A Child's Garden

Music Makes The World Go 'Round

2011-06-22T08:20:00.000-07:00

...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

2011-06-07T07:26:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-05T07:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-04-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-03-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-12-20T06:53:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-11-16T11:44:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-10-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-09-13T07:11:00.000-07:00

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...

2010-08-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-22T08:53:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-06-30T05:56:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-11T17:06:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-05-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

...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!

2010-04-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-18T07:41:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-03-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

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...

2010-01-05T08:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-12-19T12:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T06:51:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-03T06:28:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-24T06:03:00.001-08:00

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!

2009-10-23T04:48:00.001-07:00

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!

Join us at impish for a very important discussion!

2009-10-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

We're proud and excited to share with you being hosted by our sister store, impish. Two area authors, Clark University Professor Abbie Goldberg and University of Massachusetts' Professor Lee Badgett, will be running a discussion about diverse families, Thursday October 22nd at 6 PM.

Abbie Goldberg recently published "Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children: Research on the Family Life Cycle" (American Psychological Association Press). In her book, Goldberg provides an overview of research on lesbian and gay families. Along with quantitative and longitudinal studies, Goldberg has pulled together resources about the subject.

Lee Badgett recently published "When Gay People Get Married: What Happens When Societies Legalize Same-Sex Marriage" (NYU Press). In her book, Badgett takes a rainbow-hued map and looks at places where same-sex marriage has become legal, in order to learn more about what this right means to couples in day-to-day life and to the societal impact upon same-sex unions.

There will be nibbles, an opportunity for Professors Badgett and Goldberg's books to be signed, and a chance for lively discussion about a topic that is important beyond our Valley, and certainly makes ours a unique place to live. Please come join us!

Learning Languages

2009-09-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Bonjour! Hola! Shalom!

At A Child's Garden we feel that learning other languages is a wonderful gift that can be taught at an early age. We offer a variety of toys and books to help promote that ideal.
You can find flash cards in both French and Spanish, which help kids begin to learn new words or strengthen the vocabulary they already have.

We also have a handful of books to help you introduce new languages to your children. Come pick up a board book teaching your child all about school in Spanish - a great way to start the school year! In addition to these great finds, we are proud to have some toys to help promote learning other languages. Eager for your child to learn the Hebrew alphabet (the Aleph-Bet)? Come in and check out the gorgeous wooden Hebrew Alphabet blocks we're carrying.

With colorful letters, pictures and words, learning Hebrew has never been so much fun! Come in today to find what language tools we have to help you and your child in your foreign language journey.

"Skutting" into Fall...

2009-09-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

After weeks of incredibly hot weather, we've finally been given a reprieve and have been enjoying some beautiful, almost fall like weather. There is a slight breeze in the air, cooler temperatures, and the urge to be outside and enjoy it while it lasts is strong. What better way to enjoy playing outside than with a Skuut bike?
Skuut bikes are wonderful for those toddlers and young kids who are too small for a real two wheeler bike, but still want to be able to have some two-wheeled fun.
Skuut bikes fall into the categories of "walking bikes," "running bikes," and/or "balancing bikes." They are great transition bike for children ages 2-5. There are no pedals or training wheels, and your child's legs do all the work. Kids work on their balance so by the time they are ready for a true two-wheeled bike, they are able to ride upon one without the aid of training wheels. Skuut bikes are excellent for learning balance, coordination, steering and independence.

We also love them because they are beautifully crafted from wood, are eco-friendly and well loved by many kids we personally know! Come in to A Child's Garden today to check out these wonderful bikes!

One Size Fits All!

2009-08-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

What are we talking about? Diapers of course!
One size diapers are a wonderful choice when considering using cloth. You can buy a bunch of one size diapers when your baby is just a newborn, and watch as the diapers grow along with your child. Most one-size diapers will accomodate toddlers up to 35lbs! And now, at A Child's Garden, we are thrilled to say that we have a selection of one size diapers!
We are over the moon excited about the new line of Fuzzi Bunz one size diapers. A favorite brand for a long time, Fuzzi Bunz has recently come out with a new line of one-size pocket diapers. These diapers are made with the same care and craftsmanship of regular Fuzzi Bunz but have the added benefit of growing with your baby!

