2013 Roundup

Big sister Ever and baby Winter

This past year has been a busy one full of many changes for Daisy Baby!

Dana, Frank, big girl Ever and baby Winter!

Dana's family welcomed baby Winter Danyeil in May. (The gorgeous pics are from our friend Kyung at Yellowhale, who also had big changes this year - her new studio opened in October!)

Beautiful baby boy's room from a client!

Daisy Baby got some great new clients, and we were totally inspired by the fantastic rooms they created!

Stephanie, Freya, and Dana in the shop

Daisy Baby hired a new assistant manager - come on in and meet Stephanie if you haven't done so, and say hi to the rest of the staff! (You'll still see Dana, of course, and Freya, and on occasion Christine, Christina, or even Rachel!)

Abc with a baby!

Dana took a trip with Winter, and discovered some wonderful new goodies at the ABC show.

Fun new items from the show

We had a great 2013, and we hope you did, too! We'd like to thank all of you who have supported Daisy Baby through all these years, those who have been with us for a while, and those we've just met! Look for big growth and development in the New Year.

How was your 2013? Are you looking forward to 2014?

Top Ten Gifts of 2013

There are always a few gifts each season that are just more in, more fun, more representative of the year, the time, and the Bethesda vibe. In that spirit, we want to introduce our top ten gifts of the 2013 holiday season!

Number 10 is fun, personalized, and makes a unique gift - the Boogie Baby Hooded Towel.

There are tons of designs!

Number nine is just a necessity for the season - they come in sizes for babies and children, too! Blueberry Hill hats are the cutest.

Super adorable designs for kids and babies!

Number eight is really a brand... Finn & Emma makes the cutest organic layette pieces! Their blankets and clothing are totally mod, but sweet.

The lavender striped layette pieces are favorites for girls!

Keep baby tootsies warm with number 7 - Trumpette socks look like little shoes!

From Mary Janes to skater shoes, Trumpette has the cutest baby socks.

Number six is chic, and definitely useful in the winter to block out the bright snow we'll be getting - Babiators!

Durable, flexible sunglasses are a must!

Number five is just for the toddlers - an adorable, fun but useful cup - Lollacup is a must for the newly-walking crowd!

(Preschoolers like it too, fortunately. It's too cute to put away.)

Number four is perfect for the season - Andrea's Little Lullaby quilts are such a sweet way to keep baby warm!

Handmade by a grandma in Chevy Chase - just gorgeous!

Number three is a winner in form and function - Monte's designs are great for adults and children, too!

Every child that walks in wants to sit in the floor model... wouldn't you?

Almost there... Two is for mom, but also for baby! Chewbeads are such a cute way to keep baby occupied and help with teething.

For mom to wear, and baby to chew!

Last, but definitely not least... Angel Dear's curved pillow is a treat for toddler, or fun for baby's tummy time. Add an embroidered name or monogram and it has that irresistible preppy flair!

Zebra pillow with orange embroidery - perfect!

We Love Local Vendors!

At Daisy Baby, one of our favorite things is carrying lines from local vendors. We'd like to introduce a few of them!

Andrea Stevens of Andrea's Little Lullaby Quilts makes her quilts by hand in Chevy Chase.

Emily Warke of Wiggle+Scoot started her business sewing for her baby!

Cozywoggle was invented by a mom from Virginia who wanted to keep her kids both warm and safe in the car!

BambiniWare was designed by local mom and attorney Riche Holmes Grant, and is currently sold exclusively at Daisy Baby!

Imagine Baby is a local vendor who makes The Shade - a popular solution for covering an infant car seat, while keeping it all clean and neat and letting baby breathe!

We hope you'll check out a few of our local vendors soon!

Imagine Baby

Imagine this – you are home with your new baby and want to get out of the house to run errands, have lunch with friends or just go for a walk. As a parent you are concerned with keeping baby safe and protected from the sun, germs and outside elements when out in their infant car seat. There are so many different options to cover and protect baby with but none that are easy to use and care for. Time and time again the above scenario is exactly what happened to Lauren Lang, the mom of two boys as well as Founder and President of Imagine Baby. Out of frustration from using a blanket to cover / protect her babies and a desire for a better solution, Lauren set out to create her own product that would protect baby when in an infant car seat and stay securely in place, all while being easy to use. Thus, Imagine Baby was launched and The Shade was born!

