KidStyleFile

Today’s post written by Angela

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Toys are one of my favourite things in the baby and kids goods product department.

Quality, thoughtful, toys capture my imagination and delight me just as they did when I was a child, and I relish sharing these with my kids and watching them spark a similar reaction in them.

To me, the mark of a good toy is one that evokes an enduring interest; an object that is played with over and over again. We have a generous amount of Plan Toys products at our house and they are among the one that go on and on, loved again and again and remaining virtually unscathed by the experience.

I am thrilled to let you know that Little Possums Toys – www.littlepossumstoys.com.au – has expanded their range of Plan Toys.

Not only is Plan Toys is committed to the creation of toys that inspire children’s imagination as well as promoting their physical and intellectual development, they are also environmentally friendly.

Plan Toys “Green Toy – Green Company” philosophy assures that they adhere to superior quality standards while steadfastly following a path of environmental and social responsibility. Plan toys are manufactured from eco-friendly rubberwood, attached using non-formaldehyde glue, coated in water based dyes and inks, and packaged in recycled or recyclable materials.

KidStyleFile readers can enjoy the goodness of Plan Toys for 10% less with an exclusive discount code from Little Possums Toys. Enter code “Plan10″ at checkout to redeem this offer until midnight 28 September 2009.

Prices quoted below are valid with code (see above) until midnight 28 September 2009 only.

a. Plan Toys Build N Roll – $89.95 less 10% = $80.95
b. Plan Toys Noah’s Ark – $89.95 less 10% = $80.95
c. Plan Toys Pirate Ship – $98.95 less 10% = $89.05
d. Plan Toys Pull Along Snake – $36.95 less 10% = $33.25
e. Plan Toys Parking Garage – $158.00 less 10% = $142.20
f. Plan Toys Car Transporter – $32.95 less 10% = $29.65
g. Plan Toys Musical Band – $102.00 less 10% = $100.95
h. Plan Toys Mini Cars (set of 3) – $20.95 less 10% = $18.85
i. Plan Toys Cone Sorting – $40.95 less 10% = $36.85
j. Plan Toys Fire Station – $63.95 less 10% = $57.55

Also, don’t miss the Little Possums Specials section for great deals on quality brands. Check back regularly for fresh discounts on top selling toys, and sign up for the Little Possums Toys newsletter to stay in the loop, and be entered into the monthly prize giveaway – this month they  have a gorgeous Mamas & Papas Pips Bunny up for grabs.

Little Possums Toys stock fine toys from the following brands:

Alex Toys, annieB’s Automoblox, Brio, Djeco, Felt Tales, Fiesta Crafts, Folkmanis, Goki, Le Toy Van, Little Chipipi, Mamas & Papas, Manhattan Toy Co, Missi Missi, Orchard Toys, Papo, Plan Toys, Schleich, Sevi, The Little Experience, Tiger Tribe, Tolo, Travis Designs, Vtech and WOW Toys UK.

Little Possums Toys delivery charges are automatically calculated at checkout according to the Australian Post recommendation for product volume, weight and destination. Orders are delivered by either registered Australia Post or Fastway Courier. Contact Little Possums Toys for further details.

Today’s post written by Miki

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Want something fresh and summery to put a smile on your face today?  Go straight to The Hip Infant – www.thehipinfant.com.au – where Mel has been stocking up her ‘What’s New‘ category with loads of new goodies for our purchasing pleasure.

Mel at THI doesn’t take her foot off the accelerator when it comes to sourcing beautiful new products for her store, and this season is no exception. Of particular note is the adorable Summer fashion collection for little girls, with rompers, dresses and bloomers in pretty lightweight cottons.  I especially love the Red Cherry Spot Romper (below at no. 5): what an adorable summer basic for a baby girl!

I’m also thrilled that The Hip Infant now stocks the Ella & Otto interiors collection.  I first came across Ella & Otto at the Bubble trade show in London earlier this year, and believe me when I say it’s one of the nicest ranges of cot bedding I’ve seen. Crisp 100% cotton fabrics and modern/retro-inspired prints make for a winning combination. I’m so pleased to see it available in Australia!