In addition to these great, new Fuzzi Bunz we are still stocking our beloved one size Bum Genius diapers. The Bum Genius 3.0 diapers come in a wide variety of fabulous colors and just like the Fuzzi Bunz, grow with your baby!

Whether you like the trademark snaps of the Fuzzi Bunz or the ease of velcro that come with the Bum Genius diapers, we have it all. Come in and check out these great one size diapers today!

Sidewalk Sales!

2009-07-22T10:27:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all! A Child's Garden will be participating in Northampton's SIDEWALK SALES: July 23rd - 26th
We hope to see everyone during this event. We will be "cleaning house", which means a lot of great deals for you! Come see what will be on sale and leave with some new books, toys or dolls!
Our biggest special will be a "white sale" with selected white diapers on sale for 20-40% off! Selected inserts and doublers, FuzziBunz, Snug to Fit, Under the Nile, Imse Vimse and Lovey Bums will be on sale. This is a great opportunity to stock up on cloth diapers!!
Also! After a long day of shopping, make sure to swing by our sister store, Impish, for a nice refreshing glass of lemonade!

Upcoming Fun!

2009-07-11T15:30:00.000-07:00

There are a few fun events happening for us at A Child's Garden and we'd love to see you there!
We're hosting a kid's concert along with our sister store Impish! Come join the sing-a-long fun at Impish, in Thorne's Market, Friday the 17th at 11am
Musician Charlie Hope will be there to share her music celebrate the release of her first children's CD, I'm Me. Sample her music online by clicking here!

Also coming up in July are Sidewalk Sales! Swing on by July 23rd-26th and check out all the fun items we'll have for sale!!

Beach Time Fun!

2009-06-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

With the weather warming up, trips to the beach are coming up in the not too distant future. In fact, we've been planning our own upcoming trip to Cape Cod, and I'm already craving the warm sunshine, lapping waves and cool sand between my toes. My son is looking forward to it as well since he knows that he'll get to spend lazy days at the beach, playing in the sand and water. We'll be bringing along a few beach toys to help with the fun, and all are currently available at A Child's Garden.
German company Spielstabil provides PVC free plastic beach toys in a variety of vibrant colors. The durability and safety of Spielstabil are just two of the reasons we love this company. Come in and see for yourself why else we love these toys!

For those wanting to branch out from the usual beach toys of shovel and pail,we also carry the Spielstabil party time playset, perfect for an impromptu tea party at the beach!

For the adventurous younger swimmer don't forget to pick up a swim diaper, in order to get your baby or toddler used to the fun of swimming in the water. Imse Vmse makes adorable, colorful, easy to use swim diapers to help those not quite potty trained yet.

Don't forget to protect those little heads while out and about in the sun! Check out the great sunhats by Flaphappy that we carry. We have both the original flap hat as well as the floppy hat in a variety of cute and colorful patterns!

Before heading out to the beach, remember to head to A Child's Garden to check out all the fun beach related gear and toys we have to offer!

Curl Up With a Classic!

2009-05-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

In addition to all of the new and exciting books we get in on a regular basis, we also make sure to stock the well loved classics of our own childhoods.

For the younger crowd we have an array of Eric Carle books, proud to showcase this talented author and illustrator. Eric Carle brings animals, bugs and plants to life through his vivid collage drawings and simple words.

Babar the Elephant, an international favorite from my childhood, is still a winner with kids today. Created in 1931 by Jean DeBrunhoff, the tales of Babar and his family are endearing, funny and extremely engaging. Come in and see which of the Babar stories we currently have!

Another classic that is just in time for berry season is Robert McCloskey's Caldicott award winning book, Blueberries for Sal. Snuggle up with a loved one and this book and read about the fun of blueberry picking while waiting for the season to start!

For the older crowd, we stock classics from authors like Judy Blume, Roald Dahl and E.B. White.

Children's Book Week!

