Oscar de la Renta Designing Baby Clothing
In concept, designer baby clothing is a paradox: Why pay exorbitant amounts of money on garments that will only get a few wears before the child is too big? Yet, a market for high-end designer clothing for children, including babies, is emerging. Instead of Gap Kids, think Gucci Kids.
Oscar de la Renta is one such designer to foray into babies’ and children’s clothing. Announced in December, Oscar de la Renta took on Catherine Monteito de Barros, of Portuguese children’s line Papo d’Anjo, as vice president of the brand’s children’s wear. Encompassing children for boys and girls 18 months to 14 years, the line is expected to debut in fall 2012. While Oscar de la Renta has designed limited edition children’s wear before, this line is for parents who “want their children to look like children.”
Other designers have paved the way into high-end children’s fashion. Although celebrity kids that garner significant attention in the tabloids (think Suri Cruise or the Bradjelina brood) have made the market for higher-end children’s clothing visible, brands normally considered “adult” are trying to attract the youngest demographic (or, at least, their parents with money). Profiled in the New York Times in October, Gucci, Burberry, Fendi, and Stella McCartney have all designed children’s lines. Some attempt to replicate the look of adult clothing, while others, like Oscar de la Renta and Fendi, have a different outlook for children – one less grownup.
In regards to her children’s clothing line, Silvia Fendi told the press: “There is a fashion element to the collection. But it is important that it be clothing that works for children and that it be made well from good materials.”
Although accompanied by a significantly higher price tag, these baby’s and children’s clothes are better made, designed to be stronger or, in the case of Stella McCartney, made out of eco-friendly materials.
Baby Gifts for the Holiday Season
The holiday season is approaching, and no matter if you celebrate Christmas or Chanukah, you might find yourself looking for baby gifts – for your own child or a friend’s. If you are unsure about what to get, consider these pointers below.
• A child can never have too many toys. Yet, the usefulness of the toy counts. While friends, particularly, may be tempted to purchase just any toy, infants and toddlers have specific needs in play, which assists with building sensory, gross and fine motor, critical-thinking, and creative skills. In this case, look out for baby toys in black, red, and white, which visually stimulate a child, or those that have various textures, patterns, or sounds. Toddlers, on the other hand, need to work on gross motor skills, and for such a child, you should be on the lookout for blocks, riding toys, or dolls, all of which should be soft.
• Parents always need baby clothes, especially as young children quickly go through garments. No matter if you are shopping for your own child or someone else’s, stay practical with this gift. However, know the child’s age or size before purchasing any onesies, pants, footies, or t-shirts beforehand.
• Generally, veer away from larger presents, such as furniture, strollers, and car seats. Parents with babies or young children likely have these items already. However, if you know a parent in need of any of these items, consider purchasing one as a useful present.
• Go a practical route but dress up your gift. While basic, holiday diaper cakes are perfect for parents with babies and toddlers. Designed with a holiday theme, such diaper cakes contain 80 to 150 diapers, as well as various baby products on the outside. Overall, such a present helps new parents cut down on their diaper budget.
• Consider the parent. Do you know a mother looking for a larger or more stylish diaper bag? Find one that looks similar to a high-end handbag but has all the components a parent needs for taking a child out.
Renting Baby Clothes?
What’s better than accepting hand-me-down baby clothes? Renting them. New parents find out, if they don’t know already, that babies go through clothing quickly. T-shirts and onesies that fit just a few weeks ago become too big in the near future. While a baby shower or receiving hand-me-downs can be helpful for getting infant-size clothing, the parents often end up purchasing new onesies, pants, and shirts every few weeks.
Plumgear, a new site for renting baby clothes, wants to change that. Reported by Consumer Reports, Plumgear was set up by Caroline O’Connor, a new mother who found that hand-me-downs and baby shower gifts provided limited options for new parents. Much like Netflix, Plumgear is a subscription service for parents to rent outfits for their baby. Once the child outgrows the clothing in a few weeks, they send it back to Plumgear for the next size up.
