Household Tips

Here are Nine Naturals’ top five fetching nurseries, bringing next-level nesting inspiration to your Instagram feed. Tag #NineNaturals to feature your creative nursery decor!

WHIMSICAL (@luxebabylove)

Frankie Kate is a professional designer who put her talents where her heart is in creating a dreamy, whimsical nursery for her baby daughter, Marlowe. Lush textures and sweet, unexpected details come to life against a backdrop of soft neutrals, natural elements and just the right amount of white: it's nursery love at first sight!

BOHO-CHIC (@_dimity_)

Baby Zaeli is the star of her stylish mama's feed, but the oh-so-sweet, boho-chic nursery--of which we get gorgeous glimpses now and again--is well worth the follow. A little vintage here, a touch of macrame there, without any overwhelm; balance is key in bohemian baby decor and this nursery just nailed it.

MODERN (@designbydad)

Baby design from a dad's perspective! Make that two dads, and one amazing nursery with a streamlined, modern style, a specific, mostly black-and-white palette and lots of fun surprises. This look is cute enough for kids but cool enough for the grown-ups who live with them. (Plus, you can't beat those NYC skyline views.)

WARM GRAY (@emsloo)

Who knew gray could be so warm? This cozy, hip and luxe little nursery is laid back and yet, clearly, carefully curated with lots of love. Mom Emily is to credit for this gem. Take a peek, and be inspired.

MINIMALIST (@projectweekley)

This modern, minimalist nursery is brimming with awesome. Check out the changing table and *be amazed.* It was built DIY-style by daddy Adam Weekley for his baby girl. We're just a little jealous!

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Sleep expert Carolina Romanyuk helps ease the nighttime transition from baby to big kid.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

There comes a time in your baby’s sleep journey when you will say one of these things:

• “My kid hates her crib. She is always trying to get out of it. I have tried everything and nothing works. She ends up sleeping in our bed, and then no one sleeps. “
• “Woo hoo, you just turned 3. Let’s celebrate with you becoming a big kid with a big bed. I’m so excited!”
• “Baby # 2 is on the way. Time for a big bed.”

Translation: It may be time for you to transition your little one from a crib into a toddler bed.

First, here are two extremely important factors that need to be considered before this switch-a-roo is to take place: maturity and safety.

Maturity. Is your child actually mature enough for the transition? For the last couple of years, she’s been cozy in her safe crib and has a solid sleep foundation. A big bed can seem like a massive ocean. Some children that transition too early without having a solid sleep foundation can result in cuddling up in one corner for sometime because of the abundance of space. Otherwise, she may experience sleep disruptions and difficult bedtimes with tears and tantrums. For some, it can take several weeks into the transition to realize, “Well now, I’m actually supposed to sleep in this massive thing. They aren’t giving me my crib back. That sucks! Ok I’m gonna cry now because I hate this change. Was fun at first, but now it sucks!”

Safety. A 20-month-old is just now learning to follow simple instructions while simultaneously testing out rules and limits. They know your exact buttons to push. They are curious about the world and are extremely eager to explore. Now you add to the mix complete nighttime freedom–uh oh! What stops a small child from getting out of bed and roaming around in the dark? At 2-years-old, they are explorers, adventures, detectives and scientists. They can roam around their room at night; pull out drawers; climb on the changing table; eat the diaper cream–just making sure you’re paying attention. It becomes a time of potentially hazardous curiosity.

Even though I always recommend keeping a young toddler in her crib for as long as you can (preferably as close to 3-years-old as possible), she might have another agenda. You can try to stop her (turn the crib around or lower the mattress to make climbing out harder; remove large objects from the crib that could serve as a launch pad; or watching your monitor like a hawk to make sure you’re there with a firm “NO!” during any escape attempt). But when it’s actually time to make the switch, you need to know how to do it.

So when’s the right time? When your child is able to communicate verbally that she wants a big bed and is ready, usually around 2.5 to 3 years of age. (Side Note: 2.5 to 3 years is highly recommended as the appropriate age for going from crib to bed. But no one knows your child better than you. So listen to her, and if she asks for it and is between 2 and 2.5 with a solid sleep foundation intact, then go with the signals…of course, keeping safety in mind.)

