Hot summer days are all about water balloon fights, splashing in the pool and keeping cool anyway you can. During the dog days of summer it is very important to be protected from the sun's powerful rays. Little Red Fish's bathing suits have a UPF of 50+ to protect from harmful rays and painful sunburns. These swimsuits also have a high degree of chlorine resistance than regular swimsuits so while indulging in some summer time pool parties your bathing suit will last through season and into the next. The collection includes swim shirts, shorts and full suits so your little fish can be protected while swimming their way through the summer.
lux towels
When bathtime fun comes to an end, wrap your little one in one of these lux hooded towels from Babeez. These handcrafted towels are made from absorbent terry cloth on the inside and soft minky on the outside. The two-toned colors trimmed with chenille team to create a style-savvy bath towel. Check out the entire collection at Babeez.com.
bathtime bubbles
Splish Splash, we're taking a bath. Does your little one love bathtime? Boon has a new product for you, 'Flo' the faucet protector and deflector that also doubles as a bubble bath dispenser. No more disappearing bubbles before bathtime even begins, bubbles can be dispensed throughout bathtime as desired.
Boon's flo faucet also directs water into a gentle waterfall and protects the faucet from injuring those little elbows and knees. Flo is the perfect mate for a sudsy fun bathtime.
dual towel fun
A day at the beach or a pool party is all about the games kids play. Marco Polo and building sand castles are among the favorites. Oompa has a few great two-in-one towel games that bring old time favorites outside.
Tic-tac-toe fun makes their towel a giant game board. The floatable colorful game pieces make great pool toys and the game board doubles as a towel when they are done playing water games.
Another great game is this Tumbler Competition, a dice game for two. The giant foam die, plastic tumblers and pegs are all easily stored in the included bag with handle.
These multi-purpose towels are great whether they are splashing in the pool or playing games. Each make great gift for a summer birthday party. Head to Oompa for other great games.
little swimmer
Fish out of water? The Body Glove baby carrier is perfect for getting baby comfortable with splashing around in the water at a very early age. The baby carrier is equipped with padded shoulder straps and criss-cross straps to distribute weight. Made with neoprene, the carrier helps to regulate baby's body temperature; great for water play. Not only is the Body Glove carrier great for in the water, it also works on dry land. With all the time you'll spend in the water your little one will be an independent water bug in no time.
showcase: bright october
Bright October is a mod boutique for your child; full of cool toys, plush cuddlies, and great puzzles and games. Bright October is named for the brightest October day the owners have ever had, the day their little girl was born (let's hear it...ahh). The owners hunted for the coolest toys, wanting their little girl to be inspired by her imagination not television. Bright October is the culmination of their great search for manufacturers who encourage children to learn while having fun. Great picks from Bright October include FLATOUT Bears, Automoblox and Djeco...
FLATOUT Bears are handmade bears created from 100% Australian sheepskin. These gorgeous bears are cuddly, flat and available in gorgeous color choices. Find a "please phone home" area stitched into the label. FLATOUT bears are the ultimate luxury teddy bear.
Automoblox are a must on every little boy's wish list. These wooden cars engage the creator to build fantastic designs and create their own dream wheels. Removable connector's are a fun teaching tool for shape recognition, color matching and motor skill development. Dad will love getting in on the fun too!
Djeco solid wood pull toys are hand-painted keepsakes that will last for generations. These vibrant toys will bring a smile to your toddlers face. Sure to travel with him on all of his great adventures.
Hot summer days require lots of sunscreen, hats and umbrellas. Worried your little one will end up looking like a lobster after your day in the sun? Make sure you dress them in sun protective UV clothing.
Cabana Life is one of many of the style-savvy brands of UV clothing available for children today. Created by a merchandising expert for top fashion and beauty magazines, Melissa Marks Papock; Melissa was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2001, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melissa’s diagnosis inspired her to start Cabana Life. Cabana Life creates adorable clothing that is fashion friendly as well as practical.
UV Sungear is an online shop where you can find brands like Cabana Life as well as other quality UV sun protection brands. They carry UV clothing, UV swimwear, stroller shades, sun hats, shades, glasses and sunscreen. Everything you need for sun protection is available at UV Sungear, including products for adults as well.
