Celebrity Baby Blog Reviews

Kuuru: High style for early walkers

When I saw this recent photo of Valentina Paloma Pinault, 9-months, hitting up Melrose with mom Salma Hayek my first thought was "love those chubby baby legs" ... followed immediately by "love those shoes!"  Intrigued, I soon learned that those fabulous chubby baby legs were being capped off by shoes from none other than Kuuru.  Owner and designer Helen Cheng created Kuuru -- which means 'cool' in Japanese -- after striking out in her search for stylish baby shoes that didn't sacrifice comfort. Thank goodness she did!  We recently tested three pairs of Kuuru shoes and I'm in love with their timeless appeal, ease of use and sturdy support for new walkers. 

Buster Brown Shoes: Keep a good thing going

When I was a kid, getting a new pair of Buster Browns was always a big deal.  And although much has changed in the world of children's shoes, and the world at large, since then -- in this house, a new pair of Buster Browns is still a big deal.  There's a reason this children's shoe maker has been servicing tiny feet for more than a century. Yes, a century! Buster Brown produces shoes that stand the test of time, and at a price you can afford.  We recently received some samples and I'm thrilled to see that the shoes I recall from my youth are more than just a memory. 

Simple: Sustainability at its very best

What could be cooler to a little boy than wearing shoes made, at least in part, of recycled tires?  If there is something cooler, don't bother making your case to our 4-year-old Owen because he can't be convinced of it.  Since receiving his 'Eco-Sneaks' from Simple two weeks ago, he's been telling just about anyone who will listen that the bottoms of his shoes used to be tires.  Like, real tires.  That spun around on a real car.  On a real highway!  How cool is that? 

From recycled car tires to recycled water bottles to recycled inner tubes, Simple has already devoted itself to creating shoes for women and men that are 100% sustainable.  Recently the company applied that same eco-friendly approach to a new line of children's shoes. We were lucky enough to receive two sample pairs from Simple, and trust me, cool doesn't even begin to cover these shoes. 

Ricosta: Making shoes that last, and last, and last

Nothing peeves me more than having to trash a pair of (otherwise) perfectly good shoes that my kids haven't yet outgrown, simply because a sole is too worn, or because the velcro gave out.  It just seems so wasteful, both in terms of material and money. 

Speaking of the latter, as is the case with most things, when it comes to children's shoes all too often you get what you pay for.  Spend a little less, and prepare yourself to get less use over the long haul.  Spend a little more, and the shoe will pay off in spades.  It's definitely been the case for us with Ricosta.  A German company, Ricosta is Europe's largest manufacturer of children's shoes, producing more than 2 million pairs each year.  We were recently lucky enough to sample several different pairs of Ricosta's latest offerings for spring/summer 2008, and one thing is for certain:  My kids will outgrow these shoes long, long before these shoes quit on my kids.

Bobux iWalk: Flexible shoes, healthy bodies

We're all well versed by now in the virtues of soft-soled shoes for babies and new walkers.  Podiatrists agree that a flexible shoe helps create a solid foundation for bone and muscle formation throughout the body, and thus the benefits of a soft-soled shoe extend far beyond the foot itself.  But it only stands to reason that the benefits of such a shoe would continue well into toddlerhood.  That's why Bobux -- which has been making soft-soled infant shoes since 1991 -- recently launched its new iWalk product line of super-flexible outdoor shoes for toddlers.  Available in sizes 3-8 and in a variety of boy and girl styles, iWalk is just what the doctor ordered. 

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Stephanie's 'must-have' baby items!

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring one of our reviewers, Stephanie, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Stephanie's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Sarah's 'must-have' baby items

Looking for some advice on some great baby-buys?  Check out our new series -- CBB Registry -- where our staff fills you in on their 'must-have' baby products.  Fashion, babywearing, strollers, bottles...we cover it all!

Today we're featuring our staff editor, Sarah, and her baby essentials.

Click below for Sarah's registry!

CBB's Top Registry Picks: Anya's 'must-have' baby items!

