Even when spring is at its balmiest, I always play the good little scout and tote an extra layer for my daughter. That way, we're prepared if one of her oh-so-intense sandbox projects keeps us at the park after the sunshine starts to fade.

Fig's "Flying High" hooded jacket  ($40)  — made from 95% organic cotton — is perfect for when the temperatures are subject to tantrums. The best part, though, is the design on the back. It's like a teaser to months to come, when tanks and tees will be the rule: a shorts-clad kid jumping for joy on a trampoline.

Tea Collection also offers a small but covetable assortment of last-minute layers. The Hana Floral Jacket ($34) is reasonably well-priced, considering the brand offers T-shirts for just $4 cheaper. The kimono-cut, asymmetrical zipper and cool color contrast make it one of those things I'd want for myself. And for girls who insist on dressing like "girls" (a nascent phenomenon in my household, heaven help me), there's the Assos Wrap Top ($32), a perfect complement to anything floral and/or ruffled. — Leigh-Ann Jackson

Like the fabled little black dress or that perfect pair of jeans, every wardrobe has a show-stopper that can instantly make its wearer look like a million bucks. As far as I'm concerned, I've found the LBD equivalent for my daughter's "wardrobe" (if you can call her hodgepodge of cotton separates that). It's not high-end, or celebrity-endorsed and it was acquired at (gasp) a big-box store, but I swear by Cherokee's Ultimate Tee from Target ($4.99). The grandiose title is well-deserved: the price is great; they stand up to numerous washings without shrinking or losing color; and they go with everything. There's black for the punk princess, yellow to add some cheer on gloomy days, turquoise and green for tomboy time and all your girly pinks and purples for everything in between. The tiny collar bow took a little getting used to at first, but I'm a sucker for those puff sleeves. I've never been a stock-up kind of shopper, but I actually bought these in the next size up, in case they disappear. To quote a recent passerby: "That is just such a cute little top, I want to grab it off of you and take it for myself!" — Leigh-Ann Jackson

Are you a sucker for D.H. Lawrence? A Charlie Chaplin film buff? Does Joe Strummer rock your world? Welcome to Reckon Wordwide, your one-stop shop for customized tees ($21) featuring all of your favorite artistic influences. From infant onesies to hoodies for mom and dad, Reckon has something for every fan of film, music and literature. You can wax poetic in your custom Walt Whitman tee, change diapers with good humor in your Jon Stewart gear or compliment your kid's quirkiness with a Philip Glass onesie. Even if you don't generally coordinate outfits with your toddler, you may want to make an exception for those matching Henry Miller shirts. —Rebecca Woolf

They say you don't have to be a Rockefeller to be a happy fella — but perhaps your little fella is feeling a bit vanilla in his hybrid sneaker socks? He may need to step up his game and don a pair of mega-adorable wing tips by Goody Goody ($25). The Velcro clasp on the side makes them a little easier to get on than other baby shoes; instead of five minutes a foot, you may get them on in two. My son was certainly the sharpest dressed man on the swings in his black-and-whites. (Goody Goody also makes a swell white-on-white pair for those Bing Crosby types.) It was all I could do to keep from sticking a cigar in his mouth. Today my baby is stepping out in his wing tips again, this time with red slacks for a smoldering Andy Garcia look. Mambo kings, look out! — Ondine Galsworth

Color coordination is not my strong suit. (I became notorious at my local home improvement store last summer after painting my living room eight different colors in one month.) So imagine my relief to discover that Little Me has taken all the stress out of coordinating outfits for my son to wear this spring. Although their toddler sizes come à la carte, their infantwear is packaged and priced in pre-matched, ready-to-wear styles. My favorite is this Argyle Pant Set ($52) available in two color schemes and complete with a striped short-sleeve button up, a cotton argyle vest and pull-on pants in a cotton/linen blend. Now if only it came with a mini croquet mallet. — Katie Bayless

The snow may be subsiding, but that doesn't mean a jacket isn't still in order. Go ahead and trade in your son's snow parka for something a bit more lightweight, not to mention bad-ass. Gold Rush's nylon rider's jacket ($50) will take your kid from breezy morning walks to evening rides in the Radio Flyer. With pockets everywhere, your rider on the storm will have plenty of storage space for matchbox cars, snacks, and of course, dead insects. Maddox Jolie-Pitt, eat your heart out. – Rebecca Woolf

The floating skirts and just-bloomed colors of Meli Meli's new spring line make me long to be a kid again. This collection of skirts, tops and dresses begs for an afternoon tea party in the backyard or a game of co-ed freeze tag — though considering the price, it may be more appropriate for a flower girl in a spring wedding. Were I a girl's size four, I'd be twirling around in the Zelda Camisole ($32) and Millie Skirt ($72) or Rose Tulip Dress ($86), or arriving in style in the Frances Coat ($128). — Katie Bayless

All babies are beautiful. . . I know, I know. Let's face it, though, even the cutest ones still look a tad extra-terrestrial when they're fresh on the scene. Embrace FLK (Funny-Looking Kid) Syndrome; after all, it won't last forever. Give Will Heron's hand-printed onesie ($15) as a gift and you can euphemistically say, "Kid, you're out-of-this-world!" — Leigh-Ann Jackson

Picture your kid lounging pool-side, sippy cup in one hand, a Taro Gomi board book in the other. You know, just kickin' it. What could give this scene even more L.A. style? Try one of Andreas Linzner's terry cloth toddler robes ($75), hooded cover-ups made from limited stock vintage fabric in floral and mod patterns. And if your local forecast calls for more bundling than basking, well, they go well with thermal PJs and cocoa, too. — Leigh-Ann Jackson

It's raining, it's pouring, most rain boots are so boring. Snap out of your rainy-day funk with Kidorable's pink and yellow Lotus rain boots for girls ($20). Made from natural rubber and decorated with dainty lotus blossoms and ladybugs, these boots are so cute that she'll want to wear them even on sunny days. And if your child is more of a dinosaur-in-training than an aspiring flower fairy, Kidorable's got a boot for that, too. — Rebecca Woolf