2007 NAPPA Parenting Resources

Return to NAPPA Home Page | 2007 NAPPA Honors Winners

The National Parenting Publications Awards for Parenting Resources showcase the best in books, CDs, baby gear and innovative products that help make parenting easier and more fun.
By Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D.

2007 NAPPA Parenting Resources
The National Parenting Publications Awards Help Make Parenting Easier

Pregnancy & Birth | Baby Care | Toddlers | Preschoolers | School Age | All Ages

The Gold Award-winning products featured in this year's NAPPA Parenting Resources competition are the result of rigorous evaluation of hundreds of entries by our team of expert judges and parent testers.

This year's NAPPA winners represent a wide range of parenting tools: some help you bond with your child, celebrate the miracle of pregnancy, or be more understanding of friends and spouses, while others will add minutes to your day. So whether you want a boost in building your own parenting skills or are just looking for the perfect gift for new parents or parents-to-be, check out the 2007 NAPPA Gold winners on the pages that follow!

Pregnancy & Childbirth

About What Was Lost: 20 Writers on Miscarriage, Healing and Hope, edited by Jessica Berger Gross; Plume, 2007; $15;

The moving essays in this book, by both well-known and lesser-known writers, carry a theme of isolation and silence. Although miscarriage occurs in one in four pregnancies, it is a loss that is hard to discuss and often even harder to find support for in our society. Yet, these same essays point to the power of connection, often through support from someone else who has also experienced the pain of losing a pregnancy. While every story is different - some ending with a happy story of a healthy full-term pregnancy and delivery, others with adoption or a decision not to become a parent - they all contain eloquent testimony to the healing that comes with time and reflection, even after such a devastating loss. This book will speak directly to the hearts and minds of anyone who has had a miscarriage, and anyone who would like to understand more about a loved one or friend in that situation.

And Baby Makes Three: The Six-Step Plan for Preserving Marital Intimacy and Rekindling Romance After Baby Arrives, by John M. Gottman, Ph.D., and Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D.; Crown, 2007; $24.95;

Two of the country's leading experts on successful couple relations turn their attention to preventing and repairing the strain on relationships that frequently occurs with entry into parenthood. In addition to proven techniques for reducing conflicts and soothing frayed nerves, recovering from fights and rejuvenating sex life, this book also includes exercises and anecdotes from the Gottman's popular Bringing Home Baby workshops.

Riding the Infertility Rollercoaster: A Guide to Educate & Inspire, by Iris Waichler, M.S.W.; Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, 2006; $17.95;

While taking a comprehensive look at the emotional and practical aspects of infertility treatment, this book stresses the importance of finding the right healthcare professional with whom to undertake this journey. It discusses a range of treatments; age, legal and insurance issues; and decision making about who to tell in the workplace, how long to go until stopping treatment, adoption, choosing to remain childless, having a second child and more. While the author doesn't attempt to provide medical detail, which can be found elsewhere, she does include personal stories written in a tone that allows readers to hear the words without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. This guide helps family and friends gain insight and understanding, and learn how to be more supportive.

Baby Care

Avent Isis iQ Duo Double Electronic Breast Pump, Avent America Inc.; $349.99

Although a bit pricey, this pump is a good choice for those who need to pump regularly, quickly and efficiently, and who want it to be a comfortable experience. The magic of this product is that mom sets the pump's suction, speed and rhythm with a control lever located on the bottle at her breast. An electronic memory stores the customized setting, and a quiet motor matches the vacuum of hospital-grade pumps for pumping on-the-go or at home. And it's easy to switch between manual and electric pumping. The pump comes with written instructions and a DVD that takes the guesswork out of setup and use.

Adiri Breastbottle Nurser, Adiri Inc.; $17.78

Not only is this bottle softly dome-shaped like a breast, the jaw action of the baby sucking on it is just like when the baby is at the breast! A truly inventive design, the Breastbottle Nurser helps newborn or older babies to transition easily from breast to bottle. The Breastbottle reduces air ingestion and simulates letdown by letting baby temporarily increase flow by kneading the dome. Additionally, the bottle's broad surface, when filled, provides a comforting warmth against baby's hands and face. Our testers found this bottle to be superior to other products in capturing the shape and feel of breastfeeding.

The Breastfeeding Answer Book, by Nancy Mohrbacher and Julie Stock; La Leche League International, 3rd ed., 2003

Available as either a spiral bound book ($55) or as a CD-ROM ($50, Windows and Mac compatible), judges and parent testers were unanimous on this: It's wonderful! The text is easy to read and understand; the format is simple to navigate and answers can be found quickly. Topics include common breastfeeding myths, new ways to position the baby and to latch-on, increasing milk supply using prescription and herbal medications, treatments for damaged nipples and more. In short, the book has more in-depth information than similar resources and is a "must" for every lactation and pediatric office, as well as your home library. Parent testers suggest reading before delivery if possible - knowledge leads to greater success!

