Humidor-chic accoutrements
Stylish, discreet gear for babies has propelled Vancouver’s Goober Baby to the forefront of maternal chic, from here to Hollywood. Now, for the first time, the label is extending their subtle-cool baby accessories to dads. The “Gents” package features a handsome rich-brown corduroy pack, big enough for a couple of diapers and wipes, plus a change pad. The pack is lined with a hip turquoise and brown argyle pattern. At $28, this is a great shower gift (read, “hint”) for an expecting father. Find Goober Baby at Babycheeks (101–14012 32nd Avenue, South Surrey) and other Lower Mainland retailers. See www.gooberbaby.com/.

Sling that baby
Baby wearing—as opposed to strolling—has caught on in Vancouver like fleece and Crocs. While moms frequently choose slings, dads opt more regularly for strappy carriers or backpacks, according to White Rock mom Christina Fast. But her Gorgeous Baby line could change that. The prints are both subdued and beautiful, a welcome change from the garish pastels and animal prints slings seem to attract. Plus, almost all of Fast’s slings are reversible to a solid: a black, brown, tan, or other man-friendly neutral. The $64 carriers hold a child up to 35 pounds. Find them at Infant Possibilities (9103 Glover Road, Fort Langley) or on-line at gorgeousbaby.ca/.

Cowboy cool for drool
Bibs are gross. So said Bermuda Babies owner Loreen Dall, from her home and studio in Chilliwack. Her own son didn’t drool until he was a year old and already had eight teeth. “Then the faucets started,” she recalled. She was loath to put bibs on him, because “they’re stained and smelly and have weird clichés on them.” Thus, Dall invented the baby bandana. It’s based on a European trend her sister witnessed on a recent trip, but modified for Canadian cool. The absorbent flannel and cotton bibs retail for $9.99. Find them at Baby’s World (1946 West 4th Avenue, and other locations) and other stores. See www.bermudababies.com/.

Easy, breezy baby feet
For the first time in the company’s smashing 14-year history, Robeez launched a line of outdoor sandals in March, 2008. For little people aged 12 to 24 months, the sandals feature the same easy-on elastic-back as the slippers, and breathable leather. The American Podiatric Medical Association approved the flexible, lightweight soles and cushioned insoles. Robeez, originally a Burnaby-based “mompreneur” business, was acquired in 2006 by the Stride Rite Corporation. The sandals are $44, and are only available through July. See robeez.com/.

What would your baby say?
They’re already a hit in Europe. Now, Dutch immigrants Renata Bossini and Coen van Wermeskerken are offering their brightly coloured, personalized baby gear from their new home in Kamloops. The formula is simple: head to the Web site at www.simplycolors.ca/ ; pick a onesie, or hoodie, or shirt; choose one of up to 14 colours for the garment; choose a font and font colour (glitter is available!); and get typing. You can see what it looks like on the screen before you order. Most items are under $20. This site is loads of fun. For the computer-shy, head to Mommy and Me (268 Tranquille Road, Kamloops) or wait for the sixth annual Baby and Family Fair at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre (November 1 and 2).

Beach blanket babe
Five years ago, Ana Domingos thought she had a great idea for a business: handsome boys’ clothes. But retailers told her what they really needed was rainwear. She took their smart West Coast advice, and it’s paid off. Now, Lettuce Bee sells rain gear throughout the Lower Mainland. Taking the water theme a step further, she’s made a line of reusable pool diapers $16 and matching sun hats ($22) for a hip beach day. The pants are lined with a waterproof milky-coated nylon, which is free of polyvinyl chlorides. The rest is cotton. They’re available at stores throughout Metro Vancouver. See www.lettucebee.ca/.

Little girl glory (Mette)
A search for fabulous fabrics keeps Mount Pleasant designer Kristin Rasmussen prowling eBay and Value Village. The result is her finely crafted line, Mette, named after her father’s Danish godmother. Her Lucy dress, made from Liberty of London fabric, is a toddling fantasy world of cotton-candy clouds and wavy plants. Rasmussen, who is a self-taught seamstress, still makes all her dresses by hand, during her daughter’s nap times. Dresses for girls (and their moms) are available at Barefoot Contessa (3715 Main Street and 1928 Commercial). Incidentally, both stores have expanded their baby sections. The girls’ dresses are $46 to $56. Find Rasmussen at www.mette.ca/.