Tatyanna Wright's Haute Mama

Petite Pomme

Petite Pomme is a well-appointed baby boutique created by owners Samantha Adam Benenati and Stéphanie Chayet in Tribeca. It is a tiny version of its big sister Pomme, which opened four years ago in DUMBO. While it doesn’t sell the toys, books and cardboard houses you’ll find in DUMBO that’s exactly the point. This scaled down version is for tiny tots, ages 0 – 18mths to be exact and therefore houses a gorgeous selection of clothing and accessories for babies.

With backgrounds as fashion journalists, naturally Stephanie and Samantha’s fashion forward eyes are drawn to fine details and handcrafted elegance rather than merchandised characters.  At Petit Pomme you’ll find precious knits from BebeRavi, little stockings from Luco, baby basics by Flora and Henri, winter wonders from Makie and of course Pomme staples by Atsuyo et Akiko.

Some of Stephanies favourite items are their beautiful baby quilts (they are unisex) by one of their favorite French lines, Luco. “We're expecting this great line of essentials in organic cotton (Tane Organics) so simple and sweet. I love our Jess Brown rag dolls, and the little hand made birdhouses by Tamar Morgendoff” (shown below).
Deciding to open a baby’s only location was easy says Stephanie: “The store is so tiny that we can only stock a fraction of what we have in DUMBO, and it made sense to carry baby things only. It's a fairly uncommon concept in New York, but in Paris, brands like Bonpoint or Zef have stores that are baby only, and we thought it might be fun to try that here.
Petite Pomme Tribeca is located at 186 Duane Street Ph: 212 219 1449

Pomme is one of my favourite stores and well worth the quick and very easy visit from Tribeca to DUMBO. Stephanie and Samantha hope you can make it across the river! Pomme Dumbo is at 81 Washington St, Brooklyn Ph: 718 855-0623

Babybites Event for Expectant Mothers

Babybites upcoming special event for new and expecting mamas November 11th.

Buy tickets before October 15th and pay $30. $40 thereafter, and $50 day of event.

Tickets can be purchased at babybites.net

Babybites – a social group for Moms

Ever felt like you’re on the singles scene and you’re in a bar scoping for potential mates? Except you are not in a bar, you’re in a play ground or park, and you’re not actually single, you’re a new mother and you’re hanging out with your brand new baby. Feeling a little lost is a very common experience for a new mother, particularly when you are the first of your friends to have a baby. It’s a feeling I can completely relate to.

So can Laura Deutsch, the founder of babybites, an educational and social group for moms and moms-to-be. Experiencing her own first time mama emotions, Laura set out to provide a venue where moms with newborns could get together and socialize.  Her goal is to provide advice and support to new moms via events and online resources. Her events include luncheons, dinners, sample classes, support groups, parenting seminars, and special events for the entire family.

Babybites hosted its first event on New York’s East Side in February 2006, with 20 mothers and their babies ranging in age from 3 weeks to 8 months. Lauren invited a speaker to talk about adjusting to motherhood. The event was held in a restaurants private room. It was an instant success! Today babybites luncheons are held weekly in Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey and Westchester.

Next month, babybites is hosting a special event called Essential Tips & Products for New Moms and Expectant Moms. The event will take place on November 11th 2009 on the Upper West Side and costs $40 to attend (joining babybites is completely free). An e-flyer will go out tomorrow with details. The event includes vendors showcasing their must have products and services for new and expectant moms, as well as shopping, food, and seminars on products/gear, tips on traveling, baby classes and finding a nanny. You’ll even find out more about Haute Mama! Look out for the flyer in your in-box tomorrow.

Pink Gorillas HUGE Sale!

After five fabulous years children's retailer Pink Gorillas is closing at the end of October 2009. Boutique owner Victoria Doyle is moving onto other ventures and needs to pave a clear path. In doing so Pink Gorillas is having a crazy online sale with major reductions on all brands.

You can find Clausen’s, Kik Kid, Appaman, Glug Baby, Imps & Elfs, Cotton Caboodle, Fig Organic and many more. Sizes are from 0 – age 6. Shop now until the end of the month. Pink Gorillas ships within the United States and Internationally.

