Do you have a picky eater? Make mealtime fun with this fruit and veggie-patterned place mat. Not only is this a completely cute home accent, but it can save your table from an oatmeal assault or banana bash. Bonus—the uneven underside keeps this pretty pick in place.
This simple storage solution, comes with casters, making it easy to cart around! Use the FLISAT to keep your tot's toys in check or roll it to the next play-day destination.
This sweet little bookshelf/desk duo is perfect for a toddler's room. They'll be able to see their favorite stories and have space to color or play, and parents will love the added storage at the bottom.
As parents, having furniture that'll last longer than a year or two is key. With the option of switching the twin bed from below to above, this reversible bed is perfect for a toddler as well as a tween.
Now your kiddo can go, on the go. The TOSSIG is perfectly shaped for the pint-sized set, fits easily over the regular-sized seat, and has anti-slip material on the underside.
While it might look very fancy, this stool is the workhorse of the group. It can be used in the kitchen, the bathroom, or in the kids' room. There is anti-slip material on the top and the bottom, so it won't move anywhere and neither will your kids.
Our list of best IKEA products for families wouldn't be complete without the iconic LILLABO wooden train set. Everything your budding engineer needs to set up a track through a town and over rivers is included, and it fits perfectly on the DUNDRA activity table.
There’s a ton of new stuff to pick up on your next IKEA run
When it comes to creating a family home, you love the sleek designs and affordable prices of IKEA (even if you dread the instructions). We know it can be hard to resist their unique decor and furniture, especially when you’re looking to give your kids’ room a makeover, so we went on a treasure hunt and found new IKEA products that are not only fun but within your budget, too.
SNÖDJUP LED Light
Say it with a speech bubble. LED statement lights are still all the rage in 2023, and this fun version changes color (to maybe change with your kiddo's mood?).
Make waves in your kids' room with this cool ocean-inspired duvet and pillowcase. Made from a cotton-viscose blend, they're reversible, so you can change it up whenever the mood strikes.
Put this 23-piece puzzle-like race track together for easy fun using their massive toy car collection. We love that it's a smaller set that can go from one place to another (like to the grandparents) without much fuss.
Is it a toy? Is it a storage container? It's both! Kids can use this two-tiered mesh storage container as a "home" for all their stuffies, and when it's time to clean up, you can tuck it away in the corner or a closet.
Toddlers are busy folks, and this fun walker will help them (and their most treasured toys) get to where they need to go. The handle and the wheels can be adjusted depending on your kiddo's confidence and ability.
If you need another storage solution for your kids, but run out of ground space, consider installing some new TROFAST wall shelves. You can choose the basket color, the top acts like a display case, and you can hang them straight across or at a diagonal.
Kids can learn about respecting aquatic creatures and cleaning up the ocean with this fun new game. Magnetic fishing poles allow players to move things that don't belong in the water into compartments for waste and then move animals into the water.
Your clean kiddo is ready to head into the woods in this fox bath towel. Made from 100% sustainably sourced cotton for extra comfort, that hood gives kids extra warmth when they get out of the water.
One IKEA product kids love is the iconic paper roll that's perfect for hours of artistic expression. This new ocean-themed roll is filled with marine life; kids can use markers and crayons to color the scenes.
NYC living spaces tend to be small. Add kids—and all of their stuff—and what do you have? No more room! If it’s time for some spring cleaning and you’re looking for somewhere to donate or sell unwanted items in NYC, you have plenty of options. From consignment shops that will give you cash for nearly-new kid’s clothes to civic programs that facilitate donating to non-profits, here’s our list of resources for helping you make a clean sweep! Plus, lots of ways to get stuff forfree in NYC.
The Big Picture On Donating Things in NYC
Good news: there are many, many organizations that will take your stuff! We have several big players below, but know that city agency donateNYC has a vast database of places that will accept donations, many of which will pick up. Head to the donateNYC website where you can search by donation category and zip code to find places near you.
If you live in a building with 10 or more units, consider setting up a permanent donation bin on-site, through the city program refashionNYC, a free and convenient clothing donation and recycling service. The program’s partnership with Housing Works offers convenient collection while fighting the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS. It’s also available for businesses, office buildings, and schools.
