Looking for summer style? Check out my column in this month’s June issue of OC Family Magazine, “Baby got style.” (Pgs. 34-35.) Eight fun fashions for head to toe baby looks, including a must-have bag for Moms.
Story here:
Baby got style
By Debbie Lavdas
The temps are up, and it’s so fun to keep your little one looking so ‘this season.’ I’ve gathered some of my favorite hot finds here.
Zootie B. Little love. I have a big crush on this new line, which I discovered at SoCo’s Saige Nicole boutique. Zootie B. Love is a California brand that keeps baby looking SoCal creative. It’s bright and edgy, yet soft and yummy. Each piece comes with matching accessories. My guy has this robot onesie and flared pants (so cute!). The leg warmers and matching pom-pom hat work when the sun goes down. Available at Saige Nicole at the OC Mart Mix. saigenicoles.com
Splendid summer styles. The super-soft Splendid line for babies is summertime perfect. It’s lightweight, airy and has great color-saturated looks. Patterns hide baby’s messes masterfully, too. You can find it at Splendid Fashion Island and splendid.com.
Dawgs for baby. Had it with baby shoes that don’t stay on? Get Dawgs.They’re fun and quirky with their rubber style. I have them in Baby Blue/Navy, and everyone always “Oohs” and “Ahhs”over Fox’s sweet feet when he’s wearing them. usadawgs.com
Snapping Turtle Kids swim. Sometimes I wish I had a little girl. These suits are so baby-doll cute and mix fashion with function, even including snaps for quick diaper changes. Creator Kimberly Goodwin worked for Lucky and Vogue magazines. snappingturtlekids.com
Ty Lucas Amore Tote. To keep up with your baby’s chic style, consider the Ty Lucas Tote in Rocker Pink. Celebs such as Denise Richards are often seen toting theirs around town. I like it because it’s contemporary with summer pops of hot pink, and the style is streamlined – not busy. Sixteen inches tall, the tote holds lots of baby goods and has hidden stroller straps. tylucasbaby.com
Mini Maniac hip bibs. OMG, I L-U-V this sassy line, which, by the way, is founded by an O.C. designer mom. I’m a bit of a bib snob, as my guy is a serious spitter, so he’s bibbed 24/7 every season. To keep him looking like a sharp-dressed little man, I need bibs that look great, hide stains and soak up or wipe down. Get different looks, from Poser Tie to Face Invaders. They come in two styles: slick or cloth. The line includes girlie styles, too.minimaniacs.com
Me in Mind socks that rock. Got a kicker? These are the socks you need. They’re lightweight for summer, and they actually stay on without leaving marks. They look like shoes to complete any outfit in a cool-kid style. And the company totally gets it; they even have a Free Lost Sock Replacement Program to combat Missing Sock Syndrome. Available atmeinmind.com and at Bel Bambini in Costa Mesa.
Luxe Little Giraffe blankets. For sleek stroller style and cool California evenings, this blanket is my favorite. The Chenille Lollipop Baby Blanket is made of a soothing satin on one side for day and a cozy chenille for night. It comes in multiple color combinations, and the dot is hot. littlegiraffe.com
You may know Bebe au Lait and think nursing covers only, but did you know they also make blankets? Recently they expanded their line to include Lille by Bebe au Lait. Lille, which means “small” in Danish, offers a range of collections including Quibs (bibs), Hooded Towels, Everyday Luxury Blankets and Throw Blankies. The new blankets combine luxurious fabrics with playful prints.
The blanket has a super soft velour body trimmed with stylish cotton print. A bonus is that it folds to a compact size so it won’t take up space in your diaper bag. The blankets run $45 and really washes up well. I wouldn’t ordinarily ever consider a white/off-white shade of blanket for my little guy, but it’s been a beautiful thing. No stains, and it’s nice to grab a blanket that you know will go with everything (your little’s outfit, your stroller, your bag), yet still have a playful slant.
Here’s Fox, out and about below, cuddled up with his Fish print. It really is great the way the velour stays put and won’t slide off the stroller. You don’t see many blankets made of this fabric feel, so it’s really a nice new choice to have.
The new line also includes fun fleece Throw Blankies ($25) that roll back up into a ball (super compact for a diaper bag ). They’re super soft, plush and cozy, yes, little hands love the silky satin trim. The throws are designed for for fun after napping–just tuck the Blankie into its pouch and let baby roll or toss it around.