Every day at CBB we post tons of photos on our main site, along with the occasional fashion and gear information listed below, and great reviews of products that we love and recommend on our Reviews site.  But, in all that, we have yet to tell you our top picks, or rather baby 'must-haves' -- those few items that when our own kids were (or in some cases, still are) babies, we couldn't live without!  And when the sleep deprivation kicks in and the baby won't stop crying, wouldn't it be great to already have a list of great products to help you along? 

Whether it is helpful hints on dealing with babies who are colicky or some great pumps for breastfeeding, with the CBB Registry, hopefully those of you buying baby gifts -- for your kids or for someone else -- will have a better idea about what we consider great baby essentials.  Over the next few days be on the lookout for registries from some of our staff.

Continue reading for Anya's baby registry!

Lands End: The best on the beach

If you view spring as nothing more than an obstacle standing between you and your beloved summer, you've undoubtedly begun planning the big summer vacation.  And if that vacation involves sand and surf, you might want to think about visiting Lands End first.  We recently tested their mesh bucket bag, baby swim sandals and toddler trekker sandals -- and I wouldn't dream of setting foot (literally!) on the beach without them. 

We're no stranger to Lands End shoes, having been happy customers of the brand before -- both for ourselves, as well as for our kids.  So we were eager to try the baby swim sandal and toddler trekker sandal, both of which are new for spring/summer 2008.  The swim sandal ($16.50; shown at right) is not an everyday sandal, but it's absolutely perfect for baby's first trip to the beach or for a day at the pool. It's the baby equivalent of a flip-flop, only with a fully enclosed upper with velcro closure so that it actually stays put.  Sammy walked around the house and back yard in these sandals with ease.  And the animal accents are adorable!  The baby swim sandal comes in four sizes:  0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months and 18-24 months. 

The trekker sandal ($29.50; shown at intro of review) is phenomenal.  I love everything about it -- the look, the construction, the ease of use and the price.  It's simple, with the upper consisting entirely of a fabric strap, but sturdy, with a rugged outsole that offers surprisingly good traction.  The rip-grip strap allows for easy on/off, which is important to us, for our 4-year-old is beginning to exercise his independence and has been insisting lately on doing everything all by himself.  With the trekker sandal, he really can!  A back heel strap helps ensure a perfect fit, and an antimicrobial finish helps keep these sandals smelling fresh -- no matter how often they're worn.  The trekker sandal is available in toddler sizes 9-13 and youth sizes 1-7.  We tested the khaki stripe style, and loved it; The trekker sandal comes in seven other colors, including dark tangerine/bright fuchsia and surf aqua/dark azure.

There's nothing I dislike more at the end of a long day at the beach than being stuck with the thankless job of packing up the sandy toys, clothes, towels and sippy cups for transport back to the house. This year, however, the job is looking much more do-able with the advent of Lands End's mesh bucket bag ($39.50; shown at left). Offering storage galore, the mesh bucket bag can fit just about everything you need -- from flip-flops and beach toys to a towel, a change of clothes and more. There's even a small zipper pocket for valuables like keys and money. The main compartment is enormous, and it cinches closed so you don't drop anything on your way back to the car. Speaking of, no worries about making a mess there, either -- grommets on the bottom let you shake out excess sand. The mesh bucket bag is made of durable 600-denier polyester, and comes in six color combinations including island lime/vivid yellow and rich red/admiral blue.

To purchase the baby swim sandals, trekker sandals or mesh bucket bag -- or any of Lands Ends' hundreds of other products -- click here.   

Teva: A pioneering shoe for little pioneers

Where I grew up, it wasn't uncommon to spend entire days outside.  From sunrise to sunset, my friends and I would play in the woods -- splashing our way upstream and building forts in the roots of upturned trees.  My own two sons are growing up in a decidedly more urban environment, and I regret that I haven't been able to give them some of that outdoor freedom that I myself enjoyed as a child.  To help make up for it we often go camping and hiking, where we try to foster in Owen and Sam a love of adventure and exploring.  When it came time to get the boys shoes worthy of their toddler adventures, our thoughts immediately turned to Teva. 

Founded in the 1980s by a Colorado River guide, Teva has been protecting the feet of outdoor enthusiasts for more than two decades and is considered a pioneer in the sport sandal market.  But did you know that that same level of protection is available to your own tiny pioneers?  We recently tested two of Teva's newest styles, and suffice it to say, the adventure has begun!

