Recently in Babies Category

Frustrated by low-quality skin care products that didn't deliver what they promised, Tami Main recently created Taslie Skin Care Ltd., a line of natural skin care products that are truthfully advertised and safe for children.

"When my daughter was born, I was constantly on the lookout for natural products that actually did what the label stated," the Vancouver resident explains. "We went through many 'natural' bubble baths that didn't bubble and over-fragranced shampoos. I also discovered that many companies do not list all ingredients in addition to making untrue claims. I wanted to create products that are fabulous, did what the label stated, and--most importantly--that could be used on my own daughter."

"I am very keen on the environment, so the ingredients and packaging are of the upmost importance," Tami says. "All of our products use recyclable plastics, recycled paper stock, and labels. We are in the process of testing the recyclable plastics to incorporate an additive which will biodegrade within one to five years in a landfill."

"Our dispensing pumps are designed by Taplast and use sustainable dispensing pumps and closures that have no steel springs, which make them completely recyclable," she continues. "Our products contain no sodium laureth sulphates, lanolin, parabens and synthetic colors, or fragrances. You would be surprised to know that some of the 'natural' products available out there do actually contain fragrances and other undesirable ingredients. We do not."

Right now Taslie Skin Care offers Head to Toe Body Wash, Moisturizing Lotion, and Natural Goats Milk Soap. "We have two more products in production and more to come--a Natural Lip & Face Balm with an addition of SPF 15 and a Natural Bum Spray for cleansing and calming little bums after diaper changes," says Tami. "All of our packaging is environmentally friendly but are also designed so that they are fun and geared towards children."

All Taslie products are made in Canada and are not tested on animals. Visit www.taslie.com to view all products and get the detailed scoop on all of their ingredients.

BarefootMommies.com, run by Angela Roy and Krissy Carr, is a bright, friendly blog for mothers. The blog spotlights great finds in jewelry, toys, crafts, and more; it also sponsors regular giveaways for its readers.

"I made this blog (BarefootMommy at the time) in November 2008," explains Krissy. "I met Angela through Etsy; I was asking her if she'd like to do a giveaway on BarefootMommy. Of course she said yes, and our personalities just hit it off. Since then, she's been my partner in crime and I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have her. Sure wouldn't have a great blog, I know that. She is one of my best friends and I love her tons!"  

Angela adds, "Barefoot Mommies has grown from just the two of us to a whopping 12 reviewers and five guest speakers. We have worked with so many great companies on our run. We branched our social media into Facebook, Myspace,YouTube, and Twitter, and those were the best desicions we've made. Our reviewers are the hardest set of people i have ever met. We stay up all night writing back and forth about great products. Our reviewers are moms, single ladies, even some high schoolers. We believe that everyone has a point of view, and so should our reviewers."

"We mainly market to moms and women in general," she continues. "We understand they are the prime shoppers in the household, and making the majority of the shopping decisions. What Barefoot Mommies does not endorse are any items not family friendly, or are religious or political in nature. We prefer to stay away from subjects or products that would offend anyone or tarnish our name."

Check out BarefootMommies.com for the latest fun products and e-mail Media@BarefootMommies.com if you would like to be featured on the blog.

It's easy to see how new parents can be overwhelmed even before the baby is born. If your goal is to create an eco-friendly nursery, you're probably reading about types of paint to avoid, how to furnish the room and what kinds of cleaners to use. There is so much to decide and everyone has an opinion, not just your mother-in-law. These are some eco-friendly guidelines to help while you prepare for baby.

Green Mom Blogger Beth Aldrich offers some advice. "The main thing to keep in mind is that you want your baby's room to be healthy and clean. Indoor air can be three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered one of the top five hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Mythic non-toxic paint is a clean, low odor paint alternative that provides the durability and coverage you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) and toxins that emit years after drying with most paints," she explains.

You might want to also look into an air filter for the nursery.  Aldrich adds, "Once you've gotten the room painted, install a high quality air filter to clean and purify the air from airborne cleaning products, and product off-gassing to dust." If you're not sure where to find one, she says Consumer Search Online is a good resource.  

Once the walls and air quality are checked off the list, you can move to window coverings. Research suggests typical mini-blinds aren't your best bet. Instead, look for a more natural alternative. "There are several companies that offer eco-friendly fabric window treatments -- The Shade Store and Blindsgalore.com are two of our favorites," says Kate Ward, site director for The Bump.com. If you would like to use mini-blinds, there are several choices that are better for your baby and the environment. "Look for mini-blinds that use natural, durable, and non-toxic materials like bamboo. These will help block out solar heat in the summer and keep heat in during the winter, keeping baby comfy and saving you money in the long run," she says  

If you've always hated that carpeting in the office-turned nursery, now is the time to make a change. Bamboo is a great choice for your child and the planet. Ward mentions, "Teragren, Premium Green Bamboo, and EnviroChoice Bamboo are all great flooring providers."