Imagine Baby is a company creating innovative products that make parents’ lives easier. The Shade is the first product in what will be a line of many more stylish and functional products for babies and children. Imagine the possibilities.

Lauren Lang and her kids at the beach

The Shade at Daisy Baby!

The Shade - in black

BambiniWare

When attorney-turned entrepreneur, Riche Holmes Grant, asked her aunt to make special beanies for her newborn daughter, Riley Claire, Riche had no idea that the phone call would mark the birth of her new business, BambiniWare™.

“The beanies were just the beginning,” Riche says.  “Once I started thinking about all of the things that I wished I had as a new mom, but couldn’t find because they didn’t exist or didn’t fit my mommy style, there was no turning back.  I started creating the products myself.  In wee hours of the morning, when the entire house was sound asleep, I officially added ‘designer’ to my resume.  In the mornings, Riley added ‘expert product tester’ and ‘model’ to hers.”

Although Riche comes from a family of entrepreneurs, growing up, she never envisioned becoming one herself until it actually happened.  Heeding her grandfather’s last wish that she take time off and figure out what she really wanted to do with her life after graduating from Columbia Law School, Riche returned home to Maryland to explore many of the things that she never had the time or courage to try.  It was then that Riche discovered that education, not law, was the area where she could make the most impact.  In 2003, Riche founded Innovative Study Techniques (IST), which offers expert test prep, tutoring, summer enrichment and admissions consulting to students in grades 2-12.  She is still licensed to practice law (but only the fun stuff!) in New York and Maryland.

Riche and her husband, Cedric, welcomed their daughter, Riley Claire, in 2012 and their lives have been one exciting adventure after another ever since.  Riche says that Riley, who she affectionately refers to as her “boss,” encourages her daily to work harder, be smarter, create more and dream bigger because she knows that there’s a little person watching her every move. 

Burpa Bib

Burpa Collars

Riche and daughter Riley, with a Burpa sleeve!

Cozywoggle

CJ's Kids, LLC was started by Cherlyn Jenkins, a mom and entrepreneur, who was a special education teacher and behavior specialist for 20 years. When she learned that young children shouldn't be placed in car seats while wearing their coats, she had a newborn and a toddler. She needed to find a way to keep her children warm, while also keeping them safe, and she didn't want to juggle even more items, like extra jackets or blankets. When she couldn't find a viable solution, she invented the Cozywoggle, the only product that looks and acts like a coat, but has been proven safe to be worn in a car seat. Because she felt that such a product should be available to all parents, Jenkins started CJ's Kids, LLC in 2012, to bring her product to the public. CJ's Kids, LLC is based in Alexandria, VA!

The Cozywoggle as a coat

The Cozywoggle in action

Wiggle & Scoot

We've talked to Emily Savage Warke of Wiggle & Scoot before, but this is a fantastic local vendor who does a lot of our personalization/embroidery, so let's give a little more info about her business! (Don't forget that because these items are locally handmade, we may have different items in stock at different times - so come on in and take a look!)

In 2006, as a stay at home mom of a toddler, Emily wanted to start a business she could do from home. Her son, Wells, was her first "client" - she loved having his initials or name on pretty much anything! She began making custom fabric bibs and burp cloths for Wells and his friends, personalized with their names.

She received so many compliments on them, she decided the bibs and burp cloths would be the basis for her home embroidering business. But what to call it? Well, when her son was first learning to crawl, he'd "wiggle and scoot" across the floor... thus Wiggle+Scoot was born!

Six plus years later, she still enjoys making and monogramming bibs and burp cloths for babies, even though her own are far past the baby stage!

Wiggle+Scoot Burp cloths

Examples of Emily's monograms

Bibs and burps usually reside in the stand near our desk!

Andrea's Little Lullaby Quilts

One of our favorite parts of Andrea's quilts is that they are all different - each one individually made by hand with specially chosen fabrics. So come on in the shop and see what we have in stock right now!

