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Put those boring onesies away. Your tiny one can look fashionably festive this season. M&B shows you how

MODELS OSHMA PATHARE (6 MONTHS) AND RYAN DARADE (3 MONTHS)
SOURCING SAHANA BHANDARI & RESHMA O PATHARE
SHOOT COORDINATION SWATI CHOPRA VIKAMSEY

Oshma’s purple and pink lehnga choli Fabindia
Rs. 1,590

Ryan’s full sleeve green kurta and pyjama set Babyhug
Rs. 475

Yellow maroon dhoti set Aamantran
Rs. 1,599

Infant boys indo- western occasion wear Mom & Me
Rs.  3,299

Infant boys kurta set with dhoti Mom & Me
Rs. 2,499

Jacket style kurta with brooch And dhoti Babyhug
Rs. 1,349

Velvet collar coat with brooch Babyhug
Rs. 1,499

Dhoti & kedia Twisha
Rs. 8,99

Girls’ angarkha style salwar kurta Fabindia
Rs. 990

Girls’ salwar kurta Fabindia
Rs. 1,090

Kurta And churidar with dupatt a and rhinestone work Babyhug
Rs. 2,099

Clever choices from day one = an energetic and switched-on tot

BY MARIA LALLY

WEANING? INCLUDE THESE ON YOUR MENU…

THE MULTI-TASKER AVOCADO
Avocados are full of immunity-supporting B vitamins, making them high achievers. “They help your baby absorb nutrients from other fruit and veg more efficiently, providing a double whammy of goodness,” says UK-based nutritionist Amanda Ursell.

SERVE IT UP Mash half an avocado with half an energyboosting banana for a low-prep meal your baby will love for its sweetness.

THE LURGY BUSTER SWEET POTATO
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin C and a great source of carbohydrates. Plus, they have a sweet taste your baby will love. “They’re also full of betacarotene, which is a health-protecting antioxidant,” says UK-based nutritionist Carina Norris.

SERVE IT UP To make chunky chips, peel and cut a sweet potato into thick batons. Mix with a little olive oil and roast for 40 minutes.

THE IMMUNITY BOOSTER COURGETTES
Sweet-tasting courgettes stay soft whether roasted, steamed or boiled. “They’re packed with potassium, vitamin C and antioxidants, which boost your baby’s immune system to help fight off bugs,” says Amanda.

SERVE IT UP Boil and mash some potato, then set aside. Fry small chunks of courgette in a little olive oil before puréeing. Add to the potato and serve.

IF YOU’RE INTRODUCING FINGER FOODS, DON’T FORGET…

THE VISION BOOSTER CARROTS
Carrots are rich in betacarotene and, while we can’t promise they’ll make your baby see in the dark, the pigment converts to vitamin A, which improves eye health.

SERVE IT UP Boil chunks of carrot until aldente, then roast until soft. Mash with a fork and roll into small balls to offer as finger food.

THE COLD BLITZER RASPBERRIES
These contain a potent combo of zinc and vitamin C, which work together to help fight off colds. Plus, vitamin C keeps skin, bones and teeth healthy.

SERVE IT UP Offer a small bowl of the berries as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. They also make a great dessert when mixed with natural yoghurt.

THE ENERGY FIX BREAD
“Bread is a brilliant source of starchy carbohydrates—the body’s preferred source of energy,” says Carina. “Don’t worry too much about whether you choose white or brown, as babies don’t need wholegrains for fibre as much as adults.”

SERVE IT UP Try a variety of bread, including crumpets, muffi ns and pittas.

You can’t wrap your baby up in cotton wool, but there’s lots you can do to make sure she’s safe. M&B shows you how

AS your child grows up, you’ll gradually learn the best ways to keep her safe. In the meantime, here are our pointers to help you prevent some of the most common accidents babies and young children are prone to:

SLEEP SAFE
One of the biggest worries for all new mums is cot death—but there are a lot of simple things you can do to cut the risks. Dr Aruna Kalra, consultant obstetric & gynaecologist, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon says, “It is very important that you avoid soft pillows and soft toys into the baby’s cot. Use firm mattress for her to sleep on. One of the safest option would be to have your baby’s cot in your room.”
• The UK Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSIDs) recommend that, for the first six months, the safest place for your baby to sleep is in her own cot or Moses basket. From then on, it is dangerous to share a bed with your baby if you or your partner smoke, have been drinking alcohol, or feel extremely tired.
• Always put your baby to sleep on her back.
• Maintain a moderate room temperature.
• Use a light blanket, or a baby sleeping bag.
• Do not fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair, or leave her alone in an adult bed.
• You can also use a baby monitor to keep a check on him.