If you aren't able to spring for new flooring, there are steps you can take to reduce those pesky allergens. "There are a many eco-friendly cleaning brands and products worth trying, including natureclean®, Simple Green® and Seventh Generation's Natural Citrus Carpet Cleaner," Ward comments.

As you get the room baby-ready, you'll also be on the lookout for just the right furnishings. Rachel Sarnoff, founder and editor of www.EcoStiletto.com has furniture recommendations. "Get a crib mattress that has not been treated with flame retardants--if you can't find or afford a mattress like this, at the very least cover your existing crib mattress with a thick mattress pad made from organic cotton," she says. "And if you're in the market for nursery furniture, look for lines that eliminate formaldehyde from their formulations."

Along with these tips and all of those books you've been reading, you'll be prepared for baby's arrival. 

Photo Credit © Boris Ryaposov | Dreamstime.com

Stay-at-home mom Kiley D. Smith started Cherry Blossoms in 2006 after she couldn't find any accessories that were cute, unique, or comfortable for her newborn daughter to wear.

" I began fabricating my own designs with distribution amongst friends and family," she says. "Compliments and inquiries soon followed, as well as numerous requests for customized work. I decided it was time to make the big jump and began selling my creations."

"All of my items are handmade by me, so each one is unique. I also use the highest quality of artificial flowers that you can buy. They are soft to the touch and feel just like real flower petals. All of my items have been worn and tested on my child for durability and comfort. I would never put something on a child that I wouldn't put on my own daughter. My hair accessories are made to stay put; grow with your child; and be comfortable, adorable, unique, and elegant."

"Some of my inspiration comes from the beautiful gardens in England," she explains.  "I love how beautiful and lush the flowers are and how they grow all over! My daughter definitely inspires me as well. She is amazing!"

"My bestselling item is the Custom Hydrangea Cluster Adjustable Headband. I like it because it adjusts to the size of your child's head so it's never too tight or too loose. It's also perfect for a wedding, party, picnic, or just playing around at home."

To view and purchase Kiley's accessories, visit www.cherryblossomsbaby.com.

RosieBear is owned by two sisters--Deena "Rosie" and Lisa "Bear" - who have come together to create these handmade logs. Rosie was a toy marketing executive in Los Angeles before having two little girls and creating the impetus for the log; Bear was the ingenious sister who saw a need, honed her crafty background and put together the book in less than a day.
It wasn't until late Feb. '08 that Rosie and Bear made the decision to start a real business.   

Deena "Rosie" Wachtel, an MBA-trained marketing executive, left the rate race of the toy business in 2007 when her second daughter, Sofia, was born.  After a difficult pregnancy and an even tougher transition to two kids, Deena realized that she needed to slow down, stop the weekly travel to WalMart and Target headquarters, and instead focus on her health and the health of her new daughter.  During this time, Deena began to make personalized baby logs for her pregnant friends so she wouldn't get bored during the day.

Deena's marketing background kicked into gear after the incredible response to the baby logs from family and friends, and she decided on a whim to start selling baby logs professionally.  Deena quickly was able to source all of the necessary materials, taught herself how to build an e-commerce website and begged family and friends to spread the word about Aunt Lala's Log.  Within 5 weeks, Deena was up and running.  The rest, they say, is history.

Deena holds a BSBA degree from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at USC.  During her "corporate days", she was involved in the marketing and product development of such world-renown brands as Crayola, Baby Einsteins, NesQuik, NFL and Harry Potter - to name a few.  

When Rosie's (Deena) first daughter was born in May 2005, the whole family was prepared to a point, but had no idea that the nurses expected us to keep track of how much she ate, pooped and slept from the moment she was born.  In desperation, Rosie started writing down illegible notes on anything she could find ... the back of a napkin, the margins of hospital instructions, literally anything that she could get my hands on.  It was not ideal, but Rosie was so wrapped up with trying to function on no sleep and healing and figuring out what to do with the baby that it didn't bother her too much.  Bear, though, was going crazy with the lack of organization.   

The first nighttime nurse at the hospital made a chart on a scrap of paper and showed Rosie how to fill it out "properly".  The next day, Bear saw the chart, went home, and created a template for everyone to use.  By the time Rosie had come home from the hospital, Bear had made copies of the template and hand-bound them in a little journal.  When Rosie went to the doctor for the 2-week visit, the doctor asked how much the baby was eating and pooping and all Rosie had to do was whip out the journal... it was all right there!  

As our friends started to get pregnant, we made these journals for them as baby shower gifts... and when Rosie's second daughter was born in 2007, she took my journal to the hospital with me and started logging right away.  The nurses thought it was great and were really impressed with how organized we all were.   


Visit www.rosiebear.com.

