Where do you buy good shoes?

[Plarka]

I'm American but I live in England, and my kids were born here so I don't know anything about kid stuff in America! We're coming to visit and I have some questions!

1. My 2.5 year old needs new sandals and I'm wondering if they might be cheaper over there. What store/brand do you get for properly sized and fitted shoes?

2. How much do diapers cost for a 28 pound kid? She used them at night only, so they need to be good for lots of night time peeing! Not sure we can fit them in the luggage. Are there cheap but good generic brands or do you need to buy real brands?

[alfabetsoup]

Hiya, I'm also american living in the UK. Frankly everything is cheaper in the US, but you won't find anyone to fit the shoes the way they do here. Keen make great children's sandals, you can find them at REI or other outdoor type places, or order them from zappos. Check out nordstroms or stride rite for other brands, I found nordstroms very helpful. That said, I prefer the shoes available here--most inexpensive children's shoes just do not hold up to the constant walking and city playgrounds and I like my children's feet well protected!

Target brand diapers are just fine although pampers does an overnight pullup that's very absorbent. I'd only bring a few and buy a pack when you get there, no point in carrying a whole pack of nappies across the atlantic!

You might like to stock up on Carters vests and pajamas, they are just the nicest IMO. You can get them at target, macy's, jcpenney, kohls etc. And socks, if I were going to the US now I would just buy a lifetime supply of Old Navy socks for both my girls!

Whereabouts are you going?

[Plarka]

Thanks! I'm from upstate NY so we're going to visit my family there. Where are you from? I also love the Old Navy socks for babies and kids! My mom sends me that stuff!

We'll just get her some sandals here at Clarks then! I only want her in really well fitting shoes!

[CozMama]

I really like Pampers (not the Dry Max) for my bottle fed 21 mo. $20 for 70-86 diapers in size 4 & 5. Best of all I've tried for overnights for her.

I use the Target brand for my 17 mo breast fed babe. $15 for same package sizes as Pampers. He doesn't pee quite as much as she does.

Of all the diaper brands I've tried these are the 2 that have maintained integrity during wear and haven't broken them out in a rash.

[justKate]

Just wanted to second a Stride Rite if there's one nearby where you're going. They generally measure the child's foot like our old-fashioned shoe stores would, and have regular and wide widths available. The shoes my daughter has worn so far have run btw. $25 - $50.