Tag: Babies R Us

Kardashian Kids Debuts at Babies ‘R Us

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Kim and Kanye may be making waves after their recent Vogue cover reveal; however, we’re totally focused on Kardashian Kids, a new baby girl (k)collection featuring sparkly, animal print and ruffly motifs.

Kk kid logo trans

Now available at select Babies ‘R Us, Kardashian Kids, a collaboration with Jupi Corp, is the latest brand extension for the reality family and first foray into their own children’s clothing line.  Kourtney used her own daughter, Penelope, as the inspiration for this first collection. With cream and gold as the dominant color scheme, butterflies, stars, and of course, animal print round out the Kardashian take on “affordable high fashion” for babies.  

“Since becoming a mom, I’ve been so inspired to create Kardashian Kids with perfect prints, heavenly fabrics for a baby’s skin and to bring fashion to the baby world that is affordable,” said Kourtney, mother of Mason and Penelope.

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Kardashian Kids line includes baby essentials such as onesies, caps, blankets, as well as two-piece sets, jackets and dresses in sizes ranging from newborn to 24months. Prices for the new baby line range from $15-30. Here’s a look at a few of the new pieces:

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Kourtney, who was said to lead the way for Kardashian Kids, is hosting a blogger event with Babies ‘R Us.  I had to decline because of my schedule, but am definitely interested to see how this line does.  I know quite a few people who like the Kardashian line for women at Sears, so I’d like to see if this gets the same response.  My first impression, though, it seems pricey for being dubbed “affordable.”  Looks like some people who submitted reviews over at BRU feel the same.  

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The pieces are absolutely adorable, and much more subdued than what I was picturing.  Though not practical for everyday outings, these outfits look ideal for Easter gatherings and such.   Also, I would have liked to see boys clothes included in the collection.  Obviously, I’m a boy mom and personally love boys clothes; but I love the way Kourtney dresses her son, Mason, so I’m bummed that boys clothes didn’t make it into Kardashian Kids from the start.

What about you, mommas?  Would you invest in the new Kardashian Kids?

British Baby Brand Mamas & Papas Arrives Stateside

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Beloved British baby brand, Mamas & Papas, has officially landed stateside.  Mamas & Pappas, which is synonymous with a simple, yet modern aesthetic, launched a line of strollers, lightweight strollers, travel accessories and toys online and at select Babies ‘R’ Us and Toys ‘R’ Us this week.

The lineup of Mamas & Papas products that are now available in the U.S. include:

The Urbo, Sola and Luna-Mix (below) comprise M&P’s travel system compatible strollers that are now available in the U.S. Both the Urbo and Sola come with or without bassinets.  The Urbo is more reminiscent of a pram, whereas the Solas has a sleek, modern silhouette.  The Luna-Mix is a three-wheeled stroller that has a compact fold and can be coupled with complementary or contrasting accessories.

Light weight strollers that offer a convenient carrying strap, perfect for urbanites trekking on public transit, as well as parents who seek a swift option for strolling. Each stroller varies in features ranging from basic to reclining seat to extra cushion for comfort. Trip, Trek, Tour (below), Cruise and Voyage


High chairs that don’t compromise style, safety or flexibility, the Loop Highchair boasts a high-lacquer white shine and bright green seat pad accessories and the Go Eat Highchair is a black and white chair that features convenient fold-up capabilities.

Many babies and their parents rely on bouncers for the first few months to soothe and play.  Mamas & Papas offers the Magic Astro (below), Apollo and Ripple bouncers that feature music, toys and plenty of cushion to cradle any sweet babe.  With its MP3 compatibility, the Magic Astro sounds like both gear and a gadget that would’ve landed a spot on my must-have baby list.

And because babies just can’t have enough cool toys when on the go: Mamas & Papas offers Made with…Love Activity Spiral, Travel Charm and The Jumbles Collection, which look like such sweet, fun play things.  These guys would make great shower gifts, carrier and stroller toys.  I’m doting on the Are We There Yet Charm Toy (below.)