The website offers sizes 0-3 months through 2T, and clothing is purchased wholesale from quality brands like Rabbit Moon, Petit Bateau, Angel Dear, Soy Baby, Le Top, and Mini Muffin. Parents, when using the service, can order clothing in packs of five, 10, or 15, and a typical order includes tops, pants, and onesies; for a girl, a dress, leggings, and tights may also be added.
The cost of subscription covers the return of clothing, and all garments are laundered with fragrance-free Seven Generation detergent. If clothing ends up getting stained or damaged, the parents are not charged, and the garment is donated.
If you’re a parent tired of purchasing new baby clothing every few weeks, would renting the basics appeal to you? Clothing won’t sit around your home used and outgrown after several weeks, you only need to pay the subscription fee, and all garments are wearable, unlike questionable hand-me-downs. If you’re looking to save money with a new baby, would you opt to rent baby clothing, or purchase it secondhand and accept hand-me-downs?
Angry Birds, Nice Baby Products?
While a onesie printed with Kate Moss’s quote “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” is inappropriate for a child, do Angry Birds baby products fall into the same realm? Not exactly. In an effort to expand its brand, the developers behind game Angry Birds are introducing a line of blankets and clothing after the success of their toys.
One of the top apps for Apple mobile products, Angry Birds is played by 40 million users monthly. In the game developer’s foray into toys, 7 million items have been sold so far. As the licensing and merchandising division is the fastest growing section of the company, rolling out Angry Birds baby products seemed to be the next step for expansion.
SwaddleDesigns, the first company to introduce the large swaddling baby blanket, is making the baby products, which are now available for preorder. But, does such a violent and Alfred Hitchcock-esque concept behind the game translate to baby products? According to creative director Lynette Damir in a press release from SwaddleDesigns, it does:
“As parents, one aspect of Angry Birds we appreciate is how protective the birds are and how much they love their offspring. It’s one of the characters’ endearing qualities that resonates with parents everywhere, and a key reason we believe Angry Birds fans will be enthusiastic about our new line of Angry Bird baby products. We’re excited and honored to be Rovio’s partner to bring these fun, playful and loveable characters to SwaddleDesigns product line.”
Current retailers of Angry Birds toys will carry the baby products, and the brand is expanding to newer vendors.
While novelty baby products and less-typical baby clothes are nothing new, would you purchase an Angry Birds blanket or onesie for your baby? Or, are such items designed solely for fans of the game?
The Dangers of Fire Retardant Chemicals in Baby Products
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Health, Baby Safety, Baby Sleeping
The hazards of exposing babies to fire retardant chemicals are not new news. Manufacturers of green baby products have been touting this for years, and even in the ‘70s, a toxic fire retardant chemical found to cause cancer in animals was removed from baby pajamas. Nevertheless, even though the dangers of having such chemicals near your baby, in toys, in mattresses, and even in household dust, many baby products still contain fire retardant chemicals.
According to a recent article published in USA Today, toddlers and preschoolers have levels of fire retardant chemicals three times higher than those in adults. While adults are not immune to the effects of such chemicals, babies and young children are particularly affected by exposure: Brain development or behavior may be altered, or a child many have a lower IQ or learning problems, among other issues.
At the same time, most items are made with fire retardant chemicals, primarily as the result of California’s strict standards. An article published in the Los Angeles Times in 2009 questions the effectiveness and necessity of these chemicals. Added to save lives and reduce exposure to fire, constant exposure to these chemicals is dangerous, and during a fire, the chemicals are released into the air.
Although California is loosening its standards for baby products, most items for children still include fire retardant chemicals: 56 percent of infant carriers, 44 percent of car seats, and 40 percent of portable cribs. Parents, as a result, also have a difficult time finding baby products free of fire retardant chemicals, but knowing which brands to look for makes a search easier.
As infants sleep 70 percent of their first year, finding a mattress free of fire retardant chemicals and phthalates is a significant concern for parents. Naturepedic is one of the prominent brands of such chemical-free products. Using no vinyl, PVC, or polyurethane foam, Naturepedic baby mattresses are tested for chemical emissions and are Greenguard certified. Each mattress has a waterproof surface made out of 100-percent food grade polypropylene, organic cotton filing, and a non-toxic and naturally-derived fire barrier system.
