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.  

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!)

Positive Parenting News

I'm not talking about "positive parenting" (but if you haven't heard of it, google it - it actually is positive!). I'm talking about news for parents that is happy. We're constantly bombarded with a litany of awful things in our news - which has a variety of causes, of course, but it can certainly be disconcerting - even depressing. It's not exactly easy to find the "good stuff" amidst all that - so I've been on a mission to find some for you.

How about the Roots of Empathy program - an elementary school model designed to teach children compassion? That is pretty cool, if you ask me.

Or Rowan O'Neill, who saved a choking baby's life in Australia - a perfect stranger, who saw an immediate need and filled it? That little girl lives because of one man's doing what needed to be done. Amazing.

Antoinette Tuff prevented a mass school shooting a few days ago - by being compassionate. Hope you heard about her! (Maybe she should get involved in Roots of Empathy?)

Have you heard of Little Free Library? It's a mission to promote literacy and build community... and of course recycle :) There's at least one right in our back yard, too - check out the children's garden at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton! (Picture above)

This may not sound good, but it's really quite positive - a study recently showed that a low fat diet in infants and toddlers correlates to being overweight as adults. What's good about it? We're studying what we can do with our children to make them healthier adults - and it looks like one of those things may be including healthy fats in their diet! (No, don't rush to Burger King... but maybe take a second look at avocados!)

What good news have you heard lately? What's the news for your family? Let's hear from you!

Cost of a Nursery - Inexpensive Furniture and Decor

There are many different ways to do a nursery, and many ways to do it on a budget - you don't have to give up style or a personalized experience to do so!

If you already have a crib, update your bedding, rug, maybe even the lighting. Little things can make a big difference. Repaint your room (we sell Lullaby Paints!). Repurpose a dresser into a changing table/dresser for your little one! Let's talk about just the basics, if you're starting from the ground up...

Oeuf's Rhea crib is sleek, stylish, modern, and well under $1000. A splurge on your chair is Monte's Alto rocker, also still under $1000. You could always reuse a crib or a chair that you already have and cut your budget down to almost nothing, while still giving yourself a new, stylish nursery!

Crib - Oeuf Rhea - $670
Dresser - repurposed from another room or purchased used - $100 + $50 for paint
Rug - Shaggy Raggy rug from Rug Market $200 (depends on size)
Art - DIY - $50 for canvases and paint
Sheets - Two extra sheets from Crib Critters - Total $37
Crib set - Two piece set from New Arrivals $206
Chair - Monte Alto Rocker $795

Total for a whole new room: $2212. Remember that you could definitely do this on less with more repurposing, but if you don't have a crib or chair that would work, they are included here!

Red Tricycle and Daisy Baby!

We've partnered with our friends at Red Tricycle DC and we are giving away a $500 Gift Certificate! Don't forget to vote for Daisy Baby - we've been nominated for two categories! http://ow.ly/nBtne http://ow.ly/nBto1

Have you heard of Red Tricycle before? It's a cool service (FREE!) that lets you know about fun, family-centered things to do in your area - events, food, activities... it's pretty fantastic. And every year they have an awards ceremony, where locals vote on their favorites in a bunch of categories! We're so excited about being nominated, and also that we've partnered with Red Tricycle to offer a gift certificate in their giveaway! So, head over and vote for us, and enter to win!

Preparing for Postpartum

I'm sure you have a list - every new mom does. All the things you'll need after your baby is born - a crib, sheets, skirt, stroller, clothing, swaddles, pacifiers, whatever. There is a lot on that list. But there are a few things you may not be thinking about... how do you prepare for life postpartum? Not just what things will you need for a new baby, but what will you need for you? Here are a few questions to help you think about what you might need!

Trust your Instincts

How do you plan to get enough sleep postpartum? This is pretty difficult. Babies don't sleep the way adults do, or the way we expect them to! Check out our newborn sleep options post for ideas.

What is important to you when physically recovering from the birth? No matter what type of birth you have, it's hard work. You're left worn out and a bit bruised, or recovering from major surgery. What do you need? Your mom? A postpartum doula? Help with the housework? Someone to cook for you, or remind you to drink plenty of water? Don't forget to take care of you!

How will you provide nourishment for the family immediately following the birth? Will you have meals frozen? Someone to help? Your partner prepares meals? A service? This is an important one! Don't forget a nice water bottle - you'll need to keep hydrated.

How about help with your household? Laundry, cleaning, errands, shopping? Can your partner handle this? A family member or friend? What can you get set up ahead of time?

What are your sleeping arrangements? Co-bedding? Co-sleeping? Baby sleeps in his/her own room? Be flexible here, and make sure that you know you may change your mind after the birth and it's okay to listen to your instincts!

