My Crib Choice

I'm back and I'm sharing my crib choice.  It was one of my first big decisions when I found out that I was pregnant.  With that being said, it took me quite a while to pull the trigger because I had a pretty long list of musts-haves and would-likes.  Overall, I was aiming for high quality versus high style.  This wasn't an area that I was willing to compromise if at all possible.  My baby-to-be was going to spend a lot time in the crib (hopefully 8+ hour stretches...) and I wanted it to last through moves to new homes, into toddler years and even for future family members.

Here's my list:

• Relatively small - You know by now that I live in an small, one bedroom, NYC apartment.  The crib was going to (and now is) sharing the minimal square footage of the one bedroom.  I didn't want a true mini crib because I intended to use it in the future, in bigger spaces and with younger siblings.  Rather, I wanted a standard size crib that would fit a standard size mattress, but otherwise small (minimal thickness and height).  Some cribs are pretty bulky.  I wanted to steer clear of those cribs, however gorgeous they might be.
• Made of wood - Wood is better than pressed board (aka MDF) for a couple reasons.  First, it lasts longer.  Second, it's natural.  Pressed board contains some gnarly chemicals and while I wasn't going to be obsessive about off-gassing concerns (Google it), choosing a wood crib versus a non-wood crib seemed easy enough.
• Non-toxic finish - There are so many cribs with non-toxic finishes nowadays that it was simple to go with the safer option.
• Light finish - This was purely aesthetic, but I preferred a light finish (white, birch, etc.) versus a dark finish (cherry, expresso, etc.).  I work with the theory that light and bright colors help open up small spaces.
• Simple style - I'm not into ornate things, cribs included. 
• No drawers on bottom - At first I absolutely, positively wanted drawers on the bottom of the crib.  I figured the added storage was what every one bedroom apartment with a newborn needs.  But I changed my mind.  I realized that an open bottom crib gave me options.  I could use the open space for more versatile storage like baskets or plastic bins.  Or, I could just leave it open for storing playmats and other randomly shaped baby stuff.  
• Convertible into a toddler bed - Stretching the usability of the crib just made sense to me, especially because I wanted to purchase a high quality crib that I believed would last into (and beyond) toddler years.   

And now my choice - the Robin crib by Oeuf

What you see above is what you see in my bedroom, with the exception of the toddler doing yoga and the funky shaped cow rug.  So far, so good.  I'm very pleased with my choice.  It met ALL of my must-haves and even my would-likes.  I didn't have to compromise on a single thing.  The price point seemed mid range ($499 without the toddler bed conversion kit) compared to other models I was considering.  I had looked at everything from cribs available on Walmart.com to the Stokke Sleepi crib.  I really liked a crib by Argington (here), but was ultimately dissuaded after reading a number of reviews about faulty legs that snapped and broke.  The Robin crib was the right crib for the right price and I happened to love the way it looked, bonus.  

How did you choose a crib?  What did you ultimately settle on?

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Lavender, Violet, Eggplant Nursery

After all that gender neutral talk last week, it's time to head back to the world of girly girl and boyee boy.  Never said or written boyee boy before.

Today's mood board features all different shades of purple to create a perfectly feminine nursery.  Just like I have been inspired to write about gender neutral baby stuff, I've also been inspired to pull together  a pretty purple nursery palette (say that 3 times fast).  More and more of my friends, who know they're having girls, are opting for purple nursery decor over pink.

(Clockwise from top left)

Lilac/grape cabin quilt euro sham from Serena & Lily ($68)

Medallion rug from Pottery Barn Kids ($399-$699)

Marcella tote from Z Gallerie ($59.95)

Pearhead wooden elephant bank from Diapers.com ($25.29)

Bizarre crib bedding from Land of Nod ($29-$89)

Art print from Once Upon a Paper ($20)

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Baby Boy's Airplane Nursery

Guess who learned some tricks on Inkscape?!!

