You know that in-between weather–the kind where it’s not quite warm, not quite cold? It makes it incredibly difficult to feel like your doing your motherly duties and properly dress your child for the elusive elements. Luckily, problem solved: These infant booties from Simple Shoes are toasty while breathable.
The ribbed ankles keep them on kicky feet (no more lost booties!), and the graphic appliques make them completely adorable. Bonus: organic cotton and eco-suede are machine washable. Win, win.
This brand: It’s amazing. This new European company produces modern, slick pieces in colors that will appeal to any kid. (Because it’s not very nice to let your personal design aesthetic rule your kid’s every possession, right? Right.) Here, a few of our favorite Hopop products. First, some bath/care items, below: step stool, $24.99; bath tub, $49.99; potty, $24.99.
Can you believe the doughnut-shaped work of art (above) is a potty?!?! The company also makes a handful of toys, below: bath toys, $9.99; ride-on, $34.99.
In love. And those prices make them even better!
Or play soccer. Or swing extremely high. AND like to do these types of things in dresses. If you’re starting to line up the spring and summer wardrobe, MonkeyBar Buddies is one of those “how did I live without this?” products.
They eliminate any sort of underwear flashing. We know–in the grand scheme of things, a little peek of Hello Kitty underwear isn’t going to hurt anyone. But still we commend the company for finding a solution to a common problem. And good news: if the weather doesn’t permit shorts just yet, try a pair of the company’s new capri leggings. Perfect for spring days tearing it up on the playground. Gracefully, of course.
We’ve heard conflicting reports on the safety of exposure to plastics. We’re definitely not alarmists over here, but here’s our advice: If skipping plastics* (even BPA-free models) makes you feel a little bit better about the situation, we say go for it. In fact, we’re kind of smitten with a new brand of glass bottle and shatterproof sleeve called Lifefactory.
They’re old-school (slick glass) meets new-school (we love the bright candy colors and durable silicone). And just think of how stacked your baby will be from lifting a hulking glass bottle everyday. Kidding. They aren’t very heavy.
* In case any non-parents happen to have wandered to this site, the big deal here is that Canadian researchers have found that some forms of plastic have been known to leach potentially harmful chemicals into liquids when heated. Hence, the alarm.
Should you find yourself in the dollhouse aisle of the local toy store, don’t feel the need to succumb to the four-story mansion (with the equally large price tag). We like this little Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Dollhouse.
It’s cute and modest (minus the pink paint job) and is the perfect size for those toddlers who are interested in the dollhouse concept but don’t need anything crazy-big yet. (Basically, they just want to take the pieces out and put them back in. Roughly 100 times.) At $45, it’s a fantastic price, considering it comes with the wooden furniture shown.
We love these suede, perfect-for-spring sneakers from Simple Shoes. The soles are constructed of recycled rubber and the uppers of organic cotton and washable suede. (Washable–yay!)
Each version (boys and girls) come in a few color options, but we like these best. In fact we could even see these tan lace-ups working for a little girl with a flouncy skirt and tights.
There are fewer cute options for boys’ clothing, but we found these super-duper onesies by Diaper Dude. They’re the kind of thing we ourselves would wear, with the various silk-screened images and a sophisticated color palette. Finally, boys’ choices we can stock up on.
Yes, there is a time and a place for Winne the Pooh, Spongebob, the Backyardigans, etc., but it doesn’t have to be at the dinner table. While a need might be: plates that don’t break, a want might be: plates that you think are pretty–but are still lively and bright for the under-7 crowd seated to your right. Hence, a few melamine plate options:
Thomas Paul Portland Plates, $40/set of 4
JefDesigns Home Abstract Plates, $80/set of 4
Isaac Mizrahi for Target Melamine Plates, $17.99/set of 8 (what a steal!)
Flora and Fauna Melamine Plates, $40/set of 4
It’s lightweight, packs up, and has a handle. It’s the ideal booster seat to take on vacation, keep stashed in the trunk, or even hooked onto the back of the stroller. It’s…The First Years On-The-Go Booster Seat. And we love it. The inflatable model snaps on to to any chair, converting regular seating into a spot for kids who need a boost.
There’s something about this graphic but sweet pattern. The JJ Cole Cocoa Tree collection, consisting of bibs and burp cloths, diaper bags, totes, and other useful miscellany, is a fabulous mix of dark brown, sprightly green, and crisp white. Each piece is rubber coated for easy maintenance and cleanup (and durability), and it makes the usual baby essentials a little more stylish. And that’s reason enough for us to be in love.
The ribbed ankles keep them on kicky feet (no more lost booties!), and the graphic appliques make them completely adorable. Bonus: organic cotton and eco-suede are machine washable. Win, win.
