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FASHION MEETS FUNCTION
Uncommon Baby Products
By Leah Jayasanker

Fashion meets function is the theme for 2008. Whether it's a handbag with compartments for PDAs and other knick knacks or a car customized for women, the times are changing for consumers. The days of toting around a boring black diaper bag and plastic baby bottles seem obsolete. Vis. a.Vis reviews the latest concepts available for mommy and baby.

Stacy Achuck, owner of Mill Valley Baby and Kids Company, explains her business and the advances in merchandise for consumer-savvy parents.

LJ: How does the current market for "unique" baby products differ from several years ago?
SA: There are a couple reasons for the change in the way mom's are shopping nowadays. Many mom's are having kids later in life and they're more educated in business, life and the options available to them. They spend more time researching the best products to buy and look for products that are an extension of themselves in style and function. They are no longer satisfied with whatever the mass retailer is putting on the shelf and they want products that speak to them and their style.
 
LJ: What sets your company apart from other retailers in the baby goods marketplace?  
SA: We try and satisfy a couple things. We attempt to find that unique baby item that you won't find in other stores, and we do our buying as moms. Even though something is unique it also needs to be practical. There are many products that are not practical, and we do the job of weeding through and selecting items that will really help. We buy for not only the first time mom, but the second and third time mom as well. For example, we know that a good swaddle blanket is essential. We take it to the next level and find the one that is the perfect size, has the best color options and uses the most comfortable fabric for the baby.

LJ: Why do you think there are countless items created like the BabyCie Lunch Kit ($28) and OC Baby Grocery Cart/Car Seat Covers ($66, mvbabyandkids.com )?
SA: It's about mom's being able to express their individual style. They realize it doesn't have to be about nursery animals and cutesy cartoons anymore. We have the option for stylish, functional products. If you have to carry around a diaper bag all day I would rather it be some great hip fabric that is a reflection of my taste as opposed to something with Winnie the Pooh splashed all over it...no offense to Winnie.

Working style
Alexandra de Curtis, Founder and Creative Director of Alexandra Bee, sheds new light on fashion meets function with the Sophia (diaper) bag. Available in leather alone or leather with fabric, prices begin at $439 via alexandrabee.com .

Another useful item for baby and mom is the Baby Sling in Alice ($60, sweetfletcher.com ) by Sweet Fletcher Designs. If the pattern gets boring after a few months reverse it to a solid color (all slings are reversible).

Channel ancestors and gift the new baby with Classy Baby Silver Pacifier Clip ($13.99, cornerstorkbabygifts.com ). This is the practical solution for the mom who spends more time disinfecting pacifiers tossed on the floor than actually using them.