Hoodebaby Love


One of life’s simple pleasures has got to be a walk in the rain on a warm summer day.

Showers could be fleeting though – and over before you can get the kids into their raincoats. All you could hope for is they’ve got their rain boots on … to puddle-splash, of course. Or … you can get your kids a Hoodebaby.

Slip it on, wrap them up and go. Made for babies, toddlers and kids (and hopefully for adults someday –hint, hint), Hoodebaby is a hooded wrap that blankets children easily from rain and cold. This stylish outerwear is a one-size-fits-all alternative to wearing a coat. Hoodebaby rainwear is crafted of BPA and lead free 100% laminated cotton and double combed cotton flannel, and the warmwear is made from designer micro fleece and soft fluffy baby bunting. Great for walking in the rain, keeping the chill of air conditioning at bay or weathering a beach breeze.

Stuffing a baby into a coat is always cumbersome. The child becomes overheated, car seat straps need to be loosened (which is unsafe) and it is very awkward carrying a child wearing a coat.

Designer/creator Rani Isbell is raising five kids with her husband, and she’s was always looking for ways to make their day-to-day routine less complicated. “Hoodebaby is faster, easier and more comfortable than a coat,” she says. “It will be one of the most useful additions to your child’s wardrobe.”

I especially love the colorful prints – from sandalwood to tart, gypsy, teal pom pom and pink owl, they make Hoodebabies stand out from the crowd. You can tell they’ve cuddly soft and fun to wear.

By the way, the “e” in Hoodebaby honors Rani’s most recent edition to her family, baby Elias.

  • Children’s Retail Today publishes new posts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you want to get the word out about your innovative, imaginative and inspiring products for children, contact me today! Thanks, Rachel Florio PR, for introducing me!

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_001Noo 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.

PrismeraPrismera 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.

SplendidMills_001Splendid 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