The new Synergy carrier builds upon the great features of the original carrier, but adds an exclusive breathable mesh fabric that fights heat and moisture (and dries quickly after a being thrown in the washing machine) and the necessary lumbar support to let you carry your baby for longer periods of time.

And you can tuck the whole carrier into the attached storage pocket. How’s that for convenience?

Special offer: One lucky Cradle readers will win a Baby Björn Synergy baby carrier. To enter, visit The Cradle’s Product Guide: Baby Carriers, and tell us when you shouldn’t use a baby carrier. Email the answer to blog@thecradle.com with the subject line: Baby Björn Entry. Winner will be selected in a random drawing. This promotion will run from 8/26/09 – 8/30/09. Drawing date: Monday, 8/31/09. One winner will be notified on Monday, 8/31/09. See official rules.

*Giveaway winner will be able to choose the color (white, black, or marine blue) of the baby carrier. GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED

We’ve got a crush on their classic baby carriers and coordinating totes and hats. (Why not go that extra matching mile, right?)

Aside from their fun and funky fabrics, this carrier has a lightweight aluminum frame, a padded waist support and a 5-point safety harness. Both parent and baby will be comfortable and safe… and will look super cool hitting that farmers market or hiking trail.

Special offer: Cradle readers will receive 10% off all orders. To get your coupon code visit…

{Deals & Discounts}

First of all, let me say on the record that I love pediped shoes. They are adorable and if my son likes wearing them, they must be comfortable!

From December 17- 31, pediped will reduce the price of select shoe styles and then donate 50% of the sales from those shoes to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.)

Although pediped initially pledged $50,000, their goal is to now double that pledge.

What a great way to get into the spirit of giving this holiday season!

{Visit pediped}

Now, they’re representing two new products that I’m totally crushing on: The lillebaby EveryWear carrier and Babycook, the Original Babyfood Maker by Beaba.

Crush #1: I love the ergonomic design of the lillebaby EveryWear. It rides just right on my hips and evenly distributes my baby’s weight, so I can “wear” her for longer periods without feeling a strain in my shoulders or my back. Right now I can only wear her facing me, but eventually she’ll be able to ride forward facing, on my back, or on my hip. Dig those options! Plus, the EveryWear is JPMA certified and meets all the ASTM standards for a soft infant carrier, so you know that you and your baby are in good hands.

Crush #2: In a few months, my daughter will start to eat solids… and I’m all over this Babycook food maker. I admit that with my son, I never got into making homemade baby food. Honestly, I just didn’t feel like dealing with it – it seemed easier to stock up on jars of peas and carrots at the store.

But now considering the economy, not to mention the earth, I want to start making my own baby food in order to save money while cutting down on my carbon footprint by using less jars and packaging. Here’s what I like about this cooker: It works as a steamer, blender, warmer and defroster all in one. Not only is it convenient and compact, it’ll look cute on the counter! And, if I can cut down on things I need to wash, I’m happy. Did I mention that it’s BPA safety-tested, too? Bring on the steamed broccoli!

Cradle Crush Note: Now until December 19th, Cradle readers can receive a 20% discount on these products (even their Svan Scooters!) at Scandinavian Child. Be sure to use the coupon code Cradle20 at checkout.

But I figured that today I’d give it a try so I could “wear” my infant while doing some work. Luckily the instructions were fairly easy to interpret. (Note to future wrappers: Figure out how to put it on while your baby is in a good mood and not while your baby is cranky and crying. Oops… wish I tried that.)

It turns out that it’s totally comfy – she loved being close to me and it offered full support to my back. She’s been sleeping on me for about three hours, and I’m no worse for the wear. Actually, it’s pretty dreamy. Yeah, I‘m crushing on this carrier.