Green Baby Showers: Putting Together The Event and Purchasing Baby Gifts
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Showers, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
Recently, Mother Nature Network (MNN.com) published a letter from a woman about putting together a green baby shower. Many of Morieka Johnson’s suggestions mirror those we have suggested for being economical with baby products and extend to all aspects of a shower:
• Send out digital invitations instead of paper
• Avoid games
• Be practical with decorations
• Hold a potluck and have all guests bring a meal to chip in
• Have all invited parents bring used, lightly-worn baby products, such as clothing and sheets, but be careful with larger items, such as strollers, car seats, and cribs.
While these suggestions make a baby shower green and economical, Johnson didn’t touch on one growing field of baby products: green, or eco-friendly, items. Going green is no longer a luxury, and this is reflected in the availability and styles of baby products, from diaper cakes to toys and clothing. Although Johnson makes some good points for putting together a baby shower, consider our suggestions:
• Going green does not mean that decorations or presents need to be understated. If you are planning the party and want to provide a great baby gift, consider eco-friendly diaper cakes, such as these from Rattlecake. Eco-friendly diaper cakes come in gender-neutral styles and animal themes, are made out of Seventh Generation diapers, include Burt’s Bees baby products, and come with Dandelion baby toys, all of which are made out of organic cotton and corn fiber filling.
• Bring an eco-friendly and practical baby gift. Green baby clothing, toys, and sheets no longer have the same uniform off-white color they did when going green reached public consciousness 20 years ago. Now, green baby products come in several colors – many of which are bright and bold – and are affordably priced. Many baby boutiques carry green baby clothing, toys, sheets, and diaper bags, and Dada Baby Boutique has a particularly large selection of green baby products.
Victoria Beckham Had a Pink, Posh Baby Shower
Filed under: Baby Bath Time, Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Showers, Baby Toys
The tabloids were a bit late on this one, but, as mentioned in recent news on Monday, Victoria Beckham had her baby shower on May 7 at the Hotel Le Petit Ermitage in Hollywood. According to celebrity blog Hollywood Life, the former Spice Girl and current fashion designer had a pink-themed baby shower and invited A-listers Eva Longoria, Nichole Richie, and Selma Blair. According to the Daily Mail, however, Beckham had insisted on a pink baby shower but local baby boutique Beginnings mentioned they saw invited celebrities choosing red baby gifts.
Even though the news is late (seriously, where was the paparazzi for this?), at least both the Daily Mail and Hollywood Life aren’t relying on anonymous sources.
If you’re reading this, you likely want to know the details of the shower, particularly the gifts. According to both pieces, the list of baby gifts at Beckham’s shower included:
• A Quinny Buzz Special Edition Stroller in pink
• A mamaRoo baby swing
• A Hoppop bath tub
• A Little Giraffe Luxe Blanket
• A Timi + Leslie diaper bag
• A custom-made stuffed giraffe by Melissa & Doug
• A Bonpoint clothing set
• An Orbit Baby Infant Stroller in Red
• A Bloom Alma Crib; and
• A Bloom Fresco high chair
The interest in celebrity babies has increased in recent years. Whether you attribute it to Suri Cruise’s fashion choices or Angelia Jolie’s gaggle of adopted children, you can easily see news about stars’ children taking up pages in tabloids and magazines. But celebrity baby products aren’t as far removed from your budget as, say, a pair of Louboutins or an Alexander McQueen purse. In fact, many baby boutiques carry some of the brands found at Victoria Beckham’s baby shower.
Find Quinny Buzz strollers and Timi and Leslie diaper bags at Baby and Me Boutique. Melizza & Doug baby toys and Little Giraffe baby furniture, bedding, and clothing are available through Hunky Dory.
Celebrities Designing Baby Products: Practical or Vanity Projects?
Would you let your baby wear a onesie with Kate Moss' quote, "Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels"? Photo from The Huffington Post.
But considering the recent news stories focusing on celebrity baby products, are some of these practical items or more like pint-sized vanity projects of the stars?