2009-05-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

May 11th-17th is Children's Book Week. This week is the oldest national literacy event in the United States! To honor this week we'll be sharing with you some of our favorite books that you can find at A Child's Garden. It helps that store owner, Kate Glynn, is obsessed with kid's books and is always finding new and special books to add to our collection.
We are in the process of replenishing our stock and have lots of new books coming in! While we hold childrens' classics close to our heart, we're always on the lookout for new and exciting books. Here are a few lesser known, but absolutely wonderful books that we love:

The First Forest by John Gile tells the story of the very first forest and what happens when greed and selfishness find their way in. This beautifully illustrated story helps remind us about sharing and being kind to one another.

Punk Farm by local author Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a whimsical tale of rock and roll animals that get their groove on once Farmer Joe heads to bed.

An elephant and a young girl are the best of friends in Patrica Polacco's book, Emma Kate. The heartwarming friendship described in this wonderfully illustrated book will quickly make this story a family favorite!

Happy Reading!!!

40 Under 40!

2009-05-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

All of us at A Child's Garden are extremely proud of store owner, Kate Glynn. Kate has been honored as one of Western Massachusetts's 40 Under 40 young business leaders. For the third year in a row, the business journal for the western part of the state, BusinessWest has chosen 40 young people to feature in year's issue. This honor has quickly become a prestigious recognition of the up and coming business world. CLICK HERE to read the article on Kate. Congrats Kate!!!

PRIDE!

2009-04-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

This coming Saturday, May 2nd, Northampton is celebrating LGBT Pride with a parade and rally in the middle of town. To show our support for this issue and our community we are proudly displaying the many LGBT friendly books we carry in our store front window.

And Tango Makes Three is one of our absolute favorites! Based on the true story of two male penguins living in the Central Park Zoo, this book follows penguins Roy and Silo as they attempt to make a nest together and hatch a little one.

The book Who's In A Family introduces readers to the idea that there are many different ways to define a family. Many different families are represented in this story, including same-sex parent ones!

King & King spins a new twist on the age old idea of happily-ever-after. Follow the story of two Princes falling in love.

Come by to check out these books and more at A Child's Garden!

Celebrate the Earth!

2009-04-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday, April 22nd is Earth Day! This is a day close to our hearts, since we are committed to bringing you green, earth friendly toys and baby products all year round. Earth Day is a great reminder to us all to do our part to help care for our planet. Here at A Child's Garden we pride ourselves on the various eco-friendly options we sell such as cloth diapers, stainless steel water bottles, SnackTaxi reusable snack bags, as well as a many different outdoor toys that help children learn about gardening and caring for the earth.

In honor of Earth Day we have joined with Plan Toys to help celebrate taking care of the planet. Plan Toys is an eco-friendly, "green" company that provides affordable toys that are made with safe, non-toxic, sustainable materials with little impact on the environment! Come in and tell us how you plan to celebrate Earth Day and get a free earth-friendly gift courtesey of Plan Toys and A Child's Garden (quantities limited). Plan Toys has created a great recycled card board house that you and your children can put together and decorate anyway you want!

Let's try and make Earth Day, every day!

Lions and Rhinos and Pigs, oh my!

2009-03-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Well, perhaps that is not the way the traditional saying goes, but that is what you'll say when you come in to the store! One of our favorite animal collections is the Australian designed Anamalz, and if you come in this week, you will see them displayed front and center at the check out counter. These playful animals are a funky mix of rope and sustainable wood and are creatively designed to be both fun and functional. We have both Wild Anamalz and Farm Anamalz, offering a variety of animals to choose from.
My son loves these animals so much, that despite already having a menagerie of animals to choose from at home we have adopted some of our very own Anamalz. Some of his favorites include:

And our newest addition, a pig!

Elijah loves to play with these toys in his barn, but they also make fabulous take-along toys because they are small enough to fit in a pocket, but not too small that it will get lost easily. He loves to manipulate the arms and legs of the animals, which easily move since Anamalz have the unique ability to bend into different poses. These cute animals are eco-friendly as well, utlizing sustainable maple wood for the bases, so you can feel good about buying an earth friendly product!

Toy Fair 2009!