As everything in parenthood-land, a plan of action is needed. Here are 4 simple steps on transitioning:

1. Decide on the type of bed. You may want a toddler bed which is low to the ground and can fit the crib mattress inside; it’s good till about 4 -5 years old. Otherwise, go right to a twin bed, which is higher off the ground and a twin mattress is needed. This is good till high school. (Side note: involve your child in the process of choosing her own bed, from choosing the color to picking out her sheets and pillow.)

2. Safety-fy the room. Make sure all drawers are secured and locked, including the changing table and closet. All electric sockets should be closed off. You may want to install bed rails to help if your child moves around a lot at night.

3. Hold a Family Meeting. This is super crucial to continuing with your solid foundation by establishing sleep rules so she can understand what is expected from her, why she is being transitioned and hear about the new big bed rules.

4. Have a Plan B. I always advise to have a Plan B when reality hits for your toddler after the transition. That moment when her toy falls to the ground, she gets out of bed to pick it up, and eureka! She realizes she can get out of bed by herself, and then the fun begins. A Plan B is needed if these setbacks occur, even way after the transition. Always stay consistent.

The transition from crib to big bed is huge and should be done at the moment your child is mature enough. As long as you listen to your child, and take in consideration her maturity level and safety, you’ll be golden. Even if once in a big bed, she starts talking about her crib and missing it, listen and place her back into the crib. That’s not going backwards or a regression, it’s listening to your child.

Here is to a healthy future and a good night’s sleep.

This article is by Carolina Romanyuk, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

3 Tips to starting your relationship with your child’s new caregiver off on the right foot.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

For many parents, the task of simply finding a caregiver for their precious bundles can be overwhelming. But once you’ve managed to find someone, it’s important to focus on creating a successful employer/employee relationship that will set you both up for success. Here are a few things you should be thinking about, and some tips to help you establish the right relationship from day one.

1. Do you have a work agreement? It’s not too late, if the answer is no. You can still create an agreement that memorializes all of your intentions/needs/duties in a clear easy-to-refer-back-to document. Keep in mind that the nanny you’ve hired has likely worked for other families, and, as you know, every family does things differently. Help her out by explaining your daily routines, your parenting philosophy, religious tenants etc., if you haven’t done so already. Remember to ask whether she had issues at previous jobs that she wished she’d been able to talk about with those employers, so you can avoid any of the same pitfalls. Spelling things out enables and empowers both you and your nanny BEFORE any issues arise (and as a parent, you know that with kids involved, there will always be issues that arise). In fact, you may want to schedule quarterly or monthly ‘check-in’ meetings, or at the very least build in an annual review, so you both have the opportunity to share your thoughts on how you feel everything is going or if there are new changes to consider.

Don’t feel like you need to muddle through creating a document from scratch; there are a number of sites with templates and tools to help you both communicate what is right for each of you, and especially for your children. You can check out a few here, here and here.

2. Remember that the nanny you employ is your employee. Think about how you are or want to be treated by your employer when you consider vacation days, sick days, bonuses etc. (Note that in NYC, you are required to give your domestic worker employee 2 sick days and 3 rest days). Not only do you have legal obligations as an employer, but you also have the opportunity to show your nanny that you respect her and want to treat her accordingly. Have you considered or already discussed paying your nanny ‘on-the-books,’ providing healthcare, or workers compensation? Now is the time to sit down and discuss these things with her, or do some research to explore your options. She may or may not be familiar with NY law, and/or may have additional insight to share with you. To help you see where NY stands, you can find specific state requirements here.

3. Pay fairly and cover reasonable costs. Whether you’ve already decided on how much you will be paying your nanny or you are still negotiating, remember that not only should you factor in an hourly or weekly rate, but an overtime or additional hours rate. Also include any transportation costs both during regular working hours and if you ask her to stay late or babysit on a night she does not typically work for you. Rates fluctuate depending on your job description, the number and age of your children, and any additional non-childcare related responsibilities you’ve agreed to. There are numerous ways to find out about going rates for other families in situations similar to yours: parent listservs are a good crowdsourcing go-to, and every neighborhood has a least one. Be sure to ask around because a nanny that finds she isn’t being paid as well as her colleagues is likely to feel unappreciated. You can also consider using a living wage calculator to determine what she would need to earn in order to support her or a family.

We all hope that the people who care for our children feel like a member of the family, but at the end of the day we have to remember and respect that working for your family is your caregiver’s job, no matter how happy she is to work for an amazing family like yours.

