Kettler Balance Bike

The metal Sprint balance bike comes in a few different colors, so your child can have fun choosing her bike. It has hand brakes and a seat that adjusts. Available in Vancouver at Chapters Indigo.

LikeABike Balance Bike

The company offers various different models, with the most popular being the “Mountain.” This is a wooden bike with pneumatic tires and a seat that varies in height from 12.5 to 16.1 inches. Many accessories are available, including a kickstand, a basket, and even a little trailer.

Skuut Balance Bike

This is a cute wooden bike with pneumatic rubber tires. Steering radius is limited to avoid jackknifing. The seat adjusts from 13.5 to 16.5 inches.

Strider Balance Bike

Distributed by WheeBikes, Strider bikes are metal and have an integrated footrest and a low center of gravity, as well as EVA polymer (non-inflatable) tires. The seat can be adjusted between 11 and 16 inches. Want to win this bike? Scroll down to find out how!

Wishbone Balance Bike

This wooden bike can be used three ways—as a trike, a small balance bike, and a large balance bike. The frame can be flipped around when your child outgrows the small balance bike, so the seat can be anywhere from 11 to 18 inches, a large range for a balance bike.

Convertible Balance Bike Options

Two other bikes to consider, especially for slightly older children, are the Trek Float and the Hobby Bike, both of which convert from a learning (pedal-less) bike to a regular bike. The seats on these models are likely too high for the youngest riders.

Want to win a balance bike for your child?

Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

To enter, simply visit WheeBikes.ca and tell us what your favourite colour is on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook page. For an extra entry, comment on the WheeBikes facebook page that you saw this contest on VancouverMom.ca. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org on July 16. Giveaway only open to Canadian residents.

Related posts:

1. Balance Bikes for Kids: A Buying Guide
2. Win a Strider Balance Bike!
3. How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

It makes sense. A balance bike is both a teaching tool and a fun riding toy since kids can not only learn the fundamentals of balance but can enjoy the bike at a very young age. Since kids can reach the ground with their feet while riding a balance bike, they are much less likely to wipe out while learning to balance on two wheels. Kids start out walking, but soon graduate to running and gliding. Rob also adds that many children go straight from a balance bike to a pedal bike without training wheels because they gain so much confidence and practice from their pedal-less bike.

“Balance bikes are not meant to replace traditional bikes,” says Rob, who suggests them as an alternative to a tricycle, which can’t teach balance and control of a two-wheeler, or a bike with training wheels.

What To Look For In Your Balance Bike

Factors to consider when shopping for a balance bike include:

• Weight. The weight of the bike should be light enough for the rider to control it. Says Rob: “The lighter the bike, the easier it will be for young children to maneuver it.“

• Adjustability. “Many of the bikes have adjustable handle bars and seats,” says Rob, who suggests that you have your child sit on the bike or, even better, test it out before you purchase it. “Many of the bikes do not adjust very low and you may end up with a bike that is sitting and waiting for your child to grow a few inches so that they are able to stand over the seat.”

• Style. Typical options are wooden balance bikes or ones styled more like pedal-bikes and made of metal.

• Extras. Some balance bikes have hand brakes and foot rests. Some bikes for older kids can convert to regular pedal bikes (see below for some model options).

Most balance bikes are designed for children from 2-6, depending on the height of the bike. A child’s feet should be able to fully touch the ground on both sides comfortably (and the child should obviously be a confident walker already). While learning to ride a balance bike, children should wear helmets, both for safety reasons and to develop good habits for later on. Also, avoid steep hills and areas with traffic. Most balance bikes perform well on a variety of surfaces—not only sidewalks, but also grass, dirt, and gravel, just like a “real” bike. Rob adds: “Balance bikes allow children to be creative and ride their bikes off road in ways that tricycles and bikes with training wheels don’t.”

A balance bike can help you and your child enjoy many adventures together—in your neighborhood, at the park, or on the bike trail.

Want to win a balance bike for your child?

Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

To enter, simply visit WheeBikes.ca and tell us what your favourite colour is on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook page. For an extra entry, comment on the WheeBikes facebook page that you saw this contest on VancouverMom.ca. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org on July 16. Giveaway only open to Canadian residents.