2009-02-21T07:53:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, A Child's Garden owner Kate Glynn had the pleasure of attending Toy Fair 2009 in New York City. There was a buzz of excitement surrounding all of the new toys on display, as well as a lot of discussion surrounding the new Consumer Protection Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and how that will affect both toy makers and buyers in the future.
Kate delved into both areas. Not only did she find great new toys to bring to Northampton, but she also attended a three and a half hour toy safety seminar with top experts in the field. In addition to the seminar, Kate helped staff a booth for the Handmade Toy Alliance, educating those who stopped by about how the CPSIA is affecting small shop owners, toy makers and consumers.
The real fun, however, was seeing all the new and exciting toys that will be coming out this year. There were a lot of additions to old favorites and we can't wait to bring them into A Child's Garden.
Plan Toys has stepped up its game and is becoming even more eco-friendly with the introduction of their new dollhouse. This dollhouse has solar panels on the roof and a wind turbine! All of the pieces are made with reusable materials. We cannot wait to be able to offer this dollhouse to you!
Plan Toys doesn't stop there however, and have come out with a great toy for the future paleontologists among us. They are coming out with a wonderful dinosaur excavating kit that allows you to dig through layers of "dirt" to get to dinosaur fossils buried below.
Not to be outdone, Haba has come out with some great new products of their own. They've redesigned their baby clutch toys and are introducing a whole new range of colors. Expanding past their traditional primary colors, Haba has incorporated more modern colors such as a bold raspberry to thier repetoire!
We can't wait to show you all the new toys we will be bringing in. Make sure to stop on in to see all the great, new products we will have this spring. We will be carrying new lines and expanding our current ones!

Good news!

2009-02-02T11:42:00.000-08:00

Some heartening news on the CPSIA front! The official word is that there is a one year stay in the implementation of some of the requirements of the CPSIA! This will allow time for businesses to get testing done and fight for component testing, as well as reasonable exemptions for things like wooden toys and books. We will continue to update the blog when we hear anything else. And, as always, please feel free to come in and talk to us in person and we will do our best to help you understand this and how it impacts you, the consumer!

Striving for safety!

2009-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

With the new year upon us we are more excited than ever to welcome kids and adults alike to come and visit us at A Child's Garden to see all of our books, toys, cloth diapers and babywearing gear that we have in stock. We are continuously stocking our shelves with old favorites and bringing in new and exciting things as well.
At A Child's Garden we strive to only stock items that have met our high safety standards. We have always prided ourselves in stocking toys made as naturally as possible in America or Europe, items without phthalates or toxins. After the recent scares of toxins and lead found in various toys and the recalls that followed, the government has finally realized that something must be done, however regulations that have recently been put into place are now jeopardizing our ability to offer you the quality toys and baby gear that you have come to love and expect from A Child's Garden.
We would like to take a minute to explain these new regulations and how they are impacting us. This past August Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Among doing other things, this Act bans lead and phthalates in toys, mandates third-party testing and certification for all toys and requires toy makers to permanently label each toy with a date and batch number. These are all important steps and we applaud the government for wanting to be proactive in protecting our children. While these steps will be manageable for many of the larger toy companies, it will become an extreme hardship to those local manufacturers that A Child's Garden has come to rely on for beautiful, handmade wooden toys or silk slings for example. It is near impossible for an independent toy maker to afford the $4,000/per toy fee that testing labs are charging in order to comply with CPSIA standards. In fact, we will need to pay for every toy we import from Europe. If you are familiar with our products you know that some of our favorite brands come from Europe. While the reason for this law is sound, the method is not. In fact, Kate Glynn, owner of A Child's Garden has recently spoken out about it on CBS3 and NPR. To help educate yourself further about this issue, please check out this website.
If you feel inclined to help, please contact your congressperson and let them know that while you value toy safety as much as we do, that the law needs to be amended.
Please do not hesitate to ask us about this and how it will affect you, the consumer. We will do our best to answer you as best as we can and will of course update you as soon as more information is available!

Safe toys...but at what cost?

