Great Nursery, Feeding, And Baby Gear Stores In The NYC-Metro Area

Ali Wing, giggle (photo by San Francisco Chronicle)

To help you shop for your baby, we not only created this diverse list of local stores, we also pressed their owners, managers, and buyers to give us the scoop on new trends and products they really love. There’s a lot of good finds in this bundle. Enjoy.

 

Albee Baby
Interview with store manager Peter Roberge

What are the store’s core offerings?
We run the gamut of children’s products, from strollers to cribs to nursery furniture, and bedding and décor, diaper bags, toys, and feeding items. We have also expanded our layette and clothing offerings.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
People are spending less money on crib decoration (especially on bumpers) and more on other aspects of the nursery like sheets, blankets, and wall art.

How long has Albee Baby been in business?
This is our 80th year, owned and operated by our founder’s children and grandchildren.

Any advice for parents shopping for a nursery?
Everyone wants a nursery that’s special and comfortable, but make sure it’s comfortable for the parent as well as the baby. And don’t be afraid of colors. Just don’t overdo it.

What’s one product you love right now?
I love Best Chair gliders because they’re wonderful and also affordable.

715 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-662-7337; albeebaby.com

 

Babies“R”Us

What are the store’s core offerings?
Babies”R”Us offers an unparalleled assortment of apparel, gear, and furniture for little ones, as well as all of the necessary essentials for baby. Plus, our registry is the top choice for expectant parents everywhere.

How long has the store been in business?
The Toys“R”Us family gave birth to us in 1996.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
Kids’ favorite characters are popping up everywhere, including on furniture and bedding!

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
The more functional the baby’s room, the better off you’ll be—so consider a convertible crib.

What’s one product you love right now?
The Truly Scrumptious What Do You See Blanket. Available for both boys and girls, it’s reversible and it’ll have your little one laughing, learning, and exploring two sides of fun.

4-30 Union Square East, 212-798-9905; babiesrus.com

Michelle Freedberg, Bellini (Photo by Heidi Green photography)

 

Behr’s Superstore
Interview with co-owner Jared Behr

What are your store’s core offerings?
Behr’s has the largest display of fine baby and kids’ furniture and accessories in the Tri-Sate area (housed in over 30,000 square feet).

How long has the store been in business?
107 years! We’re now in the fifth generation.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
Whether it’s a light gray or a brownish-gray (greige), moms are loving gray as a great gender-neutral color.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
Don’t even think about a used crib as it’s unlikely to meet the current safety standards.

What’s one product you love right now?
Romina’s Venice Crib in the Argenton D’Oro finish. It’s stunning, Greenguard certified, and made using 100% solid beechwood. The crib is treated with real gold in the finishing process to give it a stunning, shimmering look.

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, Long Island, 516-541-2347; behrsfurniture.com

 

Bellini
Interview with co-owner Michelle Freedberg

What are your store’s core offerings?
Our signature collection of nursery and juvenile furniture, including cribs, beds, dressers, bookcases, armoires, and gliders. We have the Bellini collection as well as other custom lines.

How long has the store been in business?
30 years.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
In furniture and textiles, metallic is a huge trend with geometric bold patterns; we’re also seeing a combination of traditional with a more modern edge.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
I tell all my clients to make the room personal. Incorporate your own sense of style instead of buying something “prepackaged.”

What’s one product you love right now?
My favorite crib in our collection is definitely the Mercedes. I love the spindle details and elegant carvings.

Several locations in metro area, including 1305 Second Avenue, 212-517-9233; bellini.com

 

Boing Boing
Interview with owner Karen Paperno

What are your store’s core offerings?
As the country’s first breastfeeding boutique, we are proud to offer the widest selection of nursing bras in the Tri-State area. We also have a great selection of nursing clothing and breast pumps (to rent or buy).

How long has the store been in business?
At your cervix since 1996.

Notice any interesting trends in feeding gear?
There has been a big increase in the use of Moby Wraps, which are soft wraps to carry your baby.

Please share some breastfeeding advice.
Skin-to-skin contact calms the baby while encouraging breastfeeding. You should carry your baby, not your car seat.

What’s one product you love right now?
I love Hatch Things’ Cold Snap. This coat extension cover keeps baby wrapped up warm and dry when you’re wearing your infant in an Ergo or a wrap.

204 Sixth Avenue, Brooklyn, 718-398-0251; boingboingmaternity.com

BuyBuy Baby 

What are the store’s core offerings?
We offer a full assortment of merchandise for children from birth to 4 years, including strollers, car seats, bouncers, bassinets, cribs, clothing, bottles, breast pumps, monitors, and various personal care items.