Established on the west coast and now operating numerous stores nationwide, Out of the Closet is a queer-friendly non-profit organization. At the NYC store in Boerum Hill, you'll find your usual fare of clothing and shoes, but also an amazing collection of furniture, books and vinyl records. Out of the Closet isn't just an excellent thrift store: It also has a pharmacy and offers sexual wellness assistance and HIV testing for free. For every dollar that you spend at the thrift store, 96 cents goes directly to patient and homeless care.
Small donations can be dropped off at the store. You can also schedule a large donation pick-up by calling 1-800-558-8220. To contact the store email info@outofthecloset.org.
The Salvation Army is one of the better-known charities and thrift store organizations in the country. It funds six free child care spaces in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens, and provides services to youth, adults, emergencies, and more. Items that you donate will directly help fund the Adult Rehabilitation Centers, where people can get help with drug and alcohol addictions.
There are more than a dozen stores in NYC, and you can find one in every borough. Schedule a free donation pickup using their online form, which lets you specify what's being picked up and how much of it there is. Of course, you can also go to any location to drop off your donations. Accepted items include most clothing, appliances, and household goods. A visit to the Salvation Army thrift store is a great way to pick up some gently used clothes for a discount (every day has a discount on a different color tag) or some more unusual items like vintage dolls and lamps or an air fryer (an outlet is generally available to plug in appliances to make sure they work).
The Salvation Army also accepts donations of vehicles, from cars and motorcycles to boats and RVs.
Goodwill is another well-known name for charity donations and thrifting. Items that are accepted include clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, handbags, and household goods. Your donations support community members who need assistance getting back on their feet and finding jobs. Want to see the difference your spring cleaning can make on the world? You can even calculate the impact you'll make when you donate.
Although Goodwill does do pickups, the donation has to be substantial: A minimum of 50 bags or boxes is required. Despite this, the charity makes it as easy as possible to make donations. Goods can be brought to Goodwill locations or placed in Goodwill donation bins. The website suggests using TaskRabbit to bring in donations if you're unable to do so yourself (use promo code GWNYNJ-10 to get $10 off your first TaskRabbit order). A portion of the fee you pay will be donated to local nonprofits.
If you're looking to do some thrifting, Goodwill is an excellent place for picking up brand-name clothing for a more reasonable price. For the serious thrifter, here's a tip: Visit NYC's Goodwill Outlet at 47-47 Van Dam St. in Long Island City, Queens to buy goods by the pound. (It's true. But we recommend bringing gloves.)
GrowNYC will show up again on this list for their swap events, but you can also donate your clothing to the organization at any of its eight locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. Only textile goods are accepted at these donation spots, including clothing, shoes, linens, handbags, belts, and other fabric and textile items. (Fabric rolls or scraps, rugs, pillows, comforters, and luggage are not accepted.)
Donations are sorted by condition, then either redistributed to secondhand markets or recycled as rags or low-grade fiber products like insulation — making this an excellent option for those items of clothing that don't qualify as "gently" used.
Have an item that you don't need but someone else might? BigReuse, a non-profit dedicated to reducing waste, will take it! While you're welcome to donate small items like books, clothing, and small home goods at the Brooklyn location, free pickup can be scheduled for larger items. BigReuse accepts donations of appliances, home goods and decor, furniture, plumbing, media, lighting, kitchen fixtures, tiles, paint, lumber, tools, renovation supplies, and more. Note that you'll need to send a picture of the item(s) you're donating when you schedule a pickup.
BigReuse also has a compost project, providing over a dozen places around the city where you can bring your scraps to add to the compost heap.
1 12th St. 718-725-8925 Gowanus Online: bigreuse.org
St. Mary’s Clothing Drive
St. Mary’s Clothing Drive, run by St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, can’t make it any easier to donate clothes and other items. (Although you must be in the service area, which is mostly Brooklyn.) Just head to the website, schedule a pickup, label your bags and wait for them to whisk your donation away. (They even leave you a receipt.)
Exercise and donate to a good cause at this NJ event, held at the Hudson County Park Track in Bayonne. Held every month or so, this event starts with a HIIT session, then winds down with relaxing yoga. The workout is stress-free and features plenty of modifications for different levels of fitness. Where does the donation come in? Bring your gently used clothes to support the charity of the month! April's event is held in collaboration with Wear Love More, a startup clothing brand that focuses on creating sustainable clothing. All clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army of NJ.
