Not all of us are parents, but all of us can appreciate good design that makes life easier. The Squirt baby food dispensing spoon holds up to 3 oz. of food at a time. Simply squeeze to dispense food, one bite at a time. The protective cover that keeps the spoon clean between feedings is our favorite detail.

The Squirt and quite a few other hip things for children are available at Boon.com.

If your a design conscious parent, you know the feeling you get when you envision your child in a mesh yellow cage attached to the back of a bicycle. Possibly not the most attractive method of green transportation. The trioBike may be the answer to your prayers.

The trioBike has 5 point safety belts for the children, disc brakes, integrated front- and rear lights, fireproof hood and seats, that also have been tested for heavy metals. Safe and secure fun for the entire family.

The manufacturers suggests this pushchair/bicycle is most practical for commuting parents who may need to transport children. This is not as common in the US as it is in the EU, so maybe we could use it to cart our kids to the local coffee shop or dog park.

The complete bicycle and pushchair runs about $3,200 USD and is available at trioBike. -Via ~mod*mom~

Vessel has produced these portable lights which deliver the soft glow of candlelight with some added benefits. They are reusable, windproof, and safe to touch (fire-safe). These are great for adding some atmosphere to a room. They turn on when removed from their base and glow for eight hours between charges. Color covers are also available. A set of two candles and an attractive charging base sells for $49. A version with four candles and base goes for $89. You can order it from the Vessel website.

Danish designers Christian Flensted and his wife Grethe began making mobiles in 1954. Based on his creations, Christian was dubbed the “Uromager”, which roughly translated means, “maker of things mischievous and always on the move”. Today, their son Ole and his wife Aase continue the tradition.

“Futura” (left) is comprised of six bars creating a dynamic tension between light and heavy counterpoints.

“Black Rhythm” (center) was designed by Christian Flensted in 1967. The aluminum mobile has been made in various sizes ranging from 100 cm (40 inches) to 3 meters (10 feet) in length. The “normal” size is 100 cm (40 inches) long; for special commissions it has been produced up to 3 metres (10 feet) in length.

Since 1975, “Elephant Party” (right) has been the best selling mobile. Many children all over the world have been stimulated in their first important years by watching the calm, subdued movements of this colourful mobile.

These and many other mobiles are in production. More information is available at the Flensted mobile website.

Colours Are Brighter, the upcomming release from Rough Trade records is not your usual indy label compilation. The target audience for this record is slightly shorter in stature. Most of the tracks on the album were written by the artists especially for children, others are covers of children’s songs. When asked about why do the project Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand said ” I had a safe and happy childhood, but not everyone is that lucky.” Funds from the album will go to Save the Children’s Global Challenge campaign to provide quality education for 8 million children in areas around the world affected by war and conflict. Participating artists include Belle and Sebastian, Snow Patrol, Frans Ferdinand, and Four Tet.