Sit yourself down and have a browse through the whole ‘What’s New‘ category to see what else has just hit the shelves at THI, because I don’t have room to even begin to describe it all here!  Just quickly: the Teeny Me flip flop sofas are actually a stylish fold-out toddler sofa – hallelujah! a toddler sofa I actually want in my living room! – and there are new textiles from DwellStudio and Alimrose, among others.  Also have a look at the super funky Gourmet Getaway bags from BuiltNY, and the WeeGo glass bottles are fast becoming a necessity for parents who want to avoid BPAs in their baby’s milk.

Spend $70+ at The Hip Infant until midnight 30 September 2009 and you’ll receive a FREE Haba clutching toy valued at $12.95. You can also use the exclusive code found in Shop4Kids magazine and the weekly KidStyleFile Deals & Steals newsletter to take 10% off your order of $65 or more for a limited time only.

Get hold of Shop4Kids magazine or sign up to the weekly KidStyleFile Deals & Steals newsletter to find the code which will give you 10% off these prices for a limited time only.

1. Teeny Me Blue Multi Stripe Flip Flop Sofa, $249.95
2. Alimrose Squeaker Owl – Blue/Red, $19.95
3. Ella & Otto Lollipop Sea Padded Quilt, $84.95
4. Built NY Gourmet Getaway French Bull Rainbow Flower, $54.95
5. Summer Romper – Cherry Red Spot, $34.50
6. SkipHop Funky Farmyard Chime Ball – Duck, $29.95
7. Ella & Otto Decorative Soft Toy – Cat, $24.95
8. Life Factory WeeGo Glass Bottles in assorted sizes and colours, from $19.95
9. DwellStudio Bib & Burp Set – Lilac Sparrow, $55.00

For the hippest infant products around, The Hip Infant stocks from the following list of brands: Aden + Anais, Alimrose Designs, Alex Toys, Alphasketti, Annabel Trends, Babylicious, Baby Einstein,Baby Legs,  Bbox, Belly Art, Billie Goat Soap, Blabla, Blik Wall Graphics, Bluebird and Honey, Brio, Bobble Art, BUD, Candela, Cheeky Monkey, Chilli Kids,  Coco & Eli, Crocodile Creek, Cuddlefish, David Fussenegger, Dwell Studio, Elegant Baby, Evetribe, Fiesta Crafts, Flensted Mobiles, Fleurville, Foogo By Thermos, For Walls, French Bull, Funtainer By Thermos, Gertie and Me, Giddy Giddy, Gijmmo, Goki, Green To Grow, Haba, Heimess, Hip Stuff, Honey Sticks Love Mae, ID Tee, Infancy, ITZBEEN, Janod, JellyCats, Jewel Queen, Kathe Kruse, Keptin Jr, Kiddopotamus, Kristy Clayton Art, Lima Bean, Little Einsteins, MELOBABY, Milestone Press, Milk & Co Baby, Minimonkey, Oeuf NYC, Oricom Baby Monitors, Olli & Pop, Ouch, Plum Baby, Present Time, Printspace. Pure Baby, Qubies, Rockabye Baby, Rondeau Industries, Sambellina, Sigikid, Simple Gorgeous Storage, Skip HOP, Snugglebum, Sparkle T, Teeny Me, The Hip Infant, The Hip Infant Limited Edition Basics, Tip Top Joey, Tippy Toes, Tiger Tribe, Tommee Tippee, Toys Pure, Trunki, Wall Candy Arts, Wee Gallery.

The Hip Infant charges a flat rate of $8.50 for Australia-wide shipping. For all details please see the delivery page. International orders are warmly welcomed: head to International Orders page for full info.

The Kind + Jugend trade show was held last week in Cologne, Germany. Kind + Jugend represents the cutting edge of baby and toddler goods globally, with the most prestigious brands in the market exhibiting.

KidStyleFile’s German correspondent Anna attended the show, and received an exclusive viewing of the new Mamas & Papas products which were unveiled at the show within their closed exhibition space. Read on to discover the innovative new Mamas & Papas products coming to market soon – Angela

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Kicking off my reportage from Kind + Jugend in Colone is the mega-star of the show, Mamas & Papas.

Mamas & Papas started as an Italian family business, has grown to become the number one nursery brand in the UK, and is now set to take on the world, having invested in a huge amount of research and development over the past few years, the impressive results of which were unveiled at Kind + Jugend.

First cab off the rank, Mylo: a remarkable product that incorporates the functionality of a pram, stroller, bassinet, car-seat travel system in a single package.