Some other styles offered in the everyday blanket line for baby girls and boys below. To find a store near you, check locations online.
Kalencom diaper bags come in so many different styles and their buckle bags are among their bestsellers. I tried out this latest laminated Rainforest design over the weekend at Disneyland and found the bag a breeze. The wipeable fabric was great for on the go, particularly at a theme park (where anything can happen: a stranger’s XL soda spills as the crowds narrow or your kids wipe their ice cream hands on your bag like a napkin).
We alternated between stowing the bag over the stroller bar for a quick hangup and using the convenient built-in stroller bag straps).
The bag had lots of room and was quite stuff-able with backup clothes, diapers, bottles etc (we took it to Disneyland, so need I say more?). And as far as style, the fresh stripe style made for fun pops of color (the multistripes seems like the bag could match many stroller colors).
Included in each diaper bag is an insulated bottle holder, a changing mat for sudden diaper changes and a zip pouch for added organization.
The Laminated Rainforest bag features: a magnetic clip that keeps the top flap closed • laminated outer layer for simple cleaning • Roomy interior with pockets • Shoulder length straps • 2 outside pockets • Matching Thinsulate™ insulated bottle bag • Coordinating zippered pouch • Large fold-out padded changing pad • Kalencom Diaper Bags are AZO free; no Phthalates/DEHP or DBP in the PVC
If a diaper bag is on your list and fun function is a must, check out Kalencom, they have like a zillion styles.
Do you know Hank & JoJo? It’s an eco children’s company with a great fun and funky line of baby goods, such as this new skinny necktie bodysuit. It’s all organic, urban, playful and made in California. Fox wore his bodysuit for sissy’s play, and instantly it looked like he got all dressed up. It’s hilarious to wear out for events or everyday.
This shot below cracks me up; with his necktie shifted; it looks like he’s a little milk-drunk. I love putting babies in outfits like this, it’s a great crowd-pleaser too wherever you go. And the line is not just for boys, they also offer a pink pearl necklace bodysuit for girls, as well as other fun designs.
Hank & JoJo produces products using eco-friendly fibers like bamboo and organic cotton. And they source handmade and fair trade items from artisans in the U.S. and Nepal.
Hank & JoJo is best known for their Retro Tube Socks, often sported by Zuma Rossdale- Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale’s son. A look here at the socks made up of 80% Bamboo, 15% Nylon and 5% Spandex and dyed with AZO-free dyes.
It’s wild what people think of, isn’t it? some innovative mom or dad was undoubtedly juggling a baby and a diaper bag too far, too long and was probably about dropping both. You can imagine it, as we’ve all been there when the diaper bag keeps slipping off your shoulder and you’re repositioning the baby on your hip 20 times for comfort (and you have no stroller because there was no room to maneuver or you didn’t want to be bothered).
That said, meet the Sidekick from GoGo Babyz. A clever fix for a trip to a park, a short hike, tight shopping aisles and more. This diaper bag and carrier in one is pretty versatile with a pouch for all your baby goods and a tucked-away strap support to carry your baby when needed. It’s streamlined, and makes you look like you have it all together (because you literally do).
You can also of course use The Sidekick just as a diaper bag. Whatever your fancy, really. There are double-side pockets for bottles or sippy cups, a removable insulated bottle/snack pouch and changing pad, and note that it’s designed for use by babies with good head control, weighing up to 35 pounds. Here’s a video look at the Sidekick to make the concept crystal clear.
So if the Sidekick sounds like just your kind of bag, comment here to win the Sidekick in pink. I’ll pick a random winner via Random.org on Sunday, May 20th.
Baby’s skin is so soft and delicate, and we hate to ever see our little ones red, itchy or uncomfortable. With allergy season on, many babies can suffer like adults. In fact if your baby has sniffles, itchy skin could be next. The pollen in the air is what triggers many allergic reactions. So if your baby is showing allergic signs, you may want to try exederm’s ultra sensitive line of hypoallergenic skincare products for babies and toddlers.
The line is designed to treat eczema, dermatitis or dry sensitive skin, and it avoids irritants that trigger eczema by using the mildest ingredients possible. Did you know it’s now on shelves at Babies R Us too?