Basmatie Littles graduated from the High School of Fashion Industries and attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has interned at several fashion showrooms as a Buyer's Assistant, as well as worked in numerous fashion shows dressing fashion models in New York City. "I got involved in every other business than my calling," says Basmatie.

I was not passionate about any of those businesses, therefore I lost interest.  I felt as if I was going in circles.  I felt as if I was in a maze that had no exit and every turn I made, I could not get out.  I just saw dollar signs and saw how other people were making lots of money, so why not give it a try.

I would go down every other road, except for the road that I was passionate about and it was staring me right in my face. I thought to myself, it is right in my face, what am I doing?  That was my wake-up call. I finally realized why I was failing at the other businesses, and that was because I was not passionate about those businesses.  I got tired of failing and was very frustrated, so I decided to re-evaluate what it was that I wasn't doing right.  I made a list of everything that I was passionate about, and that was when I finally found my calling, and went down the path of my success.     

I have always envisioned my own clothing line, therefore my vision for Karma Kidz became my dream come true. My son is my inspiration behind designing a children's clothing line.   

Where do you draw inspiration for your business?

I came up with the name "Karma Kidz" because I am a firm believer of "Karma", and being that my clothing line is catered to children, I thought it would be cool to incorporate the two.  Our Karma Kidz Designs are unique, trendy, and sends out a positive message. For example, our "Karma Kommandments Onesies" sends out a different positive message on each onesie.  Karma Kidz is meant for every nationality.

When designing my logo, I wanted to send out the message that Karma Kidz caters to all races that is why I feature the different nationalities of babies as part of my logo. Karma Kidz does not discriminate.  It's all about Karma.  It's Karma Baby!

My beautiful husband, son, and my friend Jenny are my inspirations. My husband is supportive in all of my visions and goals. He is my motivator, confidant, best friend, my rock, and everything else. Looking at my son brings tears of joy to my eyes. He is my inspiration behind designing a children's line. He is truly a blessing and a gift that can never ever be replaced. There are days where I feel so exhausted, but knowing that this little person depends on me and looks up to me makes me push even harder towards achieving my dreams.

Jenny is a friend that is one in a trillion. She is like my on-call consultant, except I could never repay her for every piece of advice and every idea that she has blessed me with. I would be in debt to her. I could email her a million questions, and she always has an answer for me. She is always there for me. She is always supportive of me, telling me how proud she is of me, and always tells me to not give up. I greatly appreciate, value, cherish, and most importantly, trust her friendship.

Describe your best selling items and favorite experience?

Our best selling items are: Signature Karma Kidz logo Onesie, Meditating Teddy Bear - It's Karma Baby Onesie, Bath & Body products, Maternity Tees, among, many other Karma Kidz items.

My favorite experience is when our customers tell us how much they love our products. That is always a great feeling.

What are your plans for the future?

Wow!  I see endless visions for Karma Kidz.  I am overwhelmed (in a good way J) just thinking about it.  Karma Kidz is growing everyday.  I envision big dreams for Karma Kidz J

We are full of surprises.  A magician cannot reveal her secrets, J. 

Visit www.ItsKarmaBaby.com.     Charlotte, North Carolina

Donna Odweso, owner of Comfy Munchkins Children's Boutique, is from Norfolk, Va. and moved to Dallas, TX with my husband about 12 years ago. My experience with shopping for my little one was putting my baby in the car seat and tracking to the mall which was sometimes cumbersome. I wanted to eliminate the need for other parents to drive anywhere to find unique, high quality items. I did my research, spoke with other parents about what they are looking for and prepared a business plan. Comfy Munchkins was then created.

I draw inspiration from shopping for unique quality products, via trade shows, the mall or online and selling those quality products at an affordable price. The customers will have a win win situation because not only are they buying quality products they are getting them at an affordable price.

My best selling items are the smocked outfits for boys and girls. It just remind me of the way children used to dress years ago. It's a real classy look. My favorite experience is having the customer send me an email saying how happy they are with the product and the service and also having the same customers come back and order again.

My plans for the future is opening a store front which will include clothing and accessories for the whole family. I really want to get into more organics for the whole family because there is such an emphasis on going green these days and it's the right thing to do. 

Visit www.comfymunchkins.com.  Dallas, Texas

Artist Jackie Smelser has been sewing, painting, decorating and just making "things" for as long as she can remember.  After she got married almost eight years ago, she began making gifts for friends that were having babies. When I became a mother, I had a new appreciation for the items that new moms could really use and enjoy.  She decided to take her hobby to the next level and opened www.GirlieBirdBoutique.etsy.com officially in May, 2008. 

I have sincerely enjoyed providing mothers with practical, original, personalized baby and toddler items.  My designs have naturally evolved to what they are today - fun, whimsical, and unique. My children inspire me to design using vibrant color but my biggest inspiration comes to me when I see a new fabric - the colors, prints - the ideas just come to me. I can't get them out fast enough!