Related posts:

1. Balance Bikes: Some Popular Brands
2. Win a Strider Balance Bike!
3. How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

A few weeks ago, we asked VancouverMom.ca readers if they used a balance bike to help train their kids on how to ride a bike. Here is what some of you said on our Facebook page:

“My son started riding a bike when he was 4. My grandkids were 5 and 6. The other day I saw a 3 year old on the balance bike. I was so amazed. I highly recommend them. They help kids with coordination.” – Iris

“We have a balance bike and love it!” – Felicia

“The best investment for young children! Really, don’t waste money on tricycles – invest in a run bike and avoid that ‘tippy’ adjustment period of training wheels, etc.” – Suzanne

“We have the wishbone bikes and they are awesome.” – Kyrani

“The balance bikes are hugely popular and come in both wood and metal versions. Have to say we skipped them in our family as the boys went from training wheels to regular bikes at 2 and 3. Now they are 3 and 4 and are enjoying the skate board bowls without training wheels to mom’s horror! Good thing for elbow pads – need full body pads though lol! – ” Kirsten

Want to win a balance bike for your child? Our friends at WheeBikes are giving away a Strider balance bike to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader!

To enter, simply visit WheeBikes.ca and tell us what your favourite colour is on the VancouverMom.ca Facebook page. For an extra entry, comment on the WheeBikes facebook page that you saw this contest on VancouverMom.ca. Winner will be randomly selected using Random.org on July 16. Giveaway only open to Canadian residents.

Related posts:

1. Balance Bikes for Kids: A Buying Guide
2. Balance Bikes: Some Popular Brands
3. How to Teach Your Child to Ride a Bike

All baby carriers offer two main advantages: your hands are free and your baby is close to you. Putting your baby in a carrier can make many everyday tasks (like grocery shopping) much easier. In cold weather, keeping your baby close to your body helps her stay warm. Here’s an overview of the types of baby carriers available today.

Front Carriers

A front carrier puts you torso to torso with your baby, with a configuration of straps and fasteners designed to support and distribute your baby’s weight in a comfortable way. Many offer the chance for your baby to face either in or out, depending on your preferences and the baby’s need for head support. While the straps may seem confusing at first, most are easily mastered and adjusted. Examples include Ergo, Baby Bjorn, Kelty Kangaroo, and Snugli.

Mei Tai

Not to be confused with a cocktail, this is basically a square of padded cloth (usually with a colorful design) that forms a seat for the baby, plus strips of cloth that go over your shoulders and around your waist. Usually, these are worn with the baby facing you, torso to torso, with some carriers allowing baby to be carried on your back.

Slings

Slings can be very simple—a single piece of cloth stitched to itself at the ends, or slightly more elaborate, with a ring for adjusting the cloth and perhaps even a pocket. Many people like the simplicity and adjustability of a sling. Be sure to leave room for baby to breathe easily (ensure that her face is easily visible) and pay close attention to positioning—there have been a few cases of asphyxiation using slings, and some have been recalled. If you’re concerned about using a sling with a young infant because of this issue, know that they are also useful for carrying an older baby or even a toddler on your hip. Brands include Hotslings and Maya.

Wraps

Another option is a wrap-a single long, stretchy piece of fabric that can be configured in many different ways to hold your baby close to your body. Many moms and dads swear by the Moby or the Cuddly Wrap, which look tricky at first but, rumor has it, are really easy once you get used to them.

Some baby carriers can seem complicated to wear, especially at first. Get comfortable using it with a doll or teddy bear before you use it with your baby. It will be much easier, and your baby will sense your confidence when you use it with her for the first time. Follow all manufacturer instructions regarding your baby carrier, and be sure to avoid activities with injury potential (like cooking or skateboarding—yes, I’m talking to you, Dad). Your baby will delight in having a “big person” view of the world, and you’ll delight in having your hands free to hold the dog’s leash, your lemonade, or the hand of your beloved. Enjoy!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Related posts:

1. All About Baby Slings and Carriers
2. Baby Backpack Carriers: Active Baby Names Its Favourites
3. Heavy-Duty Baby Carriers: A Guide

External Frame Baby Backpack

Kelty, Sherpani, LittleLife, and Deuter all offer external frame baby backpacks, which provide numerous advantages to an active parent. Like the internal frame backpack that you may already own for backpacking, it distributes weight evenly on your hips while enabling you to carry heavy loads for long distances. If you plan on doing any hiking at all with your baby—even if it’s just short day hikes—this is a great investment.