New babies have some funny hair!

Will you have visitors right away? In the hospital? At home? Or do you prefer time to bond as a family unit? If your partner has time off work, you may wish to simply take time to bond before you see visitors. This one is completely up to you and your personality, but again, prepare to listen to your instincts!

You may be surprised by a lot of things. Day 3 and 4 postpartum can bring on the blues for many moms. It's not unusual for your milk to not "come in" for 5 days - your baby's tummy is tiny and colostrum is plenty. You'll have hormonal ups and downs. You may feel like your hair is falling out (that's normal; you don't lose hair as rapidly during pregnancy). You may change your mind about what you thought you'd do! You'll definitely hear plenty from all sides about parenting... prepare to do your research, stick to your guns, and do what YOU think is right. And come on in to Daisy Baby and hang out - we don't judge, we just want to see you!

How to Put Together the Perfect Baby Gift

Do you have a friend expecting? Coworker? Sister? Daughter? Was the baby already born? Do you know if it's a boy or a girl? Whatever your situation, we've got your back. Let's talk about how to put together the perfect baby gift!

Start with what you know about the baby: What color is the nursery? What is the baby's gender, or name? Does the mom have a collection? Or a favorite band? What's the dad's alma mater?

Add in what you know about you: What's your budget? What do you prefer to get, or not get? Is clothing out? No blankets? Something nobody else will think of? Don't forget big brother or sister!

And... build your gift! Some of our favorites: Swaddling blankets from Aden & Anais, lovies from Angel Dear, personalized blankets from Boogie Baby, wipe cases from Lilicouture, Trumpette socks, Chewbeads for mom and baby!

Here are a few rules: Personalized is always a hit. Give something the parents will love - not just something you like. Have fun!!

Welcome, Winter Danyeil!

Winter Danyeil is here!  All of us at Daisy Baby wish Dana and family a hearty congratulations… and since we share so many of your journeys, Dana would like to share her birth story with you.

What a pretty baby!

My pregnancy lasted 42 weeks, 3 days. Before this journey, I seriously didn’t even know that was possible. Even as we approached “postterm”, I didn’t expect it to go that far. My estimated delivery date was May 2^nd, and I went into labor the morning of May 19^th. We were warned by friends, family, and clients – about large baby size, passing meconium, low amniotic fluid, placental decay. Even knowing everyone had our best interests at heart, it really took a lot of inner strength and reassuring reading to stay calm and happy as we went postdates. It was so good to hear from those who’d gone 10 or more days past their estimated delivery date, because reassuring stories helped keep me in the mindset that this was normal! My midwives (MAMAS midwives out of Takoma Park) had had a client go 42 weeks 5 days and deliver a healthy, happy baby – that reassurance helped as well. The midwives checked on the baby every 3 days, and checked the viability of the placenta. We checked fetal kick counts. All the reassurance helped… but the ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) guidelines really gave me a good perspective from a traditional medical standpoint – I came to the conclusion that if there’s nothing wrong, there’s no reason to do anything but let nature take its course!

Dana, Winter, and her labor support

In due time (haha), and when I was starting to go out of my mind at how long it had been, I was awakened at 6:00am with actual intense contractions. While people say the second baby is always faster, we were actually shocked at the speed – 8 hours – 1/3 the time of my first labor!

If you didn’t know, I do deliver with midwives at home – MAMAS midwives (Mairi and Erin) come to our house for all prenatal visits and when I’m in labor. While I know this isn’t the right choice for everyone, it would be amazing for all women to have this level of care. I never had to go to an office & wait to be seen. For all women to be able to have community care, meeting with other women giving birth at the same time – it could make such a difference in that beginning of a new life and family.

Dana and Baby Winter

At my birth there were 3 midwives doing nothing but focusing on me. Never leaving my side. Talking me through each contraction, coaching me on how to push out my daughter without tearing. I never felt more cared for. Baby Winter was placed on my chest immediately, and was nursing within 20 minutes. When I was ready, they helped me to the shower - after they helped me shower, I came back to a perfectly made up bed and a beautiful clean space. They proceeded to spend another two hours making sure the baby and I were safe and well before they departed. It really is a wonder way to birth.

During labor, our daughter Ever was right there with me, handing me cool cloths during the delivery. She was really much stronger than we knew – she understood what was going on, and was reassured that I was okay. I was so happy she could be there, a part of the proceedings – in her daddy’s arms as her baby sister was born. She says, “I watched baby Winter come out of mommy’s legs!”

As for everyone’s concerns – baby Winter did appear to be postdates, but we had no problems with meconium, placenta decay, or any other worries. She was born beautiful and healthy, and very average sized!

