A Child's Garden

Music Makes The World Go 'Round

2011-06-22T08:20:00.:00

...At least, that's what we feel here at A Child's Garden. We love music, whether it's sounds your kids make or tunes they listen to, and we strive to find the best of both worlds.

From beloved CDs to a variety of musical instruments, we have a variety of choices for babies, big kids and parents alike!

Come in and browse our CD selection! We have a range of musicians from world renowned favorites to local heroes!

Local musician Mister G just released his newest album, "Bugs" and we have it right here at A Child's Garden. One listen to this CD and you'll be soon be singing along to Shark In My Bathtub, Pam the Pug, Cocodrilo, and more!

Hailing all the way from Brooklyn, NY, the Deedle Deedle Dees are another favorite of ours. Calling themselves an "educational rock band" and consisting of a bunch of music teachers, the Deedle Deedle Dees know how to get you movin' and groovin' while throwing in some knowledge. You can find both American History + Rock & Roll and Freedom in a Box here at A Child's Garden. They've also been known to put on a show or two around the Pioneer Valley, so keep your eyes and ears open for them!

Another great children's band that we're just wild about are the Flannery Brothers! Happy, fun, sing-a-long music is what this band is all about, and we happen to have three different albums of theirs! Come check out Wake Up Songs, Love Songs for Silly Things and The New Explores Club, today!

In addition to these great artists, we also are proud to carry the following: (among many more!)
The Okee Dokee Brothers - Take It Outside
Ratboy Jr. - Smorgasbord
Charlie Hope - Let's Go Play (Just Released!)

For those who have kids who would rather make music than listen to it, we have you covered as well! While pots & pans may be fun, they can also be noisy! Let your little bang on an Early Melodies Tambourine or Early Melodies Pound & Tap Bench from Educo.

From one of our favorite companies, Plan Toys check out the Solid Drum, Percussion Set, or Oval Xylophone!

Start making music...today!

Jam For The Fans

2011-06-07T07:26:00.:00

One of our all-time favorite bands lives right here in the Pioneer Valley, and we couldn't be prouder. The Nields have always gotten our toes a tappin' and our hips a shakin' with their fun, fabulous folk infused music - both kid and adult forms alike.

This weekend, in honor of their 20th anniversary, they're putting on "Jam For The Fans," - a fun & music filled weekend, including a family friendly concert at the Center For The Arts at 10:30 AM on June 11th.

Both A Child's Garden and sister store Impish will be selling tickets, so stop in this week to purchase some. You do not want to miss this celebratory event that is sure to be a rocking good time!

Tickets are $10 for adults and $ for kids.

Spring Into Sciene

2011-05-05T07:53:00.:00

Spring is finally here, and with it comes the opportunity to delve into all the fabulous offerings of playing outdoors. Swing into A Child's Garden today to see some of the toys we have that can help enhance your outdoor learning fun!

Despite the rainy days we've been having, there have been a bunch of sun filled ones, and what better way to take advantage of them then with Solar Print Paper from ToySmith.

This paper undergoes a chemical change when exposed to sunlight and you can have hours of fun using different objects like leaves, flowers, rocks, etc... to see what sort of prints you can make!

Optic Wonder Glasses, also by ToySmith, are pocket-sized instruments with a range of functions.
Use them as binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass and more. Take them on a hike or nature walk and be prepared for almost anything!

For those who like to get down and dirty, check out our root viewer from ToySmith. Using clear glass tubes, you plant the provided carrot, beet and onion seeds and watch as they grow.
You and your kids can learn about root systems and vegetation as you're able to see just what happens underneath the dirt.

If your little ones happen to enjoy frogs and bugs and want to learn more about how they grow, check out Beleduc's 5 layer wooden puzzles. Watch as frogs go from egg to full size or as butterflies start out in a cocoon until they emerge with full wings intact.

All of these toys provide great stepping stones for getting the most out of outdoor play time Stop in soon to check them out as well as our full array of outdoor geared toys!

Let's Learn!

2011-04-04T06:57:00.:00

In addition to all of our wonderful books, eco-friendly toys for newborns, sling & diapers, we also have a wide variety of educational toys. Not only are these toys fun to play with, but they also can help with learning new skills!

