Items tagged “Infants (6-24 months)”

Teething is one of the most dreaded ordeals for a new parent. Not only are the little ones up all night and miserably drooling, but inevitably everything from a dog toy to a finger becomes an opportunity for the child to chomp. While many teething rings are functional, they’re just not that much fun. Given the choice, the little tooth-grower is always going to go for something that looks like a toy, not a mini life preserver. So what’s a parent to do if they want a safe option that does the job and is fun enough to keep their child’s attention? Try the Suri the Octopus and Friends line of teething toys by Mayapple Baby.

“Surprise” was my editorial theme for February’s KIDShow, held again at Bally’s, Las Vegas. I have attended every KidShow since it began 12 years ago in the massive windblown tents outside of the Rio hotel. At its new home at Bally’s hotel, KIDShow has easily become my favorite trade event in the West for its assortment of vendors, step-saving location just down the hall from the comfortable North Tower rooms, and the unsurpassed hospitality of its show staff, led by Denise Raeside. It was not easy to choose only one handful of favorites, but these brands made my top 5 for a variety of reasons: Sock Ons, CIRCUS 212, Hip Together, Hannah Banana from G.B.Y.M. and PeryKids.

Little Green Trike Shoe Company (formerly Squeakers) is all about bringing new and innovative ideas to the world of children’s shoes. The Utah-based business offers a line of fun and adorable shoes for kids from birth through elementary-school age. What’s special about this company and what unique products can they offer retailers? Little Green Trike’s Squeaky Feet shoes are specially made to help toddlers develop the appropriate heel-to-toe gait that leads to healthy walking. Squeaky Feet feature a removable squeaker that sounds when kids place their feet in the correct way as they walk.

“Safety first!” is a caution that retailers cannot share with their new family customers often enough. Safety gates are a must in most homes, and Gatekeepers models come in wood or paint options to match existing décor. Mommy’s Helper carries every kind of safety gear, with stylish and simple solutions. Safety is not only a concern during waking hours — parents need reassurance that their children are safe sleepers too. The SafeToSleep breathing monitor and the Heaven Sent crib mattress by Secure Beginnings are two options.

Retail buyers are already shopping and preparing for the fall/winter seasons. According to the National Retailer Federation, a family typically spends over $600 on back-to-school fall fashions and products for children. Of course, a complete fall work-up for kids includes more than just everyday wear and accessories. Children also require special occasion clothes, mix-and-match pieces, sports gear, and backpacks. Giggle Moon, Fleurisse & Léon, JWORLD and Moon et Miel are among the many brands helping buyers get ready for the fall rush and generate increased sales with functional, trendy products for children.