2008-12-17T14:21:00.000-08:00

New legislation has passed, requiring stringent and costly testing to ensure safety of all toys and products directed at babies and children. While this is great news for those toys made in china or made of plastic, it is hurting local toymakers who use natural materials like wood, silk or wool for their products.
Please watch THIS VIDEO for more information!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-04T10:55:00.001-08:00

With December upon us and the official start of winter right around the corner, it is now the time to start pondering what gifts to get for our favorite kids.
At A Child's Garden we have a wide variety of gifts that can appeal to every child. We have a fantastic selection of winter themed books that can help get your little one excited for the snowy times sure to be ahead of us! And nothing is better than snuggling up with your little one and a favorite book. Be sure to come in and see our display of holiday themed books as well.
Our holiday shipment of Plan Toys has arrived and we have a plethora of fun toys to choose from. The country barn is an adorable addition to any playroom, as are the Victorian Dollhouse, Pirate Ship and Parking Garage!

In addition to these great toys, we have a variety of items from Sarah's Silks, a wonderful famliy run company that specializes in play silks and other beautiful creative toys. Some favorites include gorgeous and silky soft dress up clothes like capes and garlands, transformning your living room into a fairy forest!

If you are looking to start or add to a special collection, come in and check out our Die Buntspechte animals. From farm animals to jungle animals, we have them all. And for the holidays we have a beautiful nativity scene as well.

We have also recently put our beautiful winter themed Advent Calendars on sale for 25% off, so come in a pick one up today!
There is so much more waiting at A Child's Garden to help make the holidays truly special this year. If you want to share your love of our store with friends and family a great thing to do is to come in and create a holiday wish list/gift registry that will allow friends and family the opportunity to check out what you're hoping to get this year. Our staff is waiting to assist you in creating your own!
Happy Holidays from A Child's Garden!

Ways to warm up!

2008-11-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

As the temperature drops and the weather turns cooler, we all try our best to find new ways to keep warm and toasty. At A Child's Garden we have a myriad of ways to help keep both you and your children nice and warm as we head into winter.
Brew up some hot tea or delicious cocoa and store it in our sleek Sigg thermal bottles. These insulated bottles ensure that your drink stays warm while out and about or just relaxing at home.

Despite the temperature dropping into the 30s and 40s my son still wants to spend most of his waking hours outdoors. In order to make sure that he stays warm, I enlist the help of some stylish baby legs - leggings for babies, toddlers and children. We just received a new shipment in and have a variety of styles and colors to choose from. And, while the last we have a few pairs of woolen baby legs as well. We loved these leggings when Elijah was little, as they would close the gap between his pants and socks when we wore him in our mei tai. Now, I love them for the extra layer of warmth they provide while he's running around outside. They can even double as arm warmers!

When the temperatures dip even lower, a great way for your kids to stay warm is with fabulous danish woolen delights from Lana Care. Woolen pants, shirts, hats and booties are all available to ensure that your kids stay toasty warm this season.

And finally, if you want to go for a walk with your little baby but aren't sure the best way to keep warm, check out our brand new line: Peekaru! It works like a vest that covers both your baby and you, so you both stay nice and warm while out in the cold!

Come in to A Child's Garden and let us help you and your family stay warm as the days grow colder!

Come Celebrate!

2008-11-05T10:50:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce the opening of our sister store, Impish! At Impish you'll be able to find baby gear, stylish maternity wear, hip kid's clothes and eco-friendly goods for the modern family. We are so excited to be able to celebrate the grand opening with everyone that we're throwing a little party. Please join us this coming Saturday (Novemeber 8th!) on the 2nd floor of Thornes Marketplace at 11 AM for snack time and a special concert by The Nields. Hope to see you then!

It's raining, It's pouring!

2008-10-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

When most of your day is spent playing outside, cooler weather and the occasional rainy day can throw your routine off kilter. It's a good to have a few ideas stashed away for those raw, cold days that make outside play unappealing.
At A Child's Garden we have a plethora of imaginative toys to help brighten up any dark day. Come check out our dress up area where you will find beautiful silk capes, wizard hats, play silks, wands and more. Add some imagination and these simple items can transport both you and your child to a wonderful world of make-believe.
Of course, we also have a wild range of books that will captivate minds young and old. Curling up with some hot cocoa and a good book on a rainy day will make anybody cheerful.
One thing that Elijah and I love to do when the weather keeps us indoors it to cook! He'll join me in the kitchen and we'll whip up something that leaves the house smelling fabulous and feeling all warm and cozy. At A Child's Garden we have some great play kitchen toys that can translate to the real kitchen as well. Have your child use a kid's size whisk and bowl to stir something up while you cook alongside them. Or, if they are too young to be around a hot stove and spill-able ingredients then you can let them play with the wide variety of wooden and felt play-food we have for sale.
Whatever you do, make indoor play just as special and magical as outdoor play and get down on the floor and get involved with your children! It will make the day brighten up for you as well!

