New Baby Products

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Infantissima manufactures a specialty line of infant accessories of the same name. According to their Facebook page, the company’s goal is to “create a world for babies and moms of stylish comfort, fashion and function-ability at competitive prices.”

Founded in 2003, the Infantissima line is Made in the USA and includes burp cloths, infant and toddler bibs, changing pads, hooded towels, diaper roadies, “blankys,” nap mats and aprons. Now, they’ve added sleep sacks and diaper covers.

Infantissima_SleepSack The use of sleep sacks is one of the recommended methods of covering the baby to prevent the possibility of S.I.D.S. The one-size, newborn-to-22-pound Infantissima sleep sacks are available in a choice of ginghams and polka dots, camouflage and several patterns of their Minky fabrics, and feature a front zipper, fitted, sleeveless bodice and fully cut sack bottom for ease of leg movement. All fabrics match or coordinate with bibs, burp cloths, “blankys” and hooded towels.

Infantissima’s new diaper covers are available in matching or coordinating fabrics. The styling features elastic for ease of fit at the waist and legs in two convenient sizes: newborn up to 12 pounds and 10 to 22 pounds.

Orders may be placed online or by fax at 713.522.1813.

-Janet Muniz

Introducing Little Pea

Little Pea, a new, print driven collection of girl’s separates for Spring/Summer 2010, caught the eye of HUDSON’S at KIDShow in August, with retro-inspired prints, bright colors and girlish details.

During breakfast with HUDSON’S co-founder/publisher Margaret Mobius, designer Sara McMahon talked about her fun, carefree philosophy for kids’ clothes – as a mother of two little girls, Little Pea’s founder is no stranger to the fashionable needs of today’s sophisticated child.

LittlePea_001 “My goal is to create a line of modern pieces that are easy to wear and can easily be mixed and matched together or incorporated into the existing wardrobes of any little girl,” she says. Especially since the busy lifestyle of today’s family requires pieces that can transition from school, to the playground, to dinner , style – together with functionality – is key.

The Portland, OR-based company pays careful attention to comfort, and detailing is applied to each piece. Flirty empire waist tops, A-line dresses and ruffled skirts fashioned in an array of eye-catching prints and key basics such as denim and linen, make it easy to create a variety of outfits with just a few key pieces.

Fresh. Unexpected. And as Margaret says, “Simply beautiful.”

-Janet Muniz

Belly Button Power!

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PeekABelly_004 I have a soft spot for belly buttons (no pun intended).

Something about them makes me want to reach out and tickle – right there! I try this on my sweet husband … but he really doesn’t like anyone else tickling his belly button – something about when he was a kid, he tells me.

Perhaps he’d feel differently about belly button power if Peek-a-Belly was around when he was a kid.

Peek-a-Belly is a new baby gift line just launched by founder Sue Zeiler. It’s a one-piece baby garment that opens at the baby’s middle, providing 24/7 belly-kissing-and-tickling-access. She also tells us that Peek-a-Belly is the first of its kind.

PeekABelly_002 The patent pending design has two overlapping panels on the front side that can be pulled wide open for full-on, scrumptious belly access. The opening is secured by Velcro, adorned with a colorful, designer fabric patch.

Peek-a-Bellies – the irresistible plural – are Made in the USA, delivered gift-ready in an organza bag and currently available for purchase online. PeekABelly_001

Many Chicago area moms may recognize Sue as the founder of a popular local online resource, ChicagoKids.com, launched in 2001. “Peek-a-Belly combines the great functionality of a baby one-piece with the perk of all-day belly access,” Sue says. “It really is a unique gift for moms, as it’s not just another cute baby outfit – it’s the gift of belly access!”

Any chance there’s a size to fit my husband?

-Janet Muniz

That’s a SkidDERS shoe!

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You’ve probably seen them in children’s boutiques – and HUDSON’S got the scoop directly from Michael Matalon, president of parent company Celebrity International, Inc., for our June 2009 issue – but are you still wondering what they’re all about?

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SkidDERS is a footwear collection for infants learning to stand and walk. A cross between slipper, bootie and shoe, the SkidDERS collection is available in over 500 stores across America and Canada.

SkidDERS_kids Just this month, SkidDERS launches more than 30 new styles, complete with newly designed, retail-friendly packaging. By working with Nickelodeon using their characters SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer along with a number of other licenses, Michael’s intent is to build SkidDERS as the primary brand in the sock/shoe category.

Oh, and one more thing: retailers can place wholesale orders online.

-Janet Muniz

New Rocky Mountain Design

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LamanBlu_1 The name means “blue sea,” yet the début line of Colorado-based LamanBlu draws inspiration from the winter landscape.

“This collection was inspired by the frozen surfaces of winter, from the smooth, soft snow blanketing the hillsides, to the positively brilliant snow crystals which sparkle in the moonlight, as brilliantly as any diamond,” says designer Holli Gibson.

Almost makes you crave crisp cool air dusted with snowflakes, doesn’t it?

