What’s more darling than an outfitted infant? It’s been years since our girls were babies, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t appreciate an adorable ensemble when we see one. One particular collection that’s caught our eye is Qt-Qt by Kissy Kissy. Made from high-quality Peruvian cotton, this line feels especially soft on tender, newborn skin. But it’s the fine attention to detail and oh-so-sweet prints that we love most. Whimsical designs like the retro robots featured here are a far cry from run-of-the-mill cars and trucks motif that keep popping up at the playground. Coordinating sets make this line a no brainer for special occasions, to everyday wear. From bibs, to booties, Qt-Qt will keep your little one in style through the baby (and toddler) years. We think the name says it all.

In a Nutshell: Baby clothes that are incredibly soft and super-cute deserve a spot in your little one’s closet.

Tags: baby clothes, baby clothing, infant/toddler fashion, Kissy Kissy, layette, Qt-Qt by Kissy Kissy

Jessica Simpson is expecting again…but this time, it’s a new fashion collection she’s happily anticipating. And frankly, we weren’t at all surprised to hear about the launch of her maternity apparel collection. After the birth of Simpson’s first child earlier this month, not to mention a staggering amount of press devoted to the very-pregnant celebrity, a stylish line of clothing that accentuates an expectant woman’s changing shape seemed only natural. Given her prior successful stints in apparel, accessories and cosmetics, Simpson clearly knows a thing or two about what women like when it comes to fashion. (Either that, or she has a knack for picking talented, perceptive designers.) And since she just walked the walk of a pregnant woman herself, we give her the thumbs up for putting her name on a brand at a period when a woman’s self-image may need a bit of a boost. We can remember what it felt like to pull on a pair of maternity jeans with the “hidden” panel that felt anything but secretive. From the looks of Simpson’s fall line, we see items that beg to give moms-to-be the attitude they deserve to flaunt. From vintage-print tops, to leopard-print leggings, her collection gets points for its versatility, as well as its practicality. As any pregnant woman knows, comfort is key during those nine months. But, as Simpson clearly understands,  preserving your sense of self goes a long way, too. Jessica Simpson Maternity will be available this fall at Destination Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, Macy’s and other select retail stores.

In a Nutshell: Jessica Simpson Maternity in a word? “Irresistible.”

Tags: Jessica Simpson, Jessica Simpson Maternity, maternity clothes

All it took was one beautiful, unseasonably warm weekend to make me realize that summer is not far off. A short visit to our local beach reminded me that I’ll soon be loading up my beach bag with sand toys, sunscreen and towels. While I don’t mind toting stuff that’s worth their weight, I am often dissatisfied with our choice in beach towels. Because they never seem to be the right size to dry off adequately or to completely stretch out on the sand, I wind up chiding myself for forgetting to replace them after the previous summer. Well, just in time for the upcoming season of surf, sand and all things water, Zoocchini has introduced hooded towels that are so generously sized, you might just want to steal one for yourself. The 22″ x 50″ towels, made from pure cotton terry or velour, are especially soft and gentle on sun-kissed skin. With seven new designs, including a duck, dog, frog, flower, owl, polar bear and shark, your little critter is bound to find something she likes. We love that Zoocchini‘s playful styles are as appealing to older, more image-conscious kids as they are to particular preschoolers. Our favorite from this season’s collection is the shark, a friendly fish who puts the Jaws saga to bed once and for all.

In a Nutshell: This summer, it’s save to go into the water…and back out again…with hooded towels that are as fun at the beach as they are on dry land.

Tags: hooded bath towels for kids, kids' towels, summer gear, Zoocchini

Indestructible sunglasses for kids? Never heard of ‘em. My almost 4-year-old has already been through 3 pairs, and they never manage to make it through an entire season. Whether her shades end up in the bottom of my beach bag, haphazardly having been crushed by a carelessly tossed rock or seashell, or are inadvertently stepped on (don’t ask), it seems kiddie sunglasses can’t withstand the power of play…until now. At the suggestion of a loyal Talking Walnut subscriber, we decided to check out Babiators, a line of child-sized sunglasses designed to outlast your kid (or at least until she makes it to grade school). At first glance, we were a bit suspicious; how could anything that fits into a package the size of travel-sized toothpaste possibly be durable? Well, let’s just say we were pleasantly surprised. We stretched these babies, we bended them, we took them on and off our resident child tester (trust us, this was tough work)…and still they managed to maintain their shape. Upon further inspection, we learned that Babiators were actually designed by a fighter pilot, which explains the secure fit. The fact that they offer 100-percent UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays was an extra bonus; if you’ve read our earlier posts, you know how serious the Talking Walnut is about adequate sun protection. And because these sunglasses come in an array of eye-popping frame colors, including limelight lime, we know that ultra-bright coverage will come in handy for those summer days ahead. Babiators are available in either junior (ages 1-3) or classic (ages 3+).

