So you have a newly-mobile little one. An official toddler. It’s a whole new world for both of you and while you’re baby-proofing all the things and chasing them down the hall, it’s also time to stop (you know, when they’re asleep) and consider what first walker shoes to start them out with. They’re a little different from pairs for older kiddos. New toddlers need shoes designed to keep them upright (obviously) and support their foot development. Luckily, there are so many baby shoes for new walkers to choose from, so you’ll be able to find the perfect pair or two for their little feet.
Carter's Relay Sneakers
Carter's line of shoes for new walkers, called Every Step, features sneakers, boots, Mary Janes, moccasins, and even high-tops. A double hook-and-loop closure makes it easy to put on and take off these shoes, and the cute, classic styles and colors mean they'll easily match with your child's outfits.
The First Steps line from Wobbly Waddlers,offer a flexible rubber sole, leather insole, ankle support and additional stability to support toddlers as they learn to walk. The shoes in this line are handmade in Mexico and come in cute and classic styles.
Four heart cutouts dress up this classic leather Mary Jane from BirdRock Baby. There's an elastic band at the ankle that keeps shoes snug and makes it easy to take them on and off. And with each purchase, BirdRock Baby donates a day's worth of food to a child in need through the charity Feed My Starving Children. BirdRock Baby also makes super cute moccasins and baby booties in a variety of colors and styles and at reasonable prices.
RO + ME by Robeez, their line of soft-soled shoes, feature eye-catching metallic and sequin accents and casual designs that can be dressed up or dressed down. They're especially made for babies in all stages from crawlers to walkers. Available in 6 styles.
Zutano booties not only stay on little feet; they have a grippy sole that give them stability. Parents will love the hook-and-loop side closures, which make slipping the shoe on and off squirmy baby feet a breeze. Available in a ton of colors and prints.
Pediped's First Walker Shoes are designed for a toddler's first steps, with flexible soles and spacious toe boxes that let little feet learn to grab onto the ground and march forward with confidence. Available in 7 fun color combinations, too.
For almost 100 years, Stride Rite has been making shoes for teeny tiny feet. The kicks in the Stride Rite Soft Motion line are built for toddlers' first steps, with bendy flexible bottoms, strong closures and rounded soles that won't trip up your toddler. Plus, these shoes come as small as a size 3 and in three different widths, so you should be able to find ones that fit well.
These slip-on baby shoes are incredibly flexible, soft, and come in a ton of different colors! They're also really affordable, so you can grab a few to mix and match.
jbrds Stand2Walk Baby Shoes' sock-like upper and injection-molded support cage are designed to promote the healthy development of feet + provide the support for first steps. They come in multiple colors, too.
It's never too early to start them on a journey into the classics. The footwear classics, we mean. These little Superstars come in multiple colors, too.
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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We’re hopping down the bunny trail and straight to boys Easter outfits
Easter dresses are undeniably darling, but for all the boy moms out there, truth be told, it can be easier to find the golden egg than to find appropriate duds for your dapper little dudes. Of course, we all know that there’s not really any such thing as boys clothes and girls clothes. But if your kiddo isn’t a dress-wearer, it really can be tricky to find Easter-ready looks. Dresses do take center stage this time of year, and while we absolutely love them, we want to make sure the No Dresses Crew gets to look and feel just as great. There’s really no shortage of boys Easter outfits if you know where to look. Lucky for you, you’re looking here, and we’ve got you covered!
Whether you and your family is dressing to the nines on Easter Sunday or keeping it casual for the egg hunt and brunch, there’s something for every kiddo in our list. Some of our favorite retailers are rocking this whole boys Easter outfit thing this year, so we put them all right here in one place for easy shopping! It’s never too early to get hoppin’ when it comes to holiday outfit hunting. So put down those jelly beans (just for a minute, we promise) and check out our (non-dress) Easter outfit picks!
Authentic Blazer
Boden
Even at this age, throwing a blazer on over a cute shorts outfit is the easiest way to amp up their look! This adorable one from Boden is machine-washable (we think that's icing on the cake).
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We all know it goes: that shiny and new backpack becomes a little worse for wear after a few months of riding on the bus, being dragged along the halls and getting chucked on the playground. If it’s still in decent shape, but covered with mystery stains, we have good news. You can totally clean your kid’s backpack. And prevent it from getting too darn gross, too. Here’s how to clean, disinfect and refresh that backpack!
How to Machine Wash Your Backpack
iStock
Yes, most likely you can wash it in the washing machine (unless it’s leather or has leather or suede trim/bottom, in which case you'll want to use a hand-washing method). Use a gentle cycle and and use your regular laundry detergent, but don't use very much detergent. Here's the real trick, though: place the backpack inside a pillowcase or washable laundry bag. Make sure the pillowcase is tied at the top. Be sure and spot clean (see below) any tough mystery stains before machine-washing.
