Perfect for keeping kids engaged and developing fine motor skills like pulling, sorting, and crinkling, this tissue box comes complete with six cotton crinkly tissues, and six sheer tissues, six tulle tissues, a cotton crinkly tissue, a felt crinkly tissue, and a corduroy crinkly tissue. The bright and colorful box gives helps baby improve hand-eye coordination and dexterity all while having fun!
Use these musical maracas while teaching your child about rhythm, colors, and stimulating their senses. These easy-to-hold instruments have bright colors, a small decorative stamp at the top, and have a great sound to entertain and help babies increase their hand-eye coordination.
Early musical learning becomes a wild adventure with the Rock 'N Roller Piano. Little ones can bang out wild and wonderful tunes with the included mallet or flip to the other side and spin the colorful wheels. This musical masterpiece isn’t just good for playing tunes, it encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and early music learning.
Eric Carle, the creator of The Hungry Little Caterpillar, authored another illustrated book that makes learning the alphabet as easy as A, B, C! Young readers flip through unfolding full-page flaps to reveal animals like an ant, bear, camel, and duck as they explore the letters of the alphabet.
Made entirely of 100% silicone that's food safe and dishwasher safe, these Suction Kupz brings versatile, open-ended play that lasts! Each of these six colorful, squishy cups features a suction cup on the bottom, a suctioning brim at the top, plus endless creative-play possibilities all around. Bring them in the tub for scooping, pouring, and floating. Stick them to windows, walls, tables, and floors for whatever creative endeavors your child's imagination can conjure.
Wrinkly, crinkly, crunchety crunch! Discover the different textures, shapes and sizes of animal’s tails with these vibrant and colorful books. The tail’s textures and colors will captivate the eyes of any baby, toddler or child and keep their little hands engaged with super soft and crunchy fabrics.
Reduce mealtime mess with Bumkins’ bibs made from food-safe platinum silicone. The large catch-all pocket is wide open for catching drips, drops, and spills before they hit baby’s lap or the floor. Start using this as baby begins eating dribbly purees and then transitions to self-feeding solids, adjusting the neck buttons as they grow. Silicone is also naturally resistant to bacteria and most odors and stains and dishwasher safe, making it a safe and hygienic choice for messy babies.
This organic natural rubber Stegosaurus baby dinosaur toy is perfect for toddlers, both as a toy and as a teether. Designed to be easily gripped by little hands, babies can play and chew on this non-toxic, colorful toy. Beyond it’s beautiful design and chemical-free nature, it’s biodegradable and ethically made by hand in Sri Lanka so you can feel good about your purchase.
Fill up the tub, set the iceberg adrift, and send the penguins racing down the slide! Whoosh! These little penguins have weighted bases so you can spin them and make them wobble outside the tub. Take them inside the tub and they float! Then practice your stacking and twirling skills with the penguins. Both the penguins and the iceberg are sealed, so you never have to worry about water getting inside.
This Silicone First Feeding Set helps you introduce solid foods and transition your baby to self-feeding. The suction base keeps the bowl from sliding around or flipping over on highchair trays and tables.The easy-to-grip double-ended silicone spoon grows with baby – one end is for dipping into purees and the other for scooping solid foods. The bowl is designed with a curved handle so caregivers can hold and help with feeding. Made with 100% food-safe platinum silicone, the spoon is soft and safe for teething babies. The set includes a clear silicone lid that fits securely and is ideal for saving leftovers.
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Protect little ones heads in style with our selection of assorted pattern sun hats. Available in turtle, gray fish, flamingos, and more you are sure to find an option for your sweet boy or girl.
This Bunny Dress by Chick Lane is a perfect Easter day outfit or for any future Spring day that lies ahead. Little girls will feel pretty and comfortable running around searching for eggs or spinning around wearing this 100% cotton fabric with hand-drawn bunnies.
Children of all ages will fall in love with one of these plush bunnies when included in their Easter basket. Choose from Backpack Bunny by Jellycat or Honey Dew Bunny and Putty Seafoam Bunny by Mary Meyer. In addition to these adorable bunnies, we have a large selection of Plush Toys and Dolls ready to befriend any child.
It may not be bunny-themed, but Piggy Paint is sure to delight any girl with an appreciation of bright nail polish colors. Add this pop of color into a girls’ Easter basket to give her a kid-friendly way to feel pretty!
Say yes to body art without worry for children with Fluttery Friendly Tattoo Butterflies. Eighty-one illustrated temporary tattoos introduce creatures with amazing colors and realistic features and are accompanied by fascinating facts about each insect.
Encourage children to forge new worlds with one of our Crystal Growing Kits available in Saguaro Cactus, Volcano or Cherry Tree. This is a gift that will be enjoyed beyond the holiday and will leave a child more inquisitive about the world around them.
Little artists will enjoy the many crafts and art tools we have at Zoolikins. A couple of our favorites to add rainbow colors into any Easter basket are Rainy Dayz Toddler Crayons and Chunkies Paint Sticks, also available in Metallic. All of these drawing tools are travel-friendly, easy-to-hold, and a mess-free way to engage children and adults!
While these may be some of our top picks, there are so many more books, crafts, accessories, and clothing to choose from at Zoolikins. Shop now before your favorite selections are gone and don’t forget you can order online for in-store pick-up or ship direct to your home!
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1. Butterfly Wonderland truly is a wonder! I took my daughter here when she was a year and a half. The amazement in her face when the butterflies were flying and landing all around her is an amazing memory. Aside from the Butterfly exhibit visitors can also explore and learn about jungle reptiles, observe creatures from tropical waters around the world, understand the buzz about honeybees, and even eat insects! You can take a break for a snack or lunch in the café and take home a memento (if you so choose) in the gift shop. This is a fun and educational chance to escape the desert for a while and explore the rainforest.
2. Our children never leave home without a box of Crayola crayons in their backpacks. When we found out not too far from Tempe in Chandler there was a Crayola Experience, we had to find out what this was all about. With 19 hands-on experiences kids and adults can immerse themselves in creativity, colors, and imagination. You can purchase your tickets ahead of time online or upon arrival. My daughter loved that she got to take home her art projects and I loved that those were her souvenirs instead of another stuffed animal!
3. I mentioned that during this visit it was very hot in Arizona. That meant a trip to the Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor & Restaurant in Scottsdale was a must. This has been a favorite stop for my family since I was younger and visited the area. The menu has plenty of meal options for the whole family at affordable prices. You can get your own ice cream or choose to share one of their delicious cold treats.
4. A trip to Scottsdale would not be complete without a stop into Zoolikins. Just a short walk around the block in Old Town, we visited our friends to look around. Clara, my daughter, had to buy two matching dresses for her and her baby cousin to wear when we visited in 2022 (and they did!) Zoolikins is a woman-owned small business ran by Moms and women who select the products to add to shelves for their customers. Living in Illinois I make it a point to shop online from Zoolikins for holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. I can get unique gifts that I cannot find at home while getting to support a small business I love.
5. After checking out at Zoolikins, a stop into Mini Social AZ during drop-in play days is a must! It gives you as a parent a chance to relax while your child(ren) play with the assortment of toys in the 2,700 sq.ft. newly renovated space. Mini Social AZ is the sister store to Zoolikins and accessible through its own front door or inside Zoolikins. Drop-in play at Mini Social is the first introduction I had to the sister stores of Mini Social and Zoolikins. I first stopped in here in October 2019 with Clara to escape the sun while shopping. I know many parents are very excited that drop-in play is back! Check out their website for open days and hours.
]]>Since I had limited daylight that week to get my kids out and about, I had to choose my destinations carefully. Normally I am a very ambitious Mom and likely would have hiked the Grand Canyon with them if it was close enough. Having been to Phoenix many times and once with just our daughter, I had an idea of what to do. Below was our weekly itinerary that any parent can use whether visiting Phoenix or living there.