 EAT SAFE
As your baby grows up, it may seem like everything finds its way into her mouth, except perhaps her food, which she seems to prefer throwing on the floor! “Foreign body aspiration should be suspected when there is a sudden onset of respiratory distress such as cough or stridor, ” advises Dr Kalra. As you wean your baby, build up to lumpy food gradually (around eight months is the ideal time).
• Never leave her when she’s eating or drinking.
• Keep small objects out of your baby’s reach.
• Don’t allow your baby to play with small balls, marbles, toys that contain small parts or toys meant for older children.
• Regularly examine his toys to make sure they’re in good condition.
• Be careful with common household items that might pose a choking hazard like buttons, batteries, coins, pen caps etc

Single child or siblings, boisterous or quiet, give your child a room that encourages dreams… Dreams to fly, live and achieve! We tell you how you can encompass the world in a child’s room…

WHEN decorating your child’s room, allocating suitable space for work and entertainment goes a long way in allowing him or her to enjoy the best of both worlds. Getting the balance right is a must, and it does become quite a task, especially if you have siblings sharing a room. Here are a few ways to get those adorable themed set-ups, glamorous tween rooms, genderneutral spaces, bold bedrooms made for girls and fun-filled spaces to suit the little boy in your life.

She
GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN
A girl’s room is certainly not restricted to frilly beds and over-the-top pink décor any longer. Her bedroom can be as varied as her personality, giving you a chance to play with styles, colours and motifs in an endless range of possibilities. Aditya Gupta, founder, The Furniture Republic, suggests trying new colours and going beyond the traditional pink when decorating your daughter’s room.

What you can never fall short of in a girl’s room is storage space, whether it’s for books, clothes, accessories or electronics. “You need to be smart with your storage solutions. A bed with built-in storage drawers, benches with lift up seats or a play table with storage space hidden underneath the table top are great ways to give your daughter a storage area, especially if your space is limited,” he says.

He
BOYS WILL BE BOYS
Is it a bird? A plane? Is it Superman? No, it’s not! Not anymore. The Lex Luthor fighting hero has been replaced by the web-spinning Spiderman. Or has he? Well that’s how a little boy’s mind works — fleeting and ever-changing. What does seem to be a constant however, is an attraction to blue, white, red and a combination of these colours. “Whether it’s sports, the great outdoors or super heroes, themes for a boy’s room are audacious and cool. Sports gear, books, activities and games can take up a lot of space. Look for efficient storage pieces that can grow with him as he gets older,” maintains Monica Gupta, co-founder, www.craftsvilla.com.

Darling daughters
Bunk beds, on the other hand, are perfect if you have two girls and they need to share the space. Of course, it is a great idea even in unshared bedrooms as it creates an easy solution for sleepovers. “Colours and concept are important to ensure that the room is neither too childish nor too mature. Try to make the room look neutral for two girls living together. A white wall allows you to make quick changes in the bedroom and add funky designs to suit both girls,” suggests Zenden Lama, interior designer and owner, Dorje Doma Designs.

Sons rise
And if you have a couple of boys sharing a single room, the bedroom becomes as much a play area as a sleeping space. Which is why, safety should be your primary concern – you will always have them trying out the newest wrestling stunts they’ve seen on television. Avoid including furniture with sharp edges or ones which use a lot of mirror or glass. “Painted furniture tends to look more playful. Though there will inexorably be a space in the room that both kids share, try to design individual areas to allow each child a space he can enjoy on his own,” adds Monica Gupta of craftsvilla.com

SPACE SHARING
Being the only child can be a lot of fun and if you have the space to make your child comfortable, why not design it to be one which is envied? However, as your child grows, the tastes, preferences, needs and attitudes change as well, and you need to keep that in mind while setting up his or her room, unless you plan on redecorating after every birthday party!