Jumping Jacks: Go the extra mile

When a company has been doing something, the same something, for more than 60 years -- successfully -- you know that they must be doing that 'something' right.  In the case of Jumping Jacks, which began selling children's shoes in 1947, the adage is true.  With a company philosophy of always going the "extra mile," Jumping Jacks makes shoes of such high quality that your little one can log some serious miles of their own over the course of their shoes' lifetime.  We recently tested two new styles from Jumping Jacks, and were thrilled with the results.

Click 'continue reading' for the full Jumping Jacks review.

Little Soles Shoes: Release your inner sole child

My daughter has worn a lot of shoes, and I've probably only really disliked one or two pairs. My reasons for disliking them were simple, they didn't allow her foot to grow or breath and they were heavy and hard. I was delighted when I was introduced to Little Soles, a Calgary-based shoe company for little feet.

Their shoes are nothing short of fantastic, from the excellent materials they use to the care they put into crafting a shoe that looks stylish and comforts my daughter's growing feet. The Little Soles Urban Infant Shoes line is so fashionable that it knocked my socks off, I really wanted a pair for myself. 1234 Cream & Burgundy is one of my favorite pairs and was recently gifted to Halle Berry's little girl, Nahla Aubry! Little Soles' unique, flexible outsole affords superior durability, traction and  surface feel, and they use only exceptionally soft leather, in and out, to  provide the ultimate in comfort and breathability. Jessica Jacobs, Owner and Designer of Little Soles, hand chooses all the materials and leathers and the designs are exclusive to Little Soles.

To find where you can buy Little Soles Shoes, check out their store locator

Umi Shoes: Classic design, timeless appeal

Sandals, for me, have always signified summer and now that I'm a mom there's not much I enjoy more than liberating my kids' feet from their stuffy sneakers and snow boots at the first sign of warm weather.  While I didn't think it was physically possible for me be more excited about summer than I am this year, Umi Shoes has gone and made the impossible, possible.  The brand that's loved by celebrity babies like Joaquin Consuelos, 5, Harry Letterman, 4 1/2, and Violet Affleck, 2 1/2, recently unveiled its new styles for spring/summer 2008 and if they don't make you desperate for a little sunshine -- nothing will.

Click 'continue reading' for the complete review.   

Tsukihoshi: Fun, functional and full of features

When I was a kid, a sneaker was ... well ... a sneaker.  But as well all know, those days are long gone.  It has only taken me four years of motherhood to figure out that not all children's sneakers are created equally; Technology has advanced to such a degree that sneakers are now full of features my own feet could have only dreamed of 30 years ago.  And if it's feature you desire, then features you shall receive, because it's my pleasure to introduce you to Tsukihoshi. 

With fun, but fully functional, selling points like a green-tea based deodorizer, its no surprise that Tsukihoshi would be the sneaker of choice for celebrity babies like Liv Freundlich, 6, and Sam, 4, and Lola Sheen, 2 1/2. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Tsukihoshi review. 

pediped Spring/Summer Line: The feet have it

CBB has made it no secret, we're HUGE fans of pediped's adorable children's shoes. And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I got a peek at pediped's Spring/Summer 2008 line. The shoes are stunning! The girls' pediped Originals (their soft-soled version) are all crafted in a fabric upper that adds a nice light feel to the shoes. The girls' pediped Flex come in prints similar to the originals line but are crafted with toddlers' rougher play in mind. The boys' options, both Flex and Originals, are a little limited, but still super-cute.

My favorite pair for girls is the Jane - Pink Camo, an adorable mary jane in a subdued pink camoflage print. And, I also love the Annie - Potpourri (Original and Flex), a beautiful floral print with so many colors that it will match just about anything -- believe me I've tried!

For infant boys I like the Will - Navy, there is nothing not to like about this shoe. It will go with everything and is classic in pretty navy nubuck. And for older, toddler boys I like the Demetri - Navy/Gray, it's an edgier sneaker that will flex and bend with each step your boy takes.

Shop online at pediped.com or use their store locator to find a store near you.

