The Biz: The Grapevine

Trying to stuff a wriggling baby into outer garments is something of a challenge. If you are in a car, you have to loosen the car seat strap which is not at all safe; if you are carrying the tot, it can be incredibly awkward; and on top of these nuisances, half the time the child gets overheated during the process. Enter Hoodebaby, a simple way to keep a little one warm. Slip the hood over the head and wrap the child in the blanket. If the tot is in a stroller or car seat, just use the blanket as a coverup.

Children adore bright colors and clothes with a presence; parents want their children to dress appropriately for the occasion. The best approach? A combination of the two styles that results in what everyone wants –– a fusion of sophisticated designs with a bit of edge, but with comfortable, wearable fabrics. Companies that cater to this particular children’s fashion niche are well-rewarded with repeat customers who have a clear, balanced understanding of what looks best on their children and what delights their child’s emerging sense of personal style statements. One company, Maisonnette, is a go-to resource for cute couture with a fashionable flair.

Chances are if you’ve seen a Dora the Explorer backpack or Shrek lunchbox floating around, it’s brought to you by the folks at Calego International. With each episode or movie, kids are clamoring for more merchandise plastered with their favorite character from the hottest cartoon or TV show. Calego carries in-demand licenses including Glee, Hot Wheels, Sesame Street, Caillou and Hello Kitty. Heard of a certain buxom doll named Barbie? Yeah, they have that too! Known mostly for the in-demand backpacks that make a splash in schools everywhere, their clever corporate motto is: “We’ve got it in the bag.”

In this Disposable Age of plastics and trends, Morgan Cycle brings to you classic ride-on toys designed and crafted to last as long as the sweet memories. Bicycle engineer Sylvester Yen, who has two decades of experience designing and manufacturing children’s bicycles, founded Morgan Cycle. While the industry raced to produce cheaper products, Sylvester dreamed of offering the most beautiful, safe and finely crafted ride-on vehicles. The very first Morgan tricycle was inspired by the original 1936 Van Doren design that captured the hearts of generations of Americans and was founded on the concept of “simple solidity.”