Spring into spring

With a chill and lingering snow in some areas, it’s probably a little early for your babe to debut his or her new spring ensembles. However, you can still bid adieu to winter and spring into spring with these fresh, new accessories for baby and toddler.

Irresistible backpacks

Is your little one ready for their first high-quality backpack? If so, head over to Raspberry Kids and check out the stylish, unique Dante Beatrix backpacks. Not only are these bags incredibly well-made, they are also super high on the cute factor. They are a perfect size for little shoulders and will undoubtedly work well for the tykes as they head off to preschool, grandma’s house or even to a play date. While we first fell in love with furry Fei-Fei the panda, at this time of year we wonder if anyone can resist Esther the bunny? On the next sunny day, why not help your little one fill their Dante Beatrix backpack with snacks and head to the park for a picnic? Count us in!

Secure it in style

When Tiger Lily Doggie Designs, creators of our favourite hand-made dog collars, announced the launch of Baby Lily, their new line for the baby and toddler set, we knew we were in for a treat. The Baby Lily line consists of two basic products: a stylish leather belt designed for babies and toddlers, and a lovey clip, which is a short leather strap with a clip on each end to securely attach to the belt and to your child’s favourite blanket or stuffy. With the simple, yet effective Baby Lily system, gone are the days when the blanket can be casually and tragically tossed out of the stroller, unbeknownst to mom or dad. All Baby Lily products come in an array of hip colours, and are locally made by hand, using safe, non-toxic materials. Shop online, by linking to Baby Lily from navigation bar of the Tiger Lily website.

Hip threads for the head

Tsitah Threads is the new kid on the block in the world of stylish headwear for tots. Made of either regular or organic cotton, these hip and colourful bandanas are locally manufactured in Squamish, B.C., and are a fun way to add pizzazz to your tot’s wardrobe. Available online at Tsitah Threads or Rocky Mountain Kid, and in North Vancouver at Jack and Lola.

Hug those legs

What a great way to add some fresh spring patterns to your little one’s wardrobe. Leg Huggers are funky, practical accessories that hug your babe’s cute, chubby and cuddly legs. Leg Huggers are made of bamboo, which is not only a fabulously green, sustainable resource, but also super soft and naturally antibacterial. A must-have accessory for any girl’s spring wardrobe. Special offer: Leg Huggers is offering Babyvibe readers a special spring offer: purchase two pairs of Leg Huggers and pay only $17.98 (regular price for two pairs is $20). Enter code “springLH” at checkout.

Time for big-kid play

For children that love to help out mom and dad in the kitchen or workshop, we definitely think the line up of handmade aprons from Little Bird Designs are worth taking a look at. Made by a Vancouver mom, our favourites include the Yellow Carpenter’s Apron, folk kitchen half apron and the vintage-inspired fruity aprons with adjustable straps. Available online at Etsy.

For spring showers

Perfect for rainy days and made in Canada, these rain hats for kids feature a large wide brim so that your tot won’t get splashed in the face with rain drops. We love this hat and highly recommend it as it stays on unlike hoods that can easily slip off while tots splash in puddles, it keeps the hair out of their face and keeps them dry. For added comfort, the hats are lined with bamboo. Babyvibe product testers Marley and Kaylee give the hats a seal of approval. Available online at www.lavishandlime.com.

Say it with barrettes

If that sweet little girl in your world is celebrating a birthday or a special event, we think bugalug's handmade greeting cards decked out with cute barrettes are a perfect treat. We love the whimsical designs of the cards and the best part is you get to customize the cards with matching bugalug barrettes that stay in the hair and don't slip away. Available online at bugalug or for a list of retailers where you can pick up some hair accessories or ready-made cards, visit www.bugalugbaby.com.

B.C. archives | Calgary archives

bunny backpack

Kindervibe scoop

Check out today’s Kindervibe article on a line of limited edition tees by Milk Factory and Shirt Seed. It’s the end result of two smart mom entrepreneurs coming together to find a way to beat the economic downturn. Definitely worth a read!

This week’s cool prize

Speaking of Milk Factory and Shirtseed, check out this week’s Babyvibe Nest Egg Prize Blog where you can enter to win one long-sleeve limited edition tee.