How long has the store been in business?
buybuy BABY has been open for business since 1996.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery lately?
Storage and organization is hugely important these days! The double dresser has become a key piece in the nursery because of the extra drawer space.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
Find things that fit your space and your design aesthetic that will grow with your child.

What’s one product you loves right now?
The Ubbi Diaper Pail. It’s a stainless steel diaper pail that doesn’t absorb odors!

Several stores in metro area, including  270 Seventh Avenue, 917-344-1555; buybuybaby.com

Karen Paperno, Boing Boing (Photo by Sarah Torretta Klock)

 

Caribou Baby
Interview with owner Adriane Stare

What are your store’s core offerings?
Caribou Baby offers eco-friendly maternity and baby products and educational classes for new and expectant families. We’re especially known for our selection of baby carriers and cloth diapers.

How long has the store been in business?
Almost 2 years.

Notice any interesting trends in pre- or post-natal clothes?
We are seeing woolen nursing tops and bras, baby clothing and diaper covers, and even some wool woven wrap baby carriers.

Please share one piece of babywearing advice.
Start slowly with babywearing. Being able to get a fussy baby in quickly, nurse easily and be totally comfortable in a carrier are all learned skills. If you’re struggling, get some pointers from an experienced friend, local babywearing group, or a certified instructor.

What’s one product you love right now?
I am totally in love with my M coat right now! This is a no-fuss, stylish and super easy-to-use maternity and babywearing jacket.

272 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, 347-460-2229; cariboubaby.com

Adriane Stare, Caribou Baby

 

giggle
Interview with owner Ali Wing

What are your store’s core offerings?
Nursery, gear and gifts. This encompasses cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, décor, bedding, layette, keepsakes, and more, including giggle’s own line of baby products, giggle Better Basics and giggle’s Best Baby Registry.

How long has the store been in business?
The first concept store opened fall of 2003, and the flagship and first NY store opened fall of 2005.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
A neutral color palette never goes out of style, and right now there is a gorgeous array of grays around. When you lay a foundation with neutrals, you can swap out accent colors to keep the look fresh.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
Go slow with your choices, and try some on for size before you commit to too many products—whether it’s a stroller, carrier, or even diapers.

What’s one product you love right now?
Super adorable, made with healthy materials, and tons of fun to ride on, the giggle Lion Rocker is an entertaining toy and sweet décor piece all in one.

1033 Lexington Avenue, 212-249-4249; 352 Amsterdam Avenue, 212-362-8680; 120 Wooster Street, 212-334-5817; giggle.com

 

J & R Jr.
Interview with Executive VP Jason Friedman

What are your store’s core offerings?
Baby Gear: strollers and car seats along with feeding and an assortment of baby accessories. Also, a toy department focusing on newborn through 8 years old.

How long have you been in business?
One year! Our big 1st Birthday Party celebration is scheduled for March 7-10.

Notice any interesting trends lately in nursery furnishings or accessories?
I’d say the purchase of multiple strollers for different uses: this one for walking around the city, this one for when I know I will be getting in and out of cabs, etc.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
Do your research. Recommendations from friends are nice, but just because they like something does not mean it will work for you.

What’s one nursery product you love right now?
Some products we love right now include the City Mini stroller by Baby Jogger, the Leaf swing by Nuna, the 7AM Enfant foot muffs, and, always the staple of our store, the Britax convertible car seats.

23 Park Row, 212-238-9000; jr.com

Amanda Cole, Yummy Mummy (Photo by Classic Kids Photography)

 

NessaLee Baby
Interview with owner Vanessa Antonelli

What are your store’s core offerings?
We feature luxury strollers, gear, layette, clothing, modern furniture, and custom nursery design services.

How long has the store been in business?
Our Freehold, NJ store opened almost 3 years ago, and our second location in Livingston, NJ is opening this spring.

Notice any interesting trends in the nursery?
Focal walls are all the rage. Wallpaper, stencils, and decals are still popular, but parents-to-be are getting even more creative with the materials. I’ve seen everything from brick to driftwood and even a vintage barn door.

Please share one piece of great advice for parents shopping for a nursery.
I always suggest that you find photos of other nurseries that inspire you, print them out, and bring them along when you shop. Pinterest is a great resource.

What’s one nursery product that you just love right now?
I love Spi Baby’s Beckett Dresser! It has a unique Hollywood Regency feel, is available in beautiful candy colors, and would be a show piece in any room.