Mylo is sleek, inspired, and inspiring: as a convertible travel system concept it allows compatible car-seats to slot in; add the stand, and it converts the bassinet to an “in house” baby bed. You can also convert the stroller seat can to create a safe stationary seat.

This unique stroller is effortless to steer, offers forward or backward facing attachments and has a remarkable push-button snap-fold feature for quick and easy dismantling or assembly.

An example of the detail in the design of this product is that the pram apron simply pops in and out of position using a serious of magnets – no fiddly zips or noisy Velcro. The Mylo is stylish and highly sophisticated, offering exceptional functionality. A truly superlative product.

Not to be overlooked, is the industrial-styled ‘Urbo’ stroller. This stroller is a light, yet indestructible, hard seat stroller that is approved for use from birth. The Urbo is also able to be adapted to incorporate travel systems and has the option of both forward or rear facing components.

Along with these two spectacular items, Mamas & Papas have also developed a hierarchy of five stroller buggies – the TRiP, TReK, ToUR, CRUiSE and VoYAGE – each one subtly differing from the next in order for you to select a buggy that truly fits your lifestyle.

Mamas & Papas have also developed the ‘Magic Astro Cradle’ rocker, a product which relieves parents while offering a stimulating and safe environment for babies from birth to 6 months.

Despite first appearances the Mamas & Papas Astro Cradle is far from an everyday rocker: it is an ultimate entertainment system for little babies. The cosy space of the Astro Cradle incorporates an interactive light and sound show, soothing vibration or bounce action and interchangeable ‘magic cards’ which provide a variety of songs and sound bursts in various themes. Prefer your own tunes? No proble, the Astro Cradle features MP3 player compatibility.

The investment that Mamas & Papas have made has certainly paid off: all products are unique and are executed to the same extraordinary levels of research, design and quality. And there is more to come: Mamas & Papas plan to spend 20 million UK pounds in product development over the next 5 years as well as expanding their retail presence with new brand stores and widening their distrubution chain.

Mamas and Papas are distributed in Australia through Childsmart – www.childsmart.com.au – check regularly for news on new product arrivals – and are stocked through online and bricks-and-mortar baby and kids stores nationally: click here for stockist details.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Do you have a child up to 2 years? Head to Just Ripe – www.justripe.com.au where you’ll find everything you need for your baby from birth and kids up to 2 years with a great range of fashion, toys, sleeping feeding, bathing and on-the-go accessories from brands including (deep breath now!)

Aden & Anais, Albetta, And The Little Dog Laughed, Annabel Trends, Alimrose Designs, Artee Supplies, Babymoov, Baby Banz, Baby Legs, Baobab, Blabla, Bluebird & Honey, Books To Wear, Boon, Cheeky Monkey, Clean Shopper, EcoBaby, Eleganter, Eternal Creation, Fiesta Crafts, Fish Lilly, Forwalls, Gaia Skin Naturals, Gaia Organic Cotton, Heimess, Hess Spielzeug, Hurphy Durphy, Huckleberry Lane, Infantino, Imse Vimse, Infancy, Itsy Bitsy, Jack & Lily, Jock & Tilly, Korimco Toys,  Kumquat, Little Joey Organics, Little Tasoro, Lotus Linens, Monkey Do, mamapapa, Marquise, Mill & Mia, Minimonkey, Nice4Neez, Noo Designs, Nurtured By Nature, Peanut Shell, Pop Maternity, Snazzy Baby, Star & Rose, Storksak, Paper Eskimo, Pepperpot, Polkadot Papoose, Purebaby, Read With Me, Ring O Rosey, Taia, The Wall Sticker Company, Tiny Tribe, Toys Pure, and Walnut.

New brands just landed are KissKiss HugHug (a stylish range of breastfeeding/nursing covers), LilSpunk (rocking good urban wear for little spunks!), Tickled Pink (pretty summer frocks for girls), and Ellie Bellie Kids (the best tulle tutus out: I have them for my girls and love love love them!) I heard on the grapevine that new stock from Eternal Creation, Keiki Designs, Storksak, Minimonkey, Huckleberry Lane, and Mama Mio is also expected at Just Ripe in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out.

Spring fever is spreading across the land, and Just Ripe is in full swing with the spirit of the season. There’s 25% off everything in the chock-a-block On Sale section, and KSF readers also score FREE postage with all orders over $50.00. This offer is valid until midnight 27 September 2009. Enter coupon code ‘KSF-post’ at checkout to redeem this offer.