I’ve been using the line for several few weeks on my little guy, and it’s reassuring to know how mild it is on his skin. The complete collection offers an Intensive Baby Moisturizer, Hydrating Baby Lotion, Cleansing Baby Bath, Non-Irritating Baby Shampoo and a Soothing Baby Oil. There’s also a flare-up control cream (for toddlers over 2 years old).
Now I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of the line, and I was surprised how bubbly his bath is and how soothing the lotions are. I guess I thought it might be more medicinal, but not at all. It’s similar to other soothing skin care lines, but it has the secret powers to fight eczema and dry skin. I love how mild I know it is: no fragrances, no colors, no dyes, no parabens; no harsh chemicals or irritants essentially. I’ve even been using it on my older kids as well, and I know adults who also enjoy the children’s line for its gentle ways.
exederm. Mild, yet just the fix for baby’s sensitive skin.
Here’s to those sweet cheeks, chunky legs and Buddha bellies we love to rub so much. May your baby be healthy and happy this allergy season.
There’s always been a lot to luxe-love about Little Giraffe, and now there’s more with their new fun, feather-soft Leggies leg warmers. I just tried my guy in them and must say I Leggie-love ‘em. They have the same plush super-soft feel of their ultra luxurious chenille blankets–one of which by the way you can win here thanks to the generous friends at Little Giraffe, so keep reading!
Over Easter, I put my little guy, Fox, in his Leggies and they were about as soft as our Lionhead bunny. What’s great is the Leggies are so easy to style with so many outfits. You can throw on a onesie and just pop them on and not having to worry about pants or a full-snap outfit. I even put them on under some of his baby gowns when it’s drafty at night. The Leggies are unisex, and I dig the fact the boys can get some fashionable attire too. (They are also hip for toddlers and older kids on their arms or lower legs.)
Trust me that you’re going to love hugging and holding your guy or girl in these cozy warmers. The Leggies set comes three to a box and are perfectly packaged for gift-giving, and affordable at $33.
What finishes off a great Leggie outfit better than Little Giraffe’s Chenille Lollipop Baby Blanket? Want to win one? Who wouldn’t for their baby, toddler or to give as an gift? Fox has the mocha blanket, and I just adore the duality of the dressy, soothing satin side paired with the soft, fluffy chenille side that is backed with their new dot print satin and bordered with a smooth satin stripe. The combination is great for our warm days and chilly nights.
I’m thrilled to giveaway the Little Giraffe’s Chenille Lollipop Baby Blanket (29″ x 35″) in white chenille with a blue dot satin back that retails for $65. To win, simply leave a comment here on what you love about Little Giraffe. I’ll pick a random winner Friday, April 20th. For extra good luck and keep us with all things Little Giraffe, be sure to like them on Facebook. Good luck!
The highchair you choose will be a constant in your kitchen for years to come, so choose wisely. With my first two kids, we had the oversized plastic highchair that, by the end, I loathed. It was cumbersome, boring and completely uninspired (and it was a high-end brand at the time). These days, highchairs are so fashion-forward, like the Stokke Tripp Trapp, a modern classic. The ingenuity of the design is that it grows with your child, so you can use it from 6 mos. to life, really. My neighbors have three Tripp Trapps and their older kids (4, 6 and 8 years old) use theirs still around the dinner table and love ‘em. It’s really a smart solution that pushes in under a table and out of the way.
Now will you actually keep the chair around for the next 5-10 years? You never know. My guy is going on 5 months and day to day is all I can think about, myself. We just put Fox in the chair, as he started cereal. He seems to love sitting up. A beautiful thing about the Stokke chair is the Baby Set that comes as an accessory. If you have a young baby, get this; it’s a lifesaver. My guy sits comfortably with the padded cushion and is secure. The chair looks contemporary in our house, and all “collateral damage” wipes off the wood frame easily.
Get creative with frame colors, “bucket” seat shades and Stokke offers several different cushion patterns. Maybe go with an orange frame with Art Stripes cushion or purple fame with the Fresh Stripes (seen here). Whatever your kitchen-fancy, have fun with it. Our maple shade frame fits in nicely with our existing table and the cushion pop-of-color feels just right. The Tripp Trapp also comes with a Table Top accessory with different, fun insert patterns.
He’s so handsome in his Tripp Trapp, and his Mini Maniacs bib (I’ll tell you more about them very soon.) Hard to believe this chunky monkey is my preemie who stayed in NICU because he couldn’t eat.
