Modern Red Nursery

At Daisy Baby we offer a selection of bedding, accessories, furniture, gifts, and gear, but our main focus is really helping you create the nursery and the baby experience you want. In that vein, we're going to start offering ideas on the blog for you to check out before you even come in! Hopefully these will show you a little of what we have to offer at the shop, and encourage you to think outside the box and let us help you find what's really ideal for you.

If you want something really, truly different and bold, you can't get any more different and bold than the Red Nursery. So let's start building one, shall we?

Let's start with this for inspiration, but remember that we're doing red (yes, this comes in red):

Triple Keepsake Box from When I Was Your Age

The keepsake box is very fun, right? Let's take those stars and that bold color and start looking. Our first piece should be the crib, n'est-ce pas?

Newport Cottages Hampton Star Crib in Red

Gorgeous, isn't it? And let's balance it out with something slightly less bold -

Newport Cottages Taylor Changer Dresser

Of course, those knobs should definitely be red. Then let's add a neutral piece you'll be able to use in your living room later...

The Grazia Swivel Glider from Monte

So sleek and functional. We'll keep that gray color - it's gorgeous. And now that we have our 3 big pieces, let's see what we can do to add some more fun!

Pine Creek's over the moon bedding in Vanilla

Option #1 is totally girly, fluffy and gorgeous. It'll soften the lines on the modern crib without taking you into shabby chic territory. And the vanilla color will go great with...

Momeni Fern Whimsy Rug

This rug from Momeni, which is neutral in color (ivory and fern) but big on whimsy.

Flenseted Ladybird mobile

 And let's not forget a mobile - with the touch of red in the rug and these matching ladybugs flying overhead, your little girl will be in a crimson paradise (without going overboard, of course!)

So, what if you're not having a girl? Can we still work those three big pieces? Of course!

Whistle and Wink Cars and Trucks set

Option 2 includes Whistle and Wink's Cars and Trucks set - which will go beautifully with that red crib, because...

Cars and trucks quilt from Whistle and Wink

The cars are varying shades of blue and red! So adorable! And let's go bold with the rug, this time...

Momeni's Town Scene

The city scene echoes the cars and trucks from Whistle and Wink's crib set, and adds more color! (And what can possibly be bad about more color?)

Flensted's cars mobile

I feel like I should just be shouting "more color! more fun!" at this point, but as you can see, it really is more color and more fun!

Okay, so maybe all that color isn't really your thing. Or maybe you don't know if you're having a girl or a boy, but that red crib is making you drool. (Don't worry, I won't tell.) Let's try something different, for our last hurrah...

Oilo's Cobblestone set

Oilo's taupe is a neutral taupey gray that really goes with just about anything. Really. Like this:

The Rug Market's Shaggy Raggy rug in Cafe au Lait

You know we love the Shaggy Raggy rug. And the neutral Cafe au Lait color really keeps the room grounded without competing with the red crib.

Flensted's Olephants

And finish it off with Flensted's Olephants in monochrome. Yes, I know they're grey. Yes, I know the rug is more taupe. Yes, I know the Oilo bedding is somewhere between the two. It's okay. You don't have to follow the rules. If you love it together, it goes together.

Would you use red in your nursery? Do you love the red crib? Let us know in the comments section below - or come on in and tell us how you feel about it!

Baby Carriers & Slings

You probably know something about babywearing, but unless you're an experienced babywearing parent, it can be hard to know how to go about it! Aren't they hard to use? What are the benefits? Aren't they dangerous? Are they comfortable? What is the right carrier? Which carrier should you use at which age?

At Daisy Baby, we love babywearing. It can make a big difference to a new mom, or an experienced mom - if you have a fussy baby, wear him. If you are chasing an older child, wear the newborn. If you need both hands free, wear the baby! It can help with breastfeeding, and help baby regulate his temperature - along with giving a boost to bonding and providing the closeness baby craves. It makes babies and parents happier, so what's not to like?

