March 2014
SanTan
FAMILY FUN
1
Zoolikins provides natural parenting products, classes By Tracy House
“An award-winning publication” A publication of the
SanTan Sun News
What’s Inside:
Pages 2-4 SanTan Family Fun Calendar
Page 6-7 Childhood Obesity
Page 8 City of Chandler Spring Recreation Activities For info on sponsoring the SanTan Family Fun Calendar, email Ads@SanTanSun.com
Moms and dads looking for natural parenting items, resources and experienced help have to look no further than Chandler’s Zoolikins, which offers a variety of natural, unique and creative products for infants through toddlers— and mommy as well. Owner Shira Shnier opened Zoolikins in Chandler about five months ago; her first store opened in downtown Scottsdale three years ago. “Zoolikins really is a hands-on, we can really help you with anything natural parenting store,” Shnier says. She explains there has been a resurgence using cloth diapers and baby wearing—carrying the baby in a wrap, sling or carrier close to the body. Shnier says that with the increased interest in using natural products, there comes an overwhelming selection of cloth diapers. “It’s not like in my day or generations before—hunk of cotton, great big pins, plastic pants, nobody taught you anything. You figured it out. Pee and poop is going to leak out and you better figure out how to catch it.” Because parents have so much to choose from it can become information overload. Shnier provides her knowledge and experience for new parents. “For the most we do a lot of classes, a lot of workshops and events.” Parents can sign up for classes to help with the cloth diapering decisions. “I always say cloth diapers are the only article of clothing you’re going to buy for a child that will fit them at the newborn stage and will still fit them two and a half years later,” Shnier explains. “Because you will pay probably as much for cloth diapers as you will for a decent sleeper. And that sleeper—you blink and that child has outgrown it. But all of these diapers have a multi-size system.” Shnier helps moms and dads put the cloth diaper decision into perspective. “I am known as the diaper whisperer,” putting new moms at ease about the choices out there. “I do many a diaper changing.” She also offers her years of experience for nursing moms. “All the perinatal care that somebody who considers themselves a natural parent…they want things to be natural and they want baby to benefit
from it,” Shnier says. Zoolikins will also aid mom and dad in choosing just the right carrier for their needs. “You come in and you try on every carrier. Be absolutely sure that what you have works for you. And if you don’t know how to do it we’ll walk you through it.” To help with this, dolls of various sizes and weights are provided to get a feel for each carrier. The products in the store are DR. SEUSS ON DISPLAY: Look no further than Zoolikins for Dr. Seuss. all natural—from creams to The store boasts a huge selection of Seuss-related items. feeding spoons and toys—and STSN photo by Tracy House Shnier talks parents through best...It’s a particular type of fabric that some of their questions. “I often tell is so easy to wash and protects the kid. parents you can put off buying a lot of this stuff...but take account for where stuff Comes in all types of patterns,” Shnier mentions. is oozing out. We know where stuff is Unique to Zoolikins is its Dr. Seuss oozing out on mommy and we know line of products. Shnier gets online orders where stuff is oozing out on baby—it from all over North America for the Seuss starts the very minute this baby is born.” products. She explains Zoolikins partners Her practical advice and knowledge with Bumkins to provide the house brand is bringing people to the store. She’s had of Dr. Seuss. shoppers from out of town come in with “Dr. Seuss is a big draw,” Shnier says. suitcases to fill. “On line you can’t touch it, you can’t understand it, you can’t make “There’s a certain pull to Seuss. He speaks to everybody. He was a genius, informed decisions and there’s just a feeling, ‘this is going next to my baby’s skin.’ They an absolute genius.” In addition to the cloth diapering want to check it out and they classes, Zoolikins offers CPR classes, baby want to talk to somebody.” sign language, potty training and car seat The natural parenting area safety clinic. “I’d say every week there’s at of the store is hands-on, with least three classes going on,” Shnier says. products to test and try out. Shnier travels between the Chandler The staff members have children and Scottsdale stores to ensure that and can relate to the natural each one is stocked with the best parenting process. available products. In addition to the natural Zoolikins Chandler is located at parenting products, Zoolikins 51 E. Boston St., in downtown Chandler. has creative, educational and Store hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday interactive toys, puzzles and through Saturday. The Scottsdale location books. “Hopefully, we try very is at 7118 E. Fifth Ave., Scottsdale. Visit hard to buy things that are www.zoolikins.com for more information considered green.” or to find out about class offerings. Another popular item is the large variety of bibs for baby. Tracy House is the news editor for the From newborn to self-feeding CLOTH DIAPER BINS: Rows of cloth diapers are on display for parents SanTan Sun News. She can be reached toddlers, there is a bib for each to choose from, but owner Shira Shnier helps with those difficult at tracy@santansun.com. stage. “They are absolutely the decisions. STSN photo by Tracy House