This post was sponsored by i play. Products and merchandise featured in this post were provided as compensation and for review purposes. All opinions expressed and photos herein belong to the author and creative team members.
Meet i play
Today, we’re super excited to feature a family-run company that we’ve come to know and love and hope you will too. i play., Inc. is a brand of healthy and practical baby products that support child development, health and safety. The products are also good for the planet and are super functional. Started by a mom (and now run by a mother-daughter team), we fell in love with the story behind this brand and were inspired by the parents making these great products. Here’s a bit more about this fantastic company.
A brand is born
After earning a degree in child development, i play founder Becky Cannon moved to Japan to teach at a unique kindergarten based on holistic philosophy and natural foods. Back then (over 40 years ago), words like organic, holistic, locally-grown, and eco-friendly were not commonplace. However, while there, she was introduced to a holistic way of understanding the world that profoundly influenced how she lived, ate and eventually raised her children.
While living in Japan, Becky had her first daughter, Emi. There, she discovered unique, quality baby products with special functions, made from natural materials and cute designs. These features, combined with a shift in perception which opened her mind toward practicing a harmonious, healthy, and environmentally-responsible lifestyle, became the basis for the products at i play., Inc.
After Becky moved back to the U.S. and had her second daughter, Mari, she started i play., Inc. as one mail-order item. Today, the company’s grown into an offering of multiples brands and hundreds of natural baby products. Becky is now a grandmother and works together with her daughters to refresh the principles of natural parenting to meet the modern world. The i play brands are available in 68 countries worldwide.
Care, wear & fare
The i play brand offers three separate lines of products: (1) baby wear (swimwear, sun wear, organic clothing); (2) baby care (toys, teethers, sippy cups, etc.); and (3) baby fare (nutritious cereals). i play pays special attention to the baby’s perspective and parents’ lifestyle priorities during product development. They also incorporate real feedback from families and customers into their products.
i play clothing
i play organic clothing was designed around movement, fostering a connection with nature and having fun. The i play organic clothing line is made from organic cotton that is grown without toxic, synthetic chemicals. The lightweight jersey knit is breathable and made with inside-out seams for extra comfort against baby’s delicate skin. It helps regulate baby’s body temperature, and the items can be worn alone or as a base layer for warmth. The pieces (short and long-sleeve bodysuits, pants, footies, swaddles) come in a variety of fun, bright colors made with azo-free dyes.
i play swimwear
The i play line of swimwear is spectacular. From the adorable prints (that aren’t obnoxious) to the high-quality materials, i play really knocked it out of the park with their swimwear line. They pride themselves on their patented reusable swim diaper. It comes in a wide variety of colors, prints, sizes and styles for all the little ones. The entire line is very mix-and-matchable, with adorable head-to-toe options for girls and boys. Plus, the price-point on all the items make them really affordable for everyone, even for families with lots of kids!
A few of our favorite things
Reusable swim diaper – i play is the original swim diaper manufacturer and has a patented three-layer design: (1) the wicking liner helps prevent diaper rash; (2) the inner absorbent layer helps protect against messes outside the pool; and (3) the waterproof outer layer works with the snug-fitting waist and legs to provide secure protection from unsanitary and embarrassing accidents in the pool. No other diaper is necessary! Also, the trim lightweight diaper has easy-lock snaps and a secure fit. Available in 5 solid color plus multiple seasonal and year-round prints (plus, optional ruffles and bows!).
Rashguard shirts – These shirts provide all-day UPF 50+ sun protection. That means not having to apply sunscreen to your child’s delicate skin (hallelujah!). The stretchy, quick-dry material, and flatlock seams are comfortable and allow kids to move freely and play actively in and out of the water. The rashguard also helps keep baby warm during those first swim lessons in the pool. The easy-on long sleeve rashguards have a lap-shoulder design allows for easy on and off. Comes in a variety of bright, solid colors. Long-sleeve (with or without zipper), short-sleeve and cap-sleeve options available through size 4T.
One-piece swimsuits – These super cute suits come with a built-in reusable swim diaper, which helps provide ultimate, secure protection for babies & little swimmers. Comes in a variety of prints, with and without ruffles, from 6 months through size 4T.
Sun hats – The sun flap hat protects baby’s head, neck, and eyes while playing in the sun and water. The lightweight, quick-dry material is breathable for comfort, and the UPF 50+ wicking material dries quickly. The water-friendly foam brim keeps its structure when wet to stay out of baby’s eyes while swimming. Also, the elasticized back adjusts for custom fit & grows with baby, while the tie strap keeps the hat in place. Lightweight and packable, comes in a variety of solid coordinating colors.
Wet & dry bags – While on the go, the i play wet and dry bag keeps baby’s clean items separate from soiled/wet ones. Two large, waterproof pockets and zippered closures add security and allow for easy access. The attachable strap snaps to make a loop for hands-free use. Also, the wet bag rolls up for compact storage when not in use! Perfect for carrying swimwear, diapers, training underwear, clothes, toys, & more.
Water shoes – These adorable water shoes keep baby’s feet safe and comfortable in and near the water. Quick-dry material and no-slip soles support baby’s active play and provide traction when walking on slippery surfaces. Parents love the flexible material and pull-loop for easy on and off. Comes in three solid colors, from size 4-9.
Swim trunks – The i play pocket trunks for boys comes with a built-in reusable absorbent swim diaper. Comes in a variety of prints (sharks, boats, turtles, stripes and solids), with and without ruffles, from 6 months through size 4T.
Muslin hooded towel – The muslin hooded towel is so great! It keeps kids warm and dry after bath, beach, or pool time with thick, thirsty, and super soft layers of organic cotton muslin and terry. The hand pockets on each side make it easy for your toddler to dry off independently. Organic cotton is formaldehyde-free with azo-free dyes, so only the safest materials touch baby’s delicate skin.
Putting i play to the test
A few members of our creative team had the honor of testing out a some i play swimwear products and we were super impressed with the style and quality. Here’s what our team members had to say:
“My daughter loves running around in her i play swimwear. The fabrics move easily with a preschooler and give great sun protection. I love the vibrant colors and how easy it is to mix and match. She’s still not potty trained (age 3 – boo!) so it’s nice that the swim diapers come in bigger sizes. Larger sizes in swim diapers can be really hard to find.” Ginny, 1000 Hours Outside
“We really love our i play baby products! Everything is so well made with bright colors and cute prints. The toddler swimsuit with the built-in reusable diaper is amazing! So easy and just so adorable. The reusable swim diapers and swim top separates are great, too—great for all those random occasions my toddler finds to get wet every single day. I love them all!” Leslie, @c_l_allofus
“We absolutely love our i play swimwear! The swim tops are adorable and fit well. The prints are super cute too! The hats are a must-have for summer sun!” Brandi, Brandi Markham Photography
Which item is your favorite?
You can find and follow i play online in the following locations:
Website: iplaybaby.com
Instagram: @iplaybaby
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iplaybaby
Photos by RWMC Creative Team members:
Leslie – @c_l_allofus
Brandi – @brandimarkham
Ginny – @1000hoursoutside