For more tips and resources, please check out these guides at HireOurNanny.org.

This article is by Alix Ford, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

From the moment of your baby’s birth, your parental duty is to love, nurture, teach and protect your child as they navigate this great big world. During your child’s formative years, you must make informed decisions regarding his or her health and safety, including the foods they eat, the places they visit, the toys they play with, and more.

Were you aware that, according to PBS’ weekly news magazine NOW, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the governmental office responsible for regulating children’s toy) can’t legally test a children’s product to determine its safety before sale? Because of this, the toys that are deemed un-safe, either as a result of perceived harm or reported injury, are removed from the shelves following either a voluntary recall from the manufacturer, or a government mandated recall (which is consistent protocol in cases where a fatality was reported).

The experts at the Ecology Center who work tirelessly to “educate consumers to help keep their families healthy and safe,” say that parents must limit their child’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, many of which can be found in children’s toys and accessories, including:

1. Phthalates
2. PVC
3. Tin
4. Lead
5. Cadmium
6. Chlorine
7. Arsenic
8. Bromine
9. Mercury
10. BPA

The same experts state that small amounts of the above chemicals introduced into a child’s system, whether by placing a toy in the mouth or simple skin exposure, can negatively impact a growing child’s ability to reach his or her full potential, as they are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, animal studies—and a small number of human studies—have linked these chemicals to long-term health impacts, such as birth defects, impaired learning, cancer, and more.

Before walking the aisles of your local toy store or scanning the web in search of a new toy for your child to enjoy, learn about approved baby gear brands from Healthy Child, Healthy World — a non-profit that empowers parents, influences policy and promotes solutions. The following 10 manufacturers take pride in crafting non-toxic toys made from natural materials, including solid wood (either unfinished or finished with a non-toxic coating), organic cotton, wool, and hemp. The majority of them conduct independent testing before introducing a new item to consumers.

1. Blabla
2. Green Toys
3. Haba
4. Brio
5. Apple Park
6. Palumba
7. Little Tikes
8. International Playthings
9. Plan Toys
10. Tiny Love

Knowledge is power, so we encourage you to conduct your own informal research by asking fellow parents for their product suggestions, as well as keep abreast of any news regarding children’s products, especially toys and playthings.

Whether you’re a mom-to-be or a mom of three, keeping your home free of harmful chemicals is a top priority. Even if you’ve switched to organic produce, natural cleaning products, and BPA-free plastics, there could be toxins hiding in unexpected places. Don’t worry, Nine Naturals is here to help you keep your family happy and healthy. We’ve compiled a list of things to watch out for next time you’re at the store. Be sure to read labels closely, and keep an eye out for these ingredients.

Sulfates In Toothpaste: You may have heard of sulfates in your shampoo, but did you know sulfates can also be found in your toothpaste? Sulfates, such as Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), are the ingredients that cause toothpaste to foam while you brush. They may reduce the amount of fluoride absorbed into tooth enamel, not to mention, they are carcinogenic, and have been shown to disrupt hormonal balance, incite reproductive and developmental concerns, and seriously pollute the environment. Opt for sulfate-free toothpaste, like Tom's Clean & Gentle Toothpaste and brush easy!

Flame Retardants In Furniture: In theory, flame-retardants are meant delay the production of flames. Until the 1970s, TDCPP was the primary chemical used as a flame retardant in children’s clothing. While TDCPP can no longer be used in clothing, it is currently used in a variety of goods, including household furniture and children’s cribs. Several studies suggest that TDCPP may be carcinogenic, as well as a disruptor of early development. Review product labels carefully before purchasing products known to contain flame retardants. If you are unsure, reach out to the brand directly!

Triclosan In Soap: We use antibacterial soaps, gels and wipes multiple times of day, especially during the winter. However, triclosan, an ingredient added to many soaps to prevent bacteria, may be harmful. Exposure to this synthetic pesticide has been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, liver damage, and other health problems. Switch to a regular or all-natural soap, like Nine Naturals Citrus + Geranium Soothing Body Wash and make sure to wash as often as possible. When washing your hands, 20 seconds of scrubbing is the most effective way to keep you and your family healthy!