Take a hike. Thanks to the pandemic, my son’s first three months of life in summer 2020 were spent strapped to me or my husband while we hiked every state park within three hours of our home in IL. This trip we took advantage of 70-degree at 4PM and headed to Papago Park. This is a fantastic spot to hike with kids. There is various terrain from gradual trails to hiking up into the caves. It is right by the Phoenix Zoo too, so it’s a great way to gear up or cool down from visiting the animals. We made it a scavenger hunt, stopping to read the trail signs about animals commonly found in the area. Since we went in the evening, we took in the sunset from a lower cave.
See a game (or pretend to). We are a Chicago Cubs family and always catch a game (or five) during Spring Training when we visit in the spring. Even though baseball had not started yet when we were there, I took the kids to walk outside of Sloan Park, take a few photos to send Daddy back at home, and send some winning vibes to our Cubbies’ field for the new season.
Play at a park. There were a couple nearby parks walking distance or a short drive from my brother’s house. Our favorite, though, was Riverview Park near Sloan Park. There was something for kids of all ages to do. Both of our kids had fun on the many slides, climbing ropes, bridges, and tunnels. While we didn’t get to do it that evening, there was a large splash pad turned on in the center of the park. We will definitely be back there!
Ride a choo-choo! When visiting Arizona in August for my sister-in-law’s baby shower, our daughter and I discovered McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Within the 30-acres of property you and your children can ride a miniature train around the park, climb, play and swing several playgrounds, go round-and-round the Carousel, walk through a miniature train exhibit that is outstanding, or picnic in the greenspace. This is an inexpensive way to entertain children for a good portion of a day without battling crowds.
Dine out (or in). Going out to eat with both kids when my husband is with me is hard enough, so trying to eat out with both kids by myself was not an option this trip. I knew of a restaurant called Scramble where my daughter loved their Minnie Mouse pancakes. I placed an order the night before with Uber Eats for their Minnie and Mickey pancakes, plus some treats and a tasty coffee for my sister-in-law and I. It was there by 7:45 AM to our house when the kids were ready to eat. It gave the kids something fun to eat and a chance to not cook amidst everything else going on in our mornings.
There were plenty more indoor places to explore on our list, but we’ll save those for another Blog. Let us know if you have more day trip itineraries to share for parents with little ones living in or traveling to the Phoenix area.
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In this inclusive board book, many different families are shown in happy activities, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
Love is…lending a helping hand.
Love is…finding the biggest puddles.
Share your love for the toddler or young reader in your life with this sugary sweet board book! In this sweet story, kiddos learn about all the special ingredients needed to make joyful lives with those you love.
It takes a lot of special ingredients to make a joyful life. We need: ½ cup togetherness, 2 heaping cups of love, just a pinch of courage, and plenty of snuggles.
What is love? Explore all the definitions of love with the Sesame Street gang! In this heartwarming Sesame Street book, children will delight in seeing their favorite characters share what love means to them. This warm and uplifting story teaches kids the timeless lesson that love can be found everywhere and encourages them to look for love in new ways in their lives!
“Love is a sunny day.” - Big Bird
“Love is infinite, bigger than all of the numbers.” - Count Dracula
This special gift book, featuring all the The Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit, uses the character and colors of crayon characters to explore the bright colors and subtle shades of love.
Love is yellow and orange. Because love is sunny and warm.
Love is purple. Because it’s okay to love outside the lines.
In this heartfelt celebration of love readers explore the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that's soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.
"In the beginning there is light and two wide-eyed figures standing near the foot of your bed and the sound of their voices is love.
...
A cab driver plays love softly on his radio while you bounce in back with the bumps of the city and everything smells new, and it smells like life."
Always More Love is a heartwarming story and fun, interactive experience for families to read and share together, because the love for those special ones in your life only expands more and more each day. Just tap, press, shake, touch, or flip the board book and then turn the page to find out the many ways love grows!
I love you so much, but there's more in my heart.
How is that possible? Well, where do I start?
Experience the bestseller that has sparked the conversation of love around the world! This cleverly conceived flip story, which ends in the middle and starts from either side, will show you what love looks like from both a child and a parent's perspective. With a simple, touching story, rhyme and rhythm, and vibrant childlike illustrations, this book is a timeless gift you will share again and again.
I love you mightier than the mightiest wind ever blew.
I love you fuller than the fullest moon you ever knew.
I love you more, so much more than you've ever known.
Good Night Love, part of the Good Night Our World Series, features marital love, friendship love, love for a sibling, love for one's baby, love for grandparents, love for teachers, love of nature, self-love, Valentine's Day, love for a pet, love of the stars and moon, and more! This adorable board book teaches the joys of everyday love while sending little ones off to a peaceful night's sleep.
The heartwarming song “It’s You I Like” from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood is transformed into a board book for a new generation of kids. Featuring a diverse array of families and friendships, the affirming lyrics and illustrations convey Mister Rogers’s singular warmth and belief that every child is special and loved.
It’s you I like. Not the things you wear, it’s not the way you do your hair, but it’s you I like.
The way you are right now, the way down deep inside you. Not the things that hide you, not your toys – they’re just beside you.
Find out who’s sending Sheep presents in this cute baby book with flaps to lift and pop-ups to enjoy. With the help of parents and caregivers, toddlers will have fun turning the pages, lifting the flaps to play peekaboo, and guessing who’s sending the surprises. This sturdy baby book will keep little ones engaged and entertained time and time again!
]]>Want to give the gift of a screen-free activity that makes little to no mess? Land of Dough play dough is sustainably handcrafted with natural ingredients, natural colors, organic essential oils, and eco-friendly glitter and packaging. Children will delight in the whimsical designs, soft hand feel, and calming scent.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
This fidget toy is just waiting to be pushed, poked, and popped again and again. Indulge your tactile cravings! The squishy silicone is fascinating for the fingers. Watching the board go from un-popped to popped is curiously satisfying. Young, old - no matter who you are - your fingers just can't stop!
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
Show little ones the magic of the Earth with these colorful and cute dino characters. Watch as they lap up water with their felt tongues and magically feed the plant growing on their back. Made of glazed ceramic, each Green Zaurus comes with a popular plant (Sweet Basil, Lucky Clover or Wild Strawberry) peat puck, seeds, tray and instructions.
Recommended ages: 4 years and up
Encourages your little one to tap into their inquisitive nature and forge new worlds! Check out our collection of crystal growing kits that magically grow before your eyes. Watch as the tiny micro crystals effloresce, cluster, and bloom. Develop and exercise problem-solving, fine motor skills, organization, concentration, and so much more!
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
Stimulate your kiddos creative senses and nurture the development of their communication and problem-solving skills with the STEAM Paint Exploration Kit. This kit comes with crayons, paints, feathers, pom poms, and more. All your kiddo has to bring is their imagination. Check out our fill lineup of arts and crafts here.
Recommended ages: 6 years and up
Check out our collection of 80-piece and 100-piece puzzles in various designs. Designs span from fantasy and space to dinosaur and Earth. Challenge your clever kids to assemble the puzzle and reveal the delightful image. Kids can tackle it on their own, or team up with family and friends for a fun group activity!
Recommended ages: 5 years and up
Recommended ages: 3-7 years
Prompt kiddos with Flashcards that help children recognize social expectations in a variety of situations by using friendly illustrations. Decks of 48 cards help children understand how to handle various social situations, feelings, and the world around them with poise, grace, and confidence. The encouraging illustrations and simple instructions are perfect for opening up dialogues between parents and children about what behavior may be expected from them in various social environments.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
How would you get past a lion? Would you float over him with a balloon or offer him a cookie? Lion in My Way teaches problem solving in a journey along a path of hazards and barriers which are overcome by the collective cleverness of the players. Armed with the unlikely tools they are dealt, imagination and some silliness, players cooperate creatively to innovate solutions that let them get home together. We also have games on telling time, color matching, and counting.
Recommended ages: 3 years and up
This DIY lantern not only lights up, but has a magical scene inside. Slot the precut pieces together and decorate with punchouts, puffy stickers and gems. An LED tea light provides the glow. Customize the forest scene inside the mushroom with whimsical character punchouts and stickers!