While there used to be a lot more, there are still some places to sell kids (and maternity) clothes on consignment in NYC—not to mention get some good deals on clothes and other essentials. Every store has its own policies, pricing, desired items, etc., but some of our favorites include:
Although it's not local, ThredUp provides you with an easy way to offload your old clothes without leaving the house — and get paid for it! This online thrift store provides secondhand high-quality, brand-name items for thrift store prices. When you request a donation kit, you'll receive a prepaid, addressed bag. Just fill it up and send it back, and ThredUp will do the rest. When an item you donate sells, you get a cut. Easy!
Parents know how easy it is to accumulate random art supplies. Materials for the Arts (MFTA) is a great place to offload the art clutter from the various artistic phases of your kids—or you. MFTA accepts all art supplies and goods, but is especially keen on paper, fabric, arts & crafts supplies, buttons and beads. The organization will also accept small appliances, hardware, and household items — from electronics to pianos. They'll then pair your items with the perfect recipients from the city's artistic and educational communities.
You can mail your donations to MFTA's Long Island City location (they ask they you include a copy of their donation drop-off form from their website). To request help with large donations or schedule a drop-off donation, email donations@mfta.nyc.gov.
Lots of places listed here will take your books, but if you’re nearby, also consider the Brooklyn Book Bodega. They’ll take your new and gently used children’s book at a partner donation location in Brooklyn. They accept gently used and new books for ages 0-18 including foreign language, dual language and nonfiction books. (Please: no religious books, textbooks, activity books, encyclopedias, broken books, or books with missing pages.)
Did you know that throwing out your batteries and cell phones improperly can lead to fires? Call2Recycle provides convenient locations to safely dispose of your old batteries and phones. Drop-off locations are located in participating stores around the city, like The Home Depot, Lowe's, Key Food, and many more. You can also ship your batteries and rest assured that they'll be safely disposed of or recycled.
For all electronic waste except batteries, the LES Ecology Center will help you out. Items accepted here include computers and computer parts, monitors, handheld devices like phones and tablets, network devices like modems, peripherals like keyboards and mice, printers, scanners, fax machines, TVs and associated appliances, videogame consoles — and the list goes on. If you have a non-working electronic device, this organization will probably take it off your hands. See a list of upcoming waste collection pop-ups here and the calendar for all events here. (Now you finally know what to do with that child-proof tablet that somehow still got busted…)
Where to Donate Building Materials, Appliances, Furniture & More
Habitat for Humanity’ ReStore will take your gently-used furniture, appliances, cabinetry, building materials and other household items. (You can see a full list of what is accepted here.) To donate, submit photos of the donation item/items to restore@habitatnycwc.org. Someone will return your email in 48 hours, and will let you know if the ReStore can accept your items. You can then drop off your items at the ReStore during open hours (they have locations in Woodside, Queens, and Westchester) or you can request a pickup via the email above.
How to Reduce Waste: Swap or Get Free Stuff (or Donate)
Facebook Groups
You know that bread maker you bought during quarantine that you used twice and has since been gathering dust in your kitchen? There's someone out there who'd love to have it. That's where freecycle and swap Facebook groups come in.
These are private groups, so you may need to wait to be accepted into the group. Once you're in, these groups are generally very active, friendly communities where you'll find a huge variety of items being given away, from tables, dressers, and chairs, to plants, baby clothes, and books for kids. Members will often give a heads up if the house has a cat or a dog for anyone with allergies or phobias. You can post to give things away and or post a request for an item you've been on the lookout for.
These community swaps are held fairly frequently in many different locations — so a swap is likely to come to your area before long. (Of course, they took a break due to the pandemic, but the events are coming back. Face masks are required as of this writing.) It works like this: You bring items you want to donate, then take home any items you want. That's it! You don't have to bring something to take something either, so feel free to just show up if you're all out of goods to donate.
Most small items are accepted, like clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys. Basically, if you can safely carry it out, you can bring it. Items like furniture, old TVs, unsealed or expired food or personal care products, electronics, or sharp objects aren't allowed.
Pro tip: The clothes get taken really quickly, especially children's clothes, but there are often cool toys. Our finds have included a mechanical dinosaur and a brand new large bulldog plushie—immediately washed when home. Books and housewares like plates are frequent good finds here, too. Plan to stick around for a while — items are constantly replenished as more goods are donated.
This event isn't completely free, but you're supporting a good cause: The coalition supports businesses that produce goods with the planet's wellbeing in mind. The end goal is to make consumers more conscious of their shopping habits and the amount of waste created in the clothing industry every year.