One of our favorite companies, eeBoo, has a ton of fabulous products meant to be both entertaining and educational, and we're proud to carry many of them. Learn shapes, colors and produce with eeBoo's learning puzzle in "Fruits & Vegetables!"

These wonderful puzzles also come in "alphabet" and "mother & child" themes.

Another favorite from eeBoo is the Preschool Bug Dominoes learning and counting game.

This entertaining game helps work on both recognition and counting skills in a fun and colorful way! Bug Dominoes are perfect for kids three years of age and older.

For kids who are into working with their hands, eeBoo's lacing cards are a perfect fit. Work on hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills while checking out the colorful pictures on the cards.

We have a variety of lacing card themes, from "Things That Move" to "Childen of the World" to "Under The Sea." Come in to check them all out!

We also carry some wonderful educational toys from Mudpuppy, another favorite here at the 'Garden. Wooden magentic number or letter sets make learning fun.
Create number sentences for those eager math fans or start working on sounds and words with easy to handle magnetic letters.

Stop on by to check all of these toys out...and more! We're always available to help, so if you're looking for something specific, come on over and let us help find the perfect gift, toy, book or baby item for any occasion!

Hop On In...Just in Time For Easter!

2011-03-16T11:14:00.:00

We've been getting Spring fever here at A Child's Garden and have been bringing out all sorts of great toys and books in preparation for the season.

Our shelves are currently lined with tons of fun things to help you create the perfect Easter basket!

Start from the bottom up, and snag something unique for the actual basket! Our Toysmith metal buckets or watering cans make for special starters for the perfect Easter basket. Not only can you use them for Easter, but they will continue to be used all year round.

Instead of dealing with that fake, plastic grass that only ends up in the trash, why not line your basket with a beautiful play silk from Sarah's Silks?

We have lots of great options to help fill those baskets as well. Check out our array of Dover sticker books, Sevi racing bugs, and Toysmith gardening tools - all excellent ways to help celebrate Spring!

In addition, we'd be more than happy to help you create your own themed Easter basket from our wide variety of toys and books. From dinosaurs, fairies, trucks to barnyard animals...the possibilities are endless! Stop on in today to check out all the wonderful things we have in store for Spring.

Holiday Helpers!

2010-12-20T06:53:00.:00

Whether you're searching for a last minute, little gift or the perfect toy to stuff your child's stocking with, look no further!

Our shelves are currently lined with tons of fabulous gift ideas from books to toys and more. We have a lot of wonderful bigger items from wooden trucks and play kitchens, but we also have a huge variety of smaller items that are perfect for gifts or stocking stuffers.

Many love the large, vibrantly colored PuzzArt that we carry, but we also love the mini versions! These wooden creatures are a creative combination of art and puzzle, proving fun, stimulating playtime.

This is the "mama" version - swing by to check out the minis!

If toys with wheels are more your speed, we have a variety of Sevi vehicles to suit your needs!
These wooden cars and trucks are hand painted with non-toxic, vegetable based paints and finishes! They're small enough that they're perfect for taking along while traveling or just for adding a few more cars to your collection.

Another small item that's perfect for traveling is the 8 piece Tegu block set.
Coming in its own felt carrying case, these 8 eco-friendly wooden blocks have magnets embedded in them, which help in creating all sorts of neat shapes. Use the blocks to build animals, cars, towers, or whatever you can dream up. The smaller, 8 piece set is also a great addition to the larger sets we carry.

Sometimes all it takes is a finger puppet speaking in a silly voice to turn a sour mood into a fun one again.
We love Furnis Finger Puppets - soft, small but full of character - guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone's face! Buy one to fit one finger or grab five to fill up your hand! These cozy guys are small enough to take anywhere and are washable, making them easy to clean.

For those wanting a traditional gift, look no further. We're proud carriers of the Golden Cockerel line of Matryoshka dolls.These hand painted nesting dolls are perfect for the holiday season and come in a range of colors and patterns. Children can work on counting, sorting and stacking or just enjoy playing with these timeless classics.

For the little groover and shaker in your family we have a bunch of different CDs in stock, including our local favorites - The Nields! In addition to their CDs, we're excited to have in stock their joyful, playful and fabulous concert DVD, Organic Farm.
This DVD has a lot of familiar and well-loved Nields songs as well as some folk classics. Sing along with Nerissa, Katryna and a host of local children who were filmed for this DVD!