Also, check out Sunwashed for these super cute surfer tees with 30 SPF protection washed into the tees.
peek-a-boo
Summer sun means covering up baby. Peek-A-Boo baby cover-ups are lightweight and breathable. Perfect for hot summer days when you need to cover baby up. Drape the cover-up over your shoulder while nursing or cover your baby while strolling (protected with SPF 15!). Peek-A-Boo covers give you privacy while providing proper ventilation. This versatile product is handmade in the USA and is the perfect gift for a new mom.
protect their skin
Sun protection is a huge concern for parents, with so many choices how can you tell what is best? Parents need to know that when shopping for a sunblock, it is important to find one that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
A company that is devoted to skin care is pH Advantage. Their line of skin care products for women is an amazing line that contains products that prepare, correct, stimulate, protect and control the skin. PH Advantage was started by plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Cohen. On every pH Advantage product label, the pH level is listed to indicate how it approximates the skin's pH according to the function of the product.
PH Advantage has created a sunblock for children that contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. When applied to skin, the blue sunblock is absorbed quickly in the skin and allows you to see in order to assure full coverage. 4Kids Sun Protection SPF 30 retains SPF after 40 minutes of activity in the water and physical activity.
Other brands of mention that you can find at your local drugstore are Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 45, Banana Boat Baby Tear Free UVA & UVB Sunblock Lotion SPF 50 and Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50 (New Spray!).
summer fun
Summer fun...long days of playing with the neighborhood gang, eating popsicles on the front porch, and hanging out with mom and dad in the backyard waiting for the ice cream truck to come. The long days of summer require lots of activities to keep your little one busy.
We love this wheelbarrow set we found at Zebra Hall. This sturdy little wheelbarrow is perfect for carting dirt, leaves or helping mom in the garden. Rubber tires help make its way while being pushed by your little one. Comes complete with watering can, shovel and pail.
Bubbles are a staple in every little kids summer. With Bubble Thing your tyke can make super long bubbles, every kid in the neighborhood will be over to try it out. Bubble Thing comes with easy to follow instructions, bubble recipes, safety instructions and trick illustrations.
For great summer fun the whole family can play, get this cute wooden croquet set decorated with whimsical bumblebees, ladybugs and caterpillars. Perfect for outdoor play or bring inside on rainy days. The set comes with four wooden mallets and balls, all stored in a cute carrying case. Makes a great gift for kids.
posh picnic blanket
Heading out for a picnic or a day at the park? Be sure to bring your JJ Cole Essentials mat. This large mat has a durable outer fabric to protect from wet surfaces and can be easily wiped down in case of a mess. This on-the-go mat is well made by JJ Cole, a well-known brand in accessories for mom and baby. Easily folds up and the mat's detachable strap allows for fold up and go convenience.
no more spills
Prevent ice cream spills and popsicle drips with the Dripstik. Designed by a mom of five little ones, the Dripstik was created to eliminate the clean up that comes from summer time treats...sticky hands, drippy chins and multiple outfit changes. Designed for moms, the Dripstik is also loved by children for their fun shapes and bright colors. The design of the Dripstik stops sticky drips from ice cream cones by allowing the cone to fit right into the Dripstik top hole; flip over and the bottom of the Dripstik holds popsicles and ice cream bars. The cup catches all drips and leaves a yummy drink for your child at the end. Made in the USA and dishwasher safe, they come in four fantastic colors. Get yours at Dripstik.com and learn fun facts about ice cream and Popsicles while you are there.
First Frames by AimeeJ are the perfect way to celebrate the firsts in your little ones life. The 7x7 frames hold 4x4 photos and can be hung by grosgrain ribbon or stand alone. The frames are made of suede/velvet and are embossed with adorable baby icons. Choose from First Steps, First Bath and First Birthday frame or purchase the set with all three.
Love vintage style? A great baby book for lovers of yester-year is the Mother Stork's Baby Book published by Kistner Supply Publishing Company. Dodge Publishing Company originally introduced families to Mothers Stork's Baby Book 100 years ago. Elizabeth Brantley was inspired to publish the new and improved edition for the 100th Anniversary of the original edition after seeing her grandmother's book that was in need of repair.
The classic format is a wonderful collectible to imprint your child's memories. With its vintage style and timeless quality, the book has been created with the utmost care to create a lasting durable memory book. The book includes the original illustrations by Albertine Randall Wheelan and the enchanting words of well-known poets including Lewis Carroll, Eugene Field and Robert Louis Stevenson. Delivered in a custom storage box and complete with gift card and grosgrain ribbon, the 100th Anniversary edition of the Mother Stork's Baby Book is great classic gift.