Andrea Price Stevens makes Andrea's Little Lullaby Quilts -- mainly because she likes to buy fabric! Her standard baby gift has always been little crib quilts, and neighbors, family, and friends encouraged her to do more than give them away. She combines bright, fun cotton prints in unusual ways, backs each quilt with "minkie" (a very soft plush fabric), and stitches satin blanket binding around the edges. Each quilt is unique, and really is "Homemade in Chevy Chase."

Andrea grew up in Bethesda, attending Montgomery County Schools (Wyngate, North Bethesda, WJ), and with husband Garrett raised their family in Chevy Chase (becoming a B-CC field hockey mom). Her children, Ben and Jane, are grown and have kids of their own. Grandchildren Alexandra (13), Garrett (nearly 5), Elsie (17 months), and a new grandson born November 8 enrich their lives. Andrea hasn't yet retired from her day job at the Smithsonian as director of strategic communications for the Traveling Exhibition Service, but imagines that she'll have more time for reading, crafts, and travel some day.

Andrea's Family (she's on the right!)

A Little Lullaby Quilt

Andrea's Brand New Grandbaby, Chick

Celebrity Baby Fashion

Tiffany Theissen wears a personalized mommy necklace.

Who do you look at to see what's current for your babies? Whether it's celebrities like Kim Kardashian or Gwen Stefani, or cute kids on the streets of New York, we've got you covered. 

Bethenny Frankel pushes baby Bryn in a City Mini!

Sienna Miller uses her Andy Warhol Bugaboo Bee (with two different canopies! What an awesome way to change the look!)

Try a tutu, for style like Jessica Alba's daughter Honor!

Little Giraffe hooded towels

Want to give an A-list baby gift? Halle Berry got Little Giraffe products (including their hooded towels!), Aden & Anais muslin swaddle blankets, and a host of other goodies!

And, just for fun, check out Zuma Rossdale's wardrobe - what kid wouldn't want to dress like that?!

Traveling With a Baby - Dana's Trip to the ABC Show

Dana got to travel to Las Vegas with her new baby this year - here is her story!

With the ABC show moving back to Vegas this year, Frank & I took the opportunity to have a little vacation! However, with a breastfed 5 month old and not of a lot of frozen milk left, we knew we'd be doing this with baby in tow. So, we got to take our first flight with baby Winter. No matter how cool of a parent you are, there is nothing like the getting ready to get on a plane with an infant to set your nerves on fire. No one wants to be that parent whose baby is driving all the other passengers crazy. 

I believe the key to a successful trip is prepping ahead of time. That includes deciding what gear to take - what's necessary and what will make the trip easier. I knew from the start I'd be taking the Bugaboo Bee because traveling with it is so easy. Its great to stroll right up to the gate; just break it down in one piece right before hopping on the plane. When the baby is not in the stroller, I like to wear her in my Baby K'tan. It makes it so much easier to hold her when she falls asleep on the plane. I must say flying at night was perfect for her sleep schedule - though I don't recommend Spirit Airlines. That is another story for another blog.

Walking a kid trade show with a baby is definitely the way to go. People see a sweet little baby and they just give you stuff. Sticker with the "Cutest baby Ever" from Stickie Bellies. They put bows in her hair, lotion on her hands and socks on her feet. It also lets suppliers understand I am in the thick of things right now, with a new baby of my own. I only want products that work, make life easier, or make me more fabulous. 

Baby Winter with Pockets, the owner of Newport Cottages, and Lani from Design Star; me with Angela, my sales rep from Newport cottages (and Winter in the Baby K'tan!); Winter strolling through Las Vegas in the Bugaboo bee; and Winter with Angela. 

After all day at the trade show Frank and I took our baby not to just one but two bars! Yes, "you have a baby, in a bar".  We took her to the party thrown by Layla Grayce. I felt honored to be able to hang with these lovely, smart business women. Then the next night I really wanted sushi, and we ended up at Sushi Samba, which was basically a club with great food. Winter screaming fit in right with the atmosphere (definitely think about where you're taking your baby - will it upset you if she gets cranky? Or can you work with it?). 