Rileyroos: Soft-soled shoes with serious spunk

When our first son was born and started walking, I confess, I didn't understand the importance of soft-soled baby shoes.  I crammed his feet into some ridiculously stiff sneakers and set him off on his awkward, peg-legged way.  Now I know better.  Pediatricians universally agree that besides going barefoot soft-soled shoes are best for a baby's developing feet, not only because they allow baby to feel the ground beneath him, but also because they allow for proper growth while strengthening the muscles of the feet and ankles. 

Based on that recommendation, it was only a matter of time before the market for soft-soled baby shoes exploded -- and explode it did.  In the four short years since Owen was born, our options for purchasing soft-soled baby shoes appear to have grown exponentially.  That said, we've used a variety of different soft-soled shoes with our second son -- and we think we have a real winner on our hands (and his feet!) in Rileyroos.  We recently were happy testers of this up-and-coming brand, and if you're been searching for soft-soled baby shoes that combine function and style, I'm confident in telling you that your search ends right here and now.

Click 'continue reading' for the full Rileyroos review. 

Vincent Shoes: A step towards spring

While I hate how fast my child grows out of her shoes, I hate it even more when her shoes don't hold up to her rough play. She's two, she doesn't care if she scuffs her shoes -- But I sure do! So I was psyched to check out some adorable warm weather options from Vincent Shoes.

Their Spring/Summer 2008 line features some great sandals and even a couple pairs of shoes that are completely pool-ready. The Tor is what they dub "the perfect summer activity sandal!" And I have to agree. Whether your warm weather, outdoor plans include the pool or the park your child's fee will be comfy and stylish. The Tor is crafted from a man-made material that dries quickly with a Velcro closure and padded heel strap great for younger kids. Lastly it has a clear rubber slip-resistant sole that looks like water! Equally cute are their Maja shoes with cute butterfly design. Best of all, to address my scuffed toe complaint, they have a rubber tip to protect the shoes and of course little feet.

Shop all of Vincent Shoes' great styles at vincentshoestore.us.

ECCO: Standing apart from the crowd

While I've always been happy to be a mom of boys, I have to admit, there is a small part of me (okay ... a big part) that is consistently disappointed when it comes time to choose clothes for our sons.  I get so tired of the dearth of choices -- something blue with stripes, or something blue with footballs? -- that I do find myself gazing longingly across the aisle at the little girl section, where the options appear to be aplenty. 

But shoes have always been the great equalizer -- a quick and easy way for us to help the boys express their individuality each and every day.  We recently tested two new sneaker styles from ECCO, and any fears I may have been secretly harboring about Owen and Sam blending in with the crowd quickly went out the window.  When your kids are walking around in ECCO, there's no chance of that happening.  Just ask Violet Affleck, 2 1/2.  Sure, she's followed everywhere she goes by a swarm of paparazzi ... but is it her famous parents they're after, or is it her shoes? 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Ecco Shoes review.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids: A guaranteed reaction, every time!

When I used to think of Kenneth Cole Reaction, images of womens accessories were conjured up in my mind ... sunglasses, handbags and -- of course -- dress shoes.  Recently, however, that mental association was forever changed when we received several samples of Kenneth Cole Reaction Kids' shoes from the company's new spring/summer 2008 product line.  Now when I think of Kenneth Cole Reaction I think not of how hip I would be in a new pair of Kenneth Cole shoes ... I think of how hip my 4-year-old and 1-year-old look in theirs. 

Click 'continue reading' for the full Kenneth Cole Reaction review.

Keen shoes: Is it summer yet?

Our boys love the outdoors. If there is a tree in the yard, Owen is going to climb it.  If there are puddles nearby, Sammy is going to jump in them.  Finding shoes that have staying power is often tough for us, since the boys are so tough on their shoes.  But this summer's backyard adventures for Owen and Sam will be taking place in shoes that are the perfect combination of durability and style, shoes that are sure to stand up to the task at hand.  We recently received two pairs of shoes from the spring/summer 2008 collection by Keen -- the Newport H2 and the Tremont -- and the boys have been climbing and jumping ever since.

Click continue reading for the full Keen shoes review.

Yo My Booties: The best stuff that's all fluff!

