Archive for November, 2009
There was a time when bamboo was just for stir-frying and panda feed. Now the Chinese grass is used for everything from hardwood flooring to baby clothes.
Made from the pulp of bamboo which is separated into thin fibers that is spun into yards or woven into cloth, bamboo fabric is naturally antibacterial as well as chemical and allergen free since it does not require any pesticides or herbicides. As soft as silk and with a similar drape, bamboo fabric is also super absorbent, wicking away moisture from the skin and keeping its wearer cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it one of the most comfortable fabrics around.
But bamboo clothing doesn’t just feel great on your skin, it’s also a great choice for the environment. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable resources our planet has to offer. Growing up to one foot every 24 hours, it yields 50 times as much fiber per acre as cotton and produces up to 40% more oxygen than a typical hardwood forest.
If your baby is starting to take a few steps, it is time to shop for some baby shoes to protect his or her sweet little feet from harm. But before you buy there are some important questions you should ask that will ensure you get a pair of baby shoes that help, not hinder, your baby’s walking experience.
What Kind of Baby Shoes Should I Buy?
Baby shoes should be soft and flexible so that baby can use his or her feet properly for balance. The bottoms should be non-slip and have plenty of traction, but steer clear of extra-thick soles that might trip baby up. High-top baby shoes aren’t necessary for ankle support, but if you do choose high-tops, be sure baby’s ankles can still bend or it may be hard for baby to walk very well. Look for shoes in a breathable material so baby’s feet can stay cool and comfy.
How Should Baby Shoes Fit?
Babies should not have to break in their shoes. After your baby has toddled around the store in the new shoes for a while, take the shoes off and check baby’s feet for any signs of chafing or pinching. If the shoes rub or seem to make walking difficult, find another pair. As for sizing, you should be able to put your pinky finger in between the shoe and baby’s foot, and there should be about a thumb-width between baby’s toes and the end of the shoe.
Laces or Velcro?
Laces do need to be re-tied a lot, which may send parents in search of Velcro baby shoes. It’s a matter of personal choice. Lace-up baby shoes are harder for babies to take off, but Velcro is easier to figure out for the young mind, so be prepared for baby to learn to remove Velcro shoes fairly quickly. Try tying the shoe laces a few times in the store. You’ll be tying and re-tying these shoes a lot, so be sure the laces are long enough and easy to work with. If you choose slip-on baby shoes, put the shoe on a few times in the store to be sure it slips on easily for dressing but doesn’t fall off when baby walks.
How Often Should I Buy Shoes?
Check the fit of your baby’s shoes at least once a month. All babies grow at different rates, but you can expect to buy shoes in bigger sizes at least every three to six months. Some babies will require bigger shoes almost monthly. Check for signs of wear on the shoes and be ready to replace them if the bottoms crack or if there holes in top or sides. Babies and toddlers will find plenty of things to trip over, so be sure their shoes aren’t part of the problem!
Baby showers can be somewhat intimidating affairs to pull off â not for the mother-to-be, of course, but for the ladies charged with planning it. There are invitations to send out, venues to scope out and reserve, and gifts to purchase. When my best friend Rachel and her husband announced they were expecting, I knew it would be up to me to plan and execute the best shower imaginable.
Up to a point, I did just that. I got a Sunday afternoon reservation at Rachelâs favorite restaurant, sent out invitations to her friends and female relations well in advance, and even made the party favors myself. Unfortunately, I put my gift ideas on the back burner and got so swept up in everything else that I forgot to buy one. With just a few days left until the party, I started frantically searching online and found the most adorable designer baby shoes. Theyâre the perfect item for Rachel to set aside until her baby grows into them.