We loved the show, and enjoyed the little vacation. It was a really great trip - and a great homecoming. We were all anxious to get home to our Big Girl, Ever.  

High Tech Baby Products - Too Cool or Too Much?

From the Mamaroo baby seat to the Origami stroller (both from 4moms), to toddler tablets, to "Smart PJs", and tech-integrated teddy bears, baby gear and toddler gear is definitely keeping up with our techie society. But is this cool, fun, or maybe just a bit too much for you and your little one?

Do you have an older child? Do you work from home? Do you do all the cooking, or even cleaning, without anyone to watch your baby? You might be interested in the Mamaroo baby seat - especially for chores like cooking or working from home where it's really not safe to wear your baby. This chair moves in five different motions you'd make when cradling your own child - and has visual and audio entertainment as well. Perfect for a mom who really does need her baby to "just chill" for a while!

The Origami stroller opens and closes itself at the touch of a button, is self-charging and can even charge your cell phone, and is customizable from birth to toddlerhood - the size and weight of the stroller change, too! This one is more for the techie than the stylish or busy mom, but... it is pretty cool!

You've probably heard about toddler tablets - many companies are currently trying to get in on that trend. But have you heard of the iPotty? It's a toddler potty with a spot to click in your iPad... this might be a dream come true, or it could go very, very badly. Want to take the risk? It does, in fact, exist!

Still not convinced that baby gear is getting more high tech? What about Smart PJs? They're pajamas which have codes you can scan on your smart phone which will unlock songs and stories for bedtime. They're apparently "the world's first interactive pajamas". If you want the newest thing, this just might be it.

And, finally... the old standby, the teddy bear. We've moved up from Teddy Ruxpin - these bears will come to life when an android or iphone is placed in their integrated smart phone dock. The teddy bear moves in sync with the voice coming from the phone. Nope, I'm not joking. If you have tech savvy kids and/or fond memories of Teddy Ruxpin, check out the new generation!

The ABC Show - New Goodies!

What is the ABC show? It is the largest trade show for juvenile products - and one of the largest trade shows in North America!

So, what does it mean that Daisy Baby attends this show? It means we get to see all the cool new things in baby and kids products... and bring them to you. With 3,000 booths at the kids expo (which recently moved back to Las Vegas!) the air is buzzing with good energy,

Some of Dana's picks from this year's show?

New clear cribs & dresser with designs from Spot on Square, Keekroo peanut changing pad (pretty different!), and one of our new lines: Sticky Bellies - for milestones!

New teal color from Baby Jogger, Lullaby Paints (we sell their no VOC paints!), and some interesting humidifiers. 

Newport Cottages: New Beverly bookcase, new convertible Cody crib, new cottage crib at a competitive price point! (We carry Newport Cottages!)

New lines for Daisy Baby: Babyletto (cribs at an extremely competitive price point! Woombie, by popular request! And, Diono car seats - these answer the quest for a car seat that fits three across in one row, along with one of the longest rear-facing seats on the market. (We now carry all these lines!)

The dream cot in Oilo fabrics, the new Maxi Cosi Mico AP car seats, Cute baby chairs and tree bookshelf from Baby Letto, and Annalisa from Oilo bedding. (we carry all these lines!)

Did you know we have a Grandmother on Duty?

Have you met Freya? Freya is our resident Grandmother on staff! She is Daisy Baby's longest employee - she's been with us for quite a while. She originally found our store with a unique request - she wanted to buy a onesie for her dog! Her poodle needed to wear one to prevent her from scratching and biting at her stitches. That was a request we'd not had before nor since!

Since then Freya has been a loyal employee and an integral part of our family. Her sense of style and outgoing personality made her the perfect fit for Daisy Baby, and a great help to our clients.

Freya has two children, who each have two children of their own. It's been wonderful to watch Joshua, Olivia, Brooke, and Jonathan grow throughout the years.

Come and let Freya help you pull a gift together - her favorites will soon become yours!

Andrea's Little Lullaby Quilts - each one unique!

Mamas & Papas Dangly Octopus

Angel Dear lovey pillows - this one is Ever's very own!