Stokke is such a unique, streamlined, contemporary brand who makes some very ingenious items (their Stokke stroller is off-the-charts smart with a raised-ride system and sleek look). If you don’t no Stokke, you’re modern-day missing out.
Happy highchair days ahead. Let the food fly; it’s can all be cleaned up, right?
If you have a baby, or know anything about 2012 babies, you definitely know Aden and Anais. Their full line of baby products, made of soft, breathable, natural muslin, is all the rage with modern moms.
Many of my girlfriends go goo-goo, ga-ga crazy for their swaddle blankets; when I was pregnant everyone told me, “you have to get these blankets.” (I particularly like them as easy nursing cover throws.)
So now the muslin rockstar masters have a few brand-new things up their baby sleeve, starting with their new mum+bub line of lotions. There’s a hair and body wash in one (something every busy mum will appreciate), an ultra-gentle lotion and a soothing ointment. The line is made from a naturally-derived, pawpaw fruit that’s “gentle enough for baby, yet sophisticated enough for you.” The pawpaw fruit relieves, cleanses and protects skin when applied topically, and it’s been a hit with the Aussies for ages.
It’s quite nice to use something so pure, yet it still has a lovely fragrance. Many of the 100% organic brands work well, but don’t smell so heavenly. The ointment is great for chapped lips (I use it on my little guy weekly) and scrapes, as well as insect bites or wind burn.
mum+bub is free of:
phytoestrogen + parabens + added hormone disrupters + petroleum oils + phthalates + dioxanes from sulfates + gluten and soy + petrochemicals + DEA + artificial colors
Another new addition to Aden and Anais are their organic crib sheets. They’re dreamy. You’ll get peace of mind from the breathable fabric (organic cotton or cotton muslin with the open-weave for liberal airflow). If you love their swaddles, you ‘ll love these too. The designs are modern and fresh.
(Other faves of mine from the Aden and Anais folk? We rock their cozy sleeping bag nightly and burpy bibs and snap bibs daily. Just don’t wash them with anything velcro!)
It’s great to know the line keeps growing. I’ll keep you posted on all things Aden and Anais.
My guy after his mum+bub bath. Sweet morning dreams.
It’s a sweet concept for sweet dreams for baby. A nice, gentle cushion for our babes, who spend about half their days sleeping.
I know, it seems everything you read says to keep everything out of the crib for baby: no blankets, no bumpers. Well madii & dyl have a Sooki Babe pillow that’s quite nice and safe. I love it because it’s nice to give my little guy some cushion, it’s just about a half-inch high pillow (30 x 21 cms), just enough soft lift for their heavy heads.
The pillow is made from 100% certified organic latex and contains no chemicals. Especially for newborns and infants, the cradle design of the Sooki prevents roll-overs and flat-heads while the contours naturally conform to the child’s head providing correct neck support and spine alignment.
The pillow is self-ventilating and offers maximum air flow, preventing moisture and heat build-up allowing the child to breathe freely in any sleep position. And it is the only pillow that can be washed and keep its shape, Ideal for those with allergies. It’s said to last for 5yrs+.
I rest my baby on his Sooki while napping during the day in his crib and bassinet (I always monitor him) and with his stroller cot.
Now I don’t know if baby’s get headaches, but I think I would with never using a pillow. It’s a sweet, soft little touch to sleep well. The Sooki Babe retails for $43. Here’s a look inside the Sooki Babe pillow, which comes in crisp, clean, white, tight zipper-fit pillowcase.
And by the way, the company makes the pillows for toddlers too: the Mini Me. My older kids use them, and I like them a lot. The pillows have an exclusive flip-wave design that tailors to the growing child with one side slightly higher than the other. It, too, is the only pillow that retains its shape after each and every wash–love that. I also use my baby on the Mini Me just after he eats, to keep his head slightly elevated (again, under supervision of course). The Mini Me retails for $64.
And some background on the concept: “Considering Dylan will be spending half his time sleeping, I had to find a product that was natural, hypoallergenic and most importantly provided the support that he needed. After months of research, the Luxe Pillow Collection was born. Made from 100% certified natural latex, it is the first range of natural and sustainable children’s pillows.” More on the pillows here.
We alternated between stowing the bag over the stroller bar for a quick hangup and using the convenient built-in stroller bag straps).