*editors pick - lux baby blanket*
On every baby needs list are blankets…and lots of them. Along with about a million flannel receiving blankets, you do need a few lux blankets for those trips out into the real world. Patricia Ann Designs specializes in the most luxurious blankets and accessories for baby. We are talking fabulous! So soft and silky, their line is top notch. You can find this beautiful collection at only the most high-end retailers, including Nordstrom's. You will spoil baby with the luxurious feel and the look...absolutely fabulous, darling!
nursing and feeding journal
New moms worry a lot; with feeding concerns being the most important. Track your babies feeding schedule with Loralin Designs Feed Me Nursing and Feeding Journal. The Journal is split into two sections; one to track your newborns feeding patterns, and then tracking for solid food likes and dislikes.
New moms are usually sleep deprived and have a hard time remembering the last day the had a shower, never mind the time of the last feeding or how many feedings baby had and the last side s/he fed on. The Feed Me journal is perfect for keeping your babysitter in the loop or working with your pediatrician to determine a possible allergies.
Check out their entire line of baby journals including a special moments and gifting journals.
rockin' slings for mom
Baby wearing is great for both mom and baby. Your new bundle gets to be snuggled and your able to able to tackle your long daily-do list. There is the front carrier (Bjorn), the ring sling, or the pouch sling. We love the new pouch carriers at Rockin' Baby Slings. Never tried a sling? You don't know what you're missing! A sling distributes your babies weight across your back, and allows your newborn to be cuddled in the fetal position.
Rockin' Baby Slings offers both the ring sling choice and the pouch. It used to be that pouches were one-size...not anymore. Rockin' Baby Slings offers an adjustable pouch which adjusts to three different sizes through the ease of zippers. Each pouch is reversible and their fabric choices are fantastic. Slings can be confusing to some, but Rockin' Baby Slings are easy to use and include clear directions. Once you try a sling you will wonder how you ever survived before.
bubble and squeak
Bubble and Squeak is the hottest new diaper bag company on the market. Created by a Swedish gal who began her diaper bag company literally on her kitchen table. She decided that the current diaper bags on the market just didn't wow her like her pre-pregnancy handbags. These bags are oh so fabulous and can fit in your current bag or stand alone. They carry all your needs in a neat, organized fashion. With three sizes to choose from you will find the perfect fit for your needs.
Their petite diaper bag is a cute little carrier, perfectly sized to carry essentials for baby or your toddlers needs. With 5 pockets, there is a place for everything from diapers and wipes to binkies. A perfect bag to keep in the car for short runs to the store.
We love their Diapering Kits, tri-fold kits to organize all of your changing needs all complete with a changing area. Available in small or large, with the large kit containing 5 pockets for outfits, diapers, wipes and creams.
What are fantastic about Bubble and Squeak kits, aside from their functionality, are their fabulous prints. We look forward to seeing more from this adorable company.
plush toy by moncalin
Every new mom received stuffed animals for her little one. If you are looking to wow the gals at the baby shower or spice up your nursery at home, Moncalin is a must-have. These beautiful plush toys come in sassy color combinations. The company name, Moncalin come from the French word, mon calin, which means "my cuddle".
Safety is a top concern for the company, no plastic parts or beads are use and are all hand sewn in their studio in Los Angeles to insure quality control. Only the best fabric is used and stuffed with non-allergenic fiber.
Choose from their classic line or their new chocolat collection. Their beautiful blankets or star blankee's along with their cats and pigs make the perfect gift for a new mom. Your gift will be cherished for many years, not to mention the talk of the shower.
life lessons
'A Brown Dog is an adorable new company that creates cute tees adorned with life's little lessons spoken by moms best friend. Inspired by the owners inquisitive looking chocolate lab; the pure love a dog has for their owner is just as we mothers have for our children. Dog lovers will tell you that our four legged friends are full of unconditional love, are great listeners and are always excited to see you...just like we moms feel for our precious little ones.
The company came about as the owner was contemplating what dogs would say if they could talk? Thinking they would probably give the same advice our moms always did but might actually cause us to listen, these life lesson tees were born. Adorable tops made from 100% interlock cotton, these tees are super-soft and become softer with each wash. Their adorable sayings include: bear says, "don't cry over spilled milk", gus says, "say please and thank you", and our favorite...bear says, "no whining". We love to hear about companies who donate a portion of their earnings to support a great cause or invest in their communities, A Brown Dog donates a portion of their sales to support the Lab Rescue of Florida and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Now that deserves a big lick on the face!