Let it air dry. Be sure and open all pockets and compartments to let it dry out thoroughly.
Don’t put it in the dryer. Strange things will happen.
Tip: Make sure you empty the backpack of all notes, chewed up pens, half-eaten apples, fidget spinners, tiny erasers shaped like food or any other items.
Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and use a mild soap or detergent directly in the water. Before you submerge your backpack, make sure you’ve cleaned it out entirely and spot treated any tough spots.
If you have a Jansport backpack with a suede bottom or leather bottom use this method minus the detergent.
Submerge the bag in the water and “agitate” slightly to get it clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.
Once you’ve washed it, drain the soapy water and refill with clean water to rinse.
Soak in clean water and then squeeze out as much water as you can.
Air dry.
Tip: Keep the backpack tidier by tossing in snacks that won’t spill out of their packaging and rub into the bottom or inner lining. It also helps to provide snacks you know they will actually devour like these Jif® Power Ups™ our editors (and their kids) love.
How to Spot Clean & Disinfect
iStock
Use a tiny bit of detergent in water and spot clean with a clean sponge.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.
For really tough spots, try a spot-cleaning stick or stain remover.
Don’t let the mixture of detergent or stain remover dry out before rinsing it off with clean water or washing the bag using one of the methods above.
Tip: If your kiddo’s pack has been exposedto something like Athlete’s foot or another fungus, or you can just tell it is extra funktastic (your PE shorts have been in there how long??) use a spot cleaning method as above but sub in a disinfectant like Pine-Sol (never use bleach).
Let your little one slip into something easy and stylish this back-to-school season. These lace-free options give even the smallest pre-schooler the independence to get ready on their own. Which means less work for you! From classic styles to collabs you’ll love, keep reading to see our top picks for shoes without laces.
Saucony Jazz Hook & Loop Sneaker
Saucony
A longtime favorite, Saucony's classic sneaker features a hook and loop feature for easy on/off, a rubber outsole for traction and flexibility and the suede and nylon uppers are just as stylish as the adult version. Offered in six different colors, there's one for every kid in the family.
A washable sneaker that slips on and off with ease? Sounds like a match made in kid heaven. Stride Rite's topkick washable slip-on sneaker is exactly that, and it comes in both white and navy blue. With a fun red rubber overlay and the option of adding laces (if you dare!), this is a good slip-on shoe for little and big kids alike.
Native Shoes's Miles is a play on their classic Jefferson shoe but comes with retroreflective spray in select areas on the shoe that's perfect for low-light conditions. It's got a wider fit than the Jefferson but still has a quick slip-on, slip-off feature that both parents and kids love.
Even velcro straps can be a challenge for toddlers, which is why we love these super slip-on sneakers from New Balance. We also love that an extra-thick foam sole offers extra comfort for on-the-go kiddos.
How awesome is this collab between LEGO and Adidas? Your kiddo will get the same comfort that a regular Adidas shoe offers, as well as the fun colors and playful touch of the brick-inspired shell toe.
A classic water shoe that won’t fall apart, KEEN shoes are worth the price. The pull tab fastener holds the shoe tight on the foot and your kiddo can pick from tons of different colors and styles.
A lace-free shoe that doubles as both a running and hiking shoe? It sounds ideal for a little outdoor enthusiast! With water-resistant uppers and a resistant rubber toe guard that protects little feet, this pick will take your kiddo from school to the playground and beyond. Plus, it's offered in more than a dozen of colors.
It’s Girl Scout Cookie time! That is, it’s Girl Scout Cookie shoe time. K-Swiss is teaming up with the Girl Scouts of the USA for an all-new footwear collab.
The Girl Scout x K-Swiss Court 66 collection features sweet sneakers in three different Girl Scout Cookie-inspired designs: Thin Mints, Coconut Caramel, and Trefoils.
With a re-imagined Court 66 design, K-Swiss has transformed the brand’s beloved shoe into a cookie-licious super-sweet sneaker. The Thin Mint-inspired shoe is made from a minty green premium soft touch material, with matching green laces. If you’re more of a Coconut Caramel fan, check out the premium hairy suede shoe. This playful pick has soft-touch side stripes that mimic the cookie’s look!
If your fave Girl Scout Cookie is the Trefoil, the K-Swiss sneaker version has an embossed puffed cookie at the quarter of the shortbread-colored shoe.
adidas has been busy making new collaborative collections and you’re going to want to a piece of both. The 80’s-founded lifestyle brand has paired up with Pixar and LEGO to create two new lines that are both nostalgic and inspiring.
First up, adidas and Pixar have curated the Toy Story Friendship Collection which will debut Oct. 1 on adidas.com and is the perfect thing to sport to Disney’s Pixar Fest. The collection is made up of a sneaker and apparel capsule and will be available in infant, juniors and children sizes in prices ranging from $22 to $120.