Parabens In Food: Before you indulge in that Sunday morning pancake breakfast or reach for that snack bar, take a closer look at the ingredients! Certain foods such as maple syrups, soft drinks, and frozen dairy products may contain parabens, which are synthetic, chemical preservatives used to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast in products. You can locate them in the ingredient list, sneakily labeled under one of the following names: methyl-, ethyl-, and propyl-parabens. Studies have shown that parabens are hormone disruptors. They behave like estrogen in the body, thus, interfering with normal hormone functions, which can lead to developmental and reproductive complications. Reading labels carefully in the supermarket is the easiest way to eliminate parabens from your pantry.

Parabens In Sunscreen: Speaking of parabens, don’t forget to look for them in your sun protection! While lathering up and protecting everyone from UVA/UVB rays is important, you should be using a natural sunscreen. However, not all sunscreens labeled “natural” or “free” are paraben-free. Navigate the complicated ingredient list by referring to the Environmental Working Group’s guide to sunscreen. The site grades the best and worst options available and provides an simple breakdown of all the ingredients listed. Try Nine Naturals SPF 32 Natural Sunscreen for a paraben-free option, fortified with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. For more information on how to stay safe in the sun, check out Nine Naturals Busting Sunscreen Myths: Staying Safe Under UV Rays.

Navigating a market full of toxins can be challenging and we need to take extra care to eliminate any harmful chemicals in our homes, but in the long run, it will keep everyone feeling their very best.

6 cool and comfy options to get baby (and you) through those first few months.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

While most of us spend an endless amount of time searching for the perfect crib to anchor our nurseries, the reality is that your crib will probably just sit there collecting dust for those first few months. The adjustment period with a newborn is hard enough without having to go in and out rooms all night long. You’ll likely want your new bundle of a joy in a cozier sleep oasis right next to your bed. So before you look up one more crib, prioritize what comes first and choose the right bassinet for you. After all, it is going to be part of your room decor for a few months.

Here are 6 of our favorites.

1. Arm’s Reach Ideal Co-Sleeper
The perfect option for the family who plans to co-sleep. $224.99

2. BabyBjorn Cradle
A breathable cradle that has the ability to gently rock your little one to sleep. $295.79

3. Babyhome
If you want to welcome baby into pure luxury, this one’s for you. $1,200
(Non-leather version available for $259)

4. Nesta’s Nest
Made of 100% wool and eco-certified wood, this is a unique bassinet for the sustainable baby. $768

5. Nuna Sena Mini Travel Cot
This comfy travel cot folds up with just one hand and even transitions from a bassinet into a playard. $150

6. Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
The only Bassinet to swivel 360 degrees for easier accessibility to your little. $250

This article is by Kaity Velez, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

The experts at Adventure Nannies school us on the proper way to compensate your nanny while on vacation.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY

Traveling with a nanny can enhance any family vacation. For parents traveling with children, an extra set of helping hands can mean more alone time for Mom and Dad, one-on-one Dad and daughter time, or a relaxing nap on the airplane. It is very important, however, that expectations between the family and nanny are clearly defined before the trip to ensure a smooth working relationship and a happy travel experience.

At Adventure Nannies, our families commonly ask what they are expected to provide for their nanny while traveling. While each family’s budget is different, we recommend a basic list of travel accommodations that every family should provide when traveling with a nanny to ensure that the nanny/family relationship is well-defined, easy, and fun.

Transportation Expenses

Families should cover all of the nanny’s transportation costs associated with traveling to and from the vacation destination. If the nanny is traveling with the family and expected to be “on” with the children (which is highly likely if, say, the nanny is sitting next to the children on an airplane) he or she should be paid for travel time. Some families also choose to pay nannies for their travel time, even when not “on the clock,” in consideration for the fact that they are not otherwise available to spend their time freely.

Examples of transportation costs covered by families are: shuttle to the airport, airfare, train tickets or a subway card.

Accommodations

Many families wonder, “Why book a private room for the nanny, when (s)he can simply stay in the same room as the children?” While this may initially seem simpler (and honestly, cheaper) we highly urge our families to book private accommodations for their nanny.

Without clear, tangible boundaries between the nanny and the children, it can be nearly impossible to distinguish between time “on” and “off” the clock, which can result in disputes about overtime pay and a possibly disgruntled nanny.

If it is absolutely essential for the nanny to sleep in the same room as the child (for example, a child who has an illness which requires around-the-clock attention) we recommend clearly outlining exactly what the nanny’s working hours and pay will be for the arrangement, then building in an ample amount of free time for the nanny to rest up–privately.