You probably don't know what/who/where about Inkscape.  It's a free version of Photoshop...which is design software for your computer.  Now that you know what Inkscape is, you probably don't care who learned some tricks on it, even though you've already guessed that the someone is me.

So how, if at all, do my new found talents on Inkscape affect you?  I'll be able to deliver you some better looking mood boards because I can now cut around the edge of objects.  Woohoo.

And we're off with a baby boy's airplane nursery.  Blue and gray/silver seem to be the best colors to work around.  Though I imagine any pop of something else could be easily added to that mix: red (like below), yellow, green, orange, etc.

Come Fly With Me crib bedding by Land of Nod ($29 - $172)

Airplane Pillow by Little Korboose ($25)

Airplane nightlight by Pottery Barn Kids ($39)

Little Paper Planes craft book from Uncommongoods.com ($20)

Iron airplane sculpture from Pier 1 Imports ($39.99)

Airplane wall decal by Graphic Spaces ($50)

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Turquoise Nursery

Turquoise is the new yellow.  Or, technically, turquoise is the new orange...because orange was already the new yellow.  I'm talking about colors that can be used to decorate a gender neutral baby nursery.  Turquoise is great for a girl and great for a boy.  It's unisexually (huh) great.  

Check out the bare bones turquoise nursery (below) by Lulu Kuku, an Etsy shop that sells the cool world map wall decal (currently on sale for $44.20).  I can definitely picture a little lady or gentleman in that crib.

A friend pointed out this color trend to me and then I found the photo above and then, of course, I went straight to mood board mode.  Voila, here are some beautiful, turquoise nursery ideas.

(Clockwise from top LEFT)

Elephant clock by LeLuni ($52)

Pick stitch crib bedding by Land of Nod ($49)

Squid night light by Happy Owl ($42)

Elephant pillow cover by Modernality ($19.95)

Kitui baskets set of 3 by Bambeco ($45)

Set of 8 4x6 carnival photos by bomobob ($35)

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Rainbow Nursery Decor

Today's post is in celebration of gay pride week.  If you didn't know it was gay pride week, you probably don't live in NYC.  Now you know.  Enjoy the mood of the week and the mood of the board below - a rainbow themed baby's nursery.  I'm thinking white walls and white sheets to compliment the bright, bold, fabulous decor ideas below.

(Starting at top left, going counterclockwise)

Elephant wall print by Alpha Bino ($24.12)

Fabric wall art by The Old Pink Porch ($35)

Origami garland by All We Need is Origami ($19)

Rainbow stacker by Land of Nod ($49)

Ribbon pillow cover by The Red Pistachio ($27)

Braided rug by Green at Heart Rugs ($125)

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Orange You Excited for a Gender Neutral Baby Shower?

Yes, this is a recycled title, I'm using "orange" as "aren't" again.  I posted about an orange nursery last November, entitled Orange You Excited to Decorate a Gender Neutral Nursery?  It featured the mood board below.

Go to the original post (here) for product details

Today I'm pulling together ideas for an orange themed baby shower.  Color themed parties are extra easy to pull together because necessities (decorations, invites, etc.) are readily available and they allow for creative party planning because the elements don't have to be matchy matchy.  After all, matchy matchy is a big NO, as Giuliana Rancic would say on E! Fashion Police.

I'm pleased to present some of the coolest Etsy born baby shower products that I've ever found.  I'm kicking it off, as always with invitations.

From top to bottom:

1. Chevron umbrella invitation by Executive Creations ($20 for set of 10)

2. Modern blue and orange invitation by Sophisticate Suite ($10 for digital file)

3. Elephant and peanut invitation invitation by Swanky Press ($30 for set of 20)

This banner by Parker Prints ($15.50) is unique and sweet.  It's perfect to hang over a refreshment table.  And, if you're not going to find out the gender then the banner can read "welcome baby".

Before coming across these raffle tickets by Middle Before ($6 for digital file) I had never heard of a diaper raffle.  I like it.  I'm into practical baby shower gifts (more on that here) and this is a fun way to encourage that.  