I have to make a special point of the Bath section at Just Ripe, as it contains the best stock of bathing supplies I have seen. There’s everything from skin and hair care to bath toys to safety equipment – the bath thermometer, spout protector, and anti-slip decals and mats are must-haves. Go to it!

A. Babymoov Star Electronic Bath Thermometer – $19.95
B.  LilSpunk Guitars Board Short - $42.95
C. Tickled Pink Pinky Pie Dress – $44.95
D. Gaia Naturals Baby Shampoo – $10.95
E. LilSpunk Shortie Short Set – Checkers – $39.95
F. Star and Rose Monkey Wheat Bag Heat Pack – $19.95
G. Little Joey Organics Baby Bottom Bag – Native Lavendar – $22.95
H. Boon Flo Tap Spout/Faucet Cover – $40.00
I. KissKiss HuhHug Reversible Breastfeeding/Nursing Cover – Disco Dots/Blue – $44.95
J. Ellie Bellie Kids Reversible Tutu (0-2yrs) – $69.95

For standard size parcels, Just Ripe offer flat rate shipping of $7.50 Australia wide and $18.00 for international orders. Orders $150 and over are delivered FREE of charge. See the Just Ripe FAQ’s for more information.

The Baby Show, a public expo of baby and kids products, was held at Moore Park, Sydney, over the weekend, and we had our KidStyleFile Sydney correspondent Annie on the scene. For those who couldn’t make it to the event Annie’s reportage will get you up to speed. Enjoy! – Angela

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My husband and I had a great time at The Baby Show in Sydney on the weekend. It was very well set out, and the baby changing room, feeding zone and crèche were fantastic and would have made the outing a comfortable one for new Mums and Dads.

The show was ‘The Essential Event for your pregnancy, baby & toddler’ but we both agreed that there was actually very little there that catered for the toddlers. Overall I think the show was good and would have been fantastic for any expectant or new mothers.

All those you would expect to be there were – Pumpkin Patch, Oobi, various nappy and formula companies, photographers, many of the pram/stroller brands, as well as an obstetrician looking to drum up business.

There was a large number of stands selling a variety of cloth nappies and every one of them was constantly crowded. The other popular items were baby slings, and there were a quantity of different varieties on offer.

Here are 5 of our favourite stands from the show:

1. Cot Couture: Contemporary Infant Bedding – www.cotcouture.com.au

Cot Couture was one of my favourite stands. It was impossible to walk past their beautiful, fresh and bright designs. They perfectly describe themselves as being an ‘eclectic mix of contemporary, unique and classic style’. With a range of 40 different fabrics to choose from there is a design to match any style of nursery. If you prefer something completely original then custom designed and embroidered quilts are also available.

All of Cot Couture’s cot and bassinet comforters, cot quilt covers, single bed quilt covers, pillowcases and cushions are handmade in Adelaide.

2. Britt Design – www.brittdesign.com.au

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the little teddies looking up from the table. They were simple but incredibly soft and in beautiful colours. They certainly passed the cuddle test (several times).

The cute teddy bear theme is carried through on much of her clothing range, bibs and nappy bags. There is also a range of faux fur teddies, booties and vests to choose from.

3. Bottomsup – www.bottomsup.com.au

Bottomsup are a range of natural, organic baby skin care products with a cute name and an equally cute logo.

Their range of products includes Balmy Bottom Butter, Shampishioner, Body Wash and Moistsurpriser. Not only do their products smell amazing but they will leave baby’s skin, hair and bottom feeling beautiful and soft (and they’ll make Mum or Dad’s hands feel and smell terrific too).

I’ve sampled many baby skin care products but this is by far my favourite.

4. Madison Lane – www.madisonlane.com.au

Madison Lane had a beautiful range of clothing from their online store but the super bright pettiskirts and bold hats, which seem to be all the fashion this year, were what caught my eye.

On display were Jamie Rae Hats and headbands with their big bold flowers. Some of the hats on display were incredibly cute and would look great with a little summer dress. They also had a large range of Blue Racoon one-off design hats which were adorable and seemed to be a hit with everyone.

5. The Woombie – www.thewoombie.com.au

Marketing itself as ‘the next generation in swaddling’ the Woombie could be the answer to many unsettled nights and hour after hour of re-wrapping a baby who can escape from every other type of wrap/swaddle on the market.

