Furnishing For Family

[Special Editors Note]

We are giving away The Ultimate Nursery for expectant and new parents (it’s complete with everything you need to build a beautiful space for your new bundle of joy from a crib to car seat, it even includes babysitting services!) For all the details, sign up here.

Filling a child’s room with furniture and accessories is as much about smarts
as it is about style. To help new families navigate the market and decide
what’s right for them, we’ve asked some of the best local retailers for their
tips and advice on buying beautiful, long-lasting and even eco-friendly
furnishings.

ALBEE BABY

What are the store’s
core offerings?

[We run] the gamut of children’s products from car seats and
strollers to cribs and nursery furniture, custom and designer bedding and décor,
diaper bags, toys, bottles and feeding [items]. We have also expanded our
layette and clothing offerings.

Notice any interesting
trends lately in nursery furnishings or accessories?

[A] contemporary to modern look is still strong but we are seeing the trend
turn to more of a traditional or transitional look.

How long has Albee
Baby been in business?

2013 will be our 80th year, owned and operated by our
founder’s children and grandsons.

Any advice for
parents shopping for a nursery or big kids room?

Know your space and lifestyle. Big kids rooms need your
child’s input—and should be flexible enough for growth in the child’s size and
personality.

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

BABIES “R” US

What are the store’s
core offerings?

An unparalleled assortment of apparel, gear and furniture
for little ones, and our best-in-class [online] registry. Plus, our “R” Market
is very popular with parents who live or work in the area and need to make
quick trips for food, formula, diapers, wipes—even paper towels.

Notice any
interesting trends lately in nursery furnishings or accessories?

Convertible cribs, some of which even come with a conversion
kit that allow for a transition to a full-size bed.

Any new developments on the big kids front?

Actually, the store recently expanded its apparel,
accessories, footwear and furniture offerings to cater to big kids as well.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

The Twilight Turtle by Cloud B is the first plush
constellation nightlight, transforming any room into a starry night.

24-30
Union Square East, 212-798-9905, babiesrus.com

BEHR’S SUPERSTORE

What are the store’s core offerings?

Behr’s
has the largest display of fine baby and kids furniture and accessories in the
Tri-Sate area (over 30,000 square feet). Plus, all warehousing, deliveries and service
is handled in-house.

Notice any interesting trends lately in nursery
or kids furnishings?

Parents
are much more knowledgeable and interested in matters of safety and health.

How long has the store been in business?

106
years! We’re now the fifth generation.

Any advice for parents shopping for a baby
or kids room?

Don’t
even think about a used crib as it’s unlikely to meet the current safety
standards.

Please tip us off to
a home product you just love.

We’re
big fans of the new Echelon line of furniture (above) by industry leader Muniré Furniture.
This nursery furniture is made entirely in the U.S.,
using native hardwoods and veneers, and the designs are among the best you’ll
find anywhere.

1220 Hicksville Road, Seaford, NY, 516-541-2347, behrsfurniture.com

BROOKLYN BABY WORLD

What are the store’s
core offerings, and what’s your most popular product category?

We sell high-quality furniture and strollers. Our customers
are mainly from the five boroughs as well as Long Island
and New Jersey. We offer furniture
delivery and assembly, as well as stroller assembly.

Notice any
interesting trends lately?

Most parents are now purchasing convertible cribs.

Any advice for
parents?

If you go with a convertible crib, purchase your conversion
kit when you buy the crib.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

Most babies chew on the wood of the crib when they are
teething. Trend Lab makes a product called a crib wrap, a washable fabric that
protects the wood and also protects the child.

7302 15th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 718-331-9498, brooklynbabyworld.com

BUYBUY BABY

What are the store’s
core offerings?

We offer a full assortment of merchandise for children from
birth to four years of age, including strollers, car seats, bouncers,
bassinets, cribs, clothing, bottles, breast pumps, monitors and various
personal care items.

Any advice for
parents shopping for a nursery or big kids room?

Plan ahead. Think about what you’ll use beyond when the
child is a baby. Find something that fits your space and your design aesthetic.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

The Stokke Sleepi™
Walnut Crib System fits well within New York City
spaces and grows with the baby. It offers a classic, elegant oval design
void of hard edges, and goes from a bassinet to a crib in one simple step.

270 Seventh Avenue, 917-344-1555, buybuybaby.com

GIGGLE

What are the store’s
core offerings?

Nursery and gear, which includes cribs, car seats, strollers,
high chairs, bedding, layette and more—along with giggle’s own line of baby products, giggle Better
Basics and giggle’s Best Baby
Registry.

Notice any
interesting trends in nursery furnishings or accessories?

1. Lucite: Cribs with transparency.

2. iPhone-design inspired gadgets.

3. Bassinets meet cradles meet bouncers meet
loungers—the new hybrid.

4. Techno-parenting epitomized by the Momaroo & now the
Origami.

5. Navy, navy, navy.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

Hands down the giggle Better Basics Harper Crib. It’s
everything we think baby furniture should be, from the quality construction
with solid birch wood to the clean, classic lines that fit every décor and
every budget!

Three Manhattan
locations in Soho, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, 800-495-8577, giggle.com

KID’S SUPPLY

What are the store’s
core offerings?

