FabSugar

Simply Fab: The Gigi Blanki Co.

FabSugar — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 17:00:22 PDT

I say, if you want to raise a fashionista you gotta get 'em young. As we all know, fashion is a pretty cut throat biz and you have to have an extensive skill set to survive. One can teach the art of customization and fine fabrics as early as the newborn stage - contrary to popular belief. Here is a teaching tool: a plush, posh blankie from The Gigi Blanki Co.. Choose from an array of styles - a blanki, burpi, or toothi - and a selection of fabrics and colors; they cost $8-$25. Each one is handmade; one side is soft and fuzzy, the other is silky and comforting. And to prove my point: these have been tested and approved by fashionista-in-the-making katiesugar.

9 Baby Beach Bag Essentials For a Successful Day in the Sand

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 23 May 2012 09:32:59 PDT

Remember when deciding to head to the beach for the day required little more than a blanket, some sunscreen, and some good music? Once there's a baby in the mix, an afternoon at the shore is still an option, it just requires a bit more planning! Before nixing the idea altogether, check out our nine baby beach bag essentials - blankets, towels, and umbrellas are still part of the plan, but here are a few other things that will make your experience one worth repeating throughout the Summer!

Get the Gifts You Really Want! 5 Unique Baby Registry Options

Lisa Horten — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:47:51 PDT

For some moms-to-be (myself included), there's something just slightly uncomfortable about specifying a "wish list" for friends and family to gift you and your new baby with. People expect it though, and if you're having a shower, it's almost necessary to create a registry to ensure that you don't end up with a stack of identical baby blankets, or frilly, feminine nursery decor for what you were envisioning as an ultra-modern baby room.

The trick is to look at creating a registry as doing your loved ones a favor. They're not required to abide by it, but if they want to give you something special, and need some guidance, it's there. Alternative registries have become increasingly popular over the past few years, and the best thing about them is that they offer a wider breadth of options than heading to a single store. Here, five unexpected registry spots that we think are worth a click through.

Source: Sara Westbrook Photography

5 Ways to Celebrate Baby’s Hometown

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:36:34 PDT

Be proud of your roots! Mom and dad picked their home for a reason. Now celebrate it! Today's talented designers are customizing blankets, clothes, and more to show off your tot's hometown. Perfect for baby gifts and and birthday presents, the kid-friendly designs will have lil ones learning their way around a map long before they ever have a driver's license! Check them out!

Jennifer Garner Steps Out With Baby Samuel!

Lauren Turner — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:40:10 PDT

Jennifer Garner was spotted out in LA with baby Samuel today. She carried the 2-month-old in his car seat while running errands around Brentwood. Jennifer had a busy weekend with her family that included a stop at ballet class with Violet and Seraphina and a fun beach day with all three Garner-Affleck kids. Jennifer and Ben hung out in the sand in Santa Barbara with Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel. The girls splashed around in the ocean during the outing while Samuel stayed covered up in a blanket. Jennifer is coming off an appearance at last week's CinemaCon in Las Vegas, where she promoted The Odd Life of Timothy Green and joked about her "weird job."

Long Live the Pink and Blue Striped Hospital Blanket

Rebecca M Gruber — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:16:26 PDT

What's with the standard-issue pink and blue striped baby blankets? Throughout much of the country, the large, white flannelized blankets featuring bright pink and blue stripes are the first thing a newborn is wrapped in. They're not the softest, most luxurious, or even organic, but whether babies are born in hospitals in New York, San Francisco, or cities in between, I've seen hundreds of photos of just-born babies all tightly swaddled in the ubiquitous wraps. They've even won a cult following among moms hard-pressed to find another large, soft, and lightweight blanket that conforms to a swaddle so easily.

Now baby's first blanket will be immortalized by none other than NPR. The network has launched a campaign seeking out photos of newborns wrapped in the pink and blue striped blankies, asking listeners to share their own photographs on its site for a salute to the requisite wrap.

Do you have one of these blankets in your stash?

Source: Flickr User juhansonin

Bebe au Lait’s Four-Sided Quibs: Kid-Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Kate Stahl — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:35:00 PDT

We're all for convenience products, but is a four-in-one bib really necessary? Yes, says Bébé au Lait! The brand (which also makes Hooter Hiders) just launched Lille by Bébé au Lait, a line of hooded towels, blankets, and the very cleverly named Quibs. Touted as the "world’s first quadruple bib," a Quib ($14 each) is a reversible bib offering four sides. Two are made of terry cloth, while the other two feature Lille's signature cityscape (shown above), swirls, or fishies prints. Oversize for maximum coverage, Quibs have two double-sided magnets, making them easy to put on and take off, but the real draw is those four sides, which means you won't have to wash the bib after every meal. So what do you think? Is this a genius invention or just another cute, but unnecessary baby product? Weigh in below!

10 Cozy Organic Baby Blanket Options

Heather Dale — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:02:29 PDT

My first go-to gift for any new mother is always a plush, organic, baby blanket. Regardless of how many blankets she's already been gifted, another baby blanket can never go amiss. When a blanket is organic, the cotton used to make it is free from pesticides, so it is nontoxic and safe for your little one. What's great about all of these luxurious blankets is that they can be used to swaddle your baby, to keep your him warm in his crib, and to cover your lil one while running errands. Here are a few of my favorite organic blankets!

Source: Thinkstock

5 Eco-Friendly Teething Blankets to Try

Anna Monette Roberts — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:17:19 PDT

As early as 3 months old, babies can start teething. The process can be very painful and frustrating for infants, which is why they have the need to gnaw on their fists, keys, and your fingers. Keep baby from chewing on something potentially harmful and toxic and carry one of these comforting, eco-friendly teething blankets instead. Click through to see five we have our eye on.

Your Diaper Bag Must Haves

LilSugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 07:46:50 PDT

You've got the baby, the stroller, now you need the goods for your diaper bag. What to stash may seem like a daunting task, so we've streamlined the process for you. The below necessities are all you really need, and it's a good idea not to overstuff your bag to the point of it becoming a backbreaker (remember, you've also got a little person to tote around). As for the extras, pick and choose what's important for you.

The Necessities

Diapers: Follow the rule of always bringing a few more than you think you'll need.
Wipes: Stock up on travel-sized packages so that you'll always have some ready to go.
Diaper Cream: Save any sample-size tubes that you get from the pediatrician or baby store, and keep them in your bag.
Changing Pad: Most diaper bags come with them, so only purchase an extra if it's necessary.
Change of Clothes: You never know when a diaper's going to explode or spit-up's going to become a mess.
Sealable Plastic Bags: These become trash bags in a pinch.
Bottle, Formula, or Snacks: Pack accordingly, depending on the length (or potential length) of your outing.

The Extras

Bottled Water: For you to drink, to use with powdered formula, or to rinse off any other surprises that may come your way.
First Aid Kit: It can never hurt to be prepared . . .
Toys and Other Distractions: You know your baby best! If there's a go-to stuffed animal or "lovey" that he or she can't live without, bump this up to the "necessities" category.
Sling or Wrap: If your baby prefers to be carried, this may save tears when you arrive at your destination.
Blanket: To serve as a shade, nursing cover, changing pad, or burp cloth in a pinch.
Hand Sanitizer: If you're looking to streamline, wipes can do double-duty here. Otherwise, a little bottle doesn't take up much room.

Diaper Bag Pictured Above: StorkSak Isabella Nylon in Black ($235)