Do Frame tape

OK... so this is not strictly a baby or child-related product but it's SO cool... It is instant framing tape and my idea is to put up some photos and prints in the wee one's bedroom along one wall and use this excellent faux-gilt frame tape around their edges... I think it will look pretty cool. There are some very smart people out there, huh?

Working cable car model from the Design Museum

So... still in London and I find I'm coming across far too many gorgeous things to fit in my suitcase... like this amazing working cable car from the Design Museum. Back home in Wellington I get the cable car up to my house from the city centre... it's a great way to travel, as long as you time your trip to avoid all the school kids and tourists. I think this would make a great addition to the nursery... it could travel up and down across the wall... perhaps I have room after all. Hmmmm.

Sugarloop artwork

How many prints can I fit on the nursery wall? Probably not as many as I think... I've come across these lovely prints to brighten up a room... this artwork is produced by Auckland based artist Bernadette Sipkes aka Sugarloop and comes in excellent bright colours featuring cool stylized animals and jungle scenes. Buy NZ made!

Rockin ABC blocks from Beebles

Oooooh graffiti buildings blocks... perfect for all the hipster types keen to demonstrate their down-with-the-kids parenthood status. I like these blocks but I wonder if my daughter will be able to decode the images... I'm thinking, yes. She already seems smarter than me. Each block has a different letter on each side and they come in sets of 26.

Sibis Villa

If you haven't seen Sibis toys before prepare to fall a little in love... they're not cheap... not even vaguely cheap but they're soooo lovely. There's a whole range of fantastic things... sledges, cool bikes with caravan style trailers and then there's the villa... A simply amazing dollshouse... I don't think I've ever seen anything like it. I still really like the older style doll houses but this modern number could sway me I think. The hefty price tag covers the house, furntiture, garden, pool and, get this, poolhouse... you know you're dealing with the high end products when your house comes with it's own guest pad... impressive. Anyway... it's a thing of beauty... and destined to be played with by the grownups as well as the children. I've put in on my wishlist!

Baby cellphone by Brio

Baby's first cellphone? I know what you're thinking, but before you dismiss this as a bad idea think about it... does your little one always try to grab and chew your mobile when you try to use it? My daughter is obsessed with mine... and I've heard those things are bad for tiny developing brains so I try to keep her as far away from it as possible. I bought a toy version ahead of our recent long haul flight and it had the essential distraction factor. I got ours from Babystar in Wellington and it had a cool record your voice feature... I can't find the exact model online but this one from Brio looks pretty interesting.

Multifunction urban Taga trike and stroller in one

Finally! I've arrived in England! Flying alone with a baby is far from fun but it could have been worse. My daughter entertained our fellow travellers with giggles and clapping during our 24 hour flight...

So now I've had a chance to look around... naturally this place is FULL of amazing baby and child focused things... pretty much every store carries a baby line of some kind. One of the best things I've seen so far is this stroller cycle from Taga. This version was just launched at the Design Museum in London the other day... it can carry you and up to two children plus shopping. This clever number is a trike that converts to a stroller with just a few twists... if you're still feeling unimpressed then consider this - you could ride into town on a strudy trike with the wee one in front of you instead of using a wobbly bike with your child strapped behind you out of sight. When you reach the library or the park you switch mode and push the stroller around. Extra cool features include a brake (such an obviously useful addition), wet weather covers and tilting seats so your little one can sleep on the go. I want one!