Portable Baby Changing Station, OskerBee Baby Products; $80

Never wait in a restroom line again! This lightweight foldable "cot" with a chrome frame raises babies off the floor for sanitary, on-the-go diaper changes. Scaled for newborns to 2-year-olds, its wipe-clean nylon surface has a harness for securing squirming infants and a patented locking mechanism on both sides of the frame for stability. It weighs less than two pounds and folds down to 14 inches. As baby grows, the pad can be removed from the frame for additional use. The station comes with a nylon shoulder bag with a detachable pouch for diapers, three insulated front pockets, interchangeable straps, phone holder and other handy features.

Valco Baby Buggster, Valco Baby; $325

This stylish stroller for children from 3 months up to 45 pounds combines the convenience of a lightweight umbrella stroller with the comfort and performance features of an all-terrain stroller. It's easy to set up and fold, features a multi-position reclining seat, offers plenty of storage underneath, folds compactly, and has a removable front wheel. The three-wheel design makes it easy to maneuver with one hand. The large, rounded hood offers maximum protection, and the stroller comes with a raincover, zip-in UV protection, and a boot cover.

Yummy in My Tummy! Healthy Eating Habits for Life, The Liandrea Co., 2006; $19.95

This engaging and informative 50-minute DVD guides parents through introducing solid foods to babies 6 to 12 months. The advice is right on the money and in line with current position statements and practices of the American Academy of Pediatrics. While the same info is available in how-to books on feeding, this DVD is designed for parents who are more likely to watch than read about what they want to know - and it's done really well. Solid nutrition information from well-known dietician Louise Lambert-Lagace is matched with advice from a pediatrician and moms sharing ideas and feeding tips, which are demonstrated by absolutely adorable babies. It's easy to watch and refer to over and over again.

The Toddler Years

Cloud b Sleep Sheep On the Go, Cloud b Inc.; $21

Create nap-time consistency for your tot at home and away with a smart solution wrapped in sheep's clothing. Sleep Sheep, a cuddly lamb with a battery-operated sound box inside, lulls little ones to sleep with soothing sounds from nature - a gentle stream, spring showers, ocean waves and whale songs. A Velcro™ strap attaches the plushy sheep to the outside of the crib or to car seats and strollers. The timer can be set for 23 or 45 minutes and the volume adjusts so Sleep Sheep's familiar sounds can be heard over strange or loud noises.

It's Potty Time, Levels of Discovery LLC; $37.50; .

Sturdy and colorfully painted, this adorable wooden potty training chair comes with a working timer that helps little ones learn to sit and wait. Comfortable and inviting, it's just the right size and height for a tot just learning to use the potty - generally children up to 50 pounds or age 3. Non-slip grips prevent the chair from sliding, so kids can get on and off comfortably by themselves. The best feature is the "spray shield," which won top kudos from our parent testers - it stays put when the child tries to sit and shields so well that pants (and floors!) stay dry. The plastic pot is easy to remove and clean. In short, it's a cute addition to the family bathroom that gets good results!

SafeGuard Go Portable Child Safety Seat, SafeGuard, a division of IMMI; $199

The SafeGuard Go is the first car seat that combines the safety of a five-point harness with the portability of a backless booster seat. When your child outgrows the harness (up to 60 pounds), the back can be removed and the base converts to the first-ever LATCH-equipped, belt-positioning backless booster that can be used for kids up to 100 pounds. Our child testers found it supremely comfortable; while parents loved that it is lightweight (9 pounds), compact and folds into a travel bag with shoulder strap (included) to store in the overhead compartments of most airplanes. It has undergone thorough testing and surpasses all government safety standards. What's more, it's designed to install correctly and easily in less than a minute.

Preschoolers

Kid Safe Driveway Guard, KidKusion Inc.; $129.99

This retractable safety net helps keep kids in the driveway and cars out. The bright orange, weather-resistant netting stretches across the driveway from one post to the other, and easily retracts into the post when playtime is over. Both posts can be removed and reinserted easily as they fit into below-ground sleeves installed on either side of the driveway. This net measures 25 feet long and 36 inches high (other lengths are also available). Our childproofing expert suggests using a quick-setting concrete for proper installation of the post sleeves and, as with any safety barrier, that parents supervise their children's outdoor play.

Learning Games: Exploring the Senses Through Play, by Jackie Silberg; Gryphon House, 2006; $14.95; .

This activity book stands out not just because of the quality of the games, but because of its focus on the five senses, and on learning about the world through play. As an added bonus, every game contains a recommendation for a related children's book, and each section contains surprising facts about animal senses. (Did you know that scorpions have 12 eyes?)