If you're stopping in for a last minute gift, consider the assortment of holiday and winter themed book we have up on the shelves. One of our favorites, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg is a beloved holiday classic!
This story, full of wonder and magic, tells the tale of a young boy who is swept away to the North Pole on this special old-fashioned steam train.

We also have an array of Jan Brett books in stock - many which are perfect reads for this time of year.
Beautiful words and illustrations bring winter to life in many of Jan Brett's book. Come see which one calls to you!

From stocking stuffers to more substantial gifts, we have plenty of wonderful selections for kids of all ages. Stop on by to let us help you find that perfect gift.

From all of us here at A Child's Garden, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!

Bag Day! and more...

2010-11-16T11:44:00.:00

There are so many wonderful things that we can't wait to tell you about happening over here at A Child's Garden.

This Saturday, November 20th, is Bag Day in downtown Northampton and we are excited to participate in this annual event. You can grab a bag in the Daily Hampshire Gazette or at select locations around town and pop into various stores for some shopping savings!

We'll be offering 20% off one item in the store. Some exclusions do apply, so please feel free to ask us when you visit!

While you're in this Saturday, make sure to check out a few of our newest products.

Rockin Green is a great new detergent that is perfect for both diapers and regular laundry. This detergent is great for diapers since you really only need a small amount and it rinses clean each time! Currently we have the unscented version in stock.

On the toy front, we're pleased to announce that we now have Tegu's fabulous magnetic blocks in!
These blocks come in both tinted and natural colors and allow your children to exercise their imagination as they work the blocks into countless creations.
These unique eco-friendly wooden blocks have magnets embedded inside, which allow them to attach to each other in any way you can imagine. This month's Mothering magazine features the Tegu magnetic blocks as one of the toys to look out for!

You can find this month's issue of Mothering at A Child's Garden, where not only will you find the mention of Tegu blocks, but you can also read an article I wrote on "potlucking" in the "Peggy's Kitchen" section!

Halloween Happenings!

2010-10-27T10:03:00.:00

Halloween is right around the corner and we have a lot going on. We will be participating in Northampton's kid friendly Trick or Treat event on 10/31 from 12-5. Stop by and show off your little ghost or goblin and pick up a treat!

If you're in need of some last minute costume help, feel free to check out the selection of wands, wings and capes we have in stock!

In addition to a variety of costume accessories, we also have a selection of Halloween themed books on display. If you're looking to put a little silly fright into your night, pick up one of these books today!

Big Scary Monster, by Thomas Docherty is a wonderful read about a misunderstood monster who learns what it means to be scared. This engaging tale is brought to life with wonderful watercolor illustrations that will captivate readers, both young and old!

Shadow, by Suzy Lee, is a book that needs to be seen to be believed. Using creative artistic methods, Suzy Lee is able to create a whole new world out of the sparsely worded pages of this book. This book is wonderful for all ages, and you'll appreciate how the stunning, simplistic visuals draw you in.

From one of our favorite series comes this wonderful Halloween treat. Jon Muth's Zen Ghost is a unique twist on the traditional ghost story, using the familiar Stillwater the panda as storyteller. Both the story and the gorgeous ink and watercolor illustrations will captivate you and hold your attention throughout the entire story.

Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley is a fun, silly and wonderful read-a-long book. The bright, bold illustrations give us peek after peek of what perhaps might be a big green monster and helps children take the fear away from the concept of monsters.

Bruce Eric Kaplan's book, Monsters Eat Whiny Children, is a great read for those looking for something with a bit of off beat humor. Told in a playful, fanciful way, this book is more fun than fearful as it tells the tale of what happens when the terribly whiny Henry and Eve are plucked up by two monsters looking to make dinner out of them. A great read-a-long sure to put a smile on the face of even the whinest of monsters!

Doll Days...

2010-09-13T07:11:00.:00

I can still remember my favorite doll growing up. In lieu of an actual Cabbage Patch doll, my mother made me a "knock off" of her own, complete with bright yellow hair and purple overalls that matched my own. That doll went everywhere with me, and we had a lot of fun, and sometimes got into a little trouble, together.

