The HLM Rating System
The HLM Rating System
Because parenting is already full of enough guesswork, I created a system to help make product decisions feel...decided. Every product I review is rated across four categories: Price, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Clean Factor. Here’s what I actually mean when I say those things—and why they matter.
Because parenting is already full of enough guesswork, I created a system to help make product decisions feel...decided. Every product I review is rated across four categories: Price, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Clean Factor. Here’s what I actually mean when I say those things—and why they matter.
Price: Is it worth it?
Affordable” is personal and “expensive” doesn’t always mean overhyped. I'm not here to chase the lowest price. I’m here to assess value.
That might mean a $600 family tech device that saves you hours a week, or a $4 teether that your baby actually loves. This category is about whether the item earns its price tag through quality, longevity, or sheer usefulness. Would I buy it again? That’s the benchmark.
- Evaluates long-term value, not just cost
- Compares similar products within their tier
- Answers: would I actually recommend buying this again?
Price: Is it worth it?
Affordable” is personal and “expensive” doesn’t always mean overhyped. I'm not here to chase the lowest price. I’m here to assess value.
That might mean a $600 family tech device that saves you hours a week, or a $4 teether that your baby actually loves. This category is about whether the item earns its price tag through quality, longevity, or sheer usefulness. Would I buy it again? That’s the benchmark.
- Evaluates long-term value, not just cost
- Compares similar products within their tier
- Answers: would I actually recommend buying this again?
Functionality: Does it actually work?
Parenting is full of products that promise the world and deliver disappointment. This score cuts through the marketing and focuses on real-life performance.
Does it hold up in a blowout? Can I use it one-handed while holding a baby and a half-eaten nature's bakery fig bar?
Functionality here means how well it works in the chaotic, unpredictable world of parenting, not just in a staged demo video.
- Based on real use in daily parenting life
- Highlights design flaws or unexpected wins
- Answers: does it do what it claims, well
Let’s be honest: most baby gear isn’t aesthetically pleasing. But I believe beauty can be integrated into product development.
This score reflects whether a product is intentionally designed. Not only visually appealing, but thoughtful.
Does it integrate into your home without making it feel like an IRL Lisa Frank store? Don't come for me, I know colors are important for development, I'm just trying to find the ones that make you feel something that isn't overwhelm.
- Looks at design, materials, and visual harmony
- Balances function + form
(beige ≠ good) - Answers: does this feel like something I want in my home?
Aesthetic: Is it thoughtfully designed?
This is where I unpack the buzzwords — BPA-free, organic, non-toxic, phthalate-free and look at what’s actually in (or left out of) the product.
Is it safe for your baby’s skin? Is it responsibly made? Does the company disclose ingredients or hide behind “eco-friendly” language?
This score balances ingredient safety with sustainability and transparency, so you can feel confident in what you're bringing into your home.
- Evaluates ingredient safety, sustainability, and transparency
- Flags greenwashing or unclear sourcing
- Answers: does this align with clean living values, without the guesswork?
Clean Factor: What’s Actually In It?
Functionality: Does it actually work?
Parenting is full of products that promise the world and deliver disappointment. This score cuts through the marketing and focuses on real-life performance.
Does it hold up in a blowout? Can I use it one-handed while holding a baby and a half-eaten nature's bakery fig bar?
Functionality here means how well it works in the chaotic, unpredictable world of parenting, not just in a staged demo video.
- Based on real use in daily parenting life
- Highlights design flaws or unexpected wins
- Answers: does it do what it claims, well
Aesthetic: Is it thoughtfully designed?
Let’s be honest: most baby gear isn’t aesthetically pleasing. But I believe beauty can be integrated into product development.
This score reflects whether a product is intentionally designed. Not only visually appealing, but thoughtful. Does it integrate into your home without making it feel like an IRL Lisa Frank store? Don't come for me, I know colors are important for development, I'm just trying to find the ones that make you feel something that isn't overwhelm.
- Looks at design, materials, and visual harmony
- Balances function + form (beige ≠ good)
- Answers: does this feel like something I want in my home?
Clean Factor: What’s Actually In It?
This is where I unpack the buzzwords—BPA-free, organic, non-toxic, phthalate-free and look at what’s actually in (or left out of) the product.
Is it safe for your baby’s skin? Is it responsibly made? Does the company disclose ingredients or hide behind “eco-friendly” language? This score balances ingredient safety with sustainability and transparency, so you can feel confident in what you're bringing into your home.
- Evaluates ingredient safety, sustainability, and transparency
- Flags greenwashing or unclear sourcing
- Answers: does this align with clean living values, without the guesswork?