The Becos are here!

2008-10-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that we now carry Beco Baby Carriers! Come on in and check out the various, cute patterns in stock. Check the calendar to see when Meg is around for drop in hours or running a workshop to show you the ins and outs of the new carrier.

Our newest addition!

2008-09-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

Jen has had her baby! Kason joined the world on September 23rd, at 3:30 in the morning. Once Jen comes back to work, Kason will be joining her, so stop on by to welcome the little guy.

Fall Happenings

2008-09-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

The transition from summer to fall is always a special one. The cooler air that greets us each morning, the colorful leaves that start to fall from the trees, and the various treats that always taste extra delicious in the fall like cider and apple crisp. Despite the shortening of the daylight hours, I still feel energized on a perfect, fall day.
Hopefully this fall you and your loved ones get a chance to get outside and enjoy it - apple picking, festivals, day hikes and walks in town...
Here at A Child's Garden we are welcoming the fall with a slew of workshops for everyone. From moms needing help and support with breastfeeding, to those interested in cloth diapering and babywearing we have it all! Check out the upcoming events section to the right or come on in to ask us what is going on. Hope to see you soon!

Adventures in Babywearing

2008-09-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

When I was pregnant, I had this innate feeling that I was definitely going to wear my baby when he was born. I am not sure where this feeling came from as I had very little contact with anybody who wore their baby before having Elijah. I just felt it was something that was done, despite not knowing much about it. It seemed so simple and straight forward. You could have your baby with you and go about your day to day activities without worrying about him or her. With this excitement inside me, I ordered my first babywearing piece - a fleece pouch.

Snug in his pouch at a month old

With Elijah being born in January we definitely got a lot of mileage out of this pouch. We could both wear fewer layers but still remain super warm and snuggly. Elijah would conk right out, and it always helped during fussy periods. I could nurse him in the pouch and it was really easy to slip him in and out. However, since it was sized to me, my husband Marc couldn't wear Elijah in it and so we needed some alternatives. Little did I know how much was out there waiting for us.

While out on daily walks I would see other mamas wearing their babies in various other carriers. I knew little about them, and I wanted to learn more. I joined the local babywearing group, Carried Child Northampton, led by our very own Meg! This group still meets every 4th Wednesday in the Community Room at Forbes Library.

Meg opened my eyes to a wide variety of baby carriers and the knowledge and support I gained at these meeting were priceless. I encourage anyone new to babywearing to come to a meeting as well as sign up for one of Meg's babywearing workshops held at A Child's Garden.

As time went on my baby carrier collection grew to include a variety of pieces.
A quick favorite of both Marc and mine was our Sakura Bloom, available at A Child's Garden. Not only are they locally owned and made in the US, but they are simply stunning. We have a gorgeous black and blue silk ringsling that is perfect for a fancy occasion or just strolling around town. It is a favorite because it is adjustable, allowing anybody to wear it, and it also provides great support so you don't feel weighed down. Elijah made his debut in this sling at a friend's wedding. Everyone was astounded at how beautiful a baby carrier could be!

Another favorite of many people are wraps. A Child's Garden has a variety of wraps to choose from, so come in and take a look! Here are some pictures of various ways to wear your baby in a wrap.

Hannah and her daughter Sina in a hip carry

Marc and Elijah in a front carry...being silly!

Thom and his daughter Aviva in a sling style

With the cooler weather upon us, babywearing tends to be an easy and low fuss way to go for a walk with your little one. A favorite past time includes strapping Elijah into our Babyhawk mei tai, pulling a fleece jacket over the two of us and heading outdoors for a walk or hike.

A Child's Garden has quite the variety of mei tais in a plethora of patterns, so make sure to come on in and see which one is right for you. A mei tai is so diverse and anyone can use one. Here is a picture of Elijah and his grandfather showing off the Babyhawk:

As you can tell, babywearing is a surefire way to help get your little one to sleep! Wearing Elijah around the house has definitely been a saving grace when no amount of nursing or cuddling could get him to nap!