Overnight Pay and Overtime

If a nanny is expected to be available to the children in the middle of the night, this should be reflected in the nanny’s paycheck. Even if the nanny has a private room, and the children are unlikely to wake, some sort of compensation should be made for the “on call” responsibility.

Some families choose to pay their nanny a flat overnight fee while other families offer a continuous hourly pay, depending on the level of overnight responsibility and number of hours the nanny is expected to be ‘on.’ It is important to note that if a nanny is working overnight, and receives fewer than 5 hours of sleep, the nanny is entitled to continuous overnight pay by law, and minimum wage regulations apply. If a nanny has private accommodations and is not expected to work overnight at all, no overnight compensation is necessary.

Similarly, a nanny is entitled to overtime pay when traveling, but how much is determined by the nanny’s state of residence. We recommend contacting our partners (and nanny tax experts) at Home Pay by Breedlove to help you organize your nanny’s payroll.

No matter how you choose to proceed, you should ensure that your nanny is informed of your compensation plan in writing before the trip. Keep a continuous record of your nanny’s working hours and ask your nanny to do the same. Openly address any discrepancies directly with your nanny as they occur.

Meals

Meals should be provided for the nanny while he or she is on duty. Many families also offer meal stipends or per diems for the nanny’s days off–particularly when the family is traveling to a location with a higher cost of living or a different currency than the nanny’s hometown.

Sometimes our families keep what we refer to as an “open fridge” policy. In this policy, the family offers the nanny access to any food in their refrigerator (usually in a vacation home or villa) at all working and non-working times, only picking up the bill at a restaurant when the nanny is dining with the children. In our experience, this policy plays out very fairly for both nannies and parents.

With whatever meal policy our families choose, we recommend doing extensive currency research beforehand and setting reasonable meal accommodations for the nanny’s days off.

Time Off

Although time off is not technically an expense, it is one of the most important considerations for families to make when planning to bring a nanny on vacation. We encourage our families to factor in ample downtime to their nanny’s schedule, particularly while traveling!

Depending on the length of a trip, a nanny should have 1-2 days off per week, and at least an hour or 2 of “me time” each day. Giving the nanny time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the travel destination will ensure the highest quality of childcare. While nannies are exceptional, talented professionals, they are human and need to recharge their batteries in order to do their best job possible.

We understand, however, that a traveling schedule can be unpredictable and grueling. If for some reason, the nanny is needed to work a rigorous schedule (for example, 10 or more hours per day without days off) we encourage families to offer a few days off (depending on the length of the trip and the nature of the nanny’s long-term employment) once you return home to give the nanny time to catch up on rest.

While these aren’t hard and fast rules, following these guidelines will ensure that any vacation or travel experience with your nanny will be as pleasant as possible. Happy nanny, happy family!

This article is by Adventure Nannies, courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.

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A new year has begun! We turn over a new leaf and welcome another opportunity to break old habits and make real improvements in our lives. Many of us spent 2014 contemplating the switch to a green lifestyle, but didn't know the best way to start.

Our list of 2015 green resolution tips will help you get started! Follow one, two, or all of our tips, and you'll notice a great change in the New Year.