“Play with fabric, wall prints and coloured furniture for your child’s room — keeping it as bright as possible. Wall prints or wall paper is an excellent idea and they can be changed every couple of years without calling for an overall change of décor as the child grows,” says Sanvari Alagh Nair, director, Houseproud.in

And if you check with siblings who’ve had to share a room growing up, especially with someone from the opposite sex, they will tell you how ‘torturous’ it could get. The task is to get the right balance to allow both, a guy and a girl to enjoy the space. “A room shared by a boy and a girl requires good planning. Functionality, style, theme and colour palette should be the main considerations,” explains Monica Gupta. ■

India Kids Fashion Week held in Mumbai and Delhi showcased exquisite collections for children. M&B brings you glimpses of the latest Spring Summer trends in kids fashion

BIBA COLLECTION CONCEPT
Summer is the time that matches the magical quality of childhood. Let your little angel step into its wonderful world draped in the fi nest colours of the season. A world in which everything is livelier, extraordinary and more like her. BIBA Girl Magical summer collection comprises fabrics designs and motifs that live up to her imagination, it’s her perfect partner for summer time happiness.

“It’s a brilliant way for us to showcase our extensive ethnic wear range for girls, which is beautiful and aff ordable at the same time.”
Siddharath Bindra, managing director

PINK COWS COLLECTION CONCEPT
Pink Cows showcased I am Fabulous collection. The brand showcased 30 ways to celebrate, 30 ways to glorify. Love and folkloric charm defi nes their clothes because they believe every girl is fabulous. Every dress they design tells a story that refl ects their elaborate clothing line—a Cindrella remake, a new incarnation. Their brand excels in custom wear with a strong colour and drape sensibility. Their gowns are elaborate and more surreal. They strive to construct a garment with uncompromising attention to comfort

“Kids fashion trend this year will see lots of layers, diff erent textures, vibrant colours and an array of digital prints. There will be a huge surge of cuts and placement of diff erent prints in an interesting way.”
Pratima Anand, designer

KIRTI RATHORE COLLECTION CONCEPT
This show presented an exquisite display of the culture of Rajasthan—the land of kings. Inspired by the colourful festivals of Rajasthan and the liveliness of the city, the collection spoke for opulence and style in unique sherwanis for your little prince.

“I feel the kind of platform IKFW provides for the young children to show their talent and energy is amazing and one of its kind!”
Kirti Rathore, designer

BARBIE COLLECTION CONCEPT
Barbie’s licensee, The Shirt Company, launched the new Barbie Spring Summer collection 2015 based on the latest fashion trends for little girls. The collection highlighted Barbie’s signature style through its themes which are pink, playful, iconic, luxe and full of sparkleshine, called Born to Bloom, Hello Malibu, Pinkerrifi c, Sweet Socialite. The range included casual dresses, tops, tees and skirts, and were a perfect amalgamation of fashion and comfort for young girls.

“The Barbie collection showcased at IKFW this year was a combination of the latest trends in international fashion blended with Barbie’s signature style.”
Jacob Bott a, country manager, Matt el

PA R A COLLECTION CONCEPT
The collection showcased suits, jackets, bandgalas, kurtas, pyjamas and coats for the young lot. The idea is to dress your son like a prince for him to stand out in the crowd.

“We deal in designing high couture and casual wear for boys between two to 10 years. Our designs can be used for special occasions or as casual wear.”
Pooja Jhunjunwala, designer

BROWN BOWS COLLECTION CONCEPT
Clean and confi dent, comfortable and accessible, classic and modern, Brown Bows is redefi ning boys fashion. Their collections include contemporary fashion correct products and signature pieces that are a staple for every wardrobe. The brand embraces a youthful, infectious spirit and the freedom to express individual style.

“What if finding the perfect clothes for my son got easy? That was the inspiration for launching Brown Bows. Optimism is our att itude and eff ortless style is our aesthetic.”
Vidhi Sheth, founder

ERA CREATION COLLECTION CONCEPT
Pooja Creations’ Era showcased an exclusive collection of gowns, lehengas, anarkalis and palazzos. These masterpieces were inspired from nature and hence, the theme was Plant A Tree; Plant A Life. Nature holds the key to the brand’s aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive and even spiritual satisfaction.