If you've been worn for most of your life, then it becomes second nature. And of course that is how you need to transport your dolls as well. Both Elijah and Aviva are quite adept at wearing their babies, whether it is on their back in a mei tai or up front in a pouch.

Over the course of the last 20 months my baby carrier collection has exploded, and there doesn't seem to be any signs of it stopping either. Especially since word has it that A Child's Garden will begin to stock Beco carriers in the not so distant future. You can be sure that I will be first in line to grab one to add to my collection!

How much is that doggy in the window?

2008-09-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you've ever stepped foot in our store, you've also probably stepped your feet around our two store dogs: Jackson and Lily.

Jackson was the store's first dog and is a daily fixture at A Child's Garden.

Kate rescued Jack, a Cocker Spaniel/Golden Retriever mix, via the Sunshine Rescue Society. Despite being mistaken for a puppy on numerous occasions, Jack is actually 10.5 years old! Jack is super friendly and loves gentle pats and belly rubs. While he loves to go on walks, one of his favorite activities is just to lay around and take a nap. In fact, Jen says Jackson is more like a rug than anything else!

Jackson's pal and Jen's dog Lily is the most recent addition to the A Child's Garden's family. Lily is also a rescue dog and was saved from being abandoned by Jen and her husband Matt. She's only one and a half years old but will play with any dog that comes her way. Lily is a lot more active than Jack and you might find her playing with a favorite squeaky toy or batting a dog treat around the store. She also loves getting snuggles and pets from friendly people.

Feel free to say hi to our two favorite dogs next time you're in the store!

Listen to the music!

2008-09-05T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning Elijah and I got up bright and early (no different than any other day!) and headed to the first day of a new session of Hootenanny! A few months ago, on the suggestion of a fellow parent, I signed Elijah up for the summer session that was being offered. This was our first music class together and neither of us knew what to expect. We sat there that first day, Elijah in my lap clinging tight, listening to the beautiful guitar sounds and harmonies created by Nerissa and Katryna Nields. After a few sessions we were joining everyone else with the singing and dancing around to the different songs. Elijah grew to love going to "Hoot" and having fun with his pals. The joy he got from singing songs and playing instruments was invigorating and infectious. Every car ride turned into a sing-a-long when we listened to the songs from class and impromptu dance parties started occurring while cooking dinner at home. Both Elijah and I couldn't wait to sign back up for another session of Hootenanny and enjoyed learning even more new songs yesterday.
The Pioneer Valley is lucky to have such great musicians like The Nields offer up a fun children's music class right here in Northampton! If you don't have a chance to make it to a class, you and your kids can still groove to the sounds of The Nields with their new cd, Rock All Day, Rock All Night, available at A Child's Garden.
In addition to the Nields, we also have some other wonderful tunes that both you and your kids will love. So, come on in and check it out!

Who's Who of A Child's Garden

2008-08-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

There are many great women that make up the A Child's Garden family. Some of them you may see in the store daily, others only make occasional appearances, but all are amazing and accomplished women who have true love for the store and its goals.
Here's a little "who's who" so next time you come in you'll be able to place a name with that familiar face and know a little bit more about them!

Meet Kate, the owner of A Child's Garden. Kate's spirit, exuberance and love for children's literature shine through all throughout the store. Kate is happy to help you find a unique gift or get you into that perfect sling.

The friendly faces behind the counter:

Jen is a constant presence at A Child's Garden, but that might not be for much longer...because she's having a baby! Coming sometime this September Jen will be having her baby boy and will be taking a little break from the store. We will miss Jen while she is gone, we all can't wait to meet her son. If you make a purchase in the next few weeks before Jen pops, you can enter our contest to guess when Jen will have her baby!

Meet Lori! She is the one that makes all the displays around the store look so perfect. With two kids of her own Lori has a lot of knowledge as to just what kids like.

Here is Gillian, the newest addition to A Child's Garden. She will be helping out as Jen prepares to go on maternity leave. Like Lori, Gillian is also a mother of two and you may even see her wearing her son Eamonn while she's working!

