let the sun shine

Whether you're battling a cold, dry winter or a scorching hot summer, one thing you shouldn't leave the house without is sunscreen--especially for your lips. Thanks to Dr. T and the makers of SuperGoop, a natural, organic sunscreen company, it's easy to keep your skin and your lips protected from the environment. SuperGoop has no artificial colors, no unecessary chemical additives, and requires no animal testing. The formula is eco-friendly, packed with vitamins and minerals, and safe for the whole family. For those on the go (what family isn't?), stock up on the 4 Lips Pocket-Stick Set, SPF 30 Sun & Wind Protection 4 Lips ($19), a compact box packed with four individual lip protectant sticks. So everyone can grab their own and go! Kids love the wintermint and original flavors. Other SuperGoop essentials: the SPF 30 Bug-Away Spray, a deet-free two-in-one sun and bug protectant in a lightweight, lemongrass and cedar formula that offers broad spectrum sun protection, and the SuperGoop! Cabana Kit ($42),a beach tote for toddlers featuring a 5 oz. super-spray SPF 30 SuperGoop!, an SPF 30 Quick and Easy Touch-Up Stick with titanium dioxide and a lightweight 100% cotton sun hat for UV 50 sun protection in one of four breezy color combinations. You'll never be unprepared for the beach--or street--again! See www.SuperGoop.com for more info.

roll with it

When I was seven months pregnant with my son, my husband and I used to sit in Central Park on nice days and watch all the strollers roll by. The options were more confusing than the coffee menu at Starbucks. There were big wheels, little wheels, swivel wheels and removable wheels, easy-to-fold versions and clunkier models, state-of-the-art suspension systems, reclining seats, storage bins, canopies, extra traction, adjustable handles... We were lost! If we had only known about BOB Strollers and the "Which BOB is Right for Me?" feature on the company's website, we might have slept easier. After logging on to bobgear.com and answering a few questions (what terrain do we use our stroller on? do we walk, run or stroll? do we have one child or two?), we got an expert recommendation--the Revolution Duallie was the one for us. Available in navy/cool gray or mesa orange/chocolate, the Duallie has ultra-padded, reclining seats, adjustable sun canopies, a jogging mode, and can hold up to 100 pounds. Also available are the Ironman (a lightweight model ideal for serious road running), the Sport Utility Stroller (for off-road jogging), and the Revolution 12" AW which is the most compact (read: fits best in your New York City apartment!) The great thing about the site is that it really gives you lots of specifications for each model. And while no one stroller is going to meet all your needs, BOB strollers pretty much get as close as you're going to get. Find out which BOB is right for you at http://www.bobgear.com.

first-class seats

We all know the drill: You get the kids dressed and pile them into the car for a long drive. Not even 20 miles into it, your nine month old's bottle leaks all over the infant car seat and your toddler throws up his lunch...we're talking projectile! Thankfully, you've packed a spare set of clothes for each. Double thankfully, you've just installed your new Dressy Dribbles car seat covers. I know, you're thinking car seat covers? A little much, right? But when you find yourself in this predicament, you'll be glad you decided to invest. They snap right onto your infant or toddler car seat and come off easily so you can throw them in the washing machine when they need a cleaning. The best part: They are beautifully made and feel luxurious to the touch. I put mine down on the couch for a minute and my 16 month old daughter put her head down on it and went to sleep. Made of quality minky, denim, cotton and satin fabrics, it's the only car seat cover that snaps on and off so you don't have to rethread the car seat straps every time you remove it. All styles are reversible so you get two patterns in one; matching canopy covers and blankets are also available. My favorite: The Miracle ($50; shown here), a purple flower Asian brocade with reversible lavender minky. Available at http://www.dressydribbles.com. For a more affordable version, check out the Dressy Dribbles line for Target which features a pink or blue cotton/denim style for only $29.99! Go to www.target.com to make your purchase.