Freehold (346 Mounts Corner Drive, 732-431-0008); Livingston (coming soon, 973-200-2422)

 

Upper Breast Side
Interview with owner Felina Rakowski-Gallagher

What are your store’s core offerings?
We’re a full service lactation resource center. We rent hospital-grade and personal use breast pumps. We fit women for supportive nursing bras and beautiful, accessible nursing clothing. And we’re experts at troubleshooting nursing challenges.

How long has the store been in business?
Since 1999.

Please share one piece of breastfeeding advice.
If you are having trouble, run, don’t walk, to the phone and call a board-certified lactation consultant. (They can be found at nylca.org.) Then you can immediately begin protecting your milk supply until you and the baby regain momentum.

What’s one product you love right now?
We have a nursing tank top right now from Australia that our moms can’t live without! The brand is Ripe.

135 West 70th Street, Suite 1L; 212-873-2653; upperbreastside.com

 

Yummy Mummy
Interview with owner Amanda Cole

What are your store’s core offerings?
All of our offerings are geared towards making breastfeeding easier and more comfortable—and we sell tons of nursing bras, nursing tops, and breast pumps.

How long has the store been in business?
We opened in May of 2009.

Notice any interesting trends in maternity clothes?
Just a few years ago, clothing was designed either for an expectant mom or a mom who was breastfeeding. Today, tops and dresses are made to be worn both during pregnancy and after pregnancy for breastfeeding. We are also seeing a lot more organic fabrics.

Please share one piece of breastfeeding advice.
It’s really important to be your own advocate. If you’re determined to breastfeed, educate yourself with a prenatal class. Speak up in the hospital to ensure you’re seen by the lactation consultant. Tell your partner to protect you from anyone who isn’t in support of your breastfeeding goals.

What’s one product you love right now?
The pregnancy label, NOM, recently launched a nursing line. It is flying off our shelves.

1201 Lexington Avenue, 212-879-8669; yummymummystore.com

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Dedimus Potestatem

<p>Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today!</p> <p>Sessions</p> <p>We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow </a>or email us at <a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a></p> <p>This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a></p> <p>Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech & Debate</a> (competitive and non-competitive programs available)</p> <p>This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a></p> <p>Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a></p> <p>Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently.</p> <p>Mock Trial (<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>)</p> <p>Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students’ civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a></p> <p>The focus of the Philosophy class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular philosophies embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these philosophies and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to <a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a></p> <p>The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics: (Ages 10-18)</a></p> <p>Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette (Ages 5 and up)</a></p> <p>Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a></p> <p>This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a></p> <p>Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world.</p> <p>College application course </p> <p>Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention.</p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a> </p> <p>These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs. </p> <p><a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a></p> <p>These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed.</p> <p>Computer Programming: Coding for Kids</p> <p>In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Collina Italiana, The Italian Language and Cultural Center

<p>Learn Italian the fun way. Children practice and absorb the language through arts & crafts, activities, games, songs and stories!</p>

Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp

<p>Buck’s Rock Camp is a freedom-of-choice creative and performing arts camp for teenagers ages 10 to 17. Every summer at Buck’s Rock is completely different. The campers who join us each year make the summer their own adventure, and the camp constantly evolves and changes to meet the needs of that year’s campers. So to answer the question “What is Buck’s Rock?” is simple: it is a safe space where young people can grow into whatever they want and need to be. </p> <p>The day at Buck’s Rock starts at 7:30am and ends at 10:15pm. What happens in between is as varied as our campers and as friendly as our beautiful campus. Every day at Buck’s Rock is different. What doesn’t change: our stunning pastoral setting, committed, professional counselors, and a camper-to-counselor ratio of 2:1.  </p> <p> </p> <p>Every day at Buck’s Rock is a new opportunity for self-discovery and creative expression. From the professionally-equipped studios and exciting performance spaces, to the state-of-the-art recording facilities and pool, campers are free to try anything and everything! Over 30 world-class programs await our artists every day, including everything from glassblowing to dance to painting to sketch comedy to radio to weaving to gardening and so much more!</p> <p> </p> <p>Many generations of Buck’s Rockers, including campers, their parents, and decades of dedicated staff make up our unique community. Just one summer at Buck’s Rock will make you a life-long member of our big, creative family. We can’t wait for you to join us!</p> <p> </p> <p>Tiered Tuition System based on gross annual income and household size; $0-$12,000</p> <p> </p> <p>Age: 10-17 years old</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>