The Being the Fabulous collection plays against a backdrop of winter white, using silvery pewter and a “baby kiss” pink with aubergine and barberry accents. Frosty, shiny elements of sparkle organza, embroidery, beading, hand printed mica pigments and natural shell buttons decorate Holli’s styles for girls in sizes 2T to 6.

The new line is made from bamboo knit with a touch of Lycra and a bamboo fleece. They “offer a great hand, beautiful rich colors, move with the body and have bacterial resistant qualities,” Holli says. “What more could you want for children’s wear?”

Being environmentally conscious is important for LamanBlu and the new line strives to take eco-fashion for kids to a new level of style, comfort and sophistication.

Holli created LamanBlu to celebrate childhood – and parenthood. Her collection is styled for the parent and child who want something uniquely beautiful, fashionable and comfortable.

Mother and Daughter outfits – how fun is that?

Holli couples an all-American sensibility with European details in LamanBlu, where select styles are also available in adult sizing.

Interested in hosting a trunk show? Contact Holli directly: holli.gibson@lamanblu.com.

-Janet Muniz

Walk on the wild side

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Cape Cod, MA-based Cape Clogs has answered the call of the wild with the launch of their latest style for kids: Giraffe.

Made the genuine Swedish way with real Alder wood and featuring real leather uppers, the company is expanding their line of animal print patterns including Cow, Zebra and Leopard. Founder Pamela Irving says the new Giraffe, “is another unique way for kids to express their sense of style without sacrificing comfort and durability.”

CapeClogs With a spotted pattern of rose and brown, Giraffe features a movable strap and a non slip sole.

Unique-ness Factor: Every Cape Clogs shoe is handmade, so no two clogs are alike. The soles are rubber and the footwear is lightweight, less than three pounds!

Available in 400 retailers across the U.S. and online, Cape Clogs also offers a wide range of clogs for men and women as well as children. The privately held designer, distributor and marketer has an exclusive partnership with Torpatofflen AB, a sixth-generation traditional clog manufacturer located in Småland, Sweden.

-Janet Muniz

New Stuff for Kids

Our June issue just came out, so look for it! And take a look at this new stuff for kids:

Noo Designs, a line of whimsical critter clothing for children débuts in North America with a collection that includes rompers, diaper covers, sunhats and bibs. Noo’s fall collection of lovable and comfy four-piece outfits for everyday wear is available for late July delivery. Founded in 2006 by owner and designer Belinda Robinson, Noo has quickly gained an international following with distributorships in Netherlands, France, Ireland, UK, New Zealand, China and Masu.

Prismera Design launches the Gem Collection, 12 necklaces featuring clusters of stones strung on sterling silver or 14k gold chains. Designer Laura Su Prismera also expanded the Hold Collection, making the The Cherish Bangle and the Embrace Ring available with set stones.

New from Australia: a line of toys called Stackers, an ingenious stack and play product line that kicks off with Noah’s Ark. “Tier Toys was established after nine years of research and development,” explains Leah Romyn, director of Tier Toys, “resulting in an extremely robust USA and Australian patent for an educational puzzle toy. This unique concept has rejuvenated the construction toy arena.” Noah’s Ark has 12 stackable layers; each uncovers two or more animals ready to walk down the plank for a play date. A total of 44 detailed figures in primary colors of red, blue, yellow and green includes Noah and his wife. Watch an video of the ark and how its pieces easily pull apart and are stacked back together. Available soon online and at specialty toy retailers.

Splendid Mills, the brand of premium jersey and knits for men, is expanding its lifestyle-driven collection to launch a boy’s line, Splendid Mills Jr. All of the styles are based on classic men’s silhouettes and are available in sizes 8 to 14. The collection includes 100% supima organic cotton tees, crews, polos, hoodies, and sweatshorts in black, white, navy, grey, olive, orange and stripes. WesternChief_002

Need to stay dry but remain fashionable? Western Chief Kids features leopard print raincoats, boots and umbrellas for the aspiring diva to automotive print umbrellas and boots for your future car lover, even Thomas the Tank Engine and Hello Kitty – who happens to turn 35 this year!

-Janet Muniz

Remember Larry the Lobster?

MaiseyMae_Larry002 I definitely do!

Maisey Mae Designs adds to their Summer 2009 unique baby gift collection with Larry the Lobster baby burp cloths, available individually, in packs of three or as part of a gift set with two coordinating polka dot chenille-backed bibs.

The new collection also includes personalized burp cloths plus eight other designs—Brilliant Blue Sailboat, VW Bug, Butterfly Bess, Classic Red Wagon, Preppy Flower, Rubber Ducky, Sweet Mary Janes and Twinkling Star.

Mompreneur Michelle Whitney founded the company in 2002. Michelle was going through several burp cloths a day during her son’s bout with infant reflux. Frustrated by how ugly – and how wimpy – they were, she just decided to create her own.

Isn’t that just like a mom? And she’s sharing.

Now, Larry the Lobster and the rest of Maisey Mae’s burp cloths and bibs are 100% made in Maine, and can be purchased from the company directly or from fine retailers throughout the U.S.

-Janet Muniz