Nursery

“At Little Marmara, we believe in simple things. That we should treat the environment as we would treat ourselves. That nothing should go next to our children’s beautiful skin that we would not place next to our own. That clothing for little people can and should be as artful and well made as clothing for big people. And that at no point from the cotton fields to our customers should the earth or any of its inhabitants suffer in the slightest for our cause.”

I included the site’s mission statment because it speaks of the thought and caring that is apparent in their organic products. One good example is this Yastk (Pillow/Bag) which they suggest can be used as a naptime companion for daycare, extended day pre-school, and kindergarten.

Personal items from home are so important to children at naptime. Children in daycare have a little more to deal with then stay-at-home children. Whenever we can make any part of their day a little less stressful we should definitely do it. A pillow is a small thing but it fits snugly in a child’s place.

The Little Marmara Yastk (Pillow/Bag) measures 11.75″ x 10.5″. Made from 100% organic Turkish cotton and low-impact dyes, it comes in Moss, Natural, and Eggplant. You can purchase one of these unique and thoughtful pillows for $28.00 at LittleMarmara.com.

One of my biggest regrets is that I have never used a growth chart for either of my daughters. I have all the measurements from their doctor’s check-ups, but I have never kept any formal record of their growth. I guess it isn’t too late to start, but I wish I would have done so earlier.

This growth chart from Oopsy daisy might be what I need to get started. I absolutely love the design and the fact that the chart is made from canvas rather than paper or plastic. The artwork is a reprint of a work by Jenny Kostecki, and the canvas retains the look and detail of the original.

The How Does My Garden Grow? Growth Chart comes with a ribbon for hanging and decorative nails. It is available with or without personalization. It would look great in a child’s bedroom, and would make an impressive gift. More masculine styles are also available.

If you are as impressed with this chart as I am, you can purchase one for $54 at BabyOliverBoutique.com.

I can see something like this custom-made Noah’s Ark Canopy Crib (and dresser, toy box, and armoire) really growing on a person. It is painstakingly hand-painted with charming animals and, of course, the ark. There’s even bedding one can purchase to go with it.Though it strikes me as fairly boyish, it’s not limited to a boy or girl’s room; it’s fine for either.

I would accessorize with hand-painted canvasses depicting similar animals and perhaps a boat mobile for over the crib. Curtains in the orange of the animals featured on the crib would really add a punch to the room, but a more subtle color (also in a rug) would add a touch of class.

A splurge item for the upscale mommy at $1700, it can be found at ABaby.com. The other furniture is special order but not unattainable.

If you are interested in outfitting your nursery with organic fabrics, you might want to check out these cute sheets from Q.  I always find myself drawn to elephant prints, and this design is fun and modern. It will fit in well with a number of nursery themes and color schemes, from the ultra modern to the more traditional.

The Q Collection Junior Organic Elephants Crib Sheet is made from organic cotton, so it is as friendly to the Earth as it is soft and gentle to your baby.  It is available in either a blue or a golden color.  Each fitted sheet comes packaged in a cute little matching bag.  You can purchase one for $40 at PiccoliniOnline.com.

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand that an infant would want to be bundled up in a swaddling blanket.But swaddling provides warmth and security for an infant. It can keep him from being disturbed by his own startle reflex. He just needs to feel something close to the tightness and security of the womb. If your an expectant mom, go online for instructions on swaddling or purchase a book on this ancient art.

These muslin swaddling wraps by Aden+Anais have stretch and breathability to help keep baby from becoming overheated. They are available in a variety of colors and patterns, and cost $44.00 per pack of 4 @ AdenAndAnais.com.

Most babies love to be swaddled.  My first daughter was almost always swaddled in the early days, and this meant that we needed all of the swaddling blankets we could get.  Of course, when she outgrew swaddling we were left with lots of little tiny blankets that we had no use for.  That’s one reason I was excited to receive a set of receiving blankets from SimplyBabyBlankets.

The innovative thing about these blankets is that they are extra large.  This causes no issues for swaddlling, but it makes the blankets much more useful.  At 42″ x 50″ SimplyBabyBlankets are significantly larger than traditional receiving blankets, so they will grow with your child.  While they are perfect for swaddling, they are also large enough to do double duty as a play surface for an older baby, or to cover a sleeping toddler.  You will definitely get plenty of use out of these blankets.

In addition to being very practical, these blankets are very cute.  There are a number of fabrics and patterns to choose from, so whether you are looking for something gender-specific, or gender-neutral, there is sure to be something that catches your eye.  You also get your choice of thread color for the blankets’ hems.  They also come neatly folded and tied with a sweet little bow.

I had a hard time taking them out of their bundle because they looked so nice. The company will include a gift message free of charge, and one of these sets definitely makes an impressive gift.  Each purchase comes with instructions for swaddling, which is great for new parents or parents, like me, who are a little out of practice.

A gift bundle of three blankets retails for $30, with free shipping.  You will receive an additional discount if you purchase 6 or more blankets.  Through October 31st, blog readers can receive an additional flannel blanket with any order of three or more blankets.  Simply enter the promotional code UPSCALEBABY when you checkout at simplybabyblankets.com.

