Babesta Beat AW 2014

NEWBORN THE ABC’S OF BABY REGISTRIES

newbie

THREADS: So, you’ll need some basics to be sure, but this is the time you can set baby’s style. Is he more Beatles or Wu-Tang; leather jacket or button-down? We love the organic basics, but can’t help but pepper in some punchy prints, skater duds and rock tees to add flavor. To plan your “layette,” which is essentially baby’s first wardrobe, you want to think about the first year. Get a cross section of clothes in 0-3 months (we like kimono-style for newborns), 3-6 months and 6-12 months. Baby grows quickly and many times boys nearly skip that first size so don’t overdo the 0-3 months! Add some adorable socks and cute shoes for the feet and knit and cotton hats for the head. To keep toasty through the season, a couple sweaters and sweatshirts are nice (we love front-zip for easy on and off), and a little jacket for the colder months is a good call. Always think in layers, as even during the coldest months, it may be quite warm inside and you don’t want baby to overheat. FURNITURE & DÉCOR: Depending on your space, you may need, or want, a bassinet to start. Bassinets are more compact and easy to have in your room, so nighttime feedings are a snap. Some bassinets rock, others have wheels for portability, and still others fold down to store or take along on a trip. For city dwellers where space is at a premium, they’re optional, but they do add to convenience! Along with the crib and the dresser that anchor the nursery, it’s nice to also add a glider or rocker for nursing and reading, and some shelving and storage. When choosing your furniture, it’s key to look at the leadtime for the goods (some custom pieces need up to 12 weeks to manufacture), where they’re made, the materials and style. Once you figure out your basics, you can add some wow-factor to the room through unique art, bedding, blankets, pillows and lighting. WHEELS & GEAR: For city parents, the stroller is key. It’s like your SUV to navigate parenthood, and you want something at once stylish, practical and reliable. Look at your lifestyle—are you in and out of cars or in the neighborhood; do you have a walk-up or an elevator building? All of these factors can help determine the best stroller model for you. Once you pick your stroller, accessorize: for cold weather, a footmuff and some handmuffs are great, and for summer, a sun canopy will help keep things cool. take it category by category and match product features to your lifestyle. In order to make it simple, we’ve compiled some of our best tips and thoughts when building your registry, so you can keep your cool during the excellent adventure of planning for parenthood. R eady to start planning for baby? It can be overwhelming, this whole new world of words and products you never knew existed (and certainly didn’t know there are about 100 iterations of each). But really, it’s not so bad, if you

From left : Cat skull bones tee, 17513, $36; My First Nursery Book, 13317, $17; Unicorn towel, 5784 , $39; Ninna Nanna bassinet, 10138, $395

The car seat of course is another essential gear item (you can’t leave the hospital without one) and you should find the safest model, easy to install and compatible with both your car and your stroller. Another registry-must is the carrier, which makes it easy (and hands free) to take baby around. When choosing a carrier, you should think about who’s carrying baby most, and if they would prefer a wrap or a structured carrier. For weekend getaways or trips to grandma’s house, a travel crib is another great add to the registry, doubling as a playpen to keep baby out of harm’s way in non-kiddie proofed homes or hotel rooms. You’ll also need to choose a diaper bag of course—we say go-unisex (your partner will thank you), with easy-to-access pockets, easy cleaning, and built-in stroller hooks. FEEDING & BATH: Your high chair isn’t necessary until later on (6M+) but if you get an elevated lounger/feeder you can start from newborn. Otherwise, for kick-back-and-relax-time, you can look at traditional bouncers (that sit on the floor). Some sway back and forth, others vibrate and others move with the baby’s own movement. Loungers and bouncers can be just as easily used for a quick snack or a nap. Other feeding accessories include a feeding pillow, easy to grip bottles, bottle cleaners and drying racks. For bath time you’ll need a tub for the sink (the easiest place to bathe a newborn) as well as a selection of bath toys (making bathing time fun) and an adorable hooded towel to make post-bath even more-so. A few sets of swaddles is another registry add—the muslin blankets are so multi-functional, they’re used for everything from wrapping up baby, to serving as an impromptu nursing cover up and keeping the sun out of baby’s eyes while strolling around. TOYS & GIFTS: It’s great to add some rattles and stroller toys to the registry, as well as a nice soft flooring and a sensory playmat to define baby’s tummy time and play space. And don’t forget some books to fill the shelves—as any new parent will attest, a great goodnight story goes a long, long way.

Download our Baby Registry List on babesta.com/registry .

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babesta beat fall/winter 2014