Since opening Girlie Bird Boutique  I have been thrilled and appreciative with the response to my designs.  One of my best selling items is my Chenille Appliqué Name Pillow. It has a broad appeal and is designed to compliment a nursery, toddler or teen room. I have even made them for college dorm and family rooms! They are made to order with many fabric and trim color choices- the sky's the limit on these!

What are Jackie's plans for the future?  Grow! Grow! Grow! I have worked so hard on my designs and that has not left as much time for marketing - and that's so important! I will be working hard to get Girlie Bird Boutique's name out there and to expand my own website.  In the upcoming year, I intend to just keep moving forward, expanding my product line and offering original, high quality items. My business is fun and satisfying. What's better then that?

Visit www.GirlieBirdBoutique.com  Santa Clarita, California

Robyn Johnson owns a brick and mortar and online children's clothing boutique called Dragonflies and Ladybugs Boutique.  They sell a variety of designer fashions for infants and children to age 10 years both boys and girls.  They also sell some gift type products such as Noodle and Boo baby care products, Bla Bla Dolls, Monkey Toe Shoes, and a few more MOM creations in our brick and mortar boutique. 

Robyn started her business in December 2004 after she had her second daughter.  I wanted to originally do something from home.  Before I realized it, I had a full-fledged business venture.  We incorporated in 2005, and we opened our Brick and Mortar here in Reno in September 2007.

After doing this business for four years, I have carried and stopped carrying a lot of different brands of clothing over the years.  I actually draw inspiration from my customers.  I have a lot of loyal customers that recommend designers to me, and if I like the look and feel of the clothing and prices are good, then I usually will try them out for a season or two.  For example, the brand I carry now Misha LuLu was recommended by a customer of mine last Spring, and so I tried out a few pieces of her clothing in the store, and it was a HUGE hit.  So now, I have grown very fond of Karen and her husband Joe, their story, and their design philosophy, so they are one of my biggest clothing lines in the store.  Other brands are "staples" I know they are made very well, the prices are good for boutique style clothing, and they always sell well from year to year.  I try very hard to cater to a variety of customers by carrying something from each end of the spectrum in boutique fashion and affordability, then I usually try to do  a middle of the road conservative style.  This way I have something that will fit any little personality out there.

I love all the clothes that I carry, especially now that I too am more experienced in buying the clothing lines.  I love going to Los Angeles or Dallas and viewing each new collection, and now having the confidence in myself to make the right choices for my store.  But I would have to say my favorite experience is always the beginning of each season when my repeat customers say to me..."your new collections are Gorgeous!" or "You did a really good job this season".  Then I love when I get the NEW customer that will email me and say "I love your store, it is so cute and I love all that you carry"  Even if they don't always purchase... it makes me feel good to know they are looking and love to "window" shop even if it is online.  That is the MOST rewarding for me.

What are Robyn's plans for the future? I would love to do this forever, as it is fun and stressful.  The stress keeps me young and on my toes... and it brings a little bit of excitement into my life.  However, since my husband deployed with the Army to Iraq, and I am now a single mom of two girls in school.. my life has taken a bit of a turn.  My main focus is my girls, so I am not sure what will happen come Fall 2009. 

I would LOVE to become a sales rep for designers and sell to other boutiques someday too, or possibly write a book on "how to" own your own boutique, whether it be children's or women's clothing.  I think I made every mistake that you could possibly make in this business, and I have already helped and advised newer owners that are just starting up.  I have no problems sharing my knowledge with other women, as that is the only way we can grow.  I wished that I had someone four years ago that would mentor me in this business.  So those are thoughts that I toss around in my head.. consulting, buyer, or writer... I would like it to revolve around this business though, because I think I am good at it and I love it.  That is what is important.

Visit www.dragonfliesandladybugs.com. and http://dandlboutique.blogspot.com.   Reno, Nevada

Alison Vliet is a former teacher turned stay-at-home mom of two small children who made a hat for a friend's daughter years back.  When her daughter, Charlee, was born she made another hat. Soon people were commenting that the hats were so cute and she should consider selling them. From this idea, she formed Charlee Kat*z Creations.

I never gave it much thought, but then my husband and my best friend really started hounding me and I decided to give it a go.  Two and a half years later, here I am. I resell in several online boutiques as well as a small number of brick and mortar boutiques. (And on my own site of course.) The hats and scarves are 100% chenille and come in three sizes (infant, child, and mommy) and 16 colors. They are all handmade by me; no one else.

I personally own a Charlee Kat*z hat!  I bought it last year from Alison's website and I can't begin to tell you how many compliments I receive when I'm wearing it.  I actually had two woman chase me in the mall to ask where I bought it.  Alison, your hats are fabulous!

Visit www.charleekatz.com.