School Age and Older Kids

Autism Asperger's Digest, Future Horizons Inc.; $49.95 for one year subscription

This bimonthly magazine is a "must read" for anyone touched by autism - parents, older teens and adults on the autism spectrum, and professionals who work with autistic clients of all ages. The tone is upbeat and affirming; and the global approach embraces topics of interest to a wide audience, such as creating a life estate or trust fund, learning social skills in the workplace and accessing services. Top-notch writers include professionals who are on the autism spectrum themselves, such as Temple Grandin, as well as experts in fields that service children and adults on the spectrum. Even the ads provide a wealth of resources on summer programs, colleges and independent living.

All Ages

A Child with Special Needs, Parents' Action for Children, 2005; $14.95; .

You might remember him as Meathead, Archie Bunker's hippie son-in-law on the TV show All in the Family. But nowadays, in addition to acting and directing, Rob Reiner is the head of a grassroots organization called Parents' Action for Children. This DVD is part of the "I Am Your Child" series, which contains useful information in an accessible format. This title, focusing on children with a variety of special needs, is hosted by Sylvester Stallone, who talks about his own child who has a diagnosis of autism. It features sections on finding out about a disability, getting help, dealing with labels and stigma, and how parents can take care of themselves. Anyone who has a family member with a special need will find this video reassuring and comforting, and anyone who is not personally struggling with that issue will find it eye-opening.

Jobsandmoms.com Career Center: Helping Professional Women Find Better Ways to Manage Work and Family; free; .

Here's real help for women who are seeking ways to blend work and family, whether they're full-time professionals, moms who have been away from the workforce for a few years, or women looking for flexible work options. This popular site, the work of career consultant Nancy Collamer, includes a job board that lists family-friendly jobs and companies; advice on home-based businesses, direct sales and franchises; online learning information; a blog; and a bookstore. Jobsandmoms.com is packed with information, yet is crystal-clear and friendly in tone.

Please Note: While all of these NAPPA-winning products have been judged, to the best of our ability and testing, to be safe and well-constructed, we do not warrant their safety or appropriateness for your child and we are not liable for any injuries that may result from their use.

Want More Great Parenting Products?

• Click here to see the 2007 NAPPA Parenting Resources Honors Winners.


• Click here to see the 2006 NAPPA Parenting Resources Gold Winners.


• Click here to see coverage of the 2006 NAPPA Children's Products Gold and Honors Winners - the best toys, books, DVDs, software and video games, music and spoken-word recordings.

The NAPPA Parenting Resources Judges

The NAPPA Parenting Resources winners were evaluated by NAPPA's staff of veteran parenting editors, family testers, specialty judges and lead judge Lawrence J. Cohen, Ph.D. A former NAPPA winner himself (for his best-selling book Playful Parenting), Dr. Cohen is a licensed psychologist specializing in children's play and play therapy. He speaks to educators and parenting classes throughout the country. He is also co-author, with Michael Thompson and Catherine O'Neill Grace, of Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Friendship, Popularity and Social Cruelty in the Lives of Boys and Girls, and Mom, They're Teasing Me: Helping Children Solve Social Problems.

Our lead safety consultant, Erin Christiansen, is a child injury prevention specialist for an urban public health commission. She and her team evaluated baby and toddler gear, and assessed overall safety, stability and product compliance with national safety standards based on product assembly, design, and potential for injury in use. Our childproofing expert, Tom Connolly, is president of Safe Solutions of New England, a professional childproofing company, and member of the International Association of Child Safety. Connolly focused on product construction and durability, ease of installation for non-professionals, usefulness of product, and overall safety issues. (For more information, click here.)

Representing the field of nutrition is Sheila Globus, a nutritionist and former associate editor of Prevention magazine and writer specializing in health-related topics. She has had a private nutrition practice for more than 10 years to help women of all ages lose weight and adopt healthy eating and exercise habits. She also presents workshops on eating disorders, sports nutrition and on feeding infants and young children. Her articles have been published in, among others, Family Circle, Fitness, Lamaze Family, and the National Women's Health Report.

On the pregnancy and childbirth front is Carolyn Ogren, co-chair of the 2007 DONA International Conference and past member of the organization's board of directors. Ogren has been a birth doula and childbirth instructor for more than three decades. (For more information, visit dona.org.)

Dot Norcross, IBCLC, brings 25 years of experience assisting breastfeeding families to her role in evaluating breastfeeding guides and gear. Norcross and her colleagues provide breastfeeding consultations, visits to maternity patients, prenatal breastfeeding classes and solutions to individuals and companies trying to ease a mother's transition back into the workplace. (To learn more, visit actationcare.com.)

Last, but not least, scores of family testers "in the field" provided invaluable feedback. Among these testers were professionals with expertise in pediatric nursing, pediatric dentistry and product testing - as well as soon-to-be, new and veteran parents who assisted us in choosing this year's winners.