Baby Winter and the scale (the baby hangs from the scale in a blanket - no cold hard edges!)

Newborn Needs - Layette

If you're in this baby world, you've definitely heard the term "layette". You probably even know it means clothing (and linens) for a newborn baby. But you may not know exactly what you need in your baby's layette! What clothing is really necessary for a newborn? Sure, 87 fluffy lacy ribbony dresses are fun and adorable... but as a new mom, practical is the new fun. You need to know what you're actually going to use, and what's going to make your life easier. So, let's get down to the nitty gritty!


Clothing:
6 kimono style or side snap shirts
6-8 footie pajamas and/or gowns
8 onesies, rompers, or soft outfits
4 hats
6-8 pairs of socks
2 sweaters
For cold weather - 1-2 snowsuit or winter bunting
2 pairs scratch mits (optional, but nice!)
3 drool bibs (also optional, but nice for drooly little ones!)

The side-snap or kimono style shirts are easy to get on floppy sweet newborns, and don't bug their umbilical cord! They're great for just hanging out at home, that first little while. Footie pajamas or gowns keep little feet warm, and as simple and practical as possible makes outfitting your little one easy. 

Hats from Baby Soy, Wiggle & Scoot, and Carlino. Bib from Mum2Mum.

Mits from Baby Soy, GuavaKids. Socks from Trumpette and BabySoy.

Side Snap onesie from Carlino, side snap shirt from Finn & Emma,  Hoodies from Baby Soy, Side Snap long sleeve onesie from Baby Soy.

Sleeping:
3-6 receiving blankets
2 sleep sacks or swaddlers
3-4 crib or bassinet sheets

For receiving blankets, there are many options - absorbent, soft, and multi-use, Aden & Anais are always a fabulous choice. For sleep sacks you can go from luxe (Little Giraffe!) to practical - or choose easy swaddlers instead! We usually recommend 2-3 custom sheets for your bedding, and fill that out with inexpensive, simple and sweet Lil Critters organic cotton jersey.

Sheets from Dwell Studios, Annette Tatum, Aden & Anais, and Crib Critters.

Sleep sack from Little Giraffe, Swaddling Blankets from Aden & Anais, Swaddler from  TrueWomb, Convertible footie/gown from Carlino.

Bathing:
2 hooded bath towels
6 cotton wash cloths      

These aren't strictly necessary, but make bathing a more enjoyable experience for you and your child! Try Maamam towels, which keep you dry while you bath your sweetie - or custom hooded towels from Boogie Baby! 

Hooded towel from Boogie Baby, Aacua Towel from Maamam, Cloths from Maamam.

Other:
Baby Carrier/sling

While not technically layette, this definitely falls into the category of linens and newborn necessities! Try the Baby K'Tan for a soft baby experience, or the Boba 3G carrier if you want it to last longer. 

Baby K'tan in black, Boba 3G in Montenegro, Baby K'tan breeze, Boba3G in Soho.

You may find you need more or less of each item, but this list will give you a good start. Come on in the store and we can help you decide what and how much is right for you - and help you set up your registry!

Bethesda Preppy Nurseries

When Dana first got to Bethesda, she was a bit confused... seersucker everywhere, madras print, college girls wearing Lilly Pulitzer and big bows in their hair. Was this some sort of ironic statement? Or was this for real? It didn't take her long to not only realize that Bethesda takes their preppy seriously, but to jump on the bandwagon... and it shows in Daisy Baby! Some of our favorite vendors (Annette Tatum, Doodlefish, Wiggle & Scoot) carry very preppy lines. If you're looking for fun, preppy nursery pieces, come on in! (But first, check out the pics below - some inspiration, a few of our fabrics, and some fun preppiness!)

Brighton by Annette Tatum - seersucker collection

Sausalito by Annette Tatum - Seersucker collection

Lime Chevron rug by Doodlefish

Girly seersucker fabrics from Doodlefish with bows

More Girly Seersucker fabrics

Boyish preppy - from Wiggle & Scoot, plus a bow tie!

Boyish preppy fabrics from Doodlefish

Monogrammed A Soft Idea blanket

Monogrammed bumper

Personalized Macbeth Bin

This post dedicated to Rachel - see the bow?

Cheerful Springtime Nurseries

What do you think of when you hear the word "spring"? Flowing water? Rain? Blooming flowers? Green?  Nice weather? Babies?

At Daisy Baby, we think florals... clean lines... bright colors! All the lovely things about spring translated into furniture and fabrics! With that in mind, here is some pictorial inspiration for you...

 There are so many colors of green! Here are just a few to check out from (clockwise from top right) New Arrivals, Andrea's Little Lullaby Quilts, Angel Dear, New Arrivals.

