Must-have products for Baby don’t have to be newfangled and high tech. In fact, we’ve discovered two locally based goodies that are made of just fabric: Swaddle Designs blankets and Sidecar Slings. Lynette Damir, a mom and RN, founded Swaddle Designs because she wasn’t finding the right blankets to swaddle her infants in (to hopefully help them sleep more soundly). She took matters into her own hands and designed the ones she wanted, with just the right texture, size and weight for wrapping. We absolutely love her brown-and-blue blankie with mod circles—it’s very 1950s Hollywood.

Sidecar Slings was started by two design-minded entrepreneurial moms. The different sized slings come in patterned, tapestry and solid-colored models. They’re good for babies and kids less than 30 pounds and can be positioned in front of Mom/Dad (best for babies) or on the adult’s side or back. They are a great alternative to those expensive—and bulky—baby backpack carriers. Try the turquoise-and-mocha patterned Havana sling and remember: It’s swell to be retro.

Swaddle Designs blankets available for about $26 through Village Maternity, Nordstrom and other retailers. See site for additional retailer info.
www.swaddledesigns.com

Sidecar Slings available for $55-$69 each through:
www.sidecarslings.com

Big Wheel News (when you have time for a longer ride): Best International Restaurants for Kids in Seattle

Got a suggestion for a new product or event we should cover? Send tips to tips@red-tri.com.

Remember, each week we pick a winner a random from the tips provided for a free mani/pedi.  This week’s winner is: Christine Brody