How can you not be obsessed with a baby bootie that is as soft, fluffy, puffy and luxurious as Yo My Booties? There may be plenty of cute booty stops on the baby booty train, but Yo My Booties are the final destination. The end all, be all of cute baby footwear. Yo My Booties are not for the average baby. They are for the baby that has arrived!

I was interested to see how the booties were made, because I was frankly concerned about whether they would stay on a real baby's feet. I am happy to report that these puffballs have elastic in the cuff so you do have a prayer of not losing them. I'm not too worried about my pair as I am sure I will be obsessively petting my baby's feet, every five moments, while he has them on.

Click continue reading below to read the entire Yo My Booties review and to see what celebs covet this footwear.

Preschoolians Shoes - 3 different types of soles, so many styles!

Why do I love Preschoolians' Shoes? Oh, let me count the ways!

1) They have such a large range of cute shoes for baby and toddlers.
2) You can get the adorable soft shoes you loved on your kids (when they were babies) and put proper soles on that they can actually run around in. 
3) You can even create your own versions (called Design Your Own) of their shoes without breaking the bank!
4) They want to make sure your child's feet really fit the size you order, so they can send you a Accufit measuring device - that they invented - via snail mail or you can print one out - I love that they feel that the parent is the best person to measure their child's feet! 
5) You can see if the shoe actually fits your child by using their patented "visu-fit transparent window" (which my son Ben was crazy about, he could see his toes from the bottom of the shoe). The "visu-fit" window, invented by Jeff Silverman, founder of Preschoolians, was named one of Time Magazine's Coolest Inventions of 2003.
6) You will not believe how many different styles of shoes they have!!

I loved putting those awesome leather soft-soled shoes (with suede-covered bottoms) on Ben when he was little. I'm sure you know the type I'm talking about. We had little puppy shoes for him that were just too, too cute!  But, when he started really walking and running around, the shoes just didn't give him enough support or traction.  But I still wished he could wear them. With Preschoolians, now he can, just with a better sole.

Preschoolians has three types of soles. First are the "Cover My Foot - Crawlers", then the "I'm Walking Barefoot - Walkers" and finally the "Running, Jumping Barefoot - Runners". You can put any sole you want on their shoes - even their leather soft shoes. The company states that "research shows that barefoot is best for a child. The only reason that shoes should be worn is for protection from sharp objects, dirt, and from the elements like rain, heat and cold." Their shoes are also super flexible too.

Use the Cover My Foot - for Crawlers - for children that are, according to the company, "standing, pulling up, cruising & 1st walking" and they're "designed to be as close to barefoot as possible while still protecting your child's feet." The soles are suede and for indoor use only though.  Check out the Cover My Foot styles for boys and girls.

For when your child is walking, move up to the I'm Walking Barefoot - for Walkers. According to the company, "this shoe is perfectly suited for both indoor and outdoor use, and is designed for pulling up, cruising, 1st walking and walking. I'm Walking Barefoot shoes have a thin rubber sole which offer protection from sharp objects, warped wood, and other outdoor hazards, while still offering barefoot flexibility." Check out the I'm Walking Barefoot styles for boys and girls.

When your child is a little more sure on his/her feet, they may be ready for the Running, Jumping Barefoot for Runners. This shoe is described as, "perfectly suited for both indoor and outdoor use, and is designed for walking and running. They have thin rubber soles which offer older children added protection from hazardous outdoors objects like broken glass and warped wood, while still offering barefoot flexibility."  Check out the Running, Jumping Barefoot styles for boys and girls.

We checked out two pairs of the Running, Jumping Barefoot soled shoes. Since we have hardwood floors and it's winter, I tested out a slipper style on my toddler with the Wooly Sheep Tan Napa (above, $39.99) and the Sport Stretch Slip on Grey Nubuck with Black Smooth ($44.95).

And now for the Design Your Own option (which I am crazy about). Choose your style - there are 14 choices, next choose your sole (either the crawler, walker or runner soles), and then pick your colors (and accents). So very awesome and you can make sure no kid on the block is sportin' the same kicks as your kid! Prices start at $34.95 for the crawlers, $44.95 for the walkers and $49.95 for the runners.