Now that my son is old enough to appreciate dolls, I find enjoyment watching him take care of his doll, from ensuring that his doll is properly clothed, to feeding and cuddling his doll to sleep. Dolls are great toys for kids of all ages, as they can teach a variety of hands on skills as well as compassion. Here at A Child's Garden, we strive to carry a plethora of doll related merchandise to help ensure your children...and their doll...have the most fun possible!

From chairs to houses to even kid-sized slings, we have everything a little kid needs to complete their doll collection. Start by checking out the selection of dolls we carry from retailers like Under The Nile and favorite, Camden Rose.

Once you have your doll, take a moment to look at all the fabulous accessories we have to allow your child to make the most out of their doll playtime. From one of our favorite handmade crafters, Elves and Angels, you can find both "Dolly's High Chair" and "Kat's Cradle."

Both of these items are handcrafted in Maine from solid pine and are sturdy enough to pass down between siblings and future generations. We have both items currently in stock, so come check them out today!

if you appreciate the fine craftsmanship of Elves and Angels, then you will love the dollhouses this company creates. Since these dollhouses are handcrafted and on the larger side, we don't stock them in house. However, we offer you the opportunity to order them through our store and they will be shipped straight to your home within two to three weeks. You can choose from either the "Anna" or "Seri" dollhouse.

If you're looking for doll accessories that share your way of life, then look no further. For the cloth diaper and babywearing enthusiasts, we have the perfect additions for your doll collection. Happy Heinys makes the most adorable doll-size cloth diapers, so your child can change his or her doll while you tend to your own baby's bum!

In addition, for those of us who love babywearing and want to pass on the tradition to our children, both Sakura Bloom and Moby have the answer - child size carriers! Stop in to see the beautiful Sakura bloom ring slings and Moby wraps that we have in stock.

Both of these pint-sized carriers go quickly, so stop in today to check them out, as well as all the other various doll-related merchandise that we carry!

We've Got You Covered...

2010-08-15T07:04:00.:00

Well...your child's bum at least!

Thanks in part to Sidewalk Sales, we have a few select diapers still on sale. We have a few Fuzzi Bunz, Thirsties Fab Fitted & Imse Vimse all-in-ones on sale - colors and sizes are limited, so swing on by today - these diapers will not last!

In addition to our sale diapers, we're over-the-moon excited that our Bum Genius 4.0 snap diapers are in! These trim, snug diapers come in generous sizing to comfortably fit all shapes and sizes. With the ability to take your baby from newborn to toddler, the BumGenius 4.0 truly are genus. Come check out these fabulous diapers in all their vibrant colors, today!

In addition to all the diapers we carry we also have in stock a wide variety of diapering accessories, from laundry products to wet bags, we try our best to make cloth diapering as easy and accessible as possible. One of our all time favorite cloth diapering must haves are the fun and fabulous legwarmers from Baby Legs!

These comfy, cozy, and colorful legwarmers are the perfect addition once it starts getting a bit too chilly for just a diaper alone. We already have in stock an array of colors and patterns and will be getting even more in very soon! Baby Legs has a whole new line of patterns coming out including some retro prints that will bring out your inner '80s child (I'll admit I wondered if the Tetris or Space Invaders leg warmers would be big enough for me...). In addition to the new patterns we still have old favorites like rainbow stripe and cowprint. These legwarmers make great additions to any cloth diapering family as well as for any kid who wants to stay stylishly warm!

Sidewalk Sales!

2010-07-22T08:53:00.:00

It's that time of year again...when the busy streets of Northampton get even busier with the excitement of sidewalk sales. We've been gearing up and will have all sorts of things up for sale - so swing by and check them out!

Sidewalk sales run from July 22 through the 25th. Come see what will be on sale and leave with some new books, diapers, toys or dolls! In addition to some fabulous deals EVERYTHING in the store will be 20% OFF!!

On The Road Again...

2010-06-30T05:56:00.:00

Growing up, my family did a lot of traveling, especially in the summer. It wasn't unusual for us to pack up the car, pile into the backseat and hit the road, driving a few hours, or even a few days until we hit our destination. Sometimes we would have a set point, meeting family or visiting a national park. Other times we would just drive, maps in hand, thrilled with the adventure of it all.

