Feature Articles: Features

Finding children’s products manufactured in the United States can be difficult. Luckily, the book Made Here, Baby!, by Bruce H. Wolk, does exactly that. The Giggle Guide® found five companies featured in the book that have been operating in the United States for more than 100 years: Fexible Flyer, Amana Woolen Mill, The Original American Kazoo Company, Johnson Woolen Mills and Whitney Brothers.

Parents understand that active children are best outfitted in playwear. They want comfortable, care-free clothing that will hold up to daily adventures and occasional mishaps. However, children also sweat. Perspiration retained by clothing can be uncomfortable and lead to heat-related conditions, including heat exhaustion. As children are more sensitive to these conditions, breathable fabrics become important. The Giggle Guide® spotlights a few manufacturers that use special sweat wicking materials – Agoo Apparel, Outside Baby, and Engel Natur.

Turn rock-n-roll into rock-a-bye baby, with unique products designed to let baby share the vibe. Some studies indicate that extreme volumes may contribute to low birth weight and other developmental problems. However, the sound of silence isn’t the answer. Early exposure to music and sound can actually help with development and bonding, as well as having soothing and comforting effects. Nuvo and Bellybuds and have created innovative products that allow moms to safely share music with their unborn child. Throughout pregnancy, mother and baby can bond to the gentle beat of a soon-to-be-born generation! Any requests for “I’ve Got You Babe?”

The joy and excitement of being a new mother often comes with some unwanted side effects. Aches, pains, fatigue and mood swings can set in trying to steal the show. The Giggle Guide® hopes to take the edge off by sharing some helpful product discoveries aimed at soothing, calming and comforting new moms and their little bundles of joy. These products could easily become essentials for the first year of motherhood. Introducing The Cozy Collection, Breast Buddies, Spa La La Hot and Cold Packs, and Mommy and Baby™ Calming Aromatherapy Oil.

During the challenges and heartaches of having a premature infant, many parents discover hope, inspiration and the power of TLC. Katie Danziger and Amber Lancaster are two such parents. Both are mothers of preemies, and both are dedicated to offering support, and useful products, for other parents of preemies. In honor of their achievements and National Prematurity Awareness Month, The Giggle Guide® showcases their respective companies, Nomie Baby and Born 4 Couture.

Parents of premature infants face a tough challenge in finding clothes small enough to fit their tiny newborns, and many even resort to buying doll clothes for their early arrivals. Unfortunately, a preemie’s skin is not fully developed and often doll clothing is too rough, causing skin irritation. Luckily, retailers now have the option of offering beautiful, soft, high-quality apparel that is sized properly for these precious infants. Kudos to these manufacturers who understand, and help satisfy, the needs of preemies including Early Birds, Anna’s Preemie, Preemie-Yums and Chuckleberries.

Jan Brett’s beloved children’s story, The Hat, chronicles a day in the life of an amusing hedgehog that pokes his nose into a knit sock and finds himself stuck. Wandering around the farmyard, he begins to view his hat as highly fashionable and important protection against the chilly air. His barnyard friends poke fun at his new look, but are soon drawn to the thought of wearing a hat themselves.

While Halloween celebrations have existed in Europe for centuries, children dressing up in costume and “trick-or-treating” didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1930s. Nearly 80 years later, Halloween in the U.S. has become a multi-billion dollar industry. To celebrate this spookiest of holidays, The Giggle Guide® takes a look at some of the creative dress-up options available for kids (and parents) today. Even if it’s too late for Halloween ‘09, we all know children enjoy dressing up and playing make-believe all year long!

The Dallas Market is coming up fast and furious with a complete wholesale market featuring permanent showrooms as well as product lines from every category. With new products and brands at every turn, we’re getting ready for an exciting show! This is just a sampling to whet your appetite of what is to come during the show — for the full plate, you’ll have to be there! The show runs October 22nd-25th, 2009. For more information, visit http://dallasmarketcenter.com

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