Recommended ages: 8 years and up
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These natural rubber children's bath toys are the perfect choice to bring fun and play to bath time! They are dishwasher safe with a hole at the bottom making them easy to sanitize.
Baby Paper is a great stocking stuffer for babies. It is a soft crinkly paper that will not tear with a sound and texture that will keep the baby occupied and helps with sensory development.
Fun shaped teethers from Bumkins are specifically designed with textures to soothe aching gums. Made from 100% food grade silicone, they are non-toxic and can be refrigerated or frozen for additional relief.
Who doesn’t love a cute baby bow? These versatile bows can be dressed up or kept casual. They are soft and stretchy and are designed to fit little ones as they grow.
This unique little keychain provides endless hours of fidget fun! Kids (and adults) won’t be able to stop pushing, poking, and popping the colorful silicone buttons. It might be a small gift, but the buttons are hard to resist!
Fill the bath and simply drop in a Bath Squiggler and watch. The Squiggler fizzes away, colouring the water, but the real magic happens when the Squiggler dissolves and out pops a cute sponge character!
Color the tub endlessly with these bath pencils. Kids can draw pictures, write their name and clean and erase using the beautiful sponge in the shape of a starfish!
This set of non-toxic crayons will be a favorite! They are Made in rural Kentucky, USA from soybean wax, vibrantly colored, made for little hands to easily grast, and create beautifully textured artwork similar to oil pastels.
This biodegradable seed paper is a fun interactive gift. Simply lay it on soil in a garden, patio container, or pot, lightly cover, water, and soon a garden will grow!
Kids will be amazed with these Flash Rocks that spark and glow in the dark when rubbed against each other.
Trees may take many years to grow, but with these crystal growing kits you can grow your own in hours! Watch as the tiny micro crystals effloresce, cluster, and bloom.
Learn counting, card games, and critical thinking with this set of 52 playing cards shaped like leaves. It is perfect for playing around a campfire, or gifting to a card game enthusiast!
These darling hedgehogs are a cute way to start a plant. Water, sow seeds, and soon a sprout will appear on your hedgie's back! Once established, transplant into a bigger pot to fully mature and enjoy your ceramic hedgie as a curio or small container.
Little ones can get creative with this enchanting unicorn necklace featuring an array of rainbow-hued beads. Their 56 assorted beads allow them to create a masterpiece and then show it off as a beautiful piece of jewelry.
These translucent gem shaped stackable crayons make it easy and fun to color the day away. Each little crayon comes with a fine point so you can make all sorts of detailed coloring projects.
6 colors in just one pen and they’re all just a click away! Organize notes with color or add a pop of color to doodles with this 6-color pen.
Erase pencil mistakes with cute pencil erasers that look like popsicles and smell like fresh fruit. These erasers can be mixed and matched to create all sorts of cute pencil eraser combinations.
This galactic putty can be stretched, kneaded, and bounced! One variation changes colors as it warms and the other glows!
This non-toxic, water-based nail polish for kids is safe for all ages! Little ones can get all dolled up with no toxic chemicals! Plus, it's cruelty-free & vegan.
]]>These books are perfect for babies because as their name points out–they’re indestructible! They are chew-proof, rip-proof, and drool-proof, they’re printed on a unique 100% nontoxic, paperlike material that holds up to anything babies can throw at it—gumming, spilling, dragging across the floor. Parents and little ones will enjoy storytime with these books for years to come.
You can’t go wrong with a funny or cute onesie as a baby gift. We have several lines of baby onesies that are organic, buttery-soft, and use eco-friendly dyes. Complete the adorable outfit by pairing it with bottoms, bows, or a plush toy.
Slumberkins were created by an educator and a therapist to help parents raise caring, confident, and resilient children. Snuggly plush animals come with a story book and affirmation card that help to teach little ones valuable life skills that support their emotional growth. They are so much more than a stuffed animal but a teacher through the journey of life!
Developed by a mom over 15 years ago to entertain her kids in restaurants (lots and lots of napkins later), Baby Paper helps with sensory development. Baby Paper is a great replacement for paper napkins. Baby Paper does not tear and it has a crinkle sound that keeps babies occupied. Babies just can't keep from grabbing chewing crinkling and crunching Baby Paper. Perfect first toy for a baby and it is simple but effective and you can take it anywhere.
Over the years we’ve carried sleep sacks because they make a beautiful gift that parents will use night after night. These lightweight, 100% cotton sleep sacks are a safe and stylish alternative to a blanket. When the swaddling stage winds down, parents can pop little ones in a sleep sack, zip it up, and baby will stay warm and comfortable all night long.
Bumkins is our favorite line of bibs and this isn’t just because they are a local company! They are made from a lightweight, easy-wipe, machine washable waterproof fabric that is comfortable and lasts for years. We love gifting the SuperBib 3 pack because it can be used when starting solids (at around 6 months) all the way into the messy toddler years. This is a gift that will get a lot of use! You can also make this gift into a set by pairing it with a first feeder bowl and utensils.
Pediatricians and child development experts recommend a child 6 months and older be given a security object. This security object can be a snuggly soft lovie gifted by you! A lovie helps to bring comfort to children and helps them to self sooth. These snuggly friends go everywhere with little ones as they grow!
]]>The long-awaited fall weather is on its way! After the hot summer we’ve experienced this year, it’s time to make your list for all the things that come along with the temperatures we love so much. As busy mamas ourselves we know as much as you want to do the fun things with your family, you don’t always have the time to do the research to plan. That’s why we thought we would help by sharing some of our favorite fall and other fun outdoor activities to enjoy with little ones. This way all you have to do is pack the travel bag and load of the car!
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is a fantastic destination for the little and big train fan. The entire family can hop on board their train for a ride around the park or gallop away on the carousel. Pack a picnic to enjoy or purchase snacks from their snack car. There is plenty of green space to relax and enjoy. Kids can also run around on the well-shaded playground. After working up a sweat, cool-off and get ready to be amazed at the miniature train village.
McDonald’s Ranch is your one-stop location for family fall fun! They have a petting zoo, horseback rides, stagecoach & pony rides, a cowboy cookout, and space to rent for birthday parties or private events. Plus, starting October 1st they have a pumpkin patch! Stop by and horse around with the animals.
Leaves changing color in Flagstaff is a perfect activity when you want to escape the hustle of the city and head for even cooler weather. Flagstaff will typically start to see leaves change color at the end of September and throughout October. Plan a hike with the All Trails app to find a kid-friendly trail with beautiful views of the colors.
Apple Harvest Celebration at Apple Annies is worth marking on your calendar this year (and every year)! The Apple Harvest Celebration on Labor Day weekend, and the Fall Pumpkin Celebration in late September and October. They also have a corn maze and hayrides starting up in late September. Be sure to check out their site for specific dates coming this season!
Neighborhood scavenger hunt
Create a checklist for the kids of items to find. They can break off in teams or go solo. Think about items in nature (see the next idea in our list) or for younger children tell them to find things in certain colors or shapes to help them learn.
Paint items from nature
Use what they found during the scavenger hunt like. We love to paint rocks like creatures or decorate them with kind words or phrases and leave them around the community for people to find.
Create snack art
Who doesn’t love a good old “ants on a log” treat? A simple Pinterest search will have you lost for hours scrolling through snack art ideas. We love this recent list from Buzzfeed.
Direct and star in their own movie
Put their iMovie skills to use with this activity and give them permission to use technology on this night. Let them use their imaginations to create their own storyline and see how it plays out! This is something fun they can save and show off to friends and family or look at years from now when they are starring in a real movie!
Make an obstacle course
What better way to burn off after school energy than running around? There are endless ideas online of making these indoors or outdoors. All it take is about 15-20 minutes of prep, items from around your yard or home.
Arts and crafts
Mess-free crafts are our favorite! You can inspire creative minds without glitter, glue, and feathers stuck to every surface of the house or your kids. Check out our own Zoolikins options or pop-in and let us help you shop.