There are many, many types of carriers. Let's stick with a few basics to simplify. Soft wraps include carriers like the Moby, and the Baby K'tan. Pouch and ring slings are also traditional soft carriers. Soft structured carriers include traditional carriers like the mei tai, and more modern carriers like the Ergo and the Boba. We carry the Baby K'tan, which is good for those first few newborn months (it's soft, it's easy to use, and it keeps baby snuggled on your chest), as well as the Boba, which is good from newborn all the way through the toddler years.

We love the Baby K'tan for its ease and versatility. There is no wrapping, no buckling, and it can be used in multiple positions (you can even breastfeed in it!) It's two simple loops of soft cotton, sized just to you and your baby - and it's great for the first few months when you really want baby snuggled up close and soft. It's great for walks around town, light household chores, and everything between. It's a good transition for both of you from baby in the womb to baby in your arms!

Baby K'tan in the black Breeze (sports fabric to keep you cool!)

We love the Boba 3G carrier for its practicality - this carrier has it all. It will adjust to work for a newborn with no inserts, no added contraptions. It will work for a toddler until you can no longer comfortably carry him on your back (for me, that was about age 3.5). It has little foot straps to keep your toddler from kicking things (like his sister). Most importantly, it's a one-size-fits most deal - it fits my husband at 6'5" and me at 5'7", and has also been worn by the kids' sitter - and we've used it for our kids from about 3 weeks up to age 4. It's comfortable for long hikes, but convenient for quick trips to the grocery store. It's a good long-term, all-purpose carrier.

Boba 3G carrier in Soho

Here's a little info about babywearing safety from Babywearing International. (Hint: yes, it's safe!)

You may be wondering why I'm not trying to sell you the popular forward-facing carriers. That's because it's come to our attention that it's probably not very good for baby's back and hips. Below is a graphic from the International Hip Dysplasia Institute that shows just the difference in hip placement - baby's knees should be level with or above his hips. Think about how your baby snuggles you when you hold him, like a little froggy - that's how he should be when he's snuggled on you in a carrier!

I hope this has been helpful - we've chosen these carriers particularly because we love them, and feel they're safe, practical, helpful and fun. We hope you will too!

New Things for Modern Baby Lines

The world of design is constantly changing - one line is redesigned, another is replaced. Things are constantly getting better and better, more and more innovative! What does that mean for you?

If you love the old design, you're in luck! You can now buy whatever we have in stock at a discount.

If you love the new design, you're in luck! That's what they're now making.

So, really, no matter what, it's a lucky break for you when our companies change things up a bit! Let's take a quick look at what changes we're seeing so far for 2013.

Oeuf has discontinued their Sparrow and Classic dressers - they're being replaced with the Merlin. (We happen to have a gray Sparrow on the floor right now... anyone looking to complete their set?) They've also replaced their Robin line with the new, updated Rhea line - which is looking pretty spectacular.

Oeuf Sparrow Dresser

Oeuf Merlin Dresser

Spot on Square has redesigned their Eicho collection, and we currently have an Eicho crib in the shop (the Eicho is already affordable - you can pick this up for a song now. Anyone love modern?)

Spot on Square Eicho crib

Don't forget we also have a Spot on Square Roh bookshelf!

We have sad news, as well. Muu, a great company who created quality US made products, has suspended their operations. Their supplier could no longer manufacture their products, and they were unable to find anyone new. This does, of course, still mean good deals for you. If you love Muu, it's time to act fast - we currently have 3 Ray cribs in honey and walnut, and a Ray dresser!

Muu Ray Crib in walnut

Muu Ray Dresser

If any of this appeals to you, it's time to start 2013 off with a bang! Come on in and talk to the ladies at Daisy Baby, and let's get you a beautiful new nursery set up!

Nursery Decorating for Small Spaces

Living in the DC area, we're used to smaller homes. This isn't a big deal for singles, or even a married couple... but what do you do when you add a baby into the mix? Dana knows all about this - their second child is due in a few short months, and they'll be staying in their small condo. Why? And How? Let's ask...