Shop now at pinkgorillas.com

The Swedish Snot Sucker

Whilst at the pediatrician the other day I noticed an interesting device – a snot sucker to be exact. The Swedish apparatus is called the NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator and European parents swear by it. I have always used the bulb aspirator and never had problems using it with my first child – perhaps my new baby will prompt a purchase of this interesting little piece of equipment. 

Usually my reviews are born from personally testing a product, but in this instance, I want to know – have you tried this product? I am intrigued by it. The fact that you place one end in your mouth and cipher the snot right out from your babies nose makes me feel kind of gross, yet at the same time I’m curious to discover how much phlegm is successfully removed, how baby reacts, and if in fact you do suck up snot.

One of the nurses at my pediatricians clinic told me mothers with fussy babies, or babies who do not like the bulb aspirator are the general purchasers of the NoseFrida. Dr. Sears loves it, and I have to say I do like Dr. Sears and follow much of his advice. 
Please let me know if you’ve used the NoseFrida or know anyone that has.

Nursery University

Ever wonder what it might be like or what it might take to get your child into a good school in New York City? It’s a question I’m often asked by my friends with very young children living abroad considering moving to New York.
They ask: “Is it true you have to write essays to get into preschool?” “Is it insanely competitive?” “Do parents send gift baskets or other methods to bride nursery school directors?” My answer is always - yes!

To give you a basic idea of just how competitive the private preschool application process is, the statistics are shocking: For every single spot available, there are approximately fifteen applicants per spot. Which significantly reduces your odds of getting into to the school of your choice, especially when preference is given to siblings and legacies. This means you need to apply to at least six to eight schools to broaden your acceptance chances, let alone your chances of getting an application - that's another process. Kindergarten can often be more challenging, as all the children already attending nursery will most likely move up into kindergarten.

If you have a child under 3, live in New York City or are thinking about relocating to New York, you must watch “Nursery University”, a new documentary released later this month produced by a team of Emmy award winning film makers, about the incredibly stressful New York nursery school application phenomenon. “Nursery University” gives viewers an in depth, never before seen insiders look at the application and selection process, and the emotional pressure parents experience while competing for a coveted spot and the "benefit" of paying $20,000 a year.  

Having recently been through this process (thankfully with a successful result), I can tell you “Nursery University” will give you a very real perspective on what and who you could be up against: the obsessed with altered states of reality, the completely stressed; how naïve you can be and all the other people experiencing bizarre emotions over getting their child into pre-school. A compelling and well worth film for anyone who thinks they don’t need to play the nursery school game or for those curious to find out what it can take to get your child into a good school.

For cinema release dates and to watch the trailer visit: nurseryuniversitythemovie.com

Rock The Cradle With Love

Its good to have friends with babies living all over the world. In this case The Netherlands, which is how I found out about this ingenious little cradle called Knoppa. Adapted from the Swedish colloquial word for the verb "to sleep", Knoppa is an appropriate name for this unique hanging cradle that has the ability to dangle anywhere: attach it to a ceiling hook in your bedroom, hang it from the wall on a bracket in your living room, or bring it outside and suspend it from a tree (should you be so lucky), or deck to enjoy some fresh air. Perfect for the parent who likes to sail. Literally keeping your baby within arms reach wherever you plan to sleep or rest with an easy to adjust pulley system allowing the cradle to be raised and lowered to your desired level.

Conceived by Swedish designers (and parents) Anna Häggblom and Ola Stålhammar. Their inspiration was drawn from imagining a solution to hang a cradle above them that would rock their little one with a soothing and calming motion. Once they had made one for their son, they quickly realized how simple but effective it was and thus Knoppa was born.

Knoppa offers real space-saving appeal especially to those living in a standard New York City or other inner-city dwelling. It's practical and attractive, even the most interior savvy parents will love this bassinet for its ability to fold flat and pack in the car or suitcase (weighting 4lbs), making it an ideal option to a travel cot.

Knoppa comes complete with mattress and hanging hardware. You can buy it online at funktionalley.com For more information about international vendors, visit knoppa.com

Taga – The Hybrid Stroller

By definition, a hybrid is a thing made by combining two different elements – a mixture of, for example stroller and bicycle.  And that is exactly what this fabulous new stroller is all about. Called Taga, it is literally a multifunctional urban vehicle, uniquely designed to suit the needs of modern city dwelling parents and children. The Taga combines the benefits of a premium stroller and a bicycle to create, quite frankly the perfect transportation item.

