Expecting: Let’s Talk About Bath Tubs
You’re going to need some kind of bath solution besides stepping into the shower with tiny, slippery Murgatroyd in your arms, so yes, you will need an infant bath tub. … Continue reading
Expectant Mamas: You Do Not Need a Humidifier
OK, maybe you do, but chances are, your infant does not. This is another item that is on a lot of “get this for your baby” lists and, for the life of me, … Continue reading
Tummy Time Tips
I was just hanging out with my friend and her baby and discussing tummy time, so I thought I’d share. (We talked about other stuff too. We’re interesting people. Really.) … Continue reading
Infant Soaps and Shampoo
Yes, you will need to buy separate soap for your new baby. The Irish Spring in your soap dish has too many chemicals and perfumes for your infant’s brand new, … Continue reading
Leander: Cradle, Crib, High Chair, Changing Table
I’ve just discovered Leander, and I’m a little bit in love. OK: a lot in love. All the pieces are beautiful: minimalist Scandinavian design in natural woods, light colors and lovely … Continue reading
Best Baby Blanket
This is the best blanket, period. I know it doesn’t look like it’s that different from the thousands of others on offer for babies and little kids, but it is. … Continue reading
Books for Dad: Armin Brott
Papa is often overlooked in this whole “Yay! We’re pregnant!/Hooray! What a cute baby!” continuum. You don’t see a lot of massage gift certificates coming his way and his life … Continue reading
Coming to Stay
A couple weeks ago we chatted about where all your new baby’s out of town fans should stay during their visit. (Short version: probably not with you.) Let’s back up a step … Continue reading
Tea Collection Sale
Tea Collection makes some beautiful clothes, especially for babies. They’re expensive, though, for something little Albert will only wear for a few months, so getting their pieces on sale makes the … Continue reading
Get to Know Your Car Seat
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting four newborns in the last two weeks – crazy baby boom! – and car seats and their quirks have come up in conversation. Most … Continue reading
Blackout Curtains
Unless you have those awesome European interlocking blinds that can turn your baby’s boudoir into a room fit for developing film, you might want to consider investing in blackout drapes, … Continue reading
Sleep Help
OK, here’s me at eight months pregnant: “I’m not going to go nuts getting my baby on a fixed schedule: we’re social, we travel, and I want her to know … Continue reading
Somewhere (Else) To Lay Their Heads
Your baby will be very popular. Trust me. Grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins and friends will want to come and meet your new bundle. This can be wonderful. … Continue reading
Bouncers!
A bouncer is a must. You need to have one. Really. Yes, baby can lounge in a cat bed or on a posh pillow, but there’s no substitute for giving … Continue reading
Skip Hop Treetop Friends Play Mat
I’ve always liked Skip Hop‘s style and Astrid (and I) were really happy with their farmyard activity mat when she was tiny: soft fabric with some texture and crinkles for … Continue reading
Transitional Object: Gund Comfy Cozies
I wrote a while ago about “transitional objects” and how important they can be for babies. Chances are, you’ll pick out one you like before Baby arrives, or someone will … Continue reading
Ladybug Snuggle Sack
Today is Astrid’s birthday party and the theme is ladybugs because she loses it every time she sees a ladybug. Even more so when she sees a flag, but I … Continue reading
Hello Bugs!
As I’ve noted before, babies aren’t into books. Because they can’t see. They’re weird like that. But they can discern black and white shapes and patterns before colors, which is … Continue reading
Pacifier Wipes
Yes, I know: these don’t sound very minimalist. They sound like yet another thing germaphobe mamas pack in their diaper bags. You know the ones: hand sanitizer dispensers installed by … Continue reading
What Your Baby Will Wear: Nighttime
If you’re already clear on this, go ahead and skip this post. I thought I was but then, after I looked at the stack of onesies, pajamas, swaddling blankets, Velcro … Continue reading
The Dream Feed
I found out about this when Astrid was about three months old and, man, did I wish I’d known sooner. So if you didn’t know about this already, here’s my … Continue reading
Cookies For the Pregnant Mama! (San Francisco)
Actually this tip is for pretty much everyone who lives in San Francisco. But especially pregnant mamas. You need some cookies, some happy sweet cookies. You need Anthony’s cookies, to … Continue reading
Petunia Pickle Bottom Layette
In case you haven’t run across the name before, Petunia Pickle Bottom is a company that got famous making pricey diaper bag/backpacks in all kinds of nice prints. Very popular … Continue reading
Shopping: Bloomingdales
I have one word for you: pajamas. I have two more: ten dollars. At Bloomingdales. I know: I couldn’t believe it either. Like the New Yorker I am, I love … Continue reading
Shopping: Macy’s
OK, so let’s be clear up front: I hate going into department stores. I appreciate that they’ve clumped everything together in one place for me, but, man alive do they … Continue reading
Another Swaddling Option
I just had tea with our fantastic post-partum doula, Caroline, yesterday and she mentioned my swaddle round-up and a new swaddle on the market, the True Womb Sleeping Swaddle. I … Continue reading
First Toys: The Teddy Bear (Another One)
OK, so I know I said you don’t need to have your future child’s teddy bear all sorted out and kicking it in the nursery when the baby arrives, and … Continue reading
Skwish Mobile
I was in Giggle the other day and came across the Skwish Mobile. I love me some mobiles, so I had a look. Even though I don’t think I would’ve … Continue reading
Birth Announcements
You’re either the kind of person who sends birth announcements or you’re not. Subcategory of the former: the kind of person who designs your own letterpress birth announcements and prints … Continue reading
San Francisco: H&M
Hooray for the Swedes! H&M has opened a big baby/kids section on the third floor of the Westfield Center, just outside Bloomingdales. (Borders’ old space, I think – sad to … Continue reading
Stroller Blankets
After my super-zealous write-up/run-down on blankets, here’s my quick two cents on “stroller blankets.” There are two types: warm blankets (some with a wind-proof-y side that faces out to protect … Continue reading
What the $)(! is up with all the blankets anyway?
Bottom line necessities: 1 sturdy, warm blanket for warmth and floor time. 2-4 lightweight inexpensive blankets (muslin or flannel) for general use (shade, clean-up, having in your bag for whatever … Continue reading
Giggle and Their “Better Basics”
I love Giggle. They have helpful, knowledgeable staff and beautiful products. Their selection is definitely on the high end of the baby products spending spree, but among the products they … Continue reading
Swaddling Options
Bottom Line: As a minimalist who does laundry frequently, you won’t need more than four of all of the swaddling options. (I know laundry doesn’t sound fun, but you will only … Continue reading
Bath Toys
Once you get beyond the terror of bathing your fragile new infant, you and your baby will probably both realize you like bath time. Warm water is relaxing. And that’ll … Continue reading
Tip: Call Ahead
If you’re not already in the habit of calling ahead to stores to confirm that they have what you’re going for, now’s the time to add it to your 2012 … Continue reading
Things You Do Not Need To Worry About Right Now: Preschool
Just stop it. Really. You do NOT need to worry about where your unborn baby is going to go to preschool. Even if you live in New York or San … Continue reading
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