Beyond the beautiful landscapes, interesting people and exciting adventures these trips brought us, some of my favorite memories included the actual time spent in the car. We would listen to books on tape, read comic books, or play a variety of car games to keep us occupied. As my son grows older, I hope to recreate many of the memories I hold dear to my heart as well as create new ones.

A Child's Garden knows that many families will be setting out on vacation this summer, whether by car, plane or even boat! We've gathered together some items that will help your family create some long lasting travel memories as well.

Travel puzzles are a great way to keep young minds entertained on long stretches. Come check out the fun, new travel puzzles we have from Crocodile Creek. They come in a travel-ready package, with a ziplock closure, so you're able to easily keep all the pieces in one place. We have a variety of puzzles from dinosaurs, space travel, a map of the U.S. and more!

When you're riding in the car, it can sometimes feel like time never passes, easily contributing to bored little passengers. With Eeboo's new Travel Bingo, car rides can become fun again. Join your kids in finding various items outside your car window and check them off. Who will reach BINGO first?!

Mudpuppy knows what travelers of all ages need. We have a few items from this company that is sure to brighten any trip. With oversized playing cards, older kids can play all the old favorites from Go Fish, War, Hearts, Rummy, Solitaire and many more. There are a variety of themes to choose from as well.

To help remember all of the fabulous fun from your family trip, consider picking up a Mudpuppy travel journal. Both kids and adults can fill the pages in together, creating a lasting way to cherish your trip.

For younger kids, Mudpuppy's sticker books are the perfect way to help pass the time. With a variety of different scenes to chose from, kids can play at the zoo, ride with horses or even put on a play! Come check out all the different ones we have at A Child's Garden.

Besides all of these wonderful items geared towards travelers, we also have some of our regular items that could be helpful while on vacation. From the brand new colorful Kleen Kanteens to the selection of entertaining kids' CDs, you'll be able to find plenty of things to help make your trip that much more enjoyable, here, at A Child's Garden.

Happy Travels!

A little Organic Farm at the Tuesday Market!

2010-06-11T17:06:00.:00

This coming Tuesday, June 15th, you can have the chance to sample fresh produce and treats from local farms as well as check out the new tunes from The Nields' brand new DVD, Organic Farm - all in one place!

Come join us at the Tuesday Market, located right behind Thornes Market in downtown Northampton. From 2:30-5:30 you'll be able to rock out with Nerissa and Katryna Nields as they hold the debut and release party for their new DVD, Organic Farm. This event, which is co-sponsored by A Child's Garden, will provide fun for the entire family. There will be live music, a viewing of the DVD, a meet & greet with The Nields as well as many other fun surprises!

And, while you're there, check out the other wonderful treats the Tuesday Market has to offer. From live music to mouth watering vegetables, you'll always find something special on a Tuesday in downtown Northampton.

Going to the Zoo...

2010-05-26T05:14:00.:00

...How about you?

The warm, sunny season in New England is a great time to get out and visit all the places in the area that are homes to various animals. From the mini zoo at Look Park to the larger Forest Park Zoo, there are lots of ways to bring animals into your kids' lives.

Another way is with our new Plan Toys animals! The new series of eco-friendly, wooden toys from one of our favorite companies is now out: Planimals! The new Planimal series showcases endangered animals that kids will love to play with. Polar bears, kangaroos, and more are inhabiting our store now - come check them out!

Babies can get in on the animal loving as well with brand new "oneseas" from Gloucester. With vibrant clothing inspired by the sea, your baby can get in touch with her inner octopus, fish or even crab(we've all had those kind of days!).

Come in and check out both of these ways to get in touch with your inner animal!

Rock All Day...Rock All Night!

2010-04-27T06:05:00.:00

One thing we love about living in the "Happy Valley," is the amount of excellent children's music that is produced right here! It's even more exciting when some of our favorites come out not only with a new CD but a book and DVD as well. Here at A Child's Garden, you can find all three - put out by the fabulously talented Nields. Nerissa and Katryna Nields create joyous, fun and exciting music that both you and your child will find yourselves singing non stop.
Come pick up their CD, All Together, Singing In The Kitchen and soon you too will being singing along to such well loved tunes like John The Rabbit, Hi Ho The Rattlin' Bog, Going to the Zoo, and many more!