Cover up those cute little baby legs with...BabyLegs! Babylegs are one size fits most leg coverings that are useful to cover legs when wearing bodysuits, or for keeping legs warm when pants rid up. Now it is summer time, so you may wonder why would you need babylegs now? They are perfect to throw in your diaper bag and pull on when the evening chill begins, great for under a dress or when wearing a onesie. Not only are they cute and draw lots of adult attention, but your baby will love looking at the patterns.
Bobux shoes are the original soft-soled leather baby shoes with ankle elastics to ensure they are easy to slip on and stay on. Bobux are made from Eco-leather, a soft natural leather tanned in an environmentally friendly method that is safe for baby, so no worries when she puts them in her mouth. Bobux shoes face their designs toward baby so baby has the best view of these cute little shoes. Show your patriotism with Bobux USA Star shoes.
star spangled cover up
Little Moonjumper whimsical blankets are beloved by many and have been seen on some of the most popular television shows such as Sex and the City and Friends. Lyerly Spongberg Peniston, the designer and owner of Little Moonjumper, created the Star Spangled blanket in 2001 to honor the memory of close friends lost on September 11th. Little Moonjumper adorns their blankets with hand-sewn appliques on their cozy washable fleece; with the option to personalize with baby's name, they make a great gift for a July baby.
summer bbq's
Summer BBQ's are the perfect place to show off your American pride. Dress your tot in one of these adorable bibs from Cuddlebee; the perfect BBQ accessory. Choose from blue or red, both great for boys or girls. Cuddlebee bibs are backed in chenille and are super absorbent. Cuddlebee is having a huge summer sale right now on several of their prints as well as blankets.
learning fun
Eeboo is a favorite here at Tot Trends Weekly. Eeboo produces beautiful, fun and well-made products for children. Their product line includes adorable notebooks, games, cards, and puzzles. They use only the original art of well-known and well-loved children’s book illustrators.
Eeboo's USA Bingo game is a great way to teach your child about the geography of the United States. Instead of calling out numbers, state information such as the state flower and capitals are used instead. Great for travel, as all pieces are stored in a small cotton drawstring bag.
Eeboo's U.S. Map Puzzle is created with award-winning illustrator Dan Yaccarino's whimsical style. This super-cute map is labeled with state names and capital city's and illustrated with regional highlights such as Mt. Rushmore and the Liberty Bell. Your child will love learning about each state and what makes each state special in our country.
Or for your toddler, this puzzle from Crocodile Creek is perfect with its thick, large pieces. Crocodile Creek puzzles are super cute and come in a coordinating carrying case…perfect for travel! Puzzles are great for improving your child’s motor skills and stimulating their thinking skills. Their USA floor map has beautiful illustrations highlighting landmarks from each region.
america is me
Books are always a great way to share a tradition or teach your child the meaning behind an event. America is Me is an interactive book in that each page has a "face space" for you to include a photograph of your child. Each page shares a tradition or landmark of America with your child allowing them to be the Statue of Liberty, a baseball player, watch the 4th of July fireworks or become the President of the United States.
Hot summer days are all about water balloon fights, splashing in the pool and keeping cool anyway you can. During the dog days of summer it is very important to be protected from the sun's powerful rays. Little Red Fish's bathing suits have a UPF of 50+ to protect from harmful rays and painful sunburns. These swimsuits also have a high degree of chlorine resistance than regular swimsuits so while indulging in some summer time pool parties your bathing suit will last through season and into the next. The collection includes swim shirts, shorts and full suits so your little fish can be protected while swimming their way through the summer. 
When bathtime fun comes to an end, wrap your little one in one of these lux hooded towels from Babeez. These handcrafted towels are made from absorbent terry cloth on the inside and soft minky on the outside. The two-toned colors trimmed with chenille team to create a style-savvy bath towel. Check out the entire collection at Babeez.com.
Splish Splash, we're taking a bath. Does your little one love bathtime? Boon has a new product for you, 'Flo' the faucet protector and deflector that also doubles as a bubble bath dispenser. No more disappearing bubbles before bathtime even begins, bubbles can be dispensed throughout bathtime as desired. 
Another great game is this Tumbler Competition, a dice game for two. The giant foam die, plastic tumblers and pegs are all easily stored in the included bag with handle. 
Fish out of water? The Body Glove baby carrier is perfect for getting baby comfortable with splashing around in the water at a very early age. The baby carrier is equipped with padded shoulder straps and criss-cross straps to distribute weight. Made with neoprene, the carrier helps to regulate baby's body temperature; great for water play. Not only is the Body Glove carrier great for in the water, it also works on dry land. With all the time you'll spend in the water your little one will be an independent water bug in no time. 