Donating items is free, of course, but checking out will cost you $15 flat (though you can save some money by pre-purchasing your checkout ticket on Eventbrite). You can check out with up to 10 items, but check in with as much as you want: The coalition only accepts clothes, and will now even take your "unswappable" items and recycle them.
This website allows users to post items they're looking to give away or to find. While there's a general "NYC" tag, there are also sections for more specific locations, including Roosevelt Island , Brooklyn and Manhattan. The site is quite active and features some pretty random stuff. Items we saw listed recently include a bagful of yarn, crutches, a sewing machine and even an old piano.
Trash Nothing is another online community where you can post about items you're getting rid of or ones you'd like to acquire. This site is fairly active, and you'll find a variety of items listed, including really nice furniture, vases, packing supplies, books and tons more.
Are you tired of seeing the same plants and want to swap them out for some new ones? Or have you officially bought too many plants and can no longer see your floor? No problem: There are some options for you! Among the things you can swap in NYC, perhaps surprisingly, plants do make the list.
It has never been a better time to shop small and what better way than to start within our own communities? We’ve curated a holiday gift guide from Bay Area business owners—buy big at these small shops this year!
For the Kids
Sew Mei Mei Is there anything cuter than baby/kid joggers? The answer is no. Handmade in San Francisco, these baby and toddler joggers, bibs and bandanas (some in matching sets) are perfect stocking stuffers for your favorite little elf. Online:sewmeimei.com
Hey Carter! Books Bay Area mom Dr. Thomishia Booker wrote the Hey Carter! Book series inspired by her son, Carter, after being discouraged by the lack of representation for Black boys in children’s books. Through her books, she aims to show us all what Brown Joy is—you’ll want a copy for your little reader! Online:heycarterbooks.com
StereoType Allowing kids to be expressive and playful with their clothing, this clothing line for kids disregards fashion rules and boundaries about who should wear what and the results are dashing, if we may say so ourselves. We especially love the Hero Skirt that also doubles as a cape! Online: stereotypekids.com
Messy Play Kit These kits are… you guessed it—messy! Each themed kit comes with three to five science experiments and art projects and kids will LOVE digging their hands into these kits so get a subscription for the artist/scientist in your life! Online:messyplaykits.com
Shred Dog Want quality, outdoor performance clothing for kids that keeps them both warm and dry while they sled/ski/board/hike? Look no further than Shred Dog. As the ski team supplier for Palisades Tahoe and Bear Valley ski teams, you know it's been tested and quality proven! Online: shreddog.com
People of the World Bingo Kit Who doesn’t love a good game of bingo? Add in brightly colored traditional clothing from different cultures and countries and everyone will want in on this game! Online: sfmoma.org
DIY Christmas Ornament Kit Nothing beats Christmas tree ornaments made by kids! These kits let you choose from several animals and give your kids the chance to get creative and have a keepsake. Online:etsy.com
Solving Fun An online store that is based in Palo Alto with free delivery locally, Solving Fun offers engaging puzzles and games for kids to learn while having fun...because that's the best kind of learning there is! Puzzle packs, pal pack games and sticker sudoku books will keep little minds sharp this holiday. Don’t forget to sign up for their free daily emailed advent puzzle here. Online: solvingfun.com
Beeline Treats South Bay mom Vicki handcrafts unique, personalized cookies that are not only stunning to look at but also mouth wateringly delicious. Up the ante at your next occasion with these cookies that are guaranteed to impress! Online: beelinetreats.com
Local Food Adventures Have a foodie in your life? Gift them a Local Love food box! Choose from themes like the BBQ lover’s collection or Mai Tai cocktail party in a box that will be filled with quality products and go straight from Oakland to your giftee’s home. Online: localfoodadventures.com
Kokak Chocolates Single origin and handcrafted from sustainable and fair trade cocoa, Kokak chocolates stem from founder and chocolatier Carol Gancia’s serious love for chocolate. With a store in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco, Kokak also offers local bicycle delivery locally and welcomes custom orders. Online:kokakchocolates.com
For Home
SFMOMA Living Wall tumbler With over 20,000 plants, the living wall at SFMOMA is the largest in the country and this tumbler gorgeously celebrates that in a bold, striking fashion...perfect for your every day beverages. Online: sfmoma.org
Ilke Studio Handmade batch ceramics from this Burlingame studio will add a flair of elegance and style to any home. Online:etsy.com
YeeJee Knits Based in Walnut Creek, YeeJee beautifully hand knits and crochets beanies, headbands and cowls. Send one of her cozy creations to anyone who needs an extra hug this season! Online:etsy.com
Paper Sweetly Handcrafted paper art and jewelry like you have never seen before-Paper Sweetly is based in San Jose and Nikitha’s art will blow you away! These unique gifts are perfect for the hard-to-shop for giftee on your list. Online:etsy.com
Iyoba Born out of a desire to relieve her son’s eczema using natural products, Oakland mom Efiya began experimenting in her kitchen and created what is now her famous artisan soap. Today, she handcrafts organic, natural hair, body and home products, all of which are paraben, synthetic fragrance and sulfate free and has a cult-like following. Online: iyoba.com
IKEA is known for affordable housewares but we think their selection of kid’s toys and linens are the best-kept secret in shopping. The latest line of kids gear, from cushions to plush animals to tea sets, is here and we picked our top faves. Bonus: These are all shoppable online so you don’t have to make that trek to the big store near you. Read on for our picks.