Most external frame baby backpacks come with a “kickstand” (part of the frame that you can pull out so that the backpack stands on its own on the ground while you get Baby situated). Another useful feature is an attached daypack that can zip off, and/or a large pocket that allows you to pack diapers, snacks, and other necessities. A bottle holder (preferably two) is a must, since both you and baby will need to stay hydrated. Some even come with a little “rearview mirror” so that you can peek at Baby even while she’s on your back (and so that you can amuse Baby when she starts to get restless, because few things amuse her more than looking at her own little mug in a mirror.) Most come with (or have available for additional purchase) a rain canopy, which also provides shade from the noonday sun.

Baby backpacks are generally very comfortable for your child—the rhythm of being carried often lulls a baby to sleep. (Some baby backpacks offer better padding for nodding off than others.) Generally speaking, baby backpacks are intended for children with good neck and core control—usually over six months, but check with your pediatrician.

Around Town

If you don’t hike, but regularly take long walks around town, you might not need a full-fledged baby backpack. Instead, consider the Ergo, which is basically a cross between a non-frame backpack and a nicely padded mei-tai style carrier, with some extra bells and whistles. It offers a very supportive carry for baby that distributes weight comfortably on your hips, and it even includes a pocket for your wallet, a diaper, or a quick snack. The Ergo allows parents the flexibility to carry a child on the front, back, or even the hip, making it a great all-around, versatile carrier. A special infant insert is needed for babies younger than four months, but it can last well into the toddler years.

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Related posts:

1. Active Baby Backpack Carrier Clinic
2. Baby Backpack Carriers: Active Baby Names Its Favourites
3. Baby Carriers for Everyday Use: A Guide

With proper summer gear and winter layering, however, you can put your fears to rest—which is a good thing, because there is nothing quite like worrying about the welfare of your child to rob your outdoor activities of all enjoyment.

Sun

We all love the sun, especially after a long, rainy winter. However, our love of its warm rays shouldn’t obscure the fact that the sun carries its own hazards. In addition to sunscreen, a good sunhat is important for any child (or adult) who spends time outside, at any time of year but especially in the summer. UPF fabrics provide an excellent layer of light protection (with the added bonus of exposing less skin to mosquitoes or ticks if you happen to be hiking.) Children who have intense sunburns at a young age are more likely to develop skin cancer as adults, so covering up is as critical as good hydration on a sunny day. Look for quick-dry fabrics for outdoor activities; a child whose clothes are soaked with water or perspiration can get miserable pretty quickly when it starts to get windy or cold.

Water

The right gear is also important for water play. A rashguard tee (or one-piece rashguard swimsuit for a younger baby) can help your child stay warm while also providing extra sun coverage. Even on a hot day or in a heated pool, children can easily get cold in the water. Applying sunscreen is also easier—your child is less likely to end up with a sunburn near the edge of her bathing suit, where the fabric slipped a little after sunscreen application. After swimming, a good terrycloth coverup can help keep her warm and catch extra water that the towel missed; you can get styles for both boys and girls that slip on easily and are enough like street clothes that you can go right to the ice cream shop.

For exploring tide pools or wading, your child will need waterproof shoes with good toe protection. Look for water sandals with toe guards (such as Keens) or mesh-sided sneakers (Merrell has a few appropriate styles). The great advantage of these multi-purpose shoes is that kids can go hiking and then go right into the water; they’re comfortable enough for the playground too, and can be used all summer long.

Wind

A windy day is tricky because the temperature can feel radically different depending on how much wind there is. A fleece alone won’t do; the wind can cut right through it. You can find a thicker, wind-resistant fleece, or you can layer it with a sturdy raincoat or windbreaker.