Puzzles
Puzzles are a fun and easy way to get the whole family involved! For older kids you can do a more complicated puzzle and put it on a table that is a central location for everyone. Plan even just ten minutes a night to work on it together. By leaving it out, whenever someone walks by and feels compelled, they can stop and work on it at their leisure. For younger kids, try a more simple puzzle that will keep them engaged and promote concentration, spacial awareness, fine motor ability, and more.
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Re-Play Snack Travel Lids: Made from recycled milk jugs, these Re-Play's Snack Stacks are great on-the-go! Durable and affordable, Snack Stacks provide endless storage uses for anything from solid snacks to powders and liquids.
Bumkins Clear Travel Bags: Made from Bumkins' easy wipe, stain and odor resistant, waterproof fabric.
Magic Color Changing Water Cards: These Magic Water Cards make the most exciting gift and can be used over and over again. Simply fill the pen with water and color in the pictures or follow the outlines to reveal designs, letters and numbers which then slowly disappear.
Busy Baby Mat: This children’s placemat comes with two light grey toy straps to keep toys within your child’s reach and free from germs. No longer do you need to constantly pick up your child’s toys as they can now be safely attached to the Busy Baby Placemat.
Reusable Silicone Straw & Case: Never be without your straw again! The portable travel case fits right in your pocket, backpack, purse or bag. Smaller than a pack of gum, cheaper than a tin of mints, lasts longer than both and better for the environment!
Bumkins Sun Hat: Shade your little one with the Bumkins Sun Hat made from certified UPF 50+ fabric.
]]>We took a gradual approach to potty training -- we started by talking about the potty a lot. Reading books as well as everytime we would do a diaper change we would talk about how pretty soon we wouldn’t need diapers because we would be using the potty! I think just introducing it conceptually was the right first step for us, but every family is different.
At this point, we were using cloth a little more than half the time -- with the exceptions being when we were out and about for an extended amount of time, as well as naps and bedtime.
After we introduced the potty “conceptually” we took the initial plunge into transitioning to the potty by just taking a weekend to let our son run around the house totally naked, and putting him on the potty about every 30 minutes or so. We would watch for his queues that he was needing to use the toilet.. and we basically just followed him around the house with our little portable potty. Anytime he would start to pee we would quickly sit him on the potty and have him stay on the potty until he was all done. (sometimes it would take a minute because he would get nervous or upset when we interrupted “the flow”) Additionally -- using a reward system of one m&m every time he was able to go pee in the toilet worked really well for us! We used the method of just being naked (or just a shirt) at home and following him around with the portable potty for a few weeks to help him get the hang of things.
Poops were a little tricky… because he was really particular about being totally isolated when he was doing the deed. Honestly, for us I think the best way to learn that poop needs to go in the potty was by him seeing the poop on the floor. Haha Of course we didn’t intentionally let him poop on the floor, but if he would sneak off and make a quick poo -- we then had an opportunity to talk about how poop needs to go in the toilet just like pee does! For us, communication was key. Kids are smart, and they understand a lot more than people give them credit for. Once we explained to him that privacy was an option for him when using the potty, I think he was more comfortable with using the toilet for poops. And believe me, the first time he made a poop in the toilet there was a huge celebration which I think made all the difference for him being excited and proud of himself using the toilet for poops moving forward.
So where does cloth diapering tie into all of this? Well, like I mentioned I was only using cloth a little more than half the time...but when my disposable stash ran out, I decided it was time to go all in with cloth. I had heard over and over that cloth accelerates potty training because it really allows your little to feel when they are wet and become more in tune with their bodily functions.
When we made the jump into exclusively using cloth it sped up the process so much, it was truly a turning point -- for my son and for me! I started to realize that doing cloth full time actually DOABLE for “type B”, full time working parents, like my husband and I. And my son started to have consistency in understanding his body and how to make it to the potty in time.
The next change for us was using cloth for naps and bedtime. I was super nervous because we had established such a great sleeping schedule with my son -- I didn’t want to do anything to mess it up! (mama loves her sleep!) But, the disposables were gone and I decided to invest in a few different all-in-one diapers that had glowing reviews for their absorbency and comfortability. (the LKC Supreme AIO has my golden stamp of approval for overnights!)
I am pleased to report that they didn’t affect his sleeping schedule in the slightest.
By week 6 -- we had traded out cloth for undies when we were out and about, and he took to it with ease! We had practiced using the potty when we were out and about before, but had usually left the house in cloth and stayed in cloth while we were out even if there were no accidents. (At about week 4 we started having him at least try to use the toilet while we were out)
As we transitioned to leaving cloth behind, I was beaming with pride for my little, but was honestly so sad to be ending our cloth journey! I really feel like when I went all in, it gave me a boost of confidence that I didn’t know I needed. I am by no means a cloth expert, but I can say that I went from exclusively disposable, to part-time cloth, to full-time cloth -- and if I had to do it over again, I would believe in myself enough to use cloth much earlier on than I did!
Potty training is tricky, and there is no one size fits all method in my opinion.. But if you're looking for a rough outline or some tips -- I hope you found something useful for you and your family here! If you have any questions at all, please drop them in the comments :)
Happy Toilet Training! ;)
]]>Whether you’re headed to the beach, the pool, or on a road trip, Wet/Dry bags are essential. They save you in those times you have blowouts, accidents, wet bathing suits, or need a clean and dry change of clothes. Two waterproof compartments allow you to separate dirty or wet clothes from clean, dry clothes. Alternatively, you can use them to keep toys, toiletries, electronics, and other accessories organized in your beach bag or diaper bag. Most have a snap handle and can hang on your stroller, suitcase, or lounge chair!
Since baby’s eyes allow for more solar radiation to pass through them and reach the retina, it’s important to use polarized baby sunglasses! These shatter-resistant baby and toddler sunglasses have 100% UV protection, added glare reduction to reduce eye strain, are prescription ready, and offer a full damage and lens replacement guarantee. Eye care never looked so cute!
Sunscreen is just one line of defense against damaging UV rays. Shade your babe with this baby sun hat made from certified UPF 50+ fabric. The brim provides shade for little faces, necks, and ears while at the pool, park, beach, or splash pad. The lightweight fabric is breathable for baby’s comfort and machine washable.
Hydrated kids are happy kids! Kids may not recognize how thirsty they are during fun summer activities. Since they’re always on the go it’s important to have a reusable water bottle on hand to remind them (and you!) to stay hydrated while enjoying fun in the sun.
Whether splashing in the pool or enjoying the beach, reusable swim diapers give little ones all the freedom and comfort while containing the mess. Swim diapers, or as we call them, “poop catchers” aren’t designed to be absorbent. Instead, they contain solids, keeping fecal matter from entering the pool. Avoid using swim diapers away from the pool! Since they aren’t absorbent pee will soak straight through your baby’s clothes.
Slathering sunscreen on your kiddo is a must, especially in the summertime! Not only does it protect their delicate skin from painful sunburn, it reduces the risk of skin cancer later in life. There have been several studies showing the danger of UV filter chemicals like oxybenzon have been linked to health and hormonal issues and can absorb into the skin and bloodstream. That’s why we like to stick with baby sunscreen made using zinc oxide. Rather than being absorbed into the skin, zinc oxide stays on top of the skin and physically blocks the sun’s harmful rays, and is likely to cause less irritation or allergic reactions. You can have fun in the sun without stressing over sunburn and nasty chemicals!
As we know living in Arizona, on a hot summer day, the car gets hot making car seats (especially the metal and plastic parts) get hot! We started using this freezable car seat cooler and have never looked back! Just pop it in the freezer, place it on the car seat for a few minutes, take it off, and the seat will be cooled off for your little one! No more burns and discomfort.
The Buggy Turbo Fan adds a light breeze to those hot summer days! This powerful, USB, hand-held fan lasts up to 6 hours and can attach around strollers, backpacks, car seats, beach chairs, wheelchairs, bike handles & more! If the cool air and a hands-free breeze aren’t convincing enough, it also comes with a handy built-in flashlight and USB charging port!
