It can be tough for expectant parents and those with little ones in tow to dart from one store to the next in search of all the gear that comes with a baby. That’s why Kristine Thoreson, owner of Tangled Tree Artwork and Events, has provided a one-stop shopping experience for Cochrane parents.
On Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Frank Wills Memorial Hall will play host to the Tangled Tree Baby & Tot Market Cochrane.
Thoreson said after the success of the first market a few years ago, she wanted to bring it back “just for convenience” for those with babies in their life.
“So they [don’t] have to run around to all the different markets, because at a regular artisan market, you might find one or two artisans making things for babies and toddlers. And this year, we have 20,” she said.
The event, according to Thoreson, will feature about two-thirds of artisans with handmade products, along with direct-selling vendors and service providers such as a sleep coach, doula, a parenting coach and Cochrane Parent Link.
“I was really excited to see the sleep coach, because I have friends who have had a lot of trouble getting the kids to sleep and feeling guilty about letting them cry, or not letting them cry, or co-sleeping – they don’t know what to do,” she said. “And they feel kind of stressed. So that’s a really nice service to have.”
She said another exciting vendor attending is The Mama Coach parenting services – a business started by a mom with first-hand knowledge of the struggles parents face.
“As a new mom, she was baffled and didn’t know what to do,” Thoreson said. “So she’s there for parents that need some help and some coaching, some direction and some support, and don’t know where to go.”
Vendor products range from crochet and wooden toys, to baby carriers and clothing, to custom nursing bras and baby skin care, and more.
“Mountain View Dance Studio will be there, and they are having a solo dancer feature between 12 and 3 p.m.,” Thoreson said.
Admission to the market costs $2 for adults and is free for children.
“It’s for any expectant parents – grandparents, too, can find wonderful gifts or ideas for baby showers. It’s for people that already have kids and are having more,” Thoreson said.
She added, though the market is child-friendly, it also provides a chance “to leave the older kids at home and just come and get excited about all things baby.”
For more information, visit @tangledtreearts on Facebook or Instagram.