Orange (or tangerine or clementine) flavored macaroons would be baby shower perfection.  Here is a recipe for orange hazelnut macaroons from Cookstr.com.

This beautiful box is full of cupcake mix as a favor for shower guests.  It's made by Favor Box Bakery ($40 for 12 boxes) and I love it.  The colors are customizable.

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Sheep Themed Nursery, Baaaahhhhh

Today's post features adorable items for a gender neutral nursery.  It's all about sheep.  The colors are as soft as can be.  The vibe is as peaceful as can be.  I got sleepy just putting the images together.  

image links below - clockwise

1. Plush sheep toy by Aurora ($12.99)

2. Sheep bookends by The Company Store ($59)

3. Smiling sheep photograph (8"x10") by Dreamy Photo ($25)

4. Sheep mobile by Pingvini ($56)

5. Mama and Bebe sheep art (8"x10") by Heavenly Creatures Art ($20)

6. Counting sheep crib bedding by Land of Nod ($24-$199)

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How to Choose the Right Crib

If you read Next Stop Baby because you enjoy the snarky posts in which I vent about commuting on the NYC city subway system, then this post probably isn't going to interest you.  If you're pregnant and putting together your first baby's nursery, this post is right in your wheelhouse.  I apologize to the individuals in the former group and I'll try to throw in some whiny comments here and there.

Size - A small space will immediately rule out a number of crib options, so this is an important starting point.  How big is the baby's nursery?  Are we talking about a separate bedroom or a corner of a studio apartment?  As the saying goes, you can't fit a square peg in a round hole, so take some measurements before you fall in love and click Confirm Purchase.  FYI, The "standard" crib size is 32" wide by 56" long by 43" tall, give or take an inch for each dimension.

Straight-up crib by Land of Nod ($699)

Shape - Rectangular cribs are the most common, but they're no longer the only option.  Nowadays you can get your new bundle a round or oval crib.  Fancy.  These non-traditional shapes are pretty cool and can certainly work well in unusual sized spaces.  Keep in mind that oval/round cribs require oval/round mattresses and oval/round sheets, which are harder to find and typically more expensive.  Traditional things are plentiful with varying price points.

Sleepi crib by Stokke ($756.47 on Amazon.com)

Circular crib by Sophia Posh ($442.99)

Toxicity -  Lead paint is an example of a toxic material.  If you're purchasing a new crib, then lead paint is not something you have to worry about (it's a pre-1980s type issue).  If you're getting a hand-me-down or going vintage, a quick lead test might be worth your while.  You can pick one up at your local hardware store or order one online.  Nowadays, more common toxicity considerations are volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Without getting too technical (because I don't have the expertise), it's important to know that VOCs are bad for your baby so they should be avoided.  Some cribs are finished with paint, wood stain and wood sealant that contain VOCs.  Before you freak out and throw away all furniture items in your nursery, home and the world, keep in mind that VOCs are only harmful if consumed (i.e. swallowing paint chips, breathing in wood stain fumes).  So, it's something to consider, but not something to lose your shit over (I say this as someone who's known to lose her shit over stuff like this).  Remember that there are stringent safety standards for baby products, so cribs that are readily available for purchase have passed those standards.  The great news is that more and more crib makers are building low VOC and VOC free cribs.  For more information and some reviews on these cribs, check out this fantastic post from one of my favorite blogs, Young House Love.

Convertible crib by Argington Sahara ($495)

Functionality - This consideration ties back into the most important consideration: size.  If you don't have much space to work with then you're going to want a smallish crib with lots of functionality.  Some cribs are elevated off the ground with space to store items under the crib, some cribs come with built in drawers and some cribs (like the one below) come with built in everything.  Apartment living requires furniture to be useful in more than one way, cribs are no exception.  Unfortunately, the greater the functionality the great the cost.

