y now I know you’ve probably read a hundred lists detailing everything you’ll need for that new baby of yours. It’s daunting at times and you must be wondering how something so small can possibly need all these things? Truth be told, babies do need a lot of things, but at the very minimum, babies need love. The rest is fairly easy and obvious!
Being a Rock Star Momma doesn’t end when Junior arrives. In fact, the party’s just getting started. You’re going the need a bundle (no pun intended!) of new things, most of which you already know about... car seat, crib, changing table, diapers, stroller... blah, blah, blah.
This list features the first installment of all your favorite tried and true products with a little bit of edge, and without compromising function, style, or most importantly, safety.
CAR SEAT An infant car seat can reduce the risk of death in an accident by more than 70 percent, according to Consumer Reports. Be smart and always purchase a reliable car seat with a high safety rating. And for a little extra style, try adding a car seat cover that offers extra padding and head support for your new little one. These seat covers are usually very easy to remove to clean up the inevitable spit-up and yuck that you’ll soon experience. Be sure to purchase brands that are specifically made for your car seat. I am loving the camo and mod print versions - so stylish!
CRIB and/or BASSINET Say goodbye to your momma’s boring old crib and hello to some serious style. Today’s nursery designers have surpassed all expectations when it comes to outfitting the modern nursery room. Long gone are the days of cherry wood and old-fashioned painted metal cribs. The market now offers fresh designs and vivid colors - from bright white to tangerine orange to cool grey. You are sure to find the perfect crib for your modern home without compromising style and safety.
LINENS for CRIB/BASSINET
Just say no to bears, boats, and ballerinas and hello to a mod, new world of options for baby bedding. No more drab color palettes and boring stripes - today’s selections are full of color, design, and flair!
BOUNCER SEAT
Bounce, baby, bounce! A moving baby is a happy baby and babies love being where the action is. Keep in mind that your baby will most likely use a bouncer for only 4-6 months, so don’t break the bank on this purchase. I will tell you this, though: the bouncer was one of my favorite and most useful products when my son was an infant. It allowed me the free time to shower, cook, work, and relax in the early months when every free moment was so important in getting back to “normalcy.” My favorite bouncers on the market are made from bent birchwood and are covered in soft, supple leathers. Definitely a more modern approach, but I sure did love the old ones with all the bells and whistles. It’s all a matter of personal taste!
BABY “BEAUTY” PRODUCTS
You wouldn’t put perfume on your new baby so why would you buy products with perfumes in them? Even the slightest bit of perfume or additives can be highly irritating to your baby’s sensitive skin. Pure, natural products without fillers, dyes, and preservatives are best for Junior’s skin. Steer clear of products with fragrance, synthetic fillers, alcohol, and dyes. Thankfully, the marketplace is full of new product lines that subscribe to the theory that less is more!
And last, but NOT least...
CLOTHES
I can write a whole year’s worth of columns on baby style but here are a few essentials for welcoming your new baby to a world full of style:
Onesies - Bright, bold colors are a must. Life is something to be celebrated!
Tees - Give your little one some added personality. Cool, clever adage is a must.
Pajamas and sleepers – Most new babies sleep an average of 14-18 hours per day so stock up on some adorable, printed pajamas. I suggest those with snaps over zippers as it’s easy to accidentally zip-up baby’s soft, new skin when changing diapers late at night. OUCH!
Hats and Socks - There will be plenty of time for Nikes and ballet flats - and that time is definitely not now. For girls, I love the shoes that mimic ballet slippers; and for boys, you can never go wrong with camo prints in an assortment of colors!
Be sure to check out Consumer Reports for the most up-to-date safety and buying advice and check back with me in a few weeks for PART II of Rock Star Momma’s Nursery Room Must-Haves!
Skye Hoppus is the creator behind Childish Clothing, an ultra hip maternity and children’s clothing line. In July of 2007, Hoppus imparted her knowledge of fashion in Rock Star Momma (Atria Books), a one-of-a-kind fashion guide helping today’s mothers-to-be learn how to maintain their style as they rock-and-roll their way into motherhood. Most recently, Hoppus launched Childish {HOME}, a collection of organic candles that enhance the well-being of women during and after pregnancy. Skye has appeared on top media outlets including the Today Show, Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, The Tyra Banks Show, TV Guide Channel, Access Hollywood, E! News, Entertainment Tonight, and Good Day LA. For more fabulous tips from Skye, visit her website www.RockStarMomma.com.
y now I know you’ve probably read a hundred lists detailing everything you’ll need for that new baby of yours. It’s daunting at times and you must be wondering how something so small can possibly need all these things? Truth be told, babies do need a lot of things, but at the very minimum, babies need love. The rest is fairly easy and obvious! 
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