Mamas & Papas product pricing varies by product description ranging from the Urbo stroller at $499 all the way to the travel toys at $9.99.  Mamas & Papas products are available exclusively at select Babies ‘R’ Us stores.  An expanded selection of Mamas & Papas gear and accessories will also be available at Toys”R”Us Times Square, Babies”R”Us Union Square and FAO Schwartz Fifth Avenue in NYC, as well as online at Babiesrus.com/MamasandPapas.

Safety in mind, TRU unveils trade-in program

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Toys “R” Us wantslogo_tru to take some unsafe baby products off of your hands. Dubbed “cash for cribs” by the LA Times, the big box toy and baby retailer announced a national program that will give customers a chance to trade-in used cribs, car seats and other baby products in exchange for savings on a new item.

With safety in mind, TRU says the “Great Trade-In” event, which begins on Friday, August 28, puts focus on second-hand and older baby gear that may have been passed down, but could be potentially unsafe. According to Kids In Danger, a consumer advocacy organization, less than 30% of affected items are returned when a baby product is recalled. Those unreturned items that were recalled could be passed down and in some cases, perhaps become a cause for serious concern.

TRU’s Great Trade-In event, possibly the first of its kind in the juvenile products sector, lasts until September 20. All Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us locations will accept returns of any used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20% savings on the purchase of a new baby item, in any of the listed categories, from select manufacturers*.

Toys R Us, Times Square

With safety having paramount importance, baby and children’s product manufacturers must adhere to rules and regulations established by agencies like the CPSC. Even in my short time as a mom, I’ve seen sometimes the most trusted brands issue recalls. Off the top of my head, even after all of the research and recommendations, I can think of at least three items we’ve purchased that have had some kind of recall.

I know 20% off a new crib may not be much in terms of defraying costs for big ticket purchases (vs. free second-hand items,) but in my opinion, you can’t put a pricetag on your kid’s safety and well being.

Prior to the kid’s arrival, I had a debate with my parents about the safety of the beautiful, but second-hand crib they purchased for the nursery at their house. Not knowing the history of the drop-down crib and other second hand products they bought, I felt extremely uncomfortable.

This Spring, because of the ongoing safety hazards, Toys “R” Us said they have stopped ordering drop-side cribs because of safety concerns.

To my fellow new moms and dads, in addition to all of those wonderful recommendations you receive from family and friends, please continue to do your homework before buying baby and kid products. (Baby Bargains by Alan and Denise Fields is more than just a bargain resource, with its excellent rating system, I consider it a bible.)

Big kudos to TRU for helping consumers to filter out potentially unsafe baby products and the option to purchase safer alternatives. I’m hoping other retailers follow TRU’s direction to give more new parents a chance to provide a safe and healthy environments for all babes.
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Hip Hip Hooray for Cynthia Rowley

by Jen Rabulan-Bertram

Famed designer Cynthia Rowley, known for her vibrant, yet simple designs, is teaming up with Babies “R” Us to launch a line of exclusive baby basics. The collection, called Hooray, will include baby essentials such as layette, diaper bags, blankets, playwear.

Though this is Rowley’s first foray into the baby products market, this isn’t her first collaboration. A few years ago, Rowley, along with her best friend, teamed with Target to launch a line of home accessories called Swell. A huge fan of that line, many of our bathroom towels and accessories are from the hugely successful Swell collection.
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Rowleyboy

BRU is hoping that Hooray will appeal to the style and budget-conscious shoppers, which I know includes many, if not all, NKT readers. Layette and playwear ranges from $7.99 to $29.99, and bibs, blankets and diaper bags range from $5.99 to $39.99. The first photos of this collection exude such a sweet, simple, yet modern vibe. BRU said the clothes feature a variety of signature prints, plaids, and striped and dotted patterns, that use corduroy and chunky sweater knits–perfect for fall. From the sounds of it, Hooray will be a welcome addition at BRU.