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Diapers: Obviously, you should add some diapers to your registry! We haven’t suggested any below because there are so many kinds! There are all-in-one diapers that are the most similar to disposables, pocket diapers that require inserts to be stuffed in, prefold diapers that are the cheapest option but more old school, and more. What we do recommend is trying a few different types of diapers. Different styles, materials, and brands are all different. One diaper might be perfect in the newborn stage, but as they become heavier wetter another diaper works better. If you need help finding the right diaper schedule a free one-on-one consultation with us.
Essentials: After being in the cloth world for 10 years we’ve seen many products come and go, but we have 8 tried-and-true products that we recommend everybody use! These are items that are good to have on hand and will help make your cloth diapering routine painless and simple! Here are our 8 cloth diapering essentials to have in your registry:
1. Diaper Sprayer: A cloth diaper sprayer is a toilet attachment that is our favorite solution for dealing with poop. It attaches to the toilet and you simply rinse off diapers over the toilet before you wash them. | |
2. Wet/Dry Bag: This waterproof bag is essential for cloth diapering, but also just to have on-hand! The bag has two separate zippered pockets, one for dry items and one for wet items. Keep one in your diaper bag to store soiled diapers, wipes, or clothing. You can also use one compartment to keep an extra change of clothes on hand! | |
3. Cloth Safe Diaper Rash Cream: While babies in cloth diapers typically experience a substantially less amount of diaper rash when compared to babies in disposable diapers, it's always a good idea to have a cloth-safe diaper cream on hand, just in case. Be sure to use a rash cream that is cloth diaper safe and free of zinc oxide or petroleum-based skin products (petroleum will cause repelling in synthetic fabrics, zinc oxide will stain). Our favorites are Organic Skin Repair Salve which is great to have on hand for all the things and CJ’s Butter. | |
4. Diaper Liners: These flushable diaper liners help ease the messiness of dirty diapers. They are especially helpful to beginnings! Lay a diaper liner on top of your diaper before use, then flush the liner upon changing. Easy! | |
5. Pail Liner: Get a garbage pail and line it with a reusable pail liner to make you’re changing routine painless. These liners are designed to fit inside a diaper pail and you can wash the liner with your diaper laundry to help keep the smells away! | |
6. Reusable Wipes: If you're already washing diaper laundry, you may as well consider using reusable wipes. Reusable wipes are another step to eliminate chemicals being used on baby, while also still bringing in savings. We suggest having 24-36 wipes in your stash and using a glass spray bottle and either baby bits concentrated soap or a wipe solution. Also, love having these in the diaper bag for a runny nose or messy mealtime.
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9 Cloth Diapering Detergent: Just like baby your cloth diapers prefer gentle detergents that are free of perfumes, dyes, and brighteners. Laundry detergents that are jam packed with additives often coat diapers, leaving a residue that makes diapers less absorbent. We suggest using Rockin’ Green or Allen’s Naturally on your cloth diapers. (If you’re new to cloth check out our FAQ page that breaks down washing instructions!) | |
8. Thirsties Hemp Insert: Whether your diapers are one-piece or two pieces, most diapers will require extra absorbency added in for nighttime or as babies get older. This insert is available in two sizes and we love it for nighttime, long car trips, heavy wetters. |
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9. Bumgenius Elemental Cotton Flat: These are our favorite daytime inserts that are inexpensive and a good alternative to microfiber diaper inserts. You can also wrap around hemp for extra absorbency during the night. |
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These adorable Peropons drink water from their tray and like magic feed the plant on their back. The secret is that their pink felt tongue is connected to their plant’s pot. Made of glazed ceramic, Peropons come complete with everything needed to grow -- all they need is your love!
Start a tiny garden with your little one! These ceramic unicorn planters will teach the incredible power of a tiny seed. Use the kit to plant either basil or wild strawberry seeds and watch as they grow bigger and bigger. This is a great opportunity to teach kids about soil, pollination, and responsibility.
Reconnect with nature while you take your kiddo around the neighborhood or in the backyard to collect leaves, branches, and flowers. Just place the item down onto the Sunography paper, put it in the sun, rinse the paper, and BOOM! A magic rich blue print of the object will appear. This is a great way to teach kids about the power of the sun, how it nourishes everything on the planet, and even Earth’s orbit!
Garden Planting Activity Set is one of our favorite toddler toys. Kids can watch nature at work while growing their very own garden with their favorite pal Elmo! Little ones join the whole Sesame Street gang in the Growing Magic Guide, and learn about plants, growing, and gardening through unique coloring pages and engaging activities like matching and spot-the-difference. This set comes with everything you’ll need to get gardening, including three planting pots, three packets of seeds, three soil pucks, three plant markers, and four sticker sheets. This garden set is made from 100% recycled plastic and is free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
What I don’t feel like I really knew until I was in the thick of motherhood was how important it was to have products that make my life easier. Products that last. Products that I can feel at ease with knowing they align with my values. Those are the products that I wish I had been filled in on!
I’ve learned that re-usable products are far and away the most important products I’ve got in my mom tool belt. I’m talking about products that save money, time, AND the environment. Once I started using reusables I realized they aren’t just for the eco-devoted parents, many of them are essentials for all of us! Here are reusable products we at Zoolikins now cannot live without:
I am now shocked to look back and realize that no one mentioned our #1 must-have item to me before entering motherhood - the wet bag. These life-saving bags are basically bags with a waterproof lining and a zipper closure that can hold anything. We like to have about 5 on hand so they can be designated for different places. One or two in the diaper bag or the car for dirty changes of clothing, swimming lessons, or to hold toys, another in the gym bag for sweaty clothes or with breast pump gear to hold wet pieces, and another around the house for beach or pool outings. You name it - this bag is an essential that you didn’t even know you needed. Say goodbye to plastic bags and hello to your new lifesaver.
We hate thinking about how the plastic bags our moms used in our lunch boxes are currently sitting in a landfill somewhere -- and that’s why we love reusable snack bags. These lunchbox staples offer convenience, a solution to the plastic problem, and just plain cuteness. We also love using them to organize purses, diaper bags, toiletries or electronics when traveling..basically we’ll just let you know that they’ll turn you into a crazy bag lady. We recommend having at least 6 reusable bags in rotation - just throw them in your wash with your laundry and hang dry. Our favorites? The Bumkins reusable snack bags because they are easy to clean and mesh feel makes them a perfect fit for just about anywhere. We also love silicone Stasher bags because they’re transparent, a bit more heavy duty, and perfect for keeps snacks crisp and fresh! (especially refrigerated ones!)
In a parent’s life there’s a moment we all dread -- running out of disposable diapers. Not only are the late-night store runs undesirable but the cost adds up! If you use disposables from birth to 3 years that will add up to around $2,445 -- compared to cloth which runs between $300-$700. That’s a BIG difference. We know cloth isn’t for everyone, but even if you don’t think cloth is for you, having a couple of cloth diapers on hand for emergencies gives a mom some peace of mind. We offer a free cloth diapering class and free one-on-one consultations if you’d like to test the cloth waters.
We love reusable kids water bottles because they save us money, keep plastic out of landfills (since they largely don’t get recycled), and quench our thirst when we’re on the go -- but the real game changer is how much they save us time. These reusables cut down on the seemingly never ending dish washing. We love this stainless steel kids water bottle as an option for it’s leak proof lid, insulated double walls, protective bumper (for when it’s dropped), and lifetime warranty. (yes, even these kid sized ones!)
We all know that straws are a wasteful item and that they’re piling up in the ocean, but at the same time they can help prevent spills and ice hitting you in the face when you’re trying to enjoy a refreshing drink (we’ve been there). Reusable straws are an easy fix and a staple in eco-friendly homes. We like having stainless steel straws on hand in the kitchen, but also like silicone reusable straws (complete with a carrying case) in the diaper bag or in the car. This way we can all enjoy our drinks, prevent messes, save money, and the environment all at the same time.