Taga may be a little large to bounce down the stairs of a New York City subway, but why would you need to when you can ride. It’s an amazing stroller, taking you out of your home with your tiny new baby secure in his car set to an older baby sitting comfortably in his pivoting stroller seat. Add an additional seat when you have your next child or cycle around town with your little ones in the wooden double seat. Then swap it out for the shopping basket when you’re riding on your own. You can even fold it up to fit into the boot of your car. And its light being made of aluminum alloy.

Taga was invented by a grandfather who wanted to travel with his grandchildren in a safe and easy way outdoors and indoors. He built a prototype and took a ride with his granddaughter. The prototype attracted a lot of attention from friends and neighbors. His two sons who just so happened to have a design and engineering company were enthusiastic by the responses and decided to take it forward.
Just before it's European consumer launch, in March 2009, Taga won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award.

The company is planning to start selling in the US by the end of 2009. In the meantime, you can visit Taga.nl for more information and retailers overseas.

Preparing Your Child For A New Baby - PART THREE

What if problems arise?

• Research shows that a child’s developmental stage affects their adjustment to new siblings (e.g., children two years of age and under have more difficulty because they still have strong needs for parents’ time and closeness). Consider your child’s age when the new sibling is born and if they are younger, allow them extra time to still be your baby too.
• Stress on the family also makes a child's adjustment harder.
• Remember, even the most well-meaning siblings can play too rough or hug too hard in the beginning, so show them how to play gently with their new sibling. Teach siblings from the beginning that absolutely no hurting or rough play is allowed.
• Focus on the positive behaviors your child shows to their new sibling (e.g., “I like the way you stroked the baby’s leg,” or “I like to see you being so gentle with your brother!”).

And most importantly, don’t despair.  The first few months are a big adjustment for everyone but the benefits of having a sibling will outlast all of the early challenges.

For more parenting tips, information or to book a consultation with the Seedlings Group, please visit their site: www.seedlingsgroup.com
If you've enjoyed the articles from the Seedlings Group, and would like a personal consultation or know someone expecting twins, a second baby or simply needing support, get 10% off when you purchase a gift certificate for yourself or friend when you mention Haute Mama and contact them directly.

Preparing Your Child For A New Baby - PART TWO

What can parents do AFTER the new baby is born?

• Allow siblings to visit you and meet the new baby soon after he/she is born (in the hospital or at home depending on what you think your child will feel most comfortable with).  This will help to reinforce that it’s a special, family event.  
• Have big-brother/sister gifts waiting, from the new baby, when they first meet him/her.
• Try not to make comparisons (e.g., “She’s much calmer than you were,” or “You cried a lot more.”
• Don’t be alarmed if sibling doesn’t express an interest in the new baby.  Sibling relationships have a lifetime to develop.  
• Accept that some regression may occur; this is normal.  Baby your child for a while, if that’s what she seems to need.
• Remind visitors to pay attention to your older kids and monitor gift giving.  It can be upsetting for sibling to see all of the presents that the newborn receives, especially when people don’t bring something for them.
• Try not to blame the baby for your new limitations (e.g., “Mommy can’t play with you now because I have to feed the baby,” or “Mommy needs to change the baby, so you need to read to yourself.”).  Blaming new babies for decreased time spent with you breeds sibling resentment.
• Create opportunities for older siblings to be participants and not competitors (e.g., getting a diaper ready, reading the baby a story, pushing the carriage). 
• Remind siblings of the things they can do because they are older (e.g., eating food, playing with toys, going to the playground, peeing on the potty).  
• Remember to give siblings private time with you and reinforce the idea that many of the things they are able to help out with (e.g., errand running, meal preparation, etc.), are because of their advanced abilities.

The final installment on "Preparing Your Child For A New Baby" will post tomorrow. 
If you’ve enjoyed this series of articles, please let us know. The Seedlings Group will be periodically contributing to parenting concerns on Haute Mama Online.