In a Nutshell: Kiddie sunglasses aren’t only about making a fashion statement. This kid-proof brand stands up to standard wear and tear, and looks great while doing it.

Tags: Babiators, child sunglasses, kid sunglasses, sunglasses for babies, sunglasses for kids

When we “spring clean” in my house, it’s all about boxing up last season’s duds and making room for bigger sizes. My heart always breaks a little when I realize that we finally, after two kids’ worth of usage, have to part ways with a precious piece of baby clothing. Be it a pint-sized pom pom hat, or a miniature faded sundress that still smells of sunscreen, I find it hard to believe that a few swatches of fabric can practically reduce me to tears. For the nostalgia factor alone, I now look at baby clothing through a different eye, a seasoned lens that recognizes the days of sweetly scented baby clothes are fleeting. Despite my sensitivity, I haven’t abandoned my shopping philosophy: one that combines frugality with a taste for fashion. It’s why we think the Zutano Blue brand of infant clothing will be a hit. For those moms not familiar with the Zutano style, it’s one that known for its bold and bright prints, a look that is far cry from screaming “baby” and more about proclaiming uniqueness (isn’t that what you want your baby to be, after all?). Back in the day, when I was the editor of a children’s trade magazine, having our cover model clad in Zutano clothing was a surefire hit. So now, when we’ve learned how the designer label is being brought to Target stores via an exclusive collection, we’re confident that even more of today’s babies will be outfitted in unmistakable style. From owl print newborn caps, to citrus-striped tops and pants, this ensemble for infants up to 9 months is as versatile as it is vibrant. Just don’t blame us if, one day, you won’t be able to part with a select piece…or two.

In a Nutshell: Designer fashion at an affordable price. Zutano Blue will have your baby (and you pocketbock) tickled pink.

Tags: baby clothes, baby clothing, infant clothing, Target, Target.com, Zutano, Zutano Blue

Do you have a Mini Me in your house? My almost 8-year-old is (already!) embarrassed to hear people say she looks a bit like me, and yet my preschooler, who’s a dead ringer for my husband, enjoys pretending she’s Mommy. I can’t help but chuckle when she stylishly drapes one of my old silk scarves (now relegated to the dress-up box) across her shoulders, or when she shoves her tootsies into my favorite flats and clomps around the room. I still haven’t given up on my second grader just yet, though. As she slowly starts her descent away from parental influence, I figure maybe I can subtly influence her taste in a few things here and there. Like, for instance, her choice in footwear. Lucky for me, FlipOut Sandals has a new Mommy & Me Matching Flip Flops line that’s hip enough for budding fashionistas. Once you and she decide on a coordinating color (pink, white or black), you can customize your sandals with a bit of bling: sparkly crystal shoe jewelry, from strawberries to sweethearts. And after she’s outgrown that particular shoe size, she can save the jewelry and add it to a new pair.  Maybe by then, she’ll admit you know a thing or two about style after all. Or, at the very least, you can fool her into thinking the flip flops were her choice. Parenting….it’s a sneaky job, but someone’s gotta do it.

In a Nutshell: The kids-and-clothes debate. With these flip flops, you can take it one step at a time…literally.

Tags: customizable flip flops, flip flops, FlipOut Sandals, girls' flip flops, girls' footwear, Mother's Day gifts, mother/daughter gifts, summer footwear, women's flip flops, women's footwear

Last weekend at church, I watched as a young baby dropped his rattle repeatedly, only to watch his doting grandpa bend over and pick it up again and again. Much to my and my fellow parishioners’ amusement, this game got pretty old pretty fast for Grandpa…but only continued to elicit giggles from the precocious little tot. Too bad this baby’s diaper bag hadn’t been packed with Loopy Gear, an inventive baby gadget that only a mother who’s been there, done that could have dreamed up. It works by attaching the larger loop to your baby’s wrist and the smaller loop around his rattle or small toy. Available in a variety of stylish cotton prints, Loopy Gear can also be attached to your child’s car seat, stroller or high chair. Voila! Your little one has instant access to her favorite toy, and you don’t have to suffer from chronic lower back pain. Now that’s what we call “attachment parenting.”