MÅLA 10-Piece Cardboard Town
A sweet set for your architect, these little cardboard templates are easy to color, fold, and build a magical small town of their own. The price is so affordable, you can get more than one. Great for travel!
This foldable, soft toy goal can help your inner soccer star shine, or get ready for some serious toddler/knee hockey. Turn it on its side for toy storage.
This mini plush ball is just one of several new soft ball toys that go great with the indoor goal. Kids can stay active on those indoor-only days without (too much) danger of smashing things in the house.
Transform your child’s bed into a play area with the new canopy in a market-stall pattern and get ready to play store with all the resident stuffed animals. Fits the KURA bed.
These wooden blocks are the kind of toy you think: why didn’t I buy these sooner? The 40-piece Montessori-inspired set offers you endless combos and hours of multi-age entertainment.
Okay, there is definitely a cat theme with IKEA's latest catalog. The cat lover in all of us wants this little soft toy curled up next to us during storytime or any time.
Got siblings? Or maybe your home office is also your kid’s room/living room/bedroom? This colorful room divider will designate separate spaces but can be folded up in an instant.
Add a little whimsical support to any bed or play area with this long, lumbar-style pillow in the new pale green banana pattern. And don’t miss the matching duvet and pillow-case set.
At first glance, this light looks slightly boring, but it’s a great little minimalist desk lamp or reading light that can focus the light directly on the page.
We love multi-use furniture that grows with your kid and this new changing table is just such a piece. Plenty of storage for diapers and wipes, and when the diaper stage is over it converts into a chest of drawers.
Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time.
Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with these framed drawing boards. $1.99/each
MÅLA Felt Tip Pen
IKEA
Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this affordable set. $2.99/24 pack
Solar System Mobile
Give your kid her first glimpse at what the universe holds with this soft, fuzzy mobile that’s perfect for hanging above her changing table. Made from 100% polyester.
Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This new tag-like game is designed for two players, comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. It can also be played indoors or outside. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.
Infant seats are widely available, so are booster seats as they age up—but what about the “in-between”? Looking for a recommendation for that elusive next step from the infant car seat? We have it! If you’re a parent, you know how popular the UPPAbaby line of super-smart strollers, car seats and kids gear is. And for good reason. Since 2006, their products have never disappointed, with intuitively designed, stylish and sleek products with features and functions all parents want—plus innovations you maybe never knew were possible. The UPPAbaby’s KNOX® Convertible Car Seat is the natural next step for parents as their child transitions from an infant seat.
The KNOXConvertible Car Seat provides a rear-facing and forwarding-facing solution that accommodates a growing baby and toddler. The KNOX is all you need from baby to big kid, and it’s packed with intuitive safety features that easily adapt as your child grows and their positioning needs change. Now you can travel safely and smoothly since KNOX is fully loaded with unique safety innovations and features that make traveling with your toddler worry-free. Read on to learn more about how KNOX’s innovative safety features make this the ideal seat for your growing baby.
The KNOX's Multi-Directional Tether reduces seat rotation and stress on a child’s head and neck in the event of an impact. When used in rear-facing mode, the Multi-Directional Tether reduces the potential for injury by 45%* (*Data based on crash tests conducted at independent labs in the United States and Canada.)