Rain

A good set of raingear is a must for any Vancouver-area kid. Rain boots should have sturdy, yet moderately flexible soles for your puddle stompers. A good raincoat is both waterproof and breathable (think Gore-Tex). A raincoat hood should provide full coverage, ideally with a brim over the forehead to keep water out of your child’s eyes and an adjustable drawstring. Look for a coat with built-in reflective elements to make it easier for drivers to see and avoid your child. Rain pants are optional, but delightful—as long as you have them, there’s really no reason to come inside.

Winter

Winter seems like a ways away, but an “all condition” article wouldn’t be complete without a little discussion about it. With good base layers and the right outerwear, you and your young one can enjoy all kinds of winter activities in style and comfort.

If you plan on snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with your youngster in tow, you’ll need to dress her more warmly than yourself. She will be sitting in a ski trailer or toboggan while you do all the work, so make sure she’s well insulated. Look for fabrics that are warm when wet (like fleece or wool) and avoid cotton. Patagonia makes fantastic capilene long underwear for babies; this is a soft, breathable, warm layer that’s the perfect base. Make sure that your base layer includes a onesie for best coverage. Next, you’ll need an insulating layer, such as a microfleece suit or warm sweater and pants, followed by a water resistant outer layer. Make sure that either your insulating layer or your outer layer include warm foldover mittens (for younger babies, foldover booties as well). Older babies should have separate warm booties (for those that aren’t walking) or warm socks with boots (for toddlers.) A hat is a must; look for one with good ear coverage and a chin strap.

Be Prepared

One of the joys of western B.C. is that the weather can shift at any time. Always keep a rain shell and sun hat nearby in case of unexpected changes in weather condition. The right layers can help you stay outside longer…and have more fun!

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Related posts:

1. Top 5 Mom and Baby Fitness Activities
2. Active Baby hosts Snowshoeing with Your Baby
3. Baby Sleep Sacks: Let Your Baby Sleep Easy

First of all, Lovey’s has an amazing scent that has the ability to make changing diapers a little more pleasurable. It’s refreshingly aromatic and leaves you with that spa-like “ahhh” feeling. Even my husband commented on the how much he liked the scent. Lovey’s also seemed to get my son’s bottom just a little cleaner and softer. I first tried it with an ultra-soft biodegradable bamboo cloth but it works fine with a simple wash cloth as well. Overall, what’s great about this product is  that I feel guilt-free using it, knowing it isn’t harmful to the environment or my son.

Lovey’s is available for $12.99 at www.loveys.ca or at retailers in the lower mainland including Baby’s World, Hip Baby and Health on the Drive.

Lovey’s Tushi Wash

www.loveys.ca | Twitter: @LoveysTushiWash | Facebook

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3. Getting Started With Cloth Diapers

As seen on Breakfast Television!

VancouverMom.ca asked Active Baby, a baby store focused on promoting a active lifestyle for parents and their babies, to name their Favourite Baby Backpack Carriers. Here’s what they said:

Kelty Kids

Kelty is an American company that has been producing professional outdoor gear for over 50 years and is the best selling brand in North America. Kelty isn’t a baby product manufacturer that happens to make a backpack carrier; it’s a backpack manufacturer that makes a product for babies. Here are Active Baby’s favourite baby backpack carriers made by Kelty Kids:

Kelty Kids TC 2.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $169.99)

Considered a “transit child carrier”, the Kelty Kids TC 2.0 is great for casual use, including shopping, city walking and hiking. Perfect for smaller and lighter children. A smaller carrier, moms especially might find them very comfortable; however, this baby carrier is not adjustable, so if one parent is particularly tall, the Kelty Kids TC 2.0 might not be the best option. Find out more.

Kelty Kids FC 1.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $199)

This baby backpack carrier is ideal and a good value for parents who want to go on longer day hikes that are under three hours. Unlike the Kelty Kids TC 2.0, the Kelty Kids FC 1.0 backpack carrier has a sliding torso-length adjustment, which can be easily adjusted to parents of different torso lengths, as well as a mesh back for breathability. The child seat has three positions and is padded with a five-point harness that’s super easy to adjust. The FC 1.0 also has a a cool auto-deploy kickstand, which links to the shoulder strap. So when the parent puts on the baby carrier, the kickstand folds in automatically; when the baby carrier is put down, the kickstand automatically comes out. This backpack carrier also has a safety feature that prevents the carrier from crushing even if you fall down on your back while wearing it. The feature can also be disengaged to allow for the carrier to be folded flat and transported conveniently when not worn. Find out more.