Just recently, the Nields have kicked it up a notch, releasing their much anticipated new DVD, Organic Farm.

Now, not only can you hear their wonderful songs, but you can enjoy your own private Nields concert right in your home! Get up and dance along with Nerissa, Katryna and their kid packed audience, as they share such wonderful hits such as Aikendrum, Going to Boston, The Muffin Man, and more!
Check out a sneak peek here:

In addition to their wonderful music, check out Nerissa's latest venture into writing. How To Be An Adult is the perfect read for those struggling to figure out just how the heck you go about being an adult. It tackles subjects such as taxes, insurance, cooking, and much more all with a sense of humor and adorable illustrations (courtesy of Katryna!).

You can find all three of these fabulous Nields products here at A Child's Garden!

Spring into spring...with color!

2010-03-27T16:39:00.:00

Over at A Child's Garden we have been working hard at finding lots of ways to help you celebrate the arrival of spring. We have a variety of new toys that are colorful and playful.
One of our new favorites are the Gemini Nature Kaleidoscope kits from Toysmith. These kits are a fabulous way to combine nature and creativity. With this fun and educational toy, you can make your own kaleidoscope over and over again using elements from nature.

In addition to these fun kaleidoscopes we have a few other ways to brighten your lives with color. A new favorite company, Eco-kids, brings us two fabulous, colorful and completely safe ways to craft with your kids. Using natural and organic fruit, plant and vegetable extracts from beets, spinach, paprika, carrots, purple sweet potato, red cabbage, blueberries and tomatoes, both their eco-dough and eco-paint sets provide vivid colors for crafting fun.

Both the eco-dough and the eco-paint are available in gluten free options - and can be ordered for those that want it. Come on in to talk to us about it today!

As the flowers spring up and spots of purple, pink, yellow and red dot our gardens and lawns, make sure to bring some color into your homes as well!

Babwearing Safely

2010-03-18T07:41:00.:00

Recently, there has been a lot of buzz in the news surrounding the safety of babywearing. We want to reassure all of our customers that not only do we still promote the safe wearing of your baby, but we are here to help you feel comfortable doing so. There are a variety of ways to insure that you are wearing your baby in a safe, comfortable manner. You can always stop in to A Child's Garden and have one of our employees assist you in learning more about the variety of carriers we have in stock. In addition to the wonderful workshops provided by our babywearing educator, Meg Barry, we also provide weekly drop in hours every Wednesday at 4pm. Come in and meet with Meg so she can help show you the safest way to carry your baby.

Last week we got together with our friends over at Sakura Bloom and created a short video to help show a few dos and don'ts in regards to babywearing. Please check it out and ensure that you're following all of the "do's"!

You can also check out this great interview that A Child's Garden owner, Kate Glynn, did with WWLP regarding safe babywearing. If you still have any questions or concerns regarding a carrier you own or babywearing in general, please feel free to stop on by. We're more than happy to help!

Pick up a book!

2010-03-05T07:43:00.:00

This past Tuesday was Read Across America Day, but here at A Child's Garden, we're taking the opportunity to celebrate and promote reading for more than just one day.
Read Across America Day coincides with the birthday of the beloved children's author, and local hero, Dr. Seuss. In his honor we have set up a display of some our favorite Dr. Seuss books right in the middle of the store. Nothing promotes reading better than when we enjoy the books we read to our children, and Dr. Seuss helps us along in that regard.

In further support of Read Across America Day, A Child's Garden owner Kate Glynn recently visited the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton. The students at the Clarke School can read lips and the second grade class that Kate visited thoroughly enjoyed her reading two chapters from The Phantom Tollbooth. The Phantom Tollbooth is one of Kate's favorite books and she feels that not only is it a fabulous adventure story that kids will love, but it also a beautiful allegory about why we learn. This witty story is always a hit with both children and adults.

So swing on by and peruse our book section, who knows what old treasure or soon to be new favorite you'll find.

Carrying into 2010

2010-01-23T15:41:00.:00

We are absolutely crazy about baby carriers here at A Child's Garden. In addition to our tried and true favorites, we've started off 2010 with a bang, bringing in an array of brand new carriers.