Why is it important to you to live in Downtown Bethesda?  I love being able to walk to work. I love bumping into neighbors and clients, people I know whenever I walk out the door. I feel like a part of the community here – it’s a city environment but it has such a small-town community vibe. It’s just a great place to live. 

Are you making sacrifices to live here in the middle of the city? Well, yes, definitely. We live in a 700 square foot condo –it’s real urban living, using a small space to its maximum potential.

Patterson Comfort Sleeper Sofa by American Leather

700 square feet? How are you making that work with two adults and two small children? We’re setting it up kind of like a studio apartment, actually. It’s a good floor plan, so we’re making it work. It’s hard to have babies in small spaces – but that’s something that’s really important to know how to do in this area, and so we’re doing it. We’ll be putting a sofa sleeper in the living room for the master bed. We’ll actually move the glider into the bedroom (it’s been in the living room) and some of the furniture will do double duty (like the sofa bed). 

What about the bedroom? The girls will share the bedroom – Ever will be moving to a big girl bed from Monte with a trundle beneath, and the new baby will have her Stokke crib in the middle of the room. We’ll set it up to be a pretty girly space, with two little girls – a chandelier from Empress Arts. Hot pink, gray, aqua. We’re taking what we used with Ever and updating it for the new baby, making it new and fun. 

Monte Upholstered Dorma twin bed with trundle

I don’t suppose you have details like fabrics yet…? No, not yet. But definitely check back later, I’ll share the whole process!

Do you live in a small space with a baby or two? How do you do it?

Gender Reveal - What's the Deal?

Google the search term "Gender reveal ideas" and you'll get 13,500,000 results. That means a LOT of people are coming up with cute and unique ideas to reveal the sex of their baby... after that "gender ultrasound" they want to share the news in a creative way. Search Pinterest and you'll find pictures of them! Open a box filled with balloons? Check. Mystery cake? Check. Custom soda labels? Check. (Yes, really.)

So, what did our very own Dana do to share her big news with family?

Step 1: Have the ultrasound tech write the baby's sex in an envelope and seal it...

Step 2: Have a friend (Rachel, of Daisy Baby fame) do a little shopping and a little setup...

Step 3: Get your family on Skype at 11:00pm...

Step 4: It's a...

The Evans-Jones family is expecting another little girl!

Congratulations Dana, Frank, and Ever!!

Have you done a gender reveal? How did you do it, or how do you plan to?

Pack the Perfect Diaper Bag

Do you feel confident leaving the house with your newborn? Are you worried you might not have quite the right stuff? Well, worry no more. Here's the Daisy Mommies' Guide to packing the perfect diaper bag!

Start with the perfect diaper bag:

How about the Grommet Bag by Nest?

Add about one diaper for every two hours you're out.

One cute wipes container:

Like the Aquarius wipes container by Lilicouture?f

A changing pad:

Blueberry changing pad from Ah Goo Baby

Your keys, wallet, extra money, chapstick, any important phone numbers - any mommy stuff you need!

Two pacifiers, if your baby takes them

A gorgeous burp cloth:

Aqua/lime burp cloth pattern from Wiggle and Scoot

A light, sweet blanket:

Gorgeous monogrammed plaid blanket from A Soft Idea

Bottles and formula, or a beautiful nursing cover:

Bebe au Lait nursing cover in Jaipur

An adorable hat, if it's cool:

Charlie hat from Blueberry Hill

Plastic bags to store dirty disposable diapers or dirty clothing, or a wet bag if you're using cloth diapers (actually a wet bag, usually pretty polyurethane laminated fabric bag, is nice to store anything wet or dirty)

Extra nursing pads

That's just about it.  How do you feel now? More confident? Good. Grab a diaper bag, pack it up, and take your baby somewhere fun! (How about visiting us at Daisy Baby, for a start?)

Daisy Baby Holiday Calendar