If you have decided that breastfeeding is for you, you will need nursing pads in your life. They are worn inside your bra to keep it dry and keep milk away from your clothing so you don’t have fun wet spots on your shirt. Although there are disposable nursing pads -- we came to love reusables for so many reasons. They’re healthier! They allow for better air circulation which is helpful with sore nipples and are free of dangerous super absorbant chemicals that would otherwise be against your skin. Plus, They also will save you money! The cost of a box of 60 disposables is around $10 while our nursing pads are $9.95 for 2 pairs and they come with a little waterproof zipper bag for on-the-go storage.
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1. Learn about the magic of worms at the Arizona Worm Farm
This family-owned working farm in Phoenix, is on a mission to turn garbage into food using the power of worms! Stop by the Arizona Worm Farm for a free self-guided farm tour. Enjoy their playground, hold worms in their “worm petting zoo”, check out their beautiful garden, and if you stop by on Saturday you can even pick up some veggies that are fertilized by their very own worms. You can even bring the fun home with your very own worm composting bin or grab some soil and a veggie start to a mini garden with your little one.
2. Pick tomatoes or get a new house plant at Abby Lee Farms
Close by the Arizona Worm Farm is Abby Lee Farms, another local family-owned farm. It sits on 4 acres covered with poly greenhouses that help keep plants happy through our crazy summer heat. Enjoy a walk through their greenhouse full of sprawling tomato plants and pick them fresh off the vine! Guarantee they’ll be the sweetest tomatoes you’ve ever tasted! Afterwards, pop over to their other greenhouse that is open to the public that is full of houseplants and pick some new friends to bring home.
3. Ride the trains at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
An age old favorite of all locals in the Phoenix area is the McCormick-Stillman Railroad park. Ride the trains, take a spin around the carousel, and on the weekends take a journey on the Arboretum Railroad through the park’s two acre, desert arboretum. Between rides you can hit the playground, museum, and check out the models. Our favorite way to end the fun-filled day is with an ice cream cone treat for the family.
4. Feed the ducks at Chaparral park
There’s no better way to enjoy the cool weather than an outing to Chapparal Park in Scottsdale. Bring some break to feed the ducks or make your own. Sing songs or bring books about ducks, count the ducks, or talk about why ducks float and how they migrate during the cold winters. Once you’re all ducked out take a walk around the park, bring a blanket and enjoy a bite to eat, or play catch in the open fields.
5. Go for a morning stroll through the Old Town’s Farmers Market
There’s nothing like starting your Saturday morning with a stroll through the local farmer’s market. Old Town’s Farmers Market has more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Shop for produce, meat, fish, free-range eggs from your local community. You’ll also find jams, honey, and a variety of foods. Beyond the good vibes and great foods these markets are also a nice opportunity to teach your little one where food comes from and how important it is to support local farmers.
6. Get up close & personal with farm animals at Hunkapi
Hunkapi is a local farm that specializes in equine therapy. Their ten acre farm, nestled into a quiet Scottsdale neighborhood, is an animal oasis filled with horses, chickens, turkeys, donkeys, goats, cows, and a whole lot of love. In addition to their program that connects people with emotional and behavioral disorders with animals they also offer tours to the public. They are run by volunteers which also makes for a great opportunity to enjoy animals with your kiddos while teaching them about giving back to the community.
7. Attend family-friendly events during world western week
One of our favorite annual family-friendly activities in Scottsdale is Western Week. It’s a good time to reconnect with Old Town’s western history through Native American festivals, art walks, live performances, arts and crafts, the Hashknife Pony Express (our personal favorite), and the Arizona Indian Festival. Don’t forget to grab your cowboy boots!
]]>But really, decorating for my son’s nursery was one of my favorite things about being pregnant! But due to the fact that there are just so many adorable baby products and decorations and themes out there, I found it difficult to pick something I loved and stick with it.
Enter -- a “prehistoric botanicals” print on a swaddle. (If you love this print as much as I do, I’m so sorry this is a discontinued print, but you can find more recent prints we carry here.)
Once I found a print that sparked joy -- I knew that was all I would need to give me direction for the rest of the nursery! Here’s a few ways you can use a print to create a theme that you’ll love:
This is an easy one, but choosing a print is a great way to establish the core colors that you’ll be using for your nursery. Everything from simple decorations, to blankets, to wall color can revolve around the colors found in your favorite print.
Once you find a few colors that feel like home for your new little, buy a few cans of non-toxic low VOC spray paint for a few of the colors in your palette. Frames, wall decor, or knick knacks on a shelf can all be covered with a fresh coat of spray paint to bring them on theme with the rest of your nursery without having to spend up for items that match your palette.
This one may not be for everyone, but if getting a little artsy brings you joy -- consider creating a piece of art inspired by your print! (think painting) Whether i’ts an abstract collab of your colors or a your take on an element of the print, having something that you made in your nursery can be a great addition as well as a great keepsake for your little.
At Zoolikins we work hard to curate a selection of swaddles that are both functional and adorable -- along with ensuring that our vendors align with our ethics and values. Check out our collection of swaddles @here and please tag us in your print inspired nursery!
And as always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your sweet journey! Here’s to you, mama. <3
]]>We love doing crafts with our kids! Not just because they give us quality time with our littles, but because crafts are an amazing tool for fostering cognitive development, creativity, and kinesthetic learning. They can help kids to communicate their feelings, provide learning opportunities, teach kids how to follow instructions, and give a sense of accomplishment once they finish their masterpiece! Since we don’t always have time to scroll through DIY pinterest kids crafts and aren’t crazy about paint messes, we’ve put together our favorite easy clean up craft kits that encourage learning and creativity on those days you just want to spend some fun time together.
We love this DIY paper lantern! It’s easy to build and with no glue or paint required (yes, that’s right.. That means there’s no mess!) Kids just slot the precut pieces together with self-stick tabs, decorate with stickers and gems, and add the LED tea light to watch their creation glow. Recommended for ages Ages 8+.
We love this craft because it’s easy and fun for all skill levels! Kids can cut shapes out of the patterned tissue paper and use the decoupage glaze to beautify their ceramic animal! Sets come with everything you need -- a ceramic animal, 2 large sheets of multi-patterned tissue paper, decoupage glaze, and brush. These adorable animals can be displayed, used for pretend play, or even added to a dollhouse! Recommended for ages Ages 8+.
Whether you have rainy days, snowy days, or super hot summer days (like we do here in Phoenix!) these non-toxic gel crayons make for a fun indoor activity all year long. Our favorite ways to use them are on windows, mirrors, glass patio doors, or on paper with wet paint brushes to add a fun watercolor effect. Their water soluble and wipe away easily. Moms swear by these as a great alternative to screen time! A blank canvas sliding glass door or window is perfect for keeping littles busy and creative! Recommended for ages Ages 3+.
Kids are completely enamored with space and it is an obsession that seems to transcend generations. With this kit you can encourage natural interests by creating multicolored planets and moons that bounce! Once the planets are made, use the planetary rings and spaceship to explore the universe and teach kids about the uniqueness of our Earth. Recommended for ages Ages 6+.
These craft kits inspire creativity, imagination, and can even help to develop fine motor skills. Decorate wooden cars, butterflies, and hearts with paint, gems, and stickers. Kids can add their personal touch and use them to play with friends or to decorate a space. Recommended for ages Ages 3+.
Any other mess-free hassle-free crafts we should know about? Share your favorites in the comments!
]]>It likely comes as no surprise that our favorite way to love the planet is Cloth Diapering! It’s also generally the one that can feel overwhelming, not realistic, and too inconvenient for parents. But what if I told you it doesn't have to be ALL or NOTHING? 🤔
Replacing just one or two disposable diapers a day can make a drastic impact on the volume of disposable diapers headed to our landfills. An easy way to give cloth a try is in the comfort of your own home. And like all things, once you get the hang of it -- it becomes easier to take on more.
But What About Laundry???
A very, VERY, fair and valid concern. The easiest way to ease into cloth (in my opinion, others may disagree) is to start with a cover + insert system… and don’t forget the flushable liners!
