There are so many big and important decisions that need to be made when you’re expecting a new baby – from picking the baby’s name to deciding what pediatrician’s office you’ll use. Some of the more fun decisions for expectant parents are planning the nursery and registering for baby gear. Whether it’s furniture and gear or baby essentials, many of today’s baby items are designed to grow with your child from infancy through preschool and beyond.
NURSERY FURNITURE
There are some basic staples that most parents purchase when furnishing a nursery.
“You have a crib, a low dresser for storage, that can also double as a changing space by adding a changing try and a changing pad, and then a comfortable place to sit such as a glider or rocker for when you’re keeping those unusual hours when baby needs you,” says Dave Brodsky, owner of Bergs Baby and Teen Furniture in Lyndhurst.
Brodsky adds that many cribs convert to a toddler bed and a full-size bed, so parents are shopping with the long-term in mind.
“Most of our customers are searching out quality with the expectation of holding on to this furniture well beyond the baby and toddler years,” Brodsky says.
Trends for 2022 baby and children’s rooms are reflective of the latest interior design styles – rustic modern, farmhouse, and minimalistic top the list.
When it comes to colors, shades of white and gray have dominated the market for the past several years but Brodsky says warm tones are being more requested.
With supply chain shortages, plan to order custom furniture sooner rather than later for the best chance of receiving everything before baby’s arrival.
Baby Gear
When it comes to big ticket items, such as bassinets, strollers and car seats, parents want quality and convenience.
The American Academy of Pediatrics “recommends that parents sleep in the same room – but not in the same bed as a baby, preferably for at least the first six months,” which means a good quality bassinet is essential for a peaceful night’s sleep.
One of the most popular bassinets on the market is the Halo BassiNest Swivel Sleeper. This bassinet comes standard with a 360-degree swivel, adjustable height, breathable material and lowering sidewall for quick access to baby without bending over. It is also available in different colors and added features such as a night light, music and vibration.
The Halo brand also makes sleep sacks and newborn swaddles and their products are used in many hospitals across the United States, according to their website.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a stroller and car seat and there’s a wide spectrum of options and price ranges on the market.
Stroller and baby gear maker Uppababy is a top pick for parents and it’s not hard to see why. The brand’s popular Vista stroller can expand from a single to a double stroller, has multi-position seats and you can add a piggyback board for older children to ride.
“The versatility of having a stroller that can accommodate your family and their growing needs, that has become a priority of most of our customers,” Brodsky adds. He says Uppababy is a top seller in his store.
Uppababy also carries its own line of car seats and makes attachments so other car seat brands are compatible with their strollers.
Baby Essentials
Number one on this mom’s list is the Kyte BABY sleep bag, according to Kate Horne, store owner of Babycakes Chil- dren’s Boutique in Rocky River and mother of three.
“When people come into the store, it’s the first thing we take them to,” she says.
These buttery soft wearable blankets are made from bamboo and help regulate baby’s temperature at night.
“There’s also a baby blanket and there’s a toddler blanket, so what’s nice is when they grow out of the sleep bag, you can get them a blanket for their crib or first bed,” Horne adds.
Other top picks in the store are Zutano booties (they actually stay on your wiggly baby’s feet), silicone tethers and bibs that are easy to wash in the dishwasher, and Copper Pearl burp cloths.
If you can’t resist those sweet little baby outfits, Babycakes carries several adorable brands of baby and children’s clothing and even offers embroidery for a personal touch.