Kelty Kids FC 3.0 Backpack Carrier (Price: $299)

The Kelty Kids FC 3.0 has many of the features of the FC 1.0, but with all the bells and whistles. The main difference is that the Kelty Kid FC 3.0 comes with a padded, molded back panel for greater comfort. It also may seem more expensive, but it comes with all the accessories, like a canopy to protect from the sun and rain, changing pad, and removable, washable cockpit pad. Find out more.

Deuter Kids

Deuter is a well known German outdoor company and while Kelty might dominate in North America, Deuter is tops worldwide. Experts in making backpacks for over a century, Deuter applied the same technology and expertise when creating its kids backpack carrier product line. Every carrier they produce is of the best quality.

Deutor Kid Comfort I Backpack Carrier (Price: $223)

Incredibly lightweight at four pounds, the Deuter Kid Comfort I backpack carrier features an aluminum frame design that ensures stiffness and durability. Excellent for long distance hiking, the Deuter Kid Comfort I also has a mesh back provides excellent ventilation, which will help keep you from getting a sweaty back. Find out more.

Deuter Kid Comfort III Backpack Carrier (Price: $299.99 (at Active Baby. Regularly $329.99.))

A little more expensive, but with more unique features, the Deuter Kids Comfort III is ideal for long distance or heavy duty hiking. Featuring a back system with a 3-D air mesh lining for breathability, the Deuter Kids Comfort III has higher padded head-rest with built-in sun and rain hood, along with a flexible waist belt that can adapt to your hip movement you walk with the carrier on. With a high back design, this child carrier is also great for the parent who has a particularly long torso. The seat is also great for tall kids as well. Find out more.

Want to be active with your kids in tow?

Download our Active Baby and Mom Fitness Guide, a beautifully laid out 14-page guide that gives you ideas on how to be fit with your baby. Find out more.

About Our Sponsor

Are you a mom who thinks “active, outdoor and green”? Then think Active Baby! Opened in 2009, Active Baby offers only hand-selective products. Located in Capilano Mall, North Vancouver, Active baby guarantees your better quality and the best service. Growing Active and Living Green at Active Baby.

Active Baby: Destination baby store on the North Shore

Capilano Mall, North Vancouver
www.activebaby.ca | Facebook | (604) 986-8977

Related posts:

1. Heavy-Duty Baby Carriers: A Guide
2. Active Baby Backpack Carrier Clinic
3. Get Active, Baby!

Before kids, I travelled a lot and while I thought I mastered the art of packing, I had no idea what hit me when a baby came into the picture.  All of a sudden our SUV was too small and we were consistently in need of multiple carts at the airport to get us from point A to point B.

After a six-month trial of the Graco Pack n’ Play- lugging it to the airport, putting it all together, trying to fit all the pieces back inside the bag – I came across a really amazing alternative.

The KidCo PeaPod Plus is a truly portable travel bed. It’s a fold up tent that stows away in a bag that’s about the size of an extra large pizza.  Weighing just less than five pounds, it fits perfectly in a suitcase, which can make a huge difference if you are traveling by air and need to be mindful of your baggage allowance.  It has an inflatable mattress for the floor that you can pump up in just a few minutes with a hand pump (the latest version is self-inflatable – but I’ve heard mixed reviews on the ease-of-use with this version), UV protection, wind screens/shades, and a sleeping bag that you can use for older kids.

The one thing I loved about this product is that everything fits back inside the bag.  In fact, there is even a little extra room if you want to throw in a blanket or a toy.

We’ve used it in the summer at the beach, when we go over to a friend’s house for dinner, and when we travelled around the United Kingdom on summer vacation. It’s a must have for families on the move.

KidCo’s PeaPod Plus retails from $109.95 to $129.99. Available at the following retailers in Metro Vancouver:

• T.J.’s the Kiddies Store
• Crocodile Kids
• West Coast Kids

Jo-Anne Stayner is a freelance writer and public relations consultant based in Vancouver. She is a new, gear-obsessed, mom that is constantly on the look-out for cool things that actually help make life a little easier.