Cloth Diaper Cover: think of the cover as the “shell” of your cloth diapering system. Covers are super easy to wipe and re-use more than once, because the inserts are what absorbs pee, and those you’ll change out. The fabric of most all covers is waterproof which also makes them easy and low maintenance for washing along with your other regular loads.
Insert: With cloth, just plan on keeping a separate laundry basket for soiled liners and covers. Liners will need to be changed out for fresh ones, just as you would with a disposable diaper. Except liners won’t end up in the landfill!
Flushable Liners: For the dreaded POOPS -- place a flushable liner on top of the insert inside of the diaper. This makes for a quick toss and go for diaper changes, especially when there is a poop. For newborns and infants, this is a little more challenging when their poop is not solid, but definitely still a huge help!
Along with the many environmental benefits of composting (naturally enriches our soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, reduces methane emissions from landfills, lowers your carbon footprint, etc..) -- this eco-friendly practice creates free nutrient dense soil to use in your garden and potted plants.
It’s not as complicated as you might think. All you’ll need to get started is a pail or tupperware container in the kitchen to collect scraps and a composting bin. (or a spot in the yard for a pile) Bonus: there are many super easy, kid friendly, videos available to help you get started!
But what if I don’t have a garden or anywhere to use my beautiful composted soil? Ideally, the backyard is the best and easiest place to compost - set up a container, learn the basics, and you're set. However, if you don’t have a yard or don’t want to deal with tending to a compost pile, there are places all over that love nothing more than to receive your waste. You can find a full list of where to compost, by state, here!
Contrary to popular belief, a lot of wrapping paper cannot be recycled, and can actually contaminate the recycling, which leads to even more waste in our landfills. Each year Americans alone use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper to the tune of seven billion dollars. Half of that number ends up in a landfill. Getting creative with how you wrap your gifts and what you use to wrap them is a fairly simple and hassle free way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Is there like a quick cheat sheet I can use? Absolutely! ...
Wrapping paper that CAN be recycled:
Wrapping paper and products that CANNOT be recycled:
And did we mention kraft paper gift wrapping with nature accents is literally cute as heck?
One of the most powerful thing a parent can do is to begin instilling Earth-loving habits and concepts in their little ones at a young age. After all, children are our future! This doesn’t have to be a big event, but can be little things you teach them everyday. Teaching eco-friendly practices can look like everything from having them watch FernGully to explaining to them about where food comes from while you’re walking through the grocery store or preparing their lunch. Here are a few of our favorite ways we incorporate teachings into our day-to day.
Zoolikins is committed to sourcing products from vendors who share a value of reducing waste, creating reusable sustainable products, and using recycled materials. We love partnering with brands and parents alike who aspire to raise up a generation with values that will create a better world for us all. What are some of your favorite ways to love our planet with your littles? A favorite book? A healthy habit? Let us know in the comments!
]]>We are so so excited for 2021. We’ve got new additions to our team here at Zoolikins, new brand partners, and best of all -- more resources and materials for you!
Here's what we’re up to this year:
Hi! I’m Libby -- I’m a full-time working mama, part-time cloth diapering mama, and ALL THE TIME lover of nature, Mexican food, and The Beatles. I’m so lucky to be on the team of mamas here at Zoolikins where my work is to thoughtfully bring in brands that align with our values, and basically just make sure we have really cool stuff for you :) I have a small family: me, my husband, our son Jones (who just turned 2 last October!), and our 2 cats (Lucy and Sarge). Honored to be on this journey!
Along with the brands we’ve partnered with since the very beginning, we’re starting to bring in new friends to the store, too! Last year we introduced Slumberkins, Tender Leaf Toys, Uncle Goose Blocks, and Eeboo to name a few -- all brands that align with the ethics and values that matter for us now and for their future.
If you’re not already, make sure to follow along with us on Instagram -- where we consistently post updates and share resources! We’ve also thrown our hat into the TikTok ring and are having lots of fun there, too :). Follow along!
We love our cloth families and truly believe that cloth is for everyone! Even if it’s just switching out one disposable diaper a day for a cloth diaper, it makes a difference! We are committed to helping families reduce waste, and make cloth into a habit that actually works for your busy lifestyle. We’re still hosting monthly Cloth Diapering 101 classes (virtually), as 1 on 1 consultations! And of course, we’ll be providing free content to help families along the way :)
A Huge Thank You to YOU!
2020 was crazy and we all felt it. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for supporting our small business through it all. We are so fortunate to have made it through, and to be looking forward to a bright future here at Zoolikins!
THE BEST IS YET TO COME!
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At first, I tried (half-heartedly) to tell myself I could get into cloth diapering. I loved the thought of reducing waste, saving money, and inspiring others to do the same — but I never took myself to task. Cloth diapering just seemed too large of a bite for this earth mama. I told myself it would be: Too much of a commitment. Too messy. Too inconvenient. Too confusing. Just. Too. Hard.
Then, my baby boy, Jones, hit the 18-month milestone.
Enter COVID19.
Toilet paper — gone. Groceries — scarce. Citizens — frenzied. And worst of all -- DIAPERS AND WIPES WERE BECOMING HARDER AND HARDER TO FIND.
I knew the time had come to face the cloth. Now, one thought resounds in my mind, “Why didn’t I start this sooner?!”
At first, I had a moment of panic. Worried, I wouldn't be able to find disposable diapers in the future (or be able to leave my house to get them). I didn't go 0 to 60 with cloth diapers — I simply said to myself, “Okay, let's see if I can even figure these things out."
I started with two diapers* — one Rumparooz Aplix Diaper Cover and one Thirsties Duo Wrap Aplix Cover.
*Basically, your options are a one or two-piece system for cloth diapering. Since I already had a zillion cloth diaper inserts (we used them as burp rags when Jones was a newborn), the two-piece system made the most sense for us. I liked the idea of being able to change out just the insert (unless the cover got really gross) when he needed a diaper change.
We started slowly, my husband and I began letting Jones run around the house in a cloth diaper for part of the day and then switching back to disposable diapers as needed. We quickly realized that saving on a few disposable diapers a day made a huge difference in our baby budget and lessened the number of diapers that end up in our local landfills.
It didn't take long for us to realize that our stockpile of cloth inserts wasn't going to cut it. Made of thin cotton, they leaked through almost immediately. Not to mention, my partner had a harder time figuring out the correct way to fold them inside of the diaper cover. We needed something foolproof.
I'd heard good things and decided to try Bumkins Contour Soaker Diapers. I grabbed 10 to start (5 of the two packs). I liked the way they fit nicely inside of the diaper covers, and no folding required! (The Alva Bamboo Charcoal Liners were the other ones I tried and ended up liking!) I also grabbed three more of the Thirsties diaper covers. I liked the way the Thirsties fit — just a little better than the Rumparooz. (Personal preference, they are both great!)
Once we landed on the right liners, ones that work well for both my partner and I, we felt more comfortable putting Jones in a cloth diaper, no longer worrying about leaks! We also had extra covers, so if we did need to cycle them through the wash a couple at a time, it was no big deal.
It was at this point; We started to see cloth as longterm possibility for our family.
Okay. I'm not going to lie. Of course poop is gross. Duh, it's POOP! And cleaning up poop, hassle-free, is obviously a huge draw for disposable diapers. While poop is gross, we learned what we needed to do to make cleanup hassle-free.
The key here is HASSLE FREE. And believe it or not, there are plenty of things you can do to make a cloth diaper poop clean up a tidy experience.
So, if there is poop, what's the plan? We learned the best way to deal with poops was to install a cloth diaper sprayer on our toilet. Our pain-free "protocol" for poops is to take the dirty liner to the bathroom, spray it out over the toilet if needed, and then place it in a HASSLE FREE location.
*We first tried the Bumkins Wet Bags, which are fantastic and we love, but neither of us liked the fact that we had to zip and unzip the bag to get the poopy liner in. We found that if the routine wasn't seamless and functional, it was just another excuse to put Jones back in a disposable diaper.