Babyhawk, one of our best-loved carriers, has come out with the Oh Snap!, a soft structured buckle carrier that combines innovative design and top-notch construction. If you love your BabyHawk or ToddlerHawk mei tai but are interested in a more supportive carrier for your bigger baby or toddler, then the Oh Snap! is the buckle carrier for you!
The BabyHawk Oh Snap! can be used as a front or back carrier for babies from 6 months to 45 pounds and comes in a variety of vibrant patterns. There are many great features about this carrier. The three-part adjustable waist allows for a custom fit no matter what your size or body type. A double chest clip creates a secure and perfect fit and there are seat darts and leg padding for a deep, comfortable seating position for your baby.

In addition to the various mei tais we have in stock, we've recently starting carrying The NapSack, a unique carrier that can be worn not only on your front or back, but also on your hip! Because of the hourglass shape of the carrier as well as the wider, oar-shaped straps, you can use the NapSack in a variety of positions for maximum comfort.

New company, Olives and Applesauce, had already won the heart of our babywearing educator, Meg Barry. Their buckle carriers are hand crafted in the U.S. with tons of care and attention to detail. Lightly padded shoulder straps increase comfort for the wearer, while the gently contoured waistband provides support and help to transfer weight easily. This carrier makes both front and back carrying an easy feat and comes in an array of fabulous colors.

If you're looking for another option than a mei tai, we've started carrying a fabulous new pouch/ring-sling combo. UpMama takes the best of both types of carriers and creates. The UpMama hybrid sling combines the compact, intuitively shaped body structure of a pouch sling with the "perfect fit" adjustability of a ring sling. There is even an added a zippered pocket, allowing parents to ditch the diaper bag for even more freedom!

Come in soon to check out these great new carriers for yourself. Make sure to come in every Wednesday at four for our walk-in babywearing hours, where you can come and receive help from our babywearing expert, Meg Barry!

Beautiful Baby Bums...

2010-01-05T08:38:00.:00

With my son turning three next week I find myself growing nostalgic for all of the special things that came only with having a baby... Drooly, smiling mouths, adorable onesies with cute sayings, little baby booties and beautiful cloth diapers.

Diapers?

Yes, diapers.

Once I started cloth diapering, I fell in love with all the choices and products out there. Between the various colors and options, I always had something new to try and still find myself staring wistfully at all the new diaper products I no longer have a need for. I am especially excited about the newest crop of diapering products we've begun carrying at A Child's Garden. Almost excited enough to have a new baby...almost.

Our first new diaper is the Baby Beehinds bamboo one size fitted diaper. These fabulously absorbant diapers fit from birth to toddlerhood, and are incredibly soft - perfect for even the most sensitive skin!

Thirsties Duo Wraps are another new, wonderful diaper that we're carrying. These diapers come in two sizes and grow with your baby. Start off with size one, which will take you from birth to 18 pounds, and then switch to size two which will fit up to 40 pounds! Not only are these comfy diapers seriously protect against leaks, they also come in an array of vivid colors, making that baby bum look absolutely beautiful!

Nothing says love like a "Mommy's Touch," and now we have that at A Child's Garden as well. We've recently started carrying Mommy's Touch diapers and have two different types for you to try. The first is an All-In-One diaper that comes in both snap or velcro choices. These AIOs are perfect for heavy wetters and their 'quick dry design' allows for easier cleaning/drying as well.

Also from Mommy's Touch comes the Easy Clean Pocket diaper, in either snap or velcro. This diaper is pretty amazing. It unstuffs itself in the wash, so all you need to do is toss it in, and not worry about peeling out the dirty insert! The custom milled fleece keeps your baby dry and comfy - another excellent facet of these diapers!

Our last new diaper related products are the fabulous new Planet Wise wet/dry bags. Not only do these bags come in an assortment of stylish prints, but they will keep your dirty cloth diapers secure until you can get to your diaper pail/washing machine. These wel made bags are great for carrying and transporting not only wet and dirty diapers but also wet bathing suits, soiled clothing and much more!

Fun with Arts & Baths!

2009-12-19T12:48:00.:00

We've recently started carrying a few new items in our store that have arrived just in time for the holidays. We have something for everyone...
For your little artist, come check out the fabulous new crayons from Clementine Art. Soy-based, non-toxic and vibrantly colored crayons await any budding or established artist. We are carrying both the regular stick crayons as well as the super fun rock version.