In a Nutshell: Don’t get rattled by the forever-dropping rattle game; this smart little device will keep your baby’s toy in place–and your sanity in check.

Tags: baby gear, baby gear accessories, baby rattle holder, Loopy Gear

During a recent walk on the boardwalk at our local beach, I happened to notice a woman sitting on a bench, her stroller parked nearby. A large blanket was draped across her upper body, which surprised me, given the warmth of the morning sun. But after doing a double-take and realizing that the stroller was empty, I then saw that it was her baby who was underneath that blanket and that she was simply breastfeeding her child…except it appeared anything but simple. She continued to shift her body weight and adjust herself and her baby as she nursed. Even while joggers, walkers and other passersby went about their business, it was clear that this woman did not want any onlookers (such as myself) to pay her any mind. I couldn’t help but think of this mom when I learned about the new Undercover Mama camisole tank this week. Designed specifically for breastfeeding moms who’d like a little less unwarranted “attention,” this is the first nursing cover-up we’ve seen that actually works with your existing wardrobe. It works in one of two ways: either by slipping a loop under your bra’s clasp and folding the hook behind it, or by slipping a hook on your bra’s strap and folding the loop behind it. It may take a bit of getting used to, but like your baby’s car seat or stroller buckles, after you’ve done it a few times, it will feel like second nature. The added incentive? You can save money not having to buy a nursing bra and special shirt. And with the warm weather ahead of us, who wants to wear a hot blanket over themselves–and their baby–anyway? We think Undercover Mama is on to something: breathe-easy breastfeeding. Sounds like a trend worth following…

In a Nutshell: Goodbye, gawkers. Now you can nurse your baby in public without commanding any undue attention.

Tags: breastfeeding accessories, breastfeeding cover-up, nursing on the go, nursing shirt alternative, Undercover Mama

Psstt…wanna know a secret? If you happen to be a new mom, then you’ll really want to pay attention. The secret to surviving the first year of your baby’s life is…wait for it…not having to do laundry every day. Now you may think that’s not exactly classified information, but if someone had told me to keep an endless supply of bibs and onesies on hand–and not just stock up on diapers–I would have spent a lot less time with my washer/dryer and more time chilling out. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have wanted to have your baby looking her finest at all times (you never know when someone will drop by unannounced and bestow a new baby gift upon you). For those who can take a hint, consider the utterly adorable Cupcake Onesies. Not only do they come ready-to-give, nestled in a confectionery-style, but they are look as good to eat as they are to wear. And because we moms appreciate things in bulk (they don’t sell those mega packs of wipes at Costco for nothing, you know), these delicate one-pieces (sized 0-6 months or up to 16 lbs.) come 2 and 4 to a box, so be sure to grab a few. For all those times she didn’t want to drop another load in the wash, believe us,  the new mom in your life will thank you.

In a Nutshell: Let them buy cake…cupcake onesies, that is. Now babies can look as sweet as they smell–and Mom won’t have to feel like she’s elbow deep in Dreft.

Tags: baby shower gifts, cupcake onesies, new baby gifts, onesies, The Baby Bunch

I must admit: I’m not a big fan of kiddie tatoos. Sure, I realize they’re not the same as the permanent ink versions sported by more and more people these days (even a cool children’s librarian I know has a little one hidden on the inside of her wrist)…but the mere thought of perfect, unblemished tender skin being tainted by some silly wash-off sticker just doesn’t seem right. Maybe it’s because every birthday party goodie bag seems to contain a sheet of Dora or Diego stick-ons…where’s the originality in this so-called art? So when tattly, a line of ultra-hip tatoos for kids and grown-ups alike, recently crossed my desk, I figured they were worth a look. Created by a team of graphic artists and lead by a Brooklyn-based designer, these temporary tatoos are nothing like the mass-market variety we’ve been seeing. From an edgy “besties” broken heart (perfect for two inseparable BFFs), to a more retro medley of ice cream truck favorites, they are plenty of choices to suit your temperamental tween’s fancy. And in honor of Easter Sunday, we’re giving a special shout-out to the Big Bunny himself with this awfully adorable tatoo. After all, sporting this cute number should score us some jelly beans, at the very least…

In a Nutshell: “Everyone’s got one…pulleezze?” If they’re begging for a tatoo, think “contemporary temporary” with this head-turning line.

Tags: children's temporary tatoos, Tattly