1. Rely on Nine Naturals for a beautifully clean 2015! We are proud to carry all-natural, plant-based products that designed to help pregnant women feel beautiful without compromise. Every Nine Naturals product, from our rich Moisturizing Body Cream to our Mandarin + Ginger Restorative Conditioner, will spoil you and keep you, your baby and our environment safe. Check out our luxurious line today!
2. Opt for chemical-free cleaning products. Did you know that using traditional cleaning chemicals can create indoor air that is two to three times more polluted than the air outside? In 2014, many organizations around the country, including the state of California, began pushing for regulation on chemicals in common household products. Find a list of eco-friendly cleaning alternatives (some of them right in your kitchen cabinet) in our Greening Your “Clean” Routine article.
3. Get in on the green nursery trend. In 2015, expect a boom in the number of new parents considering a green sanctuary for their newborn. But as our popular article makes clear, green nurseries are much more than a trend. From the mattress to the crib to the cleaning products to the air filter, they provide an excellent way to secure a baby's health during her important formative years.
4. Vow to steer clear of chemicals at the hair salon. Chemical-heavy treatments like hair dyeing and chemical straightening can expose you to damaging chemicals and even carcinogens. We've published several articles on great alternatives to these harsh treatments.
5. Line-dry your laundry. Take advantage of sunny days to let the heat dry your clothes naturally, which can seriously save on both energy and money. Find more tips on greening your laundry with our blogpost here.
6. Don't let product labels intimidate you! At first glance, they're just so darn difficult to read. But toxic chemicals are a reality in any number of commonly used household and cosmetic products and it's crucial to arm yourself with the knowledge to avoid them. Trust us - you can become a fast expert on deciphering an ingredient list! Check out How to Read a Label to get you started!
7. Eat organic whenever possible. This resolution can significantly reduce how much you expose your body to harmful chemicals and pesticides through what you eat. But you don't always have to make the organic choice. The Dirty Dozen are the foods you should always eat organic (like apples and peaches), while the Clean Fifteen (eggplant, kiwi) are fine to eat conventionally. The Environmental Working Group provides a handy list for both.
8. Ditch the plastic water bottles. This might be the hardest resolution to keep, since plastic bottles are so convenient and widespread. But these bottles often harbor harmful chemicals like bisphenol-A and phthalates and are an albatross on global environmental health.
9. Instead, choose stainless steel and glass over plastic. These materials do not include the toxic chemicals that plastic containers can. Have no choice but to use plastic, though? Remember this rhyme for your safety: "4, 5, and 2 -- all the rest are bad for you!"
10. Increase your environmental shopping consciousness. Lastly, do what you can to augment your mindfulness of Mother Earth whenever you shop. Examples of how to do it: buy in bulk, and choose the farmer's market over the grocery store. Bone up on the many ways you can be a greener shopper with the help of our Green Tip article.

A new baby marks big changes to the family and household. As all new parents can attest to, the bundle of joy will take up the majority of your time and energy. Sure, preparing your environment prior to your baby's arrival sounds great but trying to get organized can be more than a little overwhelming. Enter Amelia Meena, a professional lifestyle organizer and owner of New York based lifestyle organization company Appleshine. Amelia has put her spatial-design and time management skills to good use and put together a list of nine tips to help you get organized before your baby arrives.

HOME

Newborns live a simple life: sleep, eat, poop & repeat. So focus on organizing the Bedroom, Kitchen and Living room.

1) Kitchen: Clear out the servingware, large dishes and other items that are infrequently used. Designate the most accessible spaces (lower drawers, cabinets above the sink and counter space) for storing, cleaning + drying the baby bottles and food containers.

2) Bedroom: Though a baby’s life is simple, they’ll still make no less than 4 outfits changes a day. Their small clothes will get jumbled in a large drawer. Make them easy to find by using cubbies, bins or divided shelves. Labeling the sections will help others know where to put things away or find them in a pinch.

3) Living Room: Keep a large bin or basket beside the couch for all your nursing needs. Store the Boppy, blankets, wipes and Sophie the Giraffe at arm’s length from your favorite resting spot. And pick a sophisticated style that blends with the space- let the kids’ stuff stay in the kids’ room.

HEALTH

You’ll do everything right for your new baby but what about yourself? Don’t forget to take care of you, too.

4) ‘Me-Time’: Whether it’s running, yoga, meditation or a walk in the park, your body needs (and deserves!) some ‘me-time’. Plan ahead by checking the gym’s daycare center, enlisting the services of a nanny or good friend, or signing onto your favorite YouTube workout channel during naptime. Inquire before you leave for the hospital, as it’ll be easy to let it slide once you come back and feel a bit overwhelmed.

5) Food: Most new Moms don’t have time to sit down for a full meal. Plan ahead by buying lots of easy-to-grab snacks like nuts, fruit, tuna fish, yogurt, string cheese and the like. Make a list of items that you (or a helpful friend or partner) can pick up from the grocery and nibble on all week.

6) Outings: The simplest task will become mission impossible with a new baby. Streamline outings by keeping all your go-to items in an obvious spot, close to the front door. Plan ahead of time by creating a nook for the stroller, diaper bag, a bin of last minute items and, most importantly, a designated spot for your keys.

HELP

It takes a village...so starting building one now. Have a rolodex of friends and family to lean on.

7) Workplace: Arrange your maternity leave and be clear on what timeframe and expectations that entails. Ask your co-workers if they’d be willing to help in anyway and know whom you can go to during your time away from the office.