Every shoe comes with it’s own unique theme and includes the D.O.N. Issue #2 x Woody, Dame 7 x Buzz, Pro Model 2G x Luxo, Deep Threat x Aliens, NMD_R1 x Jessie, Superstar x Hamm and Top Ten Hi x Rex.
Next up, adidas has joined forces with LEGO to bring a new look to the classic ZX8000 sneaker. Styled after the bricks we all know and love, the shoe is made up of multicolor mesh and synthetic suede upper with a rubber outsole.
The shoe will also have LEGO studs on the heels, adidas and LEGO branded tongue tabs and options for six different colored laces and interchangeable LEGO brick lace jewels.
The adidas Originals ZX 8000 LEGO sneakers launch globally on Sept. 25th and are available at adidas.com/A-ZX.
If watching your kids cuddle up with their favorite Build-A-Bear friend makes you long for a cuddly companion of your own, now there’s a bear made just for grown-ups.
The Build-A-Bear Adult collectible featuring Swarovski crystals is a sparkling, ivory-colored, 10-inch bear made with ultra suede fur. It’s adorned in Swarovski crystals on its face, ears and paw pads, as well as a crystal heart stitched to its chest. The bear comes wrapped up in its own special bag.
As Build-A-Bear clearly states, this gorgeous bear, which is priced at $85, is definitely not intended for kids under the age of 15. It does, however, make a beautiful gift for a special occasion, like an anniversary or Valentine’s Day.
Gift givers can up the ante with the special gift set, which includes the collectible bear and a Heart Stone Pendant Silver Necklace. The rhodium-plated necklace is made with Swarovski crystals and features a heart-shaped stone inside a silver frame. The complete set sells for $135. Both the bear and necklace are online-only exclusives.
Don’t judge me, but I recently looked at Brian and confessed, “I’m ignoring them.” I can’t help it, it’s the end of the week for me, too and I just need a break from the countless, seemingly endless string of questions and requests. I truly feel like we are raising good, smart, solidly kind children but I worry about their need for me to intervene in their lives. Brian and I recently heard John Rosemond speak at our school and he assured us that children today are not in any way genetically different from children 50 years ago. If this is true, my 8-year-old daughter is the same, typical third grader that I was in 1982. Thinking back, I was insanely resourceful, especially when it came to bird-dogging my mother.
Here’s the scenario:
“Bon soir, La Cuisine, may I help you?”
“Yes, hello sir. I need to find one of your customers. There’s an issue at home and I need to speak with her.”
“Oui, Madame. Who can I find for you?”
“Her name is Elaine Forstall. She’s tall and thin with straight shoulder-length blonde hair. Tonight, she has on a gold and turquoise peacock print dress, it has a jewel neck and drop waist, three-quarter length ruched sleeves. She’s with her husband, Rick. He has salt-and-pepper hair. He has on a white button down shirt, no tie, and a grey suede sport coat. I think they are dinning with two other couples.”
“Oui Madame. I think I see her. I will get her for you.”
**wait**wait**wait**
“Hello?”
“Mom?”
“Melanie, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I was just wondering, when are you coming home?”
I had mad skills. With a phone and white pages in hand, I could make just about anything happen. I had the communication skills at 8 to be a CIA operative and yet sometimes my kids get stumped opening a single serving pack of Sweet Tarts. How is this possible? No one taught me how to do this. My mother never sat me down to discuss the finer points of stalking people. I was driven enough and I just did it.
My parents fondly named my skill the ‘Mel-A-Phone’ knowing that they could never go too far without me finding them. They really were never safe. While I don’t condone the idea of constant invasion of parental privacy, I give my 8-year-old self kudos for having the drive to get stuff done.
So, what’s my plan with me own kids? I’ve decided that I am no longer helping. Nope. No more…everyone can tie their own shoes, so please by all means tie them. Everyone can get dressed on their own, I am not needed. Look for it. No one in my house has a weight-lift restriction which means everyone can pick up their own stuff and put it where it belongs. I am not needed for this task. If you can’t open an item on your own, the likelihood is that you don’t really need it. I bet you big bucks that if you were dying of hunger you would figure out a way to get that wrapper open. Look again, look harder, and look one more time. You do not need me.
But you do need me.
Come to me for hugs. Come to me for snuggles. Come to me and ask questions about life and tell me about your day. Come to me when you are scared, happy, lonely, or sad. (Not bored, don’t come to me when you are bored. I cannot help bored.) Come to me with excitement or worry. Lay your fears at my feet and I will always wipe your tears. Come to me to laugh. Ask me to play with you. I will love you ultimately forever. Come to me for encouragement. Come to me for a reminder of the beautiful soul you are and how much you are truly loved.