We make great furniture at a great price—no MDF (medium
density fiberboard), no particle board—just sophisticated, green, modern kid
furniture. Our forte is the ability to customize and modify our furniture.

Notice any
interesting trends lately in kids furnishings or accessories?

Silver, everything silver is selling.

Any advice for parents
shopping for a nursery? For a kids room?

Don’t pay a lot for the crib. It goes away [after] age 2 . One
should invest in a great dresser/changing table—that endures. Regarding a kids
room, some people think a bed has to match their nursery furniture. I tell our
clients: Go forward, don’t go back.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

We love the fuzzy blankets and duvets, available in zillions
of colors. The product name is Minky.

1343
Madison Avenue, 212-426-1200, kidssupply.com

NESSALEE BABY

What are the store’s
core offerings?

We feature luxury
strollers, modern furniture, gear, layette and clothing. Plus, nessaleebaby.com
is the only place you can search for baby gear used by celebrity parents.

Notice any
interesting trends lately?

Acrylic is big in
nurseries right now—so is grey. There are many great shades of grey and it complements
so many colors to help make a fun but serene environment.

Any advice for parents shopping for a
nursery?

Pick one thing to
start with. It could be a color, the crib, a piece of artwork—having something to guide you will be a lot easier
than throwing a bunch of things together and hoping they mesh.

Please tell us about a home product you
just love.
I am loving Franklin & Ben. It’s a
new furniture line and the pieces are beautiful.

346 Mounts Corner Drive, Freehold,
NJ, 732-431-0008, nessaleebaby.com

PLANET KIDS

What are the store’s core offerings?

Anything you need from zero to four-years-old. We carry toys, baby furniture,
strollers, car seats, clothing, feeding, etc.

Notice any interesting trends lately in baby furnishings?

A contemporary look is in [as are] gliders.

Any advice for
parents shopping for a nursery?

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to get good quality
furniture.

Please tell us about a home product you just love.

Young America furniture is changing the construction of
their drawers. Starting mid-spring, they will now have gliding hardware.

Two Manhattan locations on the Upper East Side (212-426-2040) and Upper West Side (212-362-3931), planetkidsny.com

POSH BABY & TEEN

What are the store’s
core offerings?

We sell only the safest-rated baby and teen furniture from
Consumer Reports and the Baby Bargains
book. We also provide a white glove delivery service which includes
crib/bed assembly and room setup.

Notice any trends
lately?

The ‘60s and ‘80s are coming back in color! The hottest
new hue for bedding and accents? Bright orange! It’s a great gender-neutral
color for the nursery. Also, children’s gear is all about four themes: vintage
florals, outdoor adventure and spooky and fantastic surrealism.

Any advice for
parents shopping for a nursery or big kids room?

New parents should make the crib their first nursery
purchase, because it will affect how you approach your other purchases.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

Young America’s The Bunkable Bed.

2935
Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY,
718-227-7506,
poshbabyusa.com

POTTERY BARN KIDS

What are the store’s
core offerings?

Pottery Barn Kids offers exclusive designs that create
kid-friendly, stylish and innovative spaces for the nursery, bedroom and
playroom. Product categories include baby and kids furniture, bedding, bathroom
accessories, window treatments, nursery essentials, lighting and gear. We also
offer complimentary design services either in store or at the customer’s house.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

One of our classic, iconic pieces that is great for a
nursery, kids room or playroom is the Anywhere Chair. We offer a few different
sizes perfect for babies, toddlers and kids. There are a variety of colors and
patterns to choose from and they can be personalized which also makes them an
ideal gift.

1311
Second Avenue, 212-879-4746, potterybarnkids.com

RESOURCE FURNITURE

What are the store’s
core offerings and what is your most popular product category?

We provide
eco-friendly living solutions to any challenge, in any room, for any age—from toddler
to grandparent. For families, for example, one of our most popular items is our
bunk-bed system, which is only 12” deep when closed, and less than 40” deep
when open.

Notice any
interesting trends lately?

Parents are more
frequently seeking eco-friendly solutions, whether that means reducing your
carbon footprint in the materials you use, or by the sheer size of the physical
whole space you live in.

Any advice for
parents shopping for a nursery or kids room?

Over time you will
save money and aggravation by purchasing quality, high-end pieces that will
grow with your child.

Please tell us about
a home product you just love.

Our Cleopatra Revolving Book Stands in powder-coated steel.
Available with shelves or bins. [They have] a marble base so they are
exceptionally stable.

969 Third Avenue, 4th floor, 212-753-2039, resourcefurniture.com

Ivy Camps USA

Ivy Camps USA is a premium online provider of engaging after-school classes, holiday camps, summer camps, and personalized tutoring. Their instructors come from the&nbsp;top 10 US universities and love to inspire and mentor emerging minds. Extracurricular classes, holiday camps, and summer camps are offered in STEM, Business Leadership, and Arts, Media &amp; Communication for ages 6-14. Tutoring programs focus on supporting students academically, developing a mentoring relationship, and rekindling a love of learning. Ivy Camps USA is known for exceptional programming that kids love and parents trust.

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!

Dedimus Potestatem

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! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) 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.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> 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. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> 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&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;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&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> 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. College application course&nbsp; 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. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; 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.&nbsp; <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> 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. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids 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.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;