Studio crib by Nurseryworks ($2100)

Toddler Bed Conversion - Some cribs convert into toddler beds.  The conversion usually requires a little screwing and hammering, but nothing as serious as putting together a piece of IKEA furniture.  The benefit of a convertible crib is that you won't be making another bed purchase for while, which is noteworthy given how much money beds (and babies) cost.  A toddler bed can accommodate some children through age 5.

Larkin Fixed Gate 4-in-1 crib by Pottery Barn Kids ($799)

What were your considerations in choosing the right crib for your nursery and your baby?  Which crib did you go with?
   

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Tree Inspired Nursery

I've pulled together some ideas for a tree themed nursery.  I know, TREE themed?  I started with the more general idea of nature themed, but I kept finding tree items that I loved.  The natural colors are good for a boy or a girl and the overall feel is mature even though these are baby products.

1. Tree of Life crib bedding by Poids Plume ($425)
2. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein ($12 on Amazon.com)
3. Organic wood tree teether by A Summer Afternoon ($12)
4. 3-D Personalized Tree Art by Domestic Notions ($64.80)
5. Lumbar tree pillow by Classic by Nature ($30)

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Giraffe Nursery

Last November I wrote a post about elephant themed nurseries (here) and it was a hit.  I'm not always great a predicting which posts will get especially great readership and the Elephant Nursery post is an example of that.  Don't get me wrong, I found some pretty adorable nursery decor, but I didn't realize how many people are into elephants.

Today's post is part two (an unplanned sequel) of safari animal nursery decorating - Giraffes.  Below are my favorites that come from a variety of sources. There were truly too many items to include, so I had to leave a few out including Sophie.  I figured that if you're going with a giraffe theme for your nursery, then Sophie is a given that needs no plug.  Plus, she's already gotten far too much face time on this blog.  If you don't know who Sophie is, shame on you and click here.

Bedding set by Pottery Barn Kids ($19-$229)

1. "One day I will be tall like a" print (8x10") by Printed Inc. ($15)
2.  Personalized name print (9x13") by Leo Little Lion ($20)
3.  G is for Giraffe pring (8x10") by Delivered by Danielle ($14)

1.  Faux leather giraffe bookend (left) by Serena and Lily ($58)
2.  Ida the Giraffe bookend (right) by Zuny ($49)

Set of 2 security blankets by Aden + Anais ($20)

Set of 3 flannel swaddling blankets by Pottery Barn Kids ($34)

Minky baby blanket by KdBuggie Boutique & Designs ($35)

1.  Giraffe silhouette lamp by Giggle ($175)

2.  Nightlight by Jonathan Adler ($48)

3.  Head's Up Lamp by The Land of Nod ($199)

Animal print rug by Pottery Barn Kids ($149-$699)

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Holiday Gift Countdown - Day 7 (and 6 too)

I skipped Day 6 of the holiday gift countdown.  Did you notice?  I'm making it up with THREE gifts today.  All are made by Spare Bedroom Studio.  I've shared many a nursery mobile in the past (here, here, here).  But this mobile might just be my favorite.  The origami cranes are made of vintage music sheets, vintage maps and novels.

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Gender Neutral Nursery - Brainstorm

I've written plenty of posts on gender neutral nurseries (plenty = five).  There was yesterday's post on an orange nursery (here) and earlier posts on a gray and yellow nursery (here), a fish themed nursery (here), an owl themed nursery (here), and a neutral toned nursery (here).

Remember all these lovely products and images?

Orange and white everything

Grey and yellow art

Fish pillows

Owl bedding

Neutral colored everything

It seems I've instinctively focused my nursery suggestions to color and animals.  Meaning, I've left a lot untouched - polka dots, plaid, Winnie the Pooh, fabric textures, jungle, ocean...and a lot of other stuff.  What have you seen lately by way of gender neutral nurseries?  What unisex scheme did you choose or will you choose?  Do you agree that owls are way overplayed in nursery decorating and baby products in general?

I on purpose accidentally forgot that I also wrote about a Peter Rabbit themed nursery (check it out here...if you want).