Bella Thornton, Billy Bob Thornton's daughter, wore Preschoolians' I’m Walking Barefoot Dress Up & Down in silver ($40) when she recently visited her father on the set of his movie, The Informers in October. Click here to read that post and see the picture.

Ready to shop? Shop the Preschoolians website.

First time customers, if you sign up for their mailing list, you'll receive a 15% discount on your first purchase.

Sweet Shoes

I love infant shoes, especially ones that are funky and non-traditional. Sweet Shoes, which can be found at Sweetshooz.com, recently sent a pair of their soft-soled brown and pink crossbones shoes that definitely fit this bill! These shoes are made of real suede leather and has a foam layer in the sole for extra cushioning (which new walkers need!). Available in 3 sizes: 0-6 months, 6-12 months and 12- 18 months. 

Owner Mandi Dana-Panzer is a mother of 3 (a girl and two boys). On her website, she says, "I always wanted something a little edgier and cool, something resembling an adult shoe that went with everything.  Being from a beach town in California, I have always been inspired by surf/skate culture. So I decided to create a sweet mini skate shoe, called "Sweet Shoes".

Since I am expecting a girl in January, I love that my daughter will be able to wear her pink and brown crossbones Sweet Shoes (I honestly am more of an funky than frilly style person anyway).

Mandi is launching some new styles this month. Click here to see them. Included are two pairs of Maryjane's that rock! Included are four pairs of slip ons, two pairs with Jolly Rogers and two pairs with waves. So original, you're going to love Sweet Shoes!

You can shop for Sweet Shoes at  www.urbanbabyrunway.com.

Exclusive discount for CBB Readers:  use code UBRCBB for 15% off through 12.31.07. 

ELK Kids Soft-Soled Shoes: So Sweet

I have to admit my weakness for shoe shopping, not for myself, but for my child!  I completely fell in love with ELK Kids' Fusion (leather and asian brocade) Mary Jane style. Since our next baby is a girl, I can't wait to dress her in these! So original, little girls everywhere will also fall in love with them! The Fusion style also comes in aquamarine, green and pink. I would love to see it in a cherry red, navy, and black also!! All their shoes retail for $25, except the boots which retail for $35.

ELK makes adorable soft soled leather footwear from children from 0 - 4 years old. Check out their cute designs. I'm also a fan of the leather t-strap Ladybug in White.  I love a Mary Jane style - besides the Fusion, they also have some other super-cute Mary Jane styles, the Mary Jane Faux Snake - in brown, the Mary Jane Gold - with silver scalloped edging and the Mary Jane Purple -with pink scalloped edging. And of course, don't miss their Cherry Mary Janes!!

I also adore their leather shoes. How 'bout these apples? The bears in mauve are so darling too!  My husband and I loved the Love Mom & Dad shoes.

They didn't forget about the little guys. Since football season is about to start, these football shoes or helmet shoes would fit the bill! I also liked the car shoes and the baby dinos.

Two sets of their ELK butterfly white, bow pink and fusion pink shoes were chosen to be part of a gift basket for Sean “Diddy” Combs'  twin daughters - D’Lila Star and Jessie James Combs, now 8 months old, gifted to Combs in February of 2007. In addition to Mr. Combs, other celebrities like Sheryl Crow, Keri Russell, Gwen Stefani, and Salma Hayek were all gifted with their shoes.

You are not going to believe how cute these shoes are!! Most sizes run from 0 -24 months, but they do offer sizes 2 to 4 years. Owner Joan told me that exciting things are coming up ahead for ELK Kids, we'll be checking in with them in several months!

To buy, shop at ELK Kids.

Exclusive for CBB Readers: Get free shipping AND 10% off when you order over $50 - use code: cbb10!

See Kai Run® Footwear Welcomes Fall with New Designs

It's never to early to think about fall shoes for your little one! See Kai Run announces their new 2007 Fall Collection.

Here are some of the highlights of this season’s collection:

Fab Boots
For girls, the Lillian Grace cotton candy pink boot or the Riley, in cocoa suede with a grape star. Boys choose from Aki, a black boot with electric blue lightning bolt, or Paddy, in forest green suede.

Holiday & Special Occasion
Classic Mary Janes are spiced up in the flowered black Emilie, and red suede accented Geneva. For the boys- the cool black Radik. Also see the the Stella, a faux-fur trimmed, green suede, pink and cream Mary Jane.