Another great addition to any other craft collection are the Clementine Art glue sticks. These are all natural glue sticks that dry clear, adhere strongly to many surfaces yet washes off easily with water. Swing by today to see why we love the art supplies from Clementine Art.

Once you've had fun getting dirty with your art, it's time to get clean! We've started carrying a fun, new line in our store for both bath toys and washcloths. Ecoleeko makes bath time fun again with their soft bathbuddy washcloths.

The beautiful hand dyed cloths are made with soft, organic french terrycloth in a variety of beautiful colors and fun animal styles!

Jar of Wonder

2009-12-03T06:51:00.:00

It's always a treat when we can not only rave about a wonderful new product, but also boast that they're made right here in our community!
Jar of Wonder is the creation of Niki and Kerri, two local moms with serious sewing skills. Their handmade felt foods are quickly becoming one of our favorite new toys! We are excited to be carrying these adorable, exquisitely detailed felt food. One of the many neat things about them is that the felt they use is vegan friendly - made from recycled plastic bottles instead of wool!
From breakfast foods to sandwiches to yummy treats with tea, Jar of Wonder has cooked up some fantastic pieces that will fit right in with any play kitchen. Stop by A Child's Garden to pick some up for your little chef, today!

Genius from head to...bum?

2009-12-03T06:28:00.:00

One of our favorite cloth diaper brands, Bum Genius, has come out with two new varieties and of course we have them in stock!
The first new diaper from the line is the Econobum, and is exactly what it sounds like. It's the perfect solution for those who want to cloth diaper but fear that it might be too expensive. With Econobum one size cloth diapers you can save money while still making the environmentally-friendly choice of choosing cloth to cover your little one's bum. The one size cover and prefold adjust to grow along with your little one.

The other new diaper from Bum Genius is called The Flip, and it's as neat as it sounds. This one-size diaper makes cloth diaper even easier than it already is. Toss the used insert into your diaper pail, replace with a clean one and reuse the cover. Or, you can use the disposable inserts just as easily, making cloth diapering a reality for when you're on-the-go!

Even though they're not here yet, we can't help but tell you about another fabulous diapering option that's on its way! Bum Genius has put out a fabulous, organic, all in one cloth diaper and they will soon be gracing our shelves. These diapers are highly absorbent, easy to use, and are perfect to use with a newborn all the way up to 35 pounds. And best of all, they're organic!

Come in to A Child's Garden today to learn more about these great new diapering systems!

Giving Thanks

2009-11-24T06:03:00.:00

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we find ourselves reflecting on all the things we are thankful for. From good health to good friends, many of us have plenty of things to feel grateful for. Here, at A Child's Garden, it's no exception. We are truly thankful and grateful for all of our cherished customers, both new ones that pop in on a daily basis, as well as repeat customers that we have come to know and love.

This past weekend was "Bag Day" in Northampton, where shoppers could take a special
paper bag around to various local stores and receive 20% off one item. It would be remiss of us not to thank everyone who stopped in for making Bag Day the success it was!

As we continue to grow and thrive here at A Child's Garden, we want to thank you for being a part of our lives, sharing your stories, children and experiences with us. Whether it's coming in for a babywearing workshop, or stopping by to learn more about cloth diapers, we appreciate it all.

With the holidays around the corner, make sure to check back here soon for a post of some of our favorite toys, books and other fabulous gift ideas.

From our family at A Child's Garden to yours:

Halloween Happenings!

2009-10-23T04:48:00.:00

Halloween is just around the corner and we wanted to share all the exciting things that are going on that we're involved in.
Our sister store, impish, is hosting a concert on Saturday, October 31st, at 11AM. Come join up and coming children's musician, Mister G, as he sings silly songs from his new album, Pizza For Breakfast. Mister G will be on hand to sign CDs after the show as well!

In addition, please make sure to stop by A Child's Garden on Halloween as we participate in Northampton's Downtown Trick or Treat, where you and your children can show off your costumes and pick up a treat from 3-6pm!

If you're still looking for that last minute costume, swing by A Child's Garden to outfit your little fairy, wizard or pirate with all the accessories he or she will need! We have beautiful silk capes, wands, felted pirate gear and more. Stop in now to check it out!