SMARTSecure™ System
Parents, this is genius. It’s safety you can see, and it’s going to make your life so much easier, with a lot less worry while you're on the road. This unique technology utilizes a tightness indicator and robust tensioning clips to provide a visual confirmation of correct installation each time. Now you know every time that, yes, it’s in right and your child is as safe as can be.
Koroyd® Technology
Developed from aerospace safety research, innovated for action sports, and now built into the base of the KNOX car seat—just, wow. This exclusive partnership is a child safety industry first! The result is that the Koroyd technology provides more advanced impact protection. The welded tube structure crumples instantly and consistently on impact, absorbing maximum force in a controlled manner to minimize energy transfer to the child. Bottom line: You can’t get more high-tech than this.
UPPAbaby’s KNOX boasts a whole family of features, designed to protect and provide unparalleled side impact protection including:
Active Support Headrest is heads above the rest. Utilizing the absorption and recovery properties of specialized foams, KNOX's headrest provides advanced side impact protection around the child’s head and neck and adjusts to ensure correct positioning as your child grows.
Side Impact Pods are a small feature that makes a big difference. Located on the side of the shell and always engaged, the pods absorb and deflect crash forces in the event of a side-impact crash.
Impact Dispersion Zone EPP foam strategically placed between the inner and outer shell absorbs crash forces, further protecting the child.
They seriously have every little detail down. Here's even more tech to keep your little one safe in case of impact:
Recline Indicator: The labeling system provides clear instructions on what positions are acceptable for Rear-Facing and Forward-Facing modes.
Two-Piece Fit Inlay: The inlay allows for flexibility and proper fit in the harness system, promoting optimum recline.
The long-awaited Amazon Prime Day is here! The two-day event is back from hiatus and is bursting with deals on all things electronics, home, baby, kids and fashion. We’ve rounded up the scoop on lightning deals and everyday essentials to stock up on as we head into winter. Keep scrolling to see our faves.
Working (and parenting) from home during a pandemic can be isolating and overwhelming. Whether you’re looking to vent, get practical advice or even give away gently used baby and kids gear, there’s an LA Facebook group for your to join. Read on to find that support and camaraderie are just a few clicks away in a local online group for parents.
LA Mommies With 59 thousand members, this group is the biggest of the bunch, offering plenty of differing opinions and insights which can make for spirited discussions. LA Mommies is intended to be a supportive group and community for parents and caregivers. You can search for popular topics like giveaways, reviews of Covid-19.
NICE Los Angeles Moms Supporting Each Other As the name says, the most important rule governing this LA group is BE NICE. This group is a place to vent (no politics allowed), share and ask questions. The goal of the group is to help lift up other women, and the group's admins promote a spirit of kindness in their posts.
LA Moms Uncensored This group takes a more irreverent approach to motherhood. It's a place for moms in the LA area to receive support, laugh, vent and connect. As they say of themselves, "Controversial topics are ok but don't be a dick."
LA Peds and Parents: A Covid Kid Forum When covid 19 first became a public health crisis, a group of Los Angeles pediatricians came together to figure out how to serve patients and their community. The doctors spent months supporting each other, and are now here to support parents! Ask your questions and they'll do their best to answer.
LA Tutors and Related Professionals Overwhelmed with at-home learning. LA Tutors and Related Professionals is designed to connect families with local tutors, teachers, instructors and even healthcare professionals. If you're looking to form or join a learning pod, the group also helps connect like-minded families.
Los Angeles (LA) Nannies & Babysitters Exchange This is a group to connect LA parents with caregivers, nannies and babysitters. Members can post if they're looking to hire a caregiver or babysitter, or want to recommend one to others. Worried about spam overload in the posts? No au pair agents, nanny agency, sales or personal business posts are allowed.
Moms Helping Moms This group is for donations only! Giving, helping, trading, receiving. This page is not a forum for airing personal problems of your own or another.
Los Angeles Moms Sell & Swap Here is your chance to sell all those items you have laying around your house that you do not use! You can sell, trade, and swap to your hearts desire.
LA Parents Swap This group is for Los Angeles parents living in the Westside LA, Mid City, and South & West Valley to buy/sell/give away baby and kid products they no longer need or would like to purchase.
Westside Moms This group is very strict about its Westside requirements—your profile must share what exact city you are in or you will need to message an admin to be approved. With regular meetups (during non-social distancing times), the group aims to create real friendships among moms and their kiddos. It's also a great local resource for anything parent- and kid-related in Los Angeles.