8) Childcare: Decide what type of childcare you’ll want and when you’ll want it. A baby nurse, a nanny, your mother or in-laws- whoever it will be, be clear about your needs, compensation and timing.

9) Partner & Close Friends: It may be your spouse, partner, best friend or family member that’ll be your support in this exciting new step. Let them be there for you. You don’t have to do this alone. In the end, trust your heart and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Amelia Meena is owner of the NYC-based company Appleshine, Lifestyle Organization. As a professional organizer for a range of clients including Fortune 500 managers, lawyers, investment bankers, artists and stay at home moms, she helps people clear clutter and establish efficiency and order in their homes and their lives. Check out Appleshine for more organization tips, videos and even some ideas on how to responsible reuse or recycle your unwanted items.

Article & Photo courtesy of Well Rounded NY.

Let your new babe fit right into your dream kitchen with these 5 fashionable baby seats.

Babies are small and beautiful and perfect. And yet most of their gear is so big and ugly and awkward! It’s like finding the best new roommate ever…who then proceeds to crowd your apartment with all her awful stuff. But for some reason, when it comes to baby, we tend to throw all of our design standards to the wind. Those jumperoos and exersaucers are short-lived, right? But high chairs? Not so much.

Since you’re going to be pulling up a chair for this little person at your table for at least a few years to come, you might as well get something you enjoy looking at even when baby’s not sitting inside. Here’s a few of our favorite high chairs that will fit into your kitchen no matter what your high design.

If your dream kitchen is modern...try a Nuna Zazz: There’s something truly lust-worthy about a modern kitchen in NYC -- all that beautiful, clean space in a town where space is such a luxury. So don’t go changing it just for baby! The futuristic Nuna Zazz will get plenty of oohs and ahhs in your gorgeous modern kitchen, but this baby seat is as big on function as it is on fashion. An adjustable seat and chair height allow it to grow with your babe, while its comfy padded air-foam cushion is easy to remove and clean. And oh, modern kitchen gal, we know you love clean. $249.95

If your dream kitchen is industrial...try a bloom Fresco Chrome: If your design aesthetic tends towards brick walls, exposed pipes and wooden beams, this bloom Fresco Chrome high chair will blend right in with the scenery. This sleek looking seat -- especially in this luxe brown leather and mercury combo -- has all the bells and whistles, from reclining to swiveling 360 degrees to even rolling into another room (or out of sight!). If you adjust the height to fit your counter, we swear you won’t even notice it among your barstools. $450

If your dream kitchen is eclectic...try a Monte Design Tavo: We’ve all got that friend who can put together a little bit of this and a little bit of that and make it look totally, well, put-together. If you’re that girl, Monte Design’s Tavo high chair will be just one more piece to make your visitors say, “Where did you get that?!” The contemporary design is sharp and distinctive, with a square-shaped leather seat and solid maple base. Plus, no need for a tray; the Tavo pulls right up to the table so baby can always be part of the action. $299

If your dream kitchen is retro...try a Phil & Ted's Poppy: We're big vintage lovers at Well Rounded NY, so a retro kitchen is our personal dream fave. Nothing makes us smile more than a dining space filled with bright pops of color and nostalgic references...nothing, that is, except a baby in Phil & Ted’s Poppy high chair. This cute and clean baby seat has an innovative aerocore seat which means lots of spongy softness and (even better!) dishwasher safeness. The best part of the Poppy though, is its super-low price, so you can spend your savings on more of that vintage we know you love too. $119.99

If your dream kitchen is country...try a Stokke Tripp Trapp: There’s something warm and inviting about a country kitchen in the big city -- it’s the kind of place we can imagine sitting for hours sipping hot cocoa while baby sleeps peacefully nearby. Or eats in her Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair. This baby seat comes by way of Norway, but its sturdy beechwood frame makes it feel like it was plucked from the country woods and deposited right into our NYC kitchen. Add a minimalistic design and an ergonomic shape, and its no wonder the Tripp Trapp is beloved by babies and mamas all over town. $249.00

This article is by Jessica Pallay courtesy of Well Rounded NY. Conceived with love by former magazine editors Jessica Pallay and Kaity Velez, Well Rounded NY aims to be the singular pregnancy resource for city-savvy moms-to-be. Through reviews, profiles, expert Q&As, local guides and more, Well Rounded curates the New York City pregnancy and helps its readers come to terms – and term! – with pregnancy in the city.