See Kai Run Signature Styles
Check out the  April, Elias and Oliver trainers. The Livi t-strap for girls in electric blue suede and rich brown leather is another attention-getter.

“Fall is my favorite time of year,” says Cause Haun, founder and owner. “I wanted to reflect my fond memories of school days, cool weather, and special occasions in this new collection.”

See Kai Run shoes are hand-crafted from supple sheepskin with padded collars and a breathable leather lining. Soles are constructed from extremely flexible TPR (thermoplastic rubber), allowing new walkers lots of freedom to move while protecting their feet on all kinds of terrain.

About See Kai Run
See Kai Run is a family-owned and operated business located outside of Seattle, Washington. Sizes range fits children from six months to three years. Retail prices start at $36.

Please visit www.seekairun.com for additional information.

pediped:New Styles In Bloom

pediped™ footwear 's new spring/summer line is blooming!

Ideal for indoor and outdoor adventures for the 0-24 month old set, these pediatrician-recommended soft-soled shoes are foxy too!  pediped™ just received the American Podiatric Association Seal of Approval and were featured in Consumer Reports' Best Baby Products of 2007.

Fifteen new styles are making their debut this spring. Little ladies will love Zoe (pictured -- a sweet metallic pink Mary Jane with star cut-outs), Chloe (a pink leather Mary Jane with a pink flower), Samantha (a Mary Jane/saddle shoe combo in pink and brown), Lola (a groovy sneaker with velcro zig zag closures) and Faith (a pretty white patent leather shoe with a delicate white satin bow - perfect for Christenings, baby namings or that special occasion).

Many of the popular girls styles from last year have new color combinations including Caroline (navy), Olivia (white), Isabella (white), Abigail (in navy/pink and mauve).

It's great to see that the boys aren't being left behind. As a mama to a toddler boy, I want to buy cool shoes for my little guy.  New designs include the chocolate brown Collin (a classic fisherman's style sandal), as well as new color combinations of popular pediped™ styles. The very popular Harvey sandal now comes in navy or white; Liam now comes in white/navy and the Charlie is now offered in navy/white.

I received the Liam in the new white and navy color combination. The shoes very easy to get on and off my squirmy 18-month-old, Ben. He walked around very easily in them. My mother went gaga over them and insisted that Ben wear them around the house too. "They're better than bare feet," she said.

pediped™ is also introducing newborn sizes of their popular shoes. Now you can put some of your favorite styles on your 0- 3 month old. Also a great idea for a baby shower gift!!  Designs in newborn sizes for boys include Charlie (in chocolate brown) and Liam (in tan/brown) and for girls include Abigail (in pink) and Faith (in white patent leather with a white satin bow).

These award winning soft-soled shoes are a celebrity favorite. Brooke Shields' daugther Grier Henchy, Angelina Jolie's daughter Zahara, Denise Richards' daughter Sam Sheen, and Liv Tyler's son Milo Langdon, as well as countless celebrity babies have all been seen wearing their pedipeds™.

To purchase these delightful shoes go to pediped.com or click here.

Robeez Shoes: Another reason to love them!

We have written about our love for Robeez in the past. Now the soft-soled shoe line has done something to make us love them even more.

Recently Robeez donated $1 million worth of shoes and booties. The donation of more than 36,000 pairs of Robeez – which would stretch almost six miles if laid heel to toe – fulfills a promise from the company’s “Season of Giving.” For every pair of shoes or booties purchased on Robeez’s websites in North America, Europe, and Australia during November and December 2006, Robeez pledged to match it with a donation to Kids In Distressed Situations, Inc. (K.I.D.S.), a charity committed to helping children in need all over the world.

Since 2003, Robeez has donated 135,000 pairs of shoes and booties, a donation that would reach over four times the height of Mount Everest if stacked heel to toe. Through its Heart & Sole program of charitable giving, Robeez regularly provides shoes to children in China, Russia, Romania, Ethiopia and throughout North America.