Although not directly a designer behind the line, Kate Moss has found her 2009 quote – “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” – on onesies for babies – and children and adults. Is such a quote even appropriate for a teen to wear, let alone an infant?
Only in the works at the moment, a line of baby clothing by Snoop Dogg and David Beckham may hit stores – or at least the internet – at some point. While this pairing seems odd for any type of fashion endeavor, let alone for baby clothing, Snoop Dogg and Beckham met on reality show Father Hood and seemed to hit it off. Nevertheless, what kinds of baby clothing do you see these celebrities creating, and would you let your young child wear it?
More practical and less of a novelty line is Saved by the Bell star Tiffani Thiessen’s PetitNest line of nursery décor. Also a new parent, Thiessen claims she started this line of nursery décor after finding few baby products met her tastes. Collaborating with Lonni Paul, a finalist of show Design Star, Thiessen put together a line of baby furniture, bedding, and wall art when she wasn’t working on show White Collar.
Out of these three celebrities, whose line would you consider using? Or, because of the association with a celebrity, are these baby product brands just novelties for fans with children?
Perfect Holiday Baby Gifts
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
It’s the holiday season, and you, like many others, have exchanged gifts with the same people over a number of years. But one of your friends recently had a baby, and although you attended her baby shower, you know she could use a few additional items for her child. If you’re thinking about getting her a baby gift, what should you do? Instead of settling on a green and red onesie, think about other practical options:
• Baby Toys. Children, no matter the age, love toys. If her baby is more than six months old, the child might already be developing gross motor skills – rolling, crawling, and using hands. Even though those black, red, and white mobiles are still kept by the crib, many more options are available. Many baby toys are designed for the child just learning to touch and hold things. In addition to several patterns on the surface, these toys are designed to make noises when touched and have varying textures.
• Baby Clothes. Although new parents are advised to have as many onesies and t-shirts as possible on hand, a few special occasion outfits are also nice. If you plan to buy baby clothes for a new parent, know the baby’s age or size first.
• A Diaper Cake. The quintessential item for any baby shower, a diaper cake is also appropriate for the holidays. Designers and retailers like Rattlecake even make specific holiday cakes. While some are decked out in red and green for the holidays, others come with a plush toy. Diaper cakes, as a practical item, have 80 to 150 diapers arranged in tiers, tied together with ribbon. Many cakes, adding to the decorative quality, come designed with various baby products, such as blankets, bath items, and small toys, on the outside. As parents always need more diapers for the first few years, a diaper cake is an appreciated baby gift for the holidays.
Secondhand or “Pre-Loved” Baby Markets Provide Cheaper Baby Products
Filed under: Baby Clothes, Baby Gear, Baby Safety, Baby Toys, Premier Baby Stores
Everyone wants to save money these days, including new parents. We’ve mentioned about purchasing secondhand baby items before on here, in particularly from consignment and thrift stores. But while baby products at these places are secondary, markets geared specifically toward parents have popped up. The Tiny Tots Baby Market in South-West Sydney, Australia has parents selling their “pre-loved” baby clothing and toys; parents needing slightly worn items for their babies and young children attend when the market opens every three months. Considering that most babies and children go through clothing and toys at this rate, parents can stop by Tiny Tots and stock up on basics their children will need.
As the link above mentions, secondhand or pre-owned markets have several benefits. First, cash-strapped parents can get the items they’ll need and stock up on clothing their children will quickly outgrow. Second, parents are selling to other parents, and the market offers a greater selection of baby products. Third, recycling clothing is green.
But parents should also be careful when taking the secondhand route. For example, while slightly worn clothing saves money for the parents, other slightly worn products may no longer be usable – or could have been recalled. Certain items, such as strollers, car seats, and furniture may no longer be in usable condition, and parents should examine each larger piece. Toys, similarly, could have been recalled at one point or another and parts, even from non-recalled items, may break off easier.
When attending a secondhand market or accepting hand-me-down items, examine them first before purchasing. Although clothing is generally safe, toys and furniture should be scrutinized. Beyond knowing if a product was recalled at one point, check toys for parts that could break off easily or are a clear choking hazard. For furniture and strollers, make sure that the child can be strapped in firmly and won’t get loose easily.