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“What child in Vancouver shouldn’t get out and stomp in puddles?” wonders Alex Anglin-Shields, owner of Puddlegear. “What is better than a rainy day romp through Lighthouse Park?”

Tell that to my four-year-old daughter who is currently a fan of princesses and pink and refuses to wear pants unless they are leggings. Even her skirts have to meet proper “twirl” criteria. So I wasn’t entirely surprised when this past autumn, she completely boycotted her green rain jacket.

This is what makes Puddlegear’s selection of Abeko raingear initially so appealing. “Girls are always thrilled to have something girly for outdoors!” Alex says. “So much is unisex.” But look deeper and you’ll see something far more special than pink puddle jumpers.

Alex and her husband grew up on the North Shore, a location that fueled their active lifestyle – hers sailing all over the coast and his hiking around in Lynn Canyon. Today, Alex and her family play outside during the winter, along with the rest of the seasons of the year. “Swimming in the pumpkin patch was proving to much of a test for most raingear we tried,” Alex recalls, who along with her husband decided that her kids should be prepared to go out in any weather. And to do that, Alex sought to buy her gear once and make it excellent quality. When they found Abeko locally, they wore it religiously.

But when the previous distributor decided to try a new career, Alex wasn’t sure where they’d be able to buy their favourite raingear anymore. On a whim, Alex emailed the distributor but didn’t hear back until two years later when the distributor returned back from Thailand, thrilled that someone had wanted to take over. At the time, Alex was a stay-at-home mom of a baby girl and two school-aged kids, but she decided to start Puddlegear anyway.

Puddlegear is designed to get kids out playing in any kind of weather. Made in Europe by Abeko, a Swedish raingear manufacturer for over 65 years, Puddlegear meets very strict European safety standards.  “These are the people that dress the North Sea oil riggers and fishermen to go out in all kinds of weather!” says Alex, who adds that adult gear is available for order as well.

When you touch the garments, you can tell that its flexible fabric is of high quality and overall design is superbly technical. I tried the Benny jacket, pants and gloves on my toddler. I’m no expert, but looking at the set I was convinced that she would stay dry in the wettest of weather and windiest of days. Features abound: there are no drawstrings; the hood pops off; reflectant tape is on both the jacket and pants; and the fit is snug so it won’t get in an active child’s way. All the seams are heat sealed rather than coated to provide watertight seams.

But a key distinction of Puddlegear is that it’s free of harmful chemicals. Alex’s goal was to keep her kids outside playing without being impeded by the elements – or toxins like PVC and phthalates usually found in similar raingear. The rainwear is certified by OKO-Tex, an ecological certification process that tests for over 100 harmful chemicals. With its inert Polyurethane, Puddlegear has no off-gassing and being PVC-free, the gear is more sustainable than comparable rainwear. And because of its quality, Puddlegear stands up to repeat wears by multiple children. “My kids have all worn the original suits we bought from Abeko nine years ago.” Alex says. “They continue to be worn by friends children.”

But its environmental and technical benefits aside, Puddlegear is really about allowing kids to lose themselves in their imaginations while playing outside.

You can view the catalogue at www.puddlegear.com and is available to North American customers directly over the phone at 1-866-586-0660. You can purchase Puddlegear from two local retail stores:

• The Secret Closet - 1844 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.  604-926-1630.
• Boomers and Echoes - 1985 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, BC (604) 984-6163

Incidentally, my toddler did not want to take her Puddlegear off and refused to come inside. She’s not quite into that pretty-in-pink phase, but I’m sure that being dressed in pink from head to toe helped.

Giveaway alert! Puddlegear is offering a Puddlegear rain suit to a lucky VancouverMom.ca reader. Value to not exceed $125 and subject to availability of colour size choices. Simply subscribe to VancouverMom.ca’s newsletter (existing subscribers are already entered).

Puddlegear Ltd.

www.puddlegear.com | Twitter: @puddlegearalex | Facebook

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1. Ready For Anything: Dressing Your Baby for Any Weather
2. Get Active, Baby!
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