If you've ever come in with a question about cloth diapers, then hopefully you've met Lex, our cloth diaper expert. No stranger to cloth diapers, Lex has three sons, all of whom wore various types. If you're considering the switch to cloth diapers, or already use them and have questions, come join Lex during her open hours or at a cloth diaper seminar.

We are incredibly lucky to have the skill and expertise of Meg, our child-wearing instructor on hand. Meg can help you find the sling, wrap or pouch that works just for you and your baby and will make sure you have the perfect fit as well. If you are new to babywearing, make sure to sign up for one of Meg's workshops!

And here I am. My name is Avi and while my only "official" role at A Child's Garden is *blogger extraordinaire* you might still find me frequently at the store with my son Elijah. I can safely say that about 90% of the products at the store have been "Elijah approved!"

Show your Support!

2008-08-08T11:15:00.000-07:00

Come in to A Child's Garden and purchase a "Breastfeeding Welcome Here" sticker.

Local Breastfeeding Resources

2008-08-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

To continue our promotion of World Breastfeeding Week, we wanted to share with you some local resources for breastfeeding support. If you are a resident of the "Happy Valley" or just visiting, perhaps these resources will be of help to you!
We have a local chapter of La Leche League that meets at Forbes Library the first Friday of every month. You can check out the MA LLL website here or join their yahoo list here.
The Pioneer Valley Breastfeeding Task Force is also another excellent resource. The group is open to any person and business who support breastfeeding. Their website provides information on meetings, current projects, and places to receive help regarding breastfeeding in the Pioneer Valley, including the Cooley-Dickinson Breastfeeding Clinic, Breastfeeding Center at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Breastfeeding Support Group at Franklin Medical Center, contact information for local lactation consultants and more!
Another different source of support that is in the works is the Mother's Milk Bank of New England. It aims to begin processing donated milk in 2009 and will be a great help for those mother's who need to rely on breastmilk donations for their babies.
All of these resources are prime examples of "Going for the Gold" in the Valley.

World Breastfeeding Week

2008-08-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

For over the past ten years, August 1-7 has been established as World Breastfeeding Week. 120 countries world wide come together in order to promote, support and protect breastfeeding. Each year a theme is chosen and activities, events, action and celebration related to that theme are held. This year's theme is - Mother Support: Going for the Gold! It is extremely important for mothers to have support when starting and maintaining their breastfeeding relationship. From the World Breastfeeding Week website:

In conjunction with the Olympics next August, WBW 2008 calls for greater support for mothers in achieving the gold standard of infant feeding: breastfeeding exclusively for six months, and providing appropriate complementary foods with continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.
As every country sends its best athletes to compete at these global games, it is important to remind ourselves that, in a similar fashion, a healthy young athlete can only emerge from a healthy start on life. There is no question that optimal infant and young child feeding is essential for optimal growth and development.
Supporting Mother = Supporting Her to Provide the Golden Start For Every Child !

We here at A Child's Garden want to let you know that we are here to support the nursing mother! Not only are we a breastfeeding friendly establishment, but we also sell items that help support and encourage the breastfeeding relationship from reusable nursing pads to various babycarriers (which allow you to nurse "on the go").

In the effort to spread some helpful information regarding breastfeeding, please check out the following websites:
101 Reasons to Breastfeed Your Child
Motherwer Breastfeeding Blog(written by local lactation consultant Tanya Lieberman)
La Leche League
Breastfeeding.com
Breastfeeding resources for moms in Western Mass
and for some lighthearted reading: Hathor the Cowgoddess

Welcome!

2008-08-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to have finally gotten our website up and running! Along with the launch of our brand new website comes this brand new blog. Our hope is that this blog with not only bring you up to date information regarding the store and what is happening there, but will also be a forum for posts about things of interest to you, including babywearing, cloth diapers, breastfeeding, natural toys, children's literature and much more. We hope to provide information and stories regarding these issues on both a community level as well as on national and global levels. Join us here for personal stories, articles that move us or inform us, updated information regarding the store, as well as even a contest or two! We hope you find a moment to drop in and catch up with all of us here at A Child's Garden!