UrbanBaby Buzz

Toilet-training is serious business — but don’t take it so seriously. Turning the milestone into a moment or two of silliness might just ease the transition from diaper to wiper.

The Potty Caddy provides a little laugh for when the toddler set is on the throne. This irreverent kit comes in a handy box to be transported to the toilette, with accessories like a book that addresses “serious” concerns (are there really monsters in the toilet?), mini magazines including Vanity Fairy and Rolling Stroller, reward stickers, a progress chart and of course, toilet paper. Plus, a brochure for parents is filled with tips from pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. William Spivak.

Soon you’ll all be singing the potty song.

Available at barnesandnoble.com.

Ever dream of living in a place where the sound of chirping birds is your wake-up call?

Even if you can’t escape the daily grind, your kids will relate to the young narrator in Birds, a new picture book from Kevin Henkes (a Caldecott and Newberry winner) and illustrator Laura Dronzek. Through her love of birds she relays the simple beauty of these fine feathered friends, who come in all shapes and sizes. The lyrical words and soft acrylic paintings done in primary colors dance throughout this short story.

You’ll be flying high.

Available at amazon.com.

On your ever-expanding list of “things that freak me out about pregnancy,” are lurking environmental toxins and landfills full of disposable diapers. Fret not: Taking baby steps to go green will improve your health and home before and after a newborn arrives. Check out these tips from Kim Carlson, a green expert, author and creator of the EarthSmart Certification Program on how to be eco-conscious on the cheap:

Look for vintage maternity clothes. No need to invest in a pricey wardrobe when you can “recycle” previously owned duds (that were probably worn for a limited time only). Find a consignment store that sells gently worn clothes and allows you to try them on. Or have a clothes-swapping party with newly and formerly preggo friends.

Switch to non-toxic cleaning products. Pregnancy is a time to be careful about what household products you use. Opt for products that use botanicals, enzymes and are labeled non-toxic (try the less toxic cleaners first and use stronger chemical cleaners only as a last resort).

Get the lead out. If you live in an older home, have the paint checked for lead — it’s highly toxic, and exposure to infants can cause nervous system damage, learning disabilities and behavior problems. At the very least, make sure that there are no peeling or cracked painted surfaces in your home. Any certified home inspector can do lead test, or buy a home lead test kit for less than $30.

Choose glass baby bottles. Some plastic baby bottles have been found to contain and leach a plasticizer, BPA or bisphenol A when heated. BPA is an estrogen-mimicking hormone or endocrine disruptor that may interfere with a baby’s developmental, reproductive, neurological and immune systems.

Your DCs will not be destined for a life of takeout — if only you could figure out what to make for dinner.

The Everything Organic Cooking for Baby & Toddler Book features 300 recipes that will show you how to prepare yummy meals, from avocado banana mash to chicken enchiladas, for ages 4 months and up. Tips on how to shop economically, find the best produce (and know if foods really are organic) and what to eat at each age give ample nutritional navigation. Co-authored by a “mom-cook” who developed recipes for a son with multiple allergies, and a specialist in pediatric nutrition, the book is an easy-to-follow guide to eating healthy.

No menu needed.

Available at amazon.com.

You’re already working on maintaining a good attitude, communication and commitment with your spouse, your boss and your kids. What about your bank account?

Get on the right foot with your finances: The savvy lady leaders at Citi’s Women & Co. shared their tips on forming a healthy relationship with money.

Commit to your budget. Be realistic about your spending habits, and set a limit for yourself. Monitor your budget and spending habits closely and regularly, and be prepared to change your budget to adjust to any lifestyle changes that may occur.

Communicate. Discuss your financial situation with your spouse/partner, financial advisor and yourself. Share any feelings or experiences that may shape your attitude towards financial activity. Communicating your financial flaws and past mistakes will help you determine the most effective way to save, spend and budget.

Be involved. It is important that you are involved in your finances — and if you have a spouse/partner, you both should be on the same page with creating and maintaining a financial game plan. Remember, knowledge is power, and by knowing all the financial facts of your life, you will have a much better sense of control.

Honesty is the best policy. Be honest and realistic about your goals, as well as the sacrifices you’ll need to make in order to meet them. Maintaining a budget and financial plan will be extremely difficult if there’s any denial or disagreement with your loved one about money. It is possible that what you consider a “want,” your other half considers a “need.” Be honest about what you want, need and expect from your budget, and understand what meeting those wants, needs and expectations will require.

Visit womenandco.com.

Whenever a truly great toy comes along — useful! colorful! affordable! — you breathe a sigh of relief.

Maybe they’ll actually want to get in the tub, thanks to these cute new bath toys from Boon. The trio of Splat (floating ring toss), Scrubble (toy scrub set) and Water Bugs (floating toys with net) will entice them to suds up and stay for awhile. Even better, nothing tops 10 bucks.

Too bad you’ll eventually have to pull the plug.

Available at booninc.com.

Have passport, will travel: Your kid has grown accustomed to the friendly skies, and is ready for her own in-flight gear.

This little rolling suitcase from Timi and Leslie will make her feel like a world traveler in her own right. Covered in a vinyl circus print and lined with water-resistant nylon, the Le Petit Voyage pint-sized luggage will survive upcoming family weekend trips. Plus, being responsible for her own bag may make her less likely to, ahem, misplace so many items while on the road.

Now you can all relax.

Available at rosenberryrooms.com.

Those imitation Warhols or your baby’s face are not exactly the type of “original art” you have in mind.

Try something a bit more unique: Massachusetts-based artist Lisa Foster will create a rendering of a child that is rich in texture, using reproduction quilting fabrics (from the colonial period to the 1930s) and acrylic paint. Reminiscent of the decorative arts, her pieces are for the true collector (prices start around $900, to $6000 and more depending on the size).

It’s an investment not for the faint of heart (or wallet), but a wise one indeed.

Visit lisaafoster.com.

You love reading to your child, but once in awhile it would be nice to have someone (say, Kelly Ripa) do the work for you.

Speakaboos is a fun online children’s storybook video library for age-appropriate fairy tales, fables, nursery rhymes and lullabies. With more than 35 popular titles currently on the roster, the catalog includes celebrity-read books from the likes of, yes, Kelly Ripa, and Kevin Bacon. New releases this month, like Little Red Riding Hood read by Tim Daly and Anansi and the Wisdom of the World read by Nick Cannon (who also beat-boxes his way through Old McDonald), are sure to be virtual page-turners.

The animated, kid-friendly graphics and easy-to-navigate format will have you clicking your way through these classic tales. Plus it’s almost as inexpensive as a library card — watch for free on the website, or download a track for 99 cents (to view later on an iPod or DVD).

Now that’s reading ready.

Visit speakaboos.com.

The infant swing is no longer in use, but what a waste to throw it out. What if you could trade it in for say, a toddler wardrobe?

It’s not impossible: Handmedowns.com launched its online garage sale-like site that is kind to the environment and your wallet. Combining listings from the likes of eBay, Craigslist and other classifieds with its own original postings, the site connects buyers and sellers of baby gear, toys and clothes. Browse the free listings (arranged by city and subject) for new or gently used items, or advertise your own second-hand goods. Extra features such as detailed descriptions and a link to government recalls will help you keep abreast on the safety and utility of your new find.

So pass it down and pay it forward.

Visit handmedowns.com.