A few of our favorite bright pieces from our vendors: Flensted Mobile, Bloom Alma Mini, Doodlefish Art, Oopsy Daisy Art, Stokke.

And of course, our spring inspiration... seen about town! (Isn't the dogwood just gorgeous?)

What's your favorite thing about spring? What does it make you think of?

Pregnancy and Birth Resources

Whether you're a first time mom unsure about what the future holds or this is all old hat to you, there are many resources out there to help you decide what's best for you for this birth.  Sometimes, there are too many to figure out what you're really looking for! So, here's a short list to give you a head start...



Are you looking for inspiration stories along with your info? Try these on for size:

Birth Story - a movie about Ina May Gaskin and the Farm midwives, follows the story of an intentional community (commune) formed in the 1970s, where the women taught themselves to deliver babies and ultimately helped bring back midwifery as a movement in the US. This will be released on DVD and available for download April 30. (Personal note: one of our staff - Christina - gave birth to her daughter on the Farm.)

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin - is a general childbirth guide, primarily about natural childbirth, containing a lot of birth stories

Birthing from Within by Pam England, is a childbirth preparation book that helps with dealing with the emotional aspects of labor

Are you looking for info about our current childbirth system in the US, or your choices therein? Check out:

The Business of Being Born - This movie by Abby Epstein and Ricki Lake explores our modern maternity care system.

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer - explores evidenced based statistical and practical information for giving birth - primarily geared toward those birthing in hospitals.

The Birth Book by William and Martha Sears - it has a lot of info about giving birth.

Birth Options Alliance is a website with a lot of local information for the DC/MD/VA area!

You're looking for something to help you manage labor and birth itself?

Try a longer term childbirth course like Bradley Method courses or Hypnobabies. For books -

Hypnobirthing, the Mongan Method - tells about how to relax yourself during labor.

Are you looking for a book for your partner or support person?

The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin is a must have for anyone who is the primary support person for a laboring woman!

The Expectant Father by Armin Brott helps dads understand what to expect during their partner's pregnancy, and during birth.

None of that is quite your cup of tea... maybe you've already had the baby?

The Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp is a great find for new parents looking for good soothing techniques.

The No Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley is an excellent read for parents worried about their children's sleep patterns, or who just need a good night's rest!


Okay, you've read the mainstream books, and you're looking for something that will rock your world... 

Nurture Shock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman is a modern, research-based book that will change the way you think about raising children.

Unconditional Parenting by Alfie Kohn is a look at a completely different side of parenting - you may love it, you may hate it. But it's very different.


What is your must-have birth or parenting book? Any books you'd like to see us carry? Let us know!

Non-pink Girl Nursery Ideas

Are you having a girl? Is pink really not your thing? Sometimes in the world of baby, it seems that pink and blue overwhelm us... and even if you're not looking at traditional nurseries or colors, it's much easier to find that something different if you're having a boy. Well, consider yourself in luck. We at Daisy Baby love a challenge, and there are so many ways to do a girl's room without going pink - from sleek and modern to traditional and frilly, the pink is not necessary!

See below for some fun girly nursery items, in no particular order, from some of our favorite vendors, like Art for Kids, Spot on Square, Lulla Smith, Bella Notte, Annette Tatum, Oilo, Elizabeth Allen, Four Seasons, Monte Designs, Newport Cottages, Stokke, and Pine Creek! All of these can be found at Daisy Baby, and we'd be delighted to help you put together a non-pink girl nursery!

Art for Kids, Jenny Lind Crib in Metallic Sage (traditional)

Art for Kids, Cottage Crib with Verona Motif (traditional, luxe)

Spot on Square Eicho Crib (modern)

Lulla Smith Vienna Crib Linens (luxe)

Bella Notte Crib Linens (luxe)

Annette Tatum Brocade Orchid (traditional)

Oilo Freesia set in Pinkish Tan (modern)

Elizabeth Allen - Celery Marcell (Shabby Chic)

Four Seasons chair (Traditional)

Art for Kids French Panel Upholstered Crib (Luxe)

Monte Designs Grazia Swivel (Modern)

Art for Kids Madison Crackled Versailles cream (Luxe)

Pine Creek bedding in Over the Moon Vanilla (Traditional)

Newport Cottages Taylor Changer/dresser (transitional)

Newport Cottages Samantha Changer and Alexis crib (Transitional)

Stokke Sleepi Crib (modern)

Annette Tatum simplified nursery bedding in creme (modern)

Oilo Aqua Raindrops bedding (modern)

 (For even more pictures, check out our non-pink Ideabook at Houzz!)