I am excited to start thinking about putting a nursery together for daughter number three, but the choices are overwhelming.  There are so many sweet bedding sets to choose from, especially for little girls.  I know that I want something that is somewhat unexpected, but I’m having trouble choosing just one print.  One of my top choices at the moment is this six piece Sea Holly set from nurseryworks.

I love the clean modern print that is the focal point of this set, and the pink color is feminine without being over the top.  The set comes with a fitted sheet, a pillow sham, a crib skirt, a bumper, and a pillow insert.  everything is made from 100% cotton poplin for natural comfort.  You can purchase the set for $355 at modernnursery.com.

Fans of organic girls’ clothing will love this sweet little dress from the European company hessnatur.  This organic infant dress is made from 100% certified organic cotton and no chlorine bleach is used in the process.  It has a simple, sleeveless cut with gathers at the neck.  The red and pink floral print is very feminine, but this is one dress that will not restrict your daughter’s movements.

The dress can be worn by itself in the warmest weather, or layered, as shown on cooler days.  It comes in sizes from 3-6 months to 12-24 months.  You can purchase one for $25 at hessnatur.com.

As I started reading Chloe’s Windy Day to my 2 1/2 year old son, I thought it would be a little boring for him. However, I was surprised to learn that he was very interested in the board book. He liked the simple story since it was easy for him to remember and repeat, the bright pages, and the main character–a cat. He wanted to read it over and over, with me reading the words or with him trying to remember them.

I will be sure to keep my eye out for the rest of the Chloe Weather series by Annie Mitra; he will be delighted to receive them. They will make a perfect gift for your favorite little person’s next birthday or for that special newborn whose nursery library needs some expanding. Find yours at Amazon.com starting at $5.65.

These gorgeous sorrento charmeuse blankets from Posh Tots are favorites with celebrity moms such as Gwyneth Paltrow. The luxury of these blankets is undeniable. Made from charmeuse and dupioni trimmed with French lace, this blanket is silky and soft. At 30″ x 30″ it is a great size for pampering a baby or toddler. It does require dry cleaning.

Each blanket is custom made upon your order, so it can take 4-6 weeks to receive it. You can purchase one for $275 at Poshtots.com. This blanket would make an amazing gift.

The Original Slumber Bear by Prince Lionheart contains an audio box with recorded intra-uterine womb sounds that will help lull your baby to sleep. It was invented by a doctor and has apparently been used in hospital nurseries for the past 25 years. Of course the natural sounds of the womb would be the best lullaby for baby.

The Original Slumber Bear by Prince Lionheart can be placed beside your baby or attached to the crib railing. The audio box is removable and can also be attached to the crib railing or stroller - wherever it’s needed. Price: $37.99 at PrinceLionheart.com.

From the name of this item I thought the Kid Kushion Gummi Crib Rail Cover was made from Gummi Bears! But no, Gummi refers to your baby’s “gums” and the teething urge they have to “gum” everything they can get their hands on. I can just see my children at that age, standing in their cribs, holding on to the rail and chewing on the hard plastic or wooden material. They’re just doing what comes natural and is soothing to them, so this product is a real help!

The Kid Kushion Gummi Crib Rail is non-toxic, non-vinyl, and non-phthalate so you can relax when you see them massaging their little gums. The crib rail cover is 50″ long and can be trimmed to fit fat rails, skinny rails, round or square rails.

Price: $12.99 at RightStart.com.

I am absolutely in love with this unique Flights of Fancy Mobile. It features four different colorful birds which revolve around an egg. All of the pieces are crafted by hand to be unique and of the highest quality. It certainly captures my attention with its bold and surprising design, and I think it would capture any little one’s attention too. It would make a great addition to any modern, eclectic nursery.

Since the product is hand made, it needs to be custom ordered, and takes several weeks for delivery. You will want to plan ahead if you wish to purchase this incredible product. The Flights of Fancy Mobile comes in other versions with additions including a nest and a peanut. You can buy one for $180 at Piccolinionline.com.

Recently, Tom Cruise has received a lot of media attention for the lavish gift basket he sent to Nicole Kidman and her new baby. Included were items from the upscale French retailer Hermes. Known for their extravagant accessories, Hermes also has a fairly sizable line of products for infants, including the Hermes Baby Blanket.

This baby blanket from the company is made of a wool cashmere blend and measures 40″ x 56.” It features a block “H” print in baby blue and white. While the blanket is classic and luxurious, I have a hard time believing that it is so far superior to other blankets on the market that it warrants its $650 price tag. If you are inclined to purchase one of these blankets, you can check them out at Hermes.com.

The Trendy Tees Takeout Box by Snobby Babies reminds me of the traditional Chinese takeout box. However, there are four tees in this gift box and you get to choose the saying for each tee. Plus, you have your choice of sizes and sleeve length - a real made to order takeout!

I’ve seen the Chinese takeout box designed as ceramic pieces of art, as gift boxes, as jewelry or even as stationery holders. There’s something very familiar and comforting in the old Chinese takeout box. It’s just a part of our popular culture that goes way back. I think it’s a fun way to display, wrap and present. Everyone likes Chinese!

The Trendy Tees Takeout Box by Snobby Babies comes in boy’s and girl’s colors. Price: $49.99 at Snobbybabies.com.