So, we ended up getting a small trash bin and a reusable diaper pail liner to throw the inserts into. The same applies for pee diapers; they are just easier because you don't have to spray them out. Easy peasy.
We do at least a small load of laundry almost every day, so for us, there's no added work! Again — find what works for you! You may like to have a bag that zips if you don't do laundry as often.
As I said from the very beginning, if I knew what I know now, I would have made the transition to cloth diapering a long time ago. But, in the spirit of gratitude and positivity, I am thankful that we started when we did. I’ve already been reading ahead about how cloth diapers can make potty training easier! ;) (Please let us know in the comments if you can report back on your cloth diapering/potty training journey!)
I now have the space to reduce waste, save money, and inspire others to do the same. And if I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank
Happy Cloth Diapering! :)
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If your diapers seem to retain odor or are not absorbing as well as they have been, it may be time to strip them.
Residue can build up from detergents, hard water, or if diapers aren't fully rinsed after each use. "Stripping" them is a treatment process that strips the residue from the surface of your diapers.
If you’re not sure when it’s time to strip your diapers, look for these signs:
We're going to share 2 methods of stripping diapers with different treatment agents. We DO NOT recommend using vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap!
Method 1: (RLR and Funk Rock)
Step 1: Soak your clean diapers in hot water (we recommend between 125° and 135°) with treatment of your choice for at least four hours, or overnight! This works best in a top load washer, or any tub big enough to hold your diapers.
Step 2: Squeeze out all the water from your diapers and do a regular wash cycle with water only! After soaking squeeze all water from the items and wash once with water only. Rinse until there is no more gray water or soap sud to ensure removal of buildup.
Method 2: (Mighty Bubbles)
Step 1: Add one pod into the washer with clean diapers. No other detergent is needed. Run a regular hot wash (we recommend between 125° and 135°) with one extra rinse.
Step 2: Repeat 2 or 3 times if needed. May be used in addition to a normal wash routine every 6-8 weeks to keep your diapers clean and buildup-free.
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Diapers ✔️ Laundry Supplies ✔️ Wet Bags ✔️ Inserts?
No matter what diaper system you and your little one are using, inserts will be your best friend.
Whether your diapers are one piece or two pieces, most diapers will require extra absorbency for bedtime, nap time, long car rides, and growing babies. Absorbent fabric inserts are put either inside or on top of the diaper when needed.
Just like diapers, you have many options to choose from. Absorbency can be customized with inserts. They can be combined or folded to create the perfect absorbency for your baby. Different fabrics perform with different benefits. We carry all types, such as Hemp, Microfiber, Minky, Cotton, Bamboo, Charcoal, and more. You can mix and match to build the perfect diaper for whatever stage your little one is in.
Here's a breakdown of each materials absorbency capacity and speed:
It can still be tricky finding the right cloth diaper accessories or inserts so we've broken down each one we carry and how we like to use them.
Still have questions? Drop us a line, join us at our free monthly cloth diapering 101 class, or schedule a one-on-one cloth diapering consultation!
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Whether you’re an eco-mom or just shopping for one, below is a list of sustainable gifts you can feel extra good about giving.
1. Green Toys™ Rescue Boat & Helicopter
What makes this gift different: Green Toys are made from recycled milk jugs and yogurt cups without sacrificing substance or style. How cool is that? This bathtime boat is made from 100% recycled plastic. BPA, phthalate, and PVC free. They even go as far as to print with soy ink!
Eco-Mission: “At Green Toys, it’s our mission to be the world’s most trusted, transparent provider of environmentally and socially responsible toys and tableware for children. Sure, it’s a mouthful. But it’s who we are.”
What makes this gift different: Re-Play’s spill-proof sippy cups are made from recycled milk jugs and designed with an easy clean silicone valve that guarantees no mess! Dishwasher safe
PVC, BPA, and phthalate-free.
Eco-Mission: “American Made, Family Owned & Operated Since 1987 — Re-Play was founded on the belief that mealtime is family time. Re-Play offers products that are affordable, durable, and sustainable – ensuring you spend less time worrying about mealtime and more time enjoying family time.”
3. Family Bamboo Toothbrush Subscription Set
What makes this gift different: An eco-friendly alternative to waste-creating toothbrushes, The Future is Bamboo offers a sustainable solution for the whole family’s pearly whites. This subscription package includes 8 toothbrushes: 4 adult soft toothbrushes, 2 kids Unicorn ultra soft toothbrushes, 2 kids Super Hero ultra soft toothbrushes that are made from biodegradable bamboo, antimicrobial, soft bristle (BPA free), vegan, and cruelty-free.
Eco-Mission: “We started our revolution in 2017 when we discovered that 4.9 billion plastic
toothbrushes end up polluting our oceans and landfills, yearly — We’re on a mission to eradicate the world of plastic waste and we want you to be a part of it.”
4. "Here We Are" Book By Oliver Jeffers: Notes For Living on Planet Earth
What makes this gift different: This award-winning (#1 New York Times bestseller, A TIME Magazine Best Book of the Year, A NPR Best Book of 2017, A Boston Globe Best Book of 2017) exploration of early consciousness has been translated into over forty-five languages, and sold millions of copies worldwide. Oliver Jeffers, arguably the most influential creator of picture books today, offers a rare personal look inside his own hopes and wishes for his child–and in doing so gifts children and parents everywhere with a gently sweet and humorous missive about our world and those who call it home.
Eco-Mission: “Our world can be a bewildering place, especially if you've only just got here. Your head will be filled with questions, so let's explore what makes our planet and how we live on it. From land and sky, to people and time, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey” — Oliver Jeffers
5. Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks, Prism Pocket Pouch
What makes this gift different: A sleek and sustainable option for much-needed moments of distraction on the go — It's not just that these wooden toys are magnetic. It’s the ability to build beyond the traditional constraints of gravity; now you can build out, not just up! Tegu blocks are made from eco-friendly, sustainably-sourced Central American hardwoods. Safe, non-toxic, water-based lacquers (for colors and clear coats). As a vertically-integrated company, they intimately know their supply chain and suppliers.
Eco-Mission: “Tegu is committed to using its business to bless Honduras, one of the poorest nations in the western hemisphere. When you purchase our toys you’re helping create stable jobs. Improving the livelihoods of not only our current 200 employees at the factory in Honduras but at least 361 family members that rely on them.”
6. PlanToys Happy Puppy Pull Toy
What makes this gift different: This adorable tug-along dog is made from sustainable rubberwood, coated with a non-toxic finish, and colored with vegetable dye.
Eco-Mission: “PlanToys mainly focuses on safety wooden toys made of reclaimed rubber woods that enhance development for children, especially during their first five formative years when parents should encourage children to experience the freedom of playing and the proximity to nature —- With a strong mission to create a sustainable world, PlanToys thoroughly concerns about every single step of the production line as well as other activities as we are wholeheartedly committed to minimizing environmental impacts.”
]]>Leaving your little one for the first time can be daunting. Finding a daycare that is understanding of cloth diapering families can add to the worries. At Zoolikins, we're all about making your life as a parent just a little bit easier, which is why we've compiled a list of local Arizona daycares that are cloth diapering friendly.
Check out this list of the valley's cloth diaper friendly daycares recommended by our Facebook community! If you have a day care you'd like to see added to our list, please email info@zoolikins.com
A Step Ahead - Ahwatukee
Awakening Seed School - Phoenix
BeiBei Amigos Montessori Language Preschool - Phoenix
Bridges Preschool - Tempe
Desert Shadows Montessori - Mesa
Joyful Beginnings - Tempe
Little Garden Schoolhouse - Mesa
Maple Bear - Tempe
Mission Montessori - Scottsdale
Montessori Kingdom of Learning - Peoria
Natural Choice Academy - Phoenix
Scottsdale Childcare and Learning
Spondeo Montessori Preschool - Gilbert
St. Timothy's Daycare and Preschool - Mesa
Tutor Time - Gilbert
Villa Montessori - Phoenix
*Zoolikins is not affiliated with any of these daycares.
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