Pasadena Moms The group is a place for moms in the Pasadena-area to connect, ask questions and support one another. You can use this group to get recommendations, tips and learn more about the area. And while it may be called Pasadena Moms, dads are welcome too!
San Fernando Valley Moms All SFV moms welcome to join this group. It's the kind of place where you can ask for private swim instructor recommendations, and find the latest information on LAUSD school board initiatives (like a resolution to create public childcare pods on campus for homeless and foster youth and kids of essential workers).
For more hyper-local mom groups, search for your neighborhood on Facebook.
During this challenging time, we’re all searching for ways to lend a hand – safely. And while many organizations are not currently accepting items you’ve cleaned out of your closets, there are plenty of other ways to help. So whether you’re looking to volunteer your time or prefer to make a donation, here are some incredible groups that are working hard support Angelenos right now.
Food instability is a difficult issue for many struggling families and as you can imagine, it’s even more so during a global pandemic. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is currently looking for both volunteers and monetary donations to purchase food supplies. Their website also features a food pantry locator if you’d prefer to reach out to specific food pantries in your neighborhood.
Westside Food Bank is also currently seeking financial donations only (not donations of actual goods) to help keep operations running and food flowing to those who need it.
The West Valley Food Pantry is looking for volunteers to help out, as well as donations of specific items. They’re also more than happy to accept any surplus of fruits and vegetables you may have from your trees or garden at home.
LA’s senior citizens, as well as Angelenos who have serious underlying medical conditions are at especially high risk right now during the Covid-19 outbreak. So it’s an enormous help to get their meals delivered safely. Two special organizations are working tirelessly to keep things moving during this time. Project Angel Food prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by life-threatening illnesses. They are looking for volunteers and monetary donations if you are interested in reaching out.
The LA chapter of Meals on Wheels delivers midday meals and supper to elderly and disabled citizens who are unable to prepare meals for themselves. They are currently looking for monetary donations to help support the Meals on Wheels Covid-19 Response Fund.
If you have high school or college aged kids at home, volunteering with Zoomers to Boomers may be right up their alley! This amazing organization was founded in mid-march by an enterprising 17-year-old in Santa Barbara who was looking for a way to help out during the coronavirus outbreak. Zoomers to Boomers has now expanded to twelve cities and worldwide, and is entirely made up of young people who are looking to help their community by delivering groceries to the elderly and immunocompromised. Seniors simply email their shopping list to Zoomer to Boomer and pay for their groceries electronically. Then, a Zoomer provides an easy no contact delivery without charge a delivery fee or tip. Bravo!
So Cal blood supplies are critically low at the moment due to coronavirus concerns and blood drive cancellations during the outbreak. However, it is still safe to donate and your help is greatly needed. The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region is currently scheduling drives throughout the city and it’s easier than ever to find one nearby.
The Southern California Blood Bank is also looking for donors and is currently taking appointments only, online. They are in particular need of O blood types.
If you’ve been thinking about whether a dog or cat might be a good fit for your family, now is the perfect time to test the waters by fostering a pet. Local animal shelters are seeking caring families to foster pets during Safer at Home orders and beyond. Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles has a great list of local shelters and groups who could really use you some extra help with pet parenting right now.
Other Homemade Ways to Help
Jennifer O'Brien
Here are some additional heartfelt ways you and your little ones can help make this time a little easier for others:
– Create greeting cards for elderly neighbors and leave them in their mailbox, or send a handful to local nursing homes in your area. – Offer to pick up a few items for older neighbors when you're making an essential run to the grocery store or drug store. – Use sidewalk chalk to write hopeful messages that will brighten your neighbor's day or to say thank you to essential workers. – Encourage your block to step outside at the same time every evening to applaud all of the medical workers who are going above and beyond right now.
With so many of us organizing our kids’ closets right now, it’s no doubt you'll come across a few treasures you’d like to donate to children’s organizations around town. While most places are not accepting donations of goods at the moment, here are some wonderful places to keep in mind once things start to reopen:
It’s finally here––Amazon Prime Day has arrived! We’ve scouted the best deals the online retailer is selling for this year’s mega sale. Keep scrolling to get all the details on baby and kids gear in addition to clothing, electronics and more.
Regalo Baby Safety Gates (Wide span, double door super wide, home decor super wide, home accents super tall and top of stair styles), and My Cot Deluxe (20% off)