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Orange You Excited to Decorate a Gender Neutral Nursery?

Another gender neutral color (other than yellow...and green...which is the new yellow) is orange.  Maybe orange will become the new green?  Orange and turquoise is a trendy color combination, but a little too modern and loud for my taste.  I prefer bringing the orange down with white, cream and tans.

1. Macaroni pumpkin crib bedding set by Nurseryworks ($330-$340)
2. Orange slice pillow by Winter Petals ($39)
3. Chunky baby blanket by How Cute Are You? ($25)
4. Owl coin bank by Z Gallerie ($12.95)
5. Orange dandelion photograph by Carl Christensen ($15)

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Elephant Nursery

Elephants are clearly not as trendy as owls in the world of babies and nurseries.  But they are definitely just as cute, right?  Maybe even cuter?  

In addition to being adorable, elephants can also be cool, contemporary and mature.  I'm always interested in decor themes that can transcend nursery boundaries into adult design because I live in a small apartment.  A strong theme in a small apartment can over take the entire space.  Picking a theme that works for a whole space (nursery, bedroom, living room and even kitchen) is especially important when it's small.  Imagine 800 square feet full of leopard print from rug to pendant lamp.  Scary.  Elephants, on the other hand, could work.  In moderation.

Elephants work for babies.

via amazon.com

Elephants work for grownups.

by Z Gallerie

Some ideas for a baby boy's elephant themed nursery.

1. Elephant print by Pumpkin and Butterfly ($18)

2. Elephant lamp by Uncommon Goods ($20)

3. Plush striped elephant by The Land of Nod ($16.95)

4. Eli's elephant nursery bedding by Pottery Barn Kids ($24.50 - $99)

5. Elephant clock by Uncommon Goods ($29.99)

Some ideas for a baby girl's elephant themed nursery.

1. Elephant print by Galerie Anais ($14)

2. Elephant and balloon pillow by Tailorbird Designs (25 euro)

3. Stuffed toy elephant by Rabbits Moon ($38.50)

4. Pink and gray elephant crib bedding set by Carter's ($137)

5. Elephant baby blanket by Kiki Kiddos ($55)

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Top 10 List - Somewhere to Sleep

When your entire home is under one thousand square feet, you use each foot wisely.  Space conservation is a way of life.  This becomes difficult with the addition of a baby and all those baby things.  However, a baby in an apartment puts space conservation directly at odds with baby product acquisition.  A serious dilemma.  The best way to face this obstacle is to choose baby products intelligently - the most compact versions of only essential baby products.  By essential I mean diapers, not Sofie the Giraffe.

A couple weeks ago I solicited some ideas, advice and thoughts on truly essential baby products (here is the post).  Today kicks off the first of a series of ten posts about essential baby products for those of us who live in small miniature spaces.  The first edition of the series will be all about a place for the little one to sleep, an essential that quite a few New Stop Baby followers listed as a true essential.  Makes sense.

Mini Cribs   

Stokke makes a unique, oval-shaped mini crib.  It grows with the baby by adding wooden pieces to lengthen the sides ($725 - $1,000).

DaVinci makes four styles of mini cribs (Kalani below) each less than 40" in length (versus standard cribs that are closer to 55").  The prices range from $165-$199 (at BabyEarth.com).

Bloom makes an entire set of euro (aka mini) furniture for a small nursery.  The crib below sells for $400, but check Amazon.com because I found it listed for as low as $360.

Bassinet (with frame)

Eddie Bauer makes this reasonably priced (approximately $130), highly rated bassinet.  It can gently rock your baby to sleep or be locked into place.  

Monte makes the Ninna-Nanna Bassinet ($395).  There are two color combinations in its cool, contemporary shape.  

Moses Basket (bassinet without frame)

Serena & Lily makes this canvas basket in six different color combinations, each for $250.

Giggle - This organic Moses Basket sold at Giggle ($230) is made of palm and lined with 100% organic fleece that is filled with hypoallergenic fill.

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