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Melanie Forstall is a full-time mother, full-time wife, full-time teacher, and never-enough-time blogger at Melanie Forstall: Stories of Life, Love, and Mothering. She holds a doctorate in education and yet those many years of schooling have proved to be utterly useless when it comes to actual mothering.
Your fave sneaks are celebrating their big 5-0. PUMA is turning 50 and in honor of half a century worth of footwear fabulousness, the brand is teaming up with one of the most iconic children’s franchises—Sesame Street!
PUMA recently announced the launch of the PUMA x Sesame Street collection, so get ready for mini versions of fun styles, with beloved Muppet characters, of course.
The line debuts Aug. 1 in PUMA stores, online at PUMA.com and in select retailers. Look for sweet styles such as the PUMA Suede Statement and the RS 9.8 in prices ranging from $55 to $75.
The kids’ shoe line features your child’s Sesame Street BFFs, including Cookie Monster and Elmo!
Whether your baby is doing an army crawl on their elbows or a sprint on all fours, crawling is a game-changer, adding new fun activities and putting major baby-proofing-pressure on parents. Here are 15 items, from safety must-haves to fun toys, that’ll make your life with a tiny mover easier.
Clever Cabinet Locks
Lock away breakables and cleaning supplies with the Safety 1st Magnetic Locking System. Cabinet locks come in all forms, from the slide locks that wrap around knobs in the front to the latches that go inside of them. Although they can take some time to install, magnetic locks are the most secure of the bunch. Pick up extra magnetic keys so you won't get locked out of your cabinets along with your little one.
Once your baby is on the move, they'll love having new places to go. A tunnel gives them a fun place to crawl through and hide, with interesting colors and textures. Especially great for small apartments and rainy days indoors.
Your newly mobile babe loves having toys that go where they go. These Animals on Wheels are a fresh alternative to pushing cars and trucks through the house. Each one comes with a handle that makes it easy for new crawlers to hold on to. These toys are made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk jugs.
Hardwood floors can be slippery for crawlers. Go Little One Go puts safety grips on the knees of cute leggings so babies have traction while they're on the move. These pants are machine washable and come in a bunch of colors, including black, pink and indigo.
Sometimes, you might want your on-the-go kid to stay in place for a few minutes. That's when a learning table comes in handy. Featuring musical instruments and more than 70 songs, the LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table Activity Center can be plopped on the floor for crawlers to explore, or put up on the included legs when your crawler starts pulling up to stand.
Outlets are unfortunately at baby height, so they're enticing for little fingers. Keep them off limits with sliding outlet covers, like KidCo's Universal Outlet Cover. Slide the cover to plug something in, and then when you remove the plug, the cover slides back into place.
Now that your baby can go, go, go, they'll love crawling to catch this adorable, rattling ball from Skip Hop, which comes complete with teethers, beads and openings that make it easy to grasp. Comes in three adorable animals: hedgehog, fox and owl.
Tire out your baby before naptime with the Little Tikes Li'l Ocean Explorers Ball Chase Octopus. It automatically releases balls from the octopus's tentacles, so your baby will have lots of opportunities to chase after the colored balls. It also teaches fine motor skills and coordination.
Keep dangling cords in control and out of reach of curious baby hands with the Hanging Cable Loft Cord Keeper. Thought up by industrial design students from the Rhode Island School of Design, it'll keep six cords from tangling on the floor behind your desk, while a silicone strip keeps the whole thing in place.
Crawlers love to chase after rolling toys, and you'll love this one because it's made of reclaimed wood, so it's eco-friendly. Non-toxic, VOC-free paint means your little one won't be exposed to harmful chemicals when they decide to give it a nibble.
Your crawler will be pulling themselves up to stand in no time. And that means many new things become accessible to them, including televisions that aren't mounted to the wall. To keep your baby from pulling the TV onto themselves, get some heavy-duty straps to secure it in place, like these anti-tip TV straps from Teddykins.
Here's another ball your baby is sure to love. It doesn't roll across the floor like any old ball, it vibrates and wobbles in all different directions, making ball play even more fun for newbie crawlers.
Crawlers love discovering new things and then putting them in their mouths. So keep cleaning products up high and locked away, especially laundry detergent pods. Tide Pods Child-Guard Pack comes with a child-guard zipper for a little extra protection and peace of mind.
This supercute bee uses lights, music and buzzing sounds to entertain and encourage your little crawler. The bee is removable for even more play, and the cloud it's cradled in can move in circles or a random pattern to keep your baby intrigued.
Crawlers are ready to move from slipper socks to adorable moccasins. This handmade pair from Etsy seller Curly and Gus Baby Co comes adorned with woodland animals: bunnies, owls and foxes. You can choose faux suede soles that won't slip, or pick waterproof rubber soles that are extra grippy.