Check out the Spring selection of Robeez at www.robeez.com.

pediped™ shoes: adorable soft soled shoes

We love pediped™ shoes because they combine both comfort and fashion into a shoe that is pediatrician recommended. They are great for babies through toddlers because they allow children's feet to develop naturally and provide optimal support, protection and fit during the developmental stages of a baby’s feet – from the initial crawl to the first steps and beyond.  The cushioned, non-slip soles make it ideal for indoor and outdoor play and the Velcro closure makes it quick and easy to put on, yet secure enough to stay on babies’ feet.  They are also super duper cute.  Anya has several pairs- the black Mary Jane Kates, the preppy white/pink Lauren loafers, and black Samuels, styled like oxfords.

Packaged in a signature purple and gold keepsake box, they make a great gift for the holidays or for any special occasion. Popular styles for girls include the chocolate brown Isabella with pink stitching, the pink Abigail with pink flowers and the two-toned pink Madeline, whereas popular boy styles include the brown Tyler, light brown/brown and orange/brown Liams and chocolate brown or black Charlies.  From handsome penny loafers to precious Mary Janes, there is something for everyone.

pediped has been featured in magazines like Life & Style, Mom and Baby, babytalk, Child, Country Living and Parenting and is a top choice for the Hollywood set.  Angelina Jolie’s daughter Zahara has been photographed wearing pink Katelyns.  Heidi Klum dresses her daughter Leni with the black patent leather Ninas and white/pink Laurens (on at least two separate occasions).  Sporty blue Braedens (pictured left) and white Carolines with small pink flowers are warming the little feet of Julia Robert’s twins while Noah Wyle's daughter Auden rocks her Isabellas.  Other celebrity fans of pediped™  footwear include Jon Stewart, Britney Spears, Ming-Na, Pete Sampras, Courteney Cox, Denise Richards, Angela Bassett, Liv Tyler and Billy Baldwin. 

Special offer for Celebrity Baby Blog Readers: Get free shipping when you use coupon code: "CBB2" at www.pediped.com.

Robeez: Keep toes warm this winter

As a new mom you are often asked what your “must have” items are. Most times these include things like changing pads, diaper bags and slings so my answer – Robeez booties – always raises a few eyebrows.

My daughter received her first pair of pink booties from a family friend. Her first winter was a cold one and though I really liked the booties for their cuteness, I absolutely loved them for their functionality. My sister bought her a second pair in brown for Christmas and I kid you not when I say that she lived in those boots in her first year. When the good weather started rolling around very late in May I found myself wishing it away so I could stuff her little toes into the soft fur of her Robeez booties.

I’m sure that you’d have guessed it but now that we are finally getting some cold weather over here in New York, my little girl is walking around in her newest pair of Robeez booties, this time in cream. I am not alone in my love for the furry footwear. Booties are a winter favorite among celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Liv Tyler too. I will often spot pictures of Liv’s son Milo wearing his booties (he owns them in both navy and cream). And recently the Wall Street Journal voted Robeez booties “best overall” in their product review.

Robeez booties offer you the same quality we have come to expect from Robeez shoes and, as always, are recommended as the next best thing to bare feet. The booties have a double band of elastic that makes it easy to get them on and off (but not easy for baby to remove on his own) and the plush lining is so inviting you’ll wish they made them in your size too!

Just in time for the holidays Robeez has also unveiled four new limited edition designs. You can choose from blue or pink penguins, reindeer or, my favorites, pastel blue snowflakes. 

Even more exciting, Robeez now offers four different sets of matching apparel to coordinate with their footwear. They include bibs, hats, onesies and t-shirts in matching monkey, kitty, bear cub and garden party designs. Robeez apparel would definitely make a great holiday or new baby gift. 

To purchase Robeez products go to robeez.com.

Small Frye- Frye boots for your small fry!

Frye Boots, operating since 1863, is one of the oldest shoe companies around. They have expanded their company since, and now have a line of boots for children called Small Frye.

Celebrities who have shown interest in their Frye Boots have been gifted with a pair of Small Frye Harness Booties for their little ones. The Harness Bootie, owned by celebrity babies such as Kingston Rossdale and Suri Cruise, are available in baby blue, pink, and tan. These booties have a soft sole, velcro on the side, and come in sizes 0-3, 3-6, and 6-9 months.