When I was introduced to Jami Reyes, owner of Hip Baby Gear in Marblehead, MA, I was immediately impressed with how much knowledge she has about baby and kid products (much more than any person I’ve ever met). Once we decided to collaborate this summer and after many conversations with her, I knew that I had to share her product insights in a dedicated blog post. I wish that I had visited Hip Baby Gear before I had Crew because she would have helped me determine what products to add to my registry, including a mix of newborn must-have, transitional items that will work years past those first few months, and some cute “fill in” items that your friends and family will want to get you (and that you’ll enjoy too).
Hip Baby Gear offers a customized approach for parents looking to build their baby registry. You can make an in-store appointment or call, share more info about where you live and your lifestyle, and they can advise you on the items that make the most sense for you and your spouse. Many people think that independent boutiques are more expensive than the big box retailers but Jami and her husband, co-owner Michael, make it a point to match competitor prices.
Below are some of Jami’s top picks for parents and newborns. Be prepared to learn something new and find some ideas for yourself or your pregnant friend!
Newborn Essentials
Trimmo Electric Nail File – Don’t try to cut your newborn’s nails – use this to file them down. It comes with a light switch too so you can file when he/she is sleeping!
Stokke Flexi Bath – The best thing about this baby bathtub is that it folds for easy storage (and has a plug for easy draining). It works for newborns until they are four years old (because it has a removeable curved insert). Jami also says it can be used as a drink bucket for cookouts once your kids have outgrown it (ha!).
Gunapod Duvet Swaddle – This swaddle is “hip-healthy,” which means that it’s tight at the chest but has more room down by the legs (you don’t want a swaddle that is straight up and down and tight around the baby’s legs). Made from bamboo fibers, which means it can be used year-round the temperature in the room is under 70 degrees. It’s great because you can unzip the bottom for diaper changes. Sizes go from newborn all the way to XL (ages 24-36 months). This style is also approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Not-Your-Average Baby Bottles – Jami recommends starting out with two different brand styles of bottles to keep it simple but to also let you see what works best for you and your baby. Two types that I would try if I were to do it all over again would be the OlaBaby Gentle Baby Bottles, which are made of soft medical grade silicone that is 100% toxic free, as well as the Lifefactory Glass Bottles, which are made high quality, thermal shock resistant borosilicate glass. This allows the bottles to transition safely from freezer to boiling water. They also come with silicone sleeves, which provide a good gripping surface and help protect them from breaking if they drop.
Luv Bug Car Seat Cover – Jami advises not to put the muslin blankets over your baby when he/she is in the car seat because muslin blankets don’t breathe and they don’t have any SPF properties. The Luv Bug cover is made from UPF 50+ sunscreen fabric and has maximum breathability from two side vents that allow cross ventilation airflow.
Sunscreen Towel (seasonal) – This sunscreen towel is breathe-able, lightweight and contains UPF 50+ UV Protection.
SPF Hat (seasonal) – Not all of the sun hats you may find actually provide any sun protection – these do and they are cute on because of the flaps that cover the ears and the back of the neck. Various sizes fit ages 0-36 months. This is my new favorite sun hat for Crew that I make him wear when we are in the pool and at the beach. Reminder tip from Jami: don’t put sunscreen on babies until they are 6 months old.
Mom/Parent Needs
Functional Diaper Bags – The TWELVElittle backpacks are great because a backpack style is a lot easier to carry around and these are lightweight and water resistant. Hip Baby Gear also carries the backpacks by Freshly Picked, which are made of vegan leather. The Stroller Caddy Bag caught my eye because it attaches right to the top of the stroller (I can’t tell you how much of a pain it is to try to pull your big diaper/gym bag out from the bottom of a stroller!) and it turns into a messenger bag.
Earth Mama Organics Products – All-natural, toxic-free and still work. Great breast feeding support items such as Booby Tubes (they can be heated or put in the fridge so they’re cold and placed on your chest), a great body wash for pregnant women that contains ginger to help with morning sickness (I wish I had this during my first trimester!)! Also, Hip Baby Gear carries their Herbal Perineal Spray that works when held upside down and is such a good gift item for a pregnant friend that she may not even realize that she’ll need!
Soft-Structured Baby Carriers – Jami recommends visiting the store with your newborn in tow to test out carriers to determine what you like best since they are such a personal preference. If you really want to register for one so you receive it as a gift before your baby is born, she recommend the Stokke MyCarrier because the shoulder straps easily adjusts between two people (you and your spouse) and it’s designed for good weight distribution.
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In addition to all of the products noted above, an amazing selection of strollers from brands like bumbleride, Bugaboo, Uppababy and Silver Cross (Have you seen this luxe brand in person? Wow.), Hip Baby Gear also carries beautiful nursery and kids’ bedroom furniture pieces from brands such as oilo, babyletto and Milk Street Baby ( a new addition).
On Saturday, Aug. 18th, stop by Hip Baby Gear in Marblehead between 1pm and 4pm, for the debut of the Milk Street Baby collection. I’ll be there, along with interior designer, Gina Baran (she’ll offer free design advice during the event) and many other brands. RSVP in advance via the Facebook event page here to reserve a goodie bag. See you then!