“Pooja Creations strive to make people experience the sheer joy of possessing a beautiful masterpiece; inspiring and complementing their original personality and thereby adding colours to their life.”
Nikhil Furia, partner

VIKRAM PHADNIS COLLECTION CONCEPT
The girl child, a beautiful seed that blooms and spreads brightness into the world. Vikram Phadnis enchanted India Kids Fashion Week 2015 with his own unique message. Startling black along with hues of reds pinks and oranges and beige golds in the silhouettes of long fl owing jalabiyas and lehenga cholis, kurta patiyalas with kotis were showcased.

“When dressing up litt le girls, you have to take into account the silhouett es that will suit these litt le ones as you can’t overdo the outfi ts and take the cuteness away from the kids.”
Vikram Phadnis, designer

KIDOLOGY COLLECTION CONCEPT
The in-house collection by Maya Nocon specialised in classical styles with a dash of drama! The Spring Summer 2015 theme was inspired by Monet’s garden with fl oral prints, 3D fl ower patches and  appliqué embroidery. The silhouettes range took inspiration from playful frills to structured peplums. The Indian collection saw a modern take on the traditional dying technique of ikat. For the fi rst time, Kidology also showcased its teen line for girls. Ranging from ultra feminine styles to heady cocktail of quirky and spohisticated, the brand showcased lehengas with peplum cholis, shararas with surface ornamentation and sherwanis with appliqué embroidery.

“We showcased our spring summer line’ 2015. Kidology showed collections by its team of designers like Gauri, Nainika, Gaurav Gupta and Siddharth Tytler along with our in-house line.”
Neha Sachar Mitt al, joint managing director

DAUGHTERS DREAM WORLD COLLECTION CONCEPT
The thoughtfully created outfi ts, inspired from the ‘sparkling smiles of the happy kids’ were focused on the wearability factor of their party wear range.

“The collection was modifi ed to fit in today’s style and fashion.”
Kanchan Bawa, designer

LITTLE ROYALS COLLECTION CONCEPT
The Little Royals collection showcased the cute and the most stylish footwear for little children. The range consisted of the trendiest shoes from around the world. Vibrant, colourful, creative and playful all came together in each of the pairs that were showcased. The USP of the collection was that it focused on the technical needs of a child’s growing feet apart from being fashion forward.

“Once your litt le prince or princess slip their feet into our shoes, we can guarantee you they won’t let go. Casual, sporty, formal or trendy, we have it all.”
Arpita Kapoor, creative designer

NONA COLLECTION CONCEPT
NONA was conceived as a brand that focuses on designer indian-wear for children. To introduce Nona to the world, Medha presented the Lotus collection. The theme of a lotus fl ower was chosen as it the national fl ower of India and also has many other beautiful symbolic meanings – rebirth, purity and enlightenment. Like children, it rises pure and beautiful above its environment and

“Like every mother, I love to dress up my litt le girls. There was always a problem though when we were invited to weddings or to special Indian events as there is no good quality designer brand of Indian festive wear available for children. So, had to get clothes specially designed for my children.”
Medha Nanda, designer

RITU BERI COLLECTION CONCEPT
Baby Beri is predisposed towards a social cause. This show helps the brand support the under privileged  children of India. Contemporary and traditional hues, in elaborate outfi ts, presented by Ritu Beri left the audience awe struck.

“My journey as a mother made me realise the need for designer wear for children, something that’s exclusive and yet easy going! Hence, my collection Baby Beri was launched in 2009.”
Ritu Beri, designer

Sheena Creations
COLLECTION CONCEPT
The summer collection from Sheena presented whites and pastels for an evening birthday party look. It also included formal wear, party dresses, party wear blouses, bright leggings and pink dresses for girls. For boys, summer suits, tuxedos , formal shirts with suspenders, bows and ties, party wear tees with patchwork jeans were displayed in the show.

“At IKFW, we presented a collection that juxtaposed New York chic with classic comfort.”
Sheena Jain, founder

MY LITTLE BERRY COLLECTION CONCEPT
Dresses and skirts from My Little Berry are perfect for any occasion including birthdays, weddings, playdate or just a special day out! Their clothes are made using the softest of fabrics to keep your li’l princess feeling comfy and looking fabulous. ■

“Our Spring Summer 2015 collection is inspired by spring colours, with the mix of causal everyday wear and occasion wear options for girls.”
Nikita Dhingra, co-founder