Made from 4 way stretch fabric in a peanut shape to fit baby’s contours, the Woombie still allows baby to move but also keeps them feeling snug and secure, prevents the startle reflex and stops any face scratching.

The best part is that it is incredible easy to put on even the wriggliest of babies. Just one zip and they are all wrapped up.  I don’t think even my little escape artist would have ever got out of one of these!

Choose from the Original Woombie for a baby who fidgets and startles, The Lil’ Houdini Woombie for the extra strong escape artist or when it gets colder there is a Winter Woombie range.

Other notable products:

WeeRide – www.WeeRide.com.au – a bike seat for children aged 1-4 that mounts in front of the cyclist rather than behind. I’ve never liked the idea of not being able to see what sort of trouble the kids may be getting up to when your back is turned and this would solve that problem.

Myblanket – www.myblanket.net.au – Personalised cot-sized blankets. There are so many different personalised gifts out there but these blankets were so wonderfully soft and seemed like the sort of personalised gift you could actually use rather than put away never to be seen again.

Please check individual stores for stockist/postage and delivery information.

Today’s post written by Anna

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I love summer, it’s my favourite time of year!

There is something so magical about children and summer, is there not? I love watching the little ones play barefoot and carefree; enjoying all the fun summer has to offer – it’s a  picture that brings true warmth to the soul.

And I don’t think I’m the only one: it strikes me that Hayley from Little Pinwheel – www.littlepinwheel.com.au must be a fellow summertime babe. As the first day of summer draws closer, Hayley is throwing open her top online store in celebration.

KidStyleFile readers have been invited to join Hayley in her summertime delight: until 30 September 2009 you can take a generous discount of 15% off storewide at Little Pinwheel! That includes winter stock that has already been marked down. Plus, it also applies to all the beautiful new summer ranges that have only just arrived.  Woohoo!  The code for this offer is ‘KSF15′.

Hayley has impeccable taste, she really does, so if it’s style you’re after this summer, you cannot go wrong if you head to the New Arrivals page,  Anything from these pages has the seal of approval from this stylish mama!

The newest summer stock to arrive  at Little Pinwheel is from Three Little Trees and Rittenhouse.  Both these brands have some absolutley delightful items on offer for babies, boys and gilrs.

I think the Rittenhouse Dylan Suit is a very stylish take on a playsuit for little ones. And I just adore the Three Little Trees Bluebird Singlet for girls.  Check out pics below for more of my ‘newest to arrive’ favourites, from brands including Itch, Polka, Chalk n Cheese and Sudo.

If you like to be up with the very latest fashion, you may be excited to hear that Little Pinwheel has a hot new international label coming: Nelly Stella.  Stock does not arrive until February, but if you love the Nelly Stella Carol Playsuit as much as I think you might, you will need to pre-order now as they are already selling fast!

1. Nelly Stella Carol Playsuit – Rainbow Stripe (Pre-order now for delivery in Feb 2010) $74.95 less 15% off = $63.70
2. Sudo Ava Blouse $54.95 less 15% off = $46.70
3. Three Little Trees Bluebird Singlet $27.95 less 15% off = $23.75
   
4. Sudo Alifie V Neck Tee $39.95 less 15% off = $33.95
   
5. Three Little Trees Dragonfly Dress $49.95 less 15% off = $42.45
   
6. Itch Robot Tee Baby $34.95 less 15% off = $29.70
   
7. Rittenhouse Clouds Pilchers $39.95 less 15% off = $33.95
   
8. Polka Stockholm Singlet $37.95 less 15% off = $32.25
   
9. Itch Pinwheel Onesie $34.95 less 15% off = $29.70
   
10. Rittenhouse Dylan Suit $44.95 less 15% off = $38.20
    
11. Chalk n Cheese Ned Shorts $59.95 less 15% off = $50.95
    

At Little Pinwheel, you can find fashion for babies, boys and girls from labels: Polka, mill&mia, Sudo, Three Little Trees, Tiny Mammoth, Itch, Dan300, Lark, Nature Baby, Sevi Toys, monte&tex, Heavenly Creatures, Chalk n Cheese, and Rittenhouse Kids.

Little Pinwheel charge $7.50 flat-rate Australia wide. Orders over $150.00 are shipped free, Australia-wide. International orders are welcome. Please see the Little Pinwheel Delivery page for full information on postage and delivery.