'Lina Bean Takes Stalk of Baby Essentials Market

By Londa Hayden

‘Lina Bean products offer fashionable baby accessories from bibs and burp clothes to changing pads and Crayon rolls. What makes this collection so unique? First of all, the products are as cute and clever as the brand name sounds. Owner Caroline Kurz Ritter was first nicknamed ‘Lina Bean because ‘Lina was short for Caroline, and she was a like a string bean as a child. The name seemed to fit, and her family still refers to her as ‘Lina Bean.

Ritter started the business in 2006, when her first child was two months old. She noticed he was spitting up a lot and none of her burp cloths stayed put on her shoulder. She cut one into a bean shape, and it worked! Since then, the company has held to the philosophy that form must follow function.

Items undergo rigorous testing before they are approved. The line has grown with the children to include matching ties for father and son, and have expanded to toddler, junior, and adult sizes, all machine washable. Prints and corduroy are 100% cotton. Great care is taken in finding the perfect fabrics and softest plush and satin.

‘Lina Bean teamed up with the former owner of Little Gal Designs to include hair accessories for girls. The Crayon Rolls are a big hit too! They hold 15 crayons inside individual pockets with an elastic closure for easy transport. Other products will include bow-ties, fun superhero capes and the new “Treasure Pillow,” a take on a tooth fairy pillow. All products are made in the U.S.A. Retail prices range from $9 to $52.

To add these accessories to your crop, access the online catalog at www.linabean.net