Travel Lite™ Crib, in Ally Fashion
This ultra-lightweight crib (it weighs less than 20 lbs.) is perfect for traveling with your little one. Even though it’s light, it’s not light on features: it features a removable, full bassinet with quilted sides and a canopy with soft toys. It’s 20% smaller than regular playards, so it fits easily in your bedroom or even in compact spaces when you’re away from home. Of course, it has the signature Graco push button fold and a handy carry bag, so it’s always perfect for traveling. The cute Ally fashion is pink all over—from the pretty, feminine bed skirt and the multi-colored dots in, you guessed it, pink.

Comfy Cove™ DLX Swing, in Faith Fashion
Baby can’t help but be soothed and amused in this versatile swing. The Comfy Cove DLX is a comfy infant swing with a deep, cozy seat to cradle your little one. With six swing speeds, a three-position reclining seat and 15 songs and sounds, this swing makes it easy for you to find the soothing combination that’s best for your little princess. And, in the pretty Faith fashion—shades of pink and magenta blooms, coupled with earthy chocolate brown accents—she’ll always be swinging in style.

FastAction™ Fold Travel System, in Jacqueline Fashion
This stroller + infant car seat combo is a joy to use, featuring the signature one-second, single step fold on the stroller. The SnugRide is America’s best-selling infant car seat—and it’s top-rated by consumer magazines, so you know it’s great—and it fits “snugly” (pun intended!) into the stroller. Perhaps best of all, you can use this set right out of the box, with no assembly required. The FastAction fold is really a lifesaver for busy moms: since it only requires one hand, your other hand is always free for holding or comforting your baby. Your little princess can always ride in the height of baby fashion with the Jacqueline fashion. The pretty pink paisleys are the peak of chic!

Where are YOU seeing pink this month?

Flare is a pattern for anyone who appreciates sleek design coupled with plush comfort. Classic, chic black and grey fabrics are accented with spirited gold piping and subtle concentric circles of the same colors. The Flare collection is perfect for any mom or dad who appreciates fashion and functionality.

Best of all, the Flare Collection includes some of our most popular gear for baby, so you can rest assured that all of your picks will match! Here’s the complete collection—click on each item name below to learn about their great features.

Stylus ™ DLX Travel System

DuoDiner™ LX Highchair

SnugRide®30 Infant Car Seat

Duo 2-in-1 Swing & Bouncer

Ready2Grow™ LX Stand & Ride Stroller

Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Newborn Napper® Station

How do you add a little “flare” at home? How do you love keeping your little one fashionable?

Astoria™ helps keep your little one soothed and amused with its neutral tile print and pops of minty green. We know your confidence as a new parent will grow when you know your newborn is comfy and relaxed in our latest Pack ‘n Play® Playard. This playard features the Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat which is the perfect snuggly nest for your little one. The rocker’s gentle vibration and carrying handles that allow you to move your little one from room to room.

Astoria™ is featured on: Sweetpeace™ infant soothing swing, Blossom™ 4-in-1 Seating System, and Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat

Sable™ is perfect for your tiny fashionista and the first girl exclusive for Buy Buy Baby. This fashion is a modern yet sophisticated pattern with a punch of sangria floral against a black & grey base. We think you’ll especially love this sassy color combination on the UrbanLite™ stroller and matching top-rated Graco SnugRide™ 35. Lightweight travel never looked so good while helping keep your baby safe and secure!

Sable™ is featured on: Comfy Cove™ DLX Swing, Pack ‘n Play® Playard with Newborn Napper® Station, SnugRide® 35 Infant Car Seat, and UrbanLite™ Stroller.

Still looking for another fashion that is even more perfect for your wee one? Check out more Graco fashions and Buy Buy Baby featured products at GracoBaby.com.

Do you prefer a neutral or gender specific fashion gear when planning for baby?

Setting up a nursery for first time parents can get a little overwhelming. There are so many adorable fashions and fun styles available for baby gear these days, it’s hard to choose just one.

While narrowing your search for the perfect pattern, be sure to make a stop in Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory. They offer a wide selection of Graco fashions, but don’t think they stop at baby gear though. They also carry a huge variety of your favorite brands for all the other baby essentials like bottles, cribs and even maternity wear. And great news! Now through April 8th, you can also find some extra special deals too!

Check out these prices for the Forecaster™ fashion, a playful geometric paired with a neutral palette. This fashion is a pop of fun that both mom & baby will love.

The Olivia™ collection is featured alongside Forecaster™ in the mailer, and if you are in the market for a new travel system, it’s your lucky day! The Quattro Tour Sport Travel System in Boone™ is only $199.99! The sporty stroller has spring-suspended, all-terrain wheels with front swivel locks for enhanced maneuverability, and one-touch brakes for on-the-go ease.

So whether you are looking for that pretty girl fashion or something more neutral, Baby Depot at Burlington should be on your to go to list. And when you’re in the store, be sure to check out Baby Depot’s great registry program featuring a convenient checklist with everything you’ll need for your new arrival, along with adorable personal registry cards to distribute to your family and friends!

Ready to shop? Visit Baby Depot online or find a store near you.

Lots to choose from!

Here at Graco, I am on the fashion design team and as such, my mind is often full of  creative and unique ideas for our nursery.   We don’t have a theme, but we definitely want a colorful, fun space that feels both graphic and vintage at the same time.   Andrew and I decided not to find out the gender, so we are also sticking to a somewhat neutral color palette (which is fine because green is both of our favorite color!)  We are not planning on painting the room, we will bring in color through furniture and fabrics  (hoping it all works together in the end!) Using furniture and accessories we already own has helped to create a look that works with the overall look of our home. This doesn’t mean we didn’t bring in some newness, we had to (we didn’t already own a crib).

Along with furniture and decor, there is the problem of  where to put baby.  We are turning the room that used to be my art space / guest room into our special nursery, but we still need to be able to store and access all my art supplies, etc.   While the room is fairly large, finding a way to hide floor-to-ceiling shelving in order to make the room baby friendly was a challenge. Being creative and working through the challenges has been a lot of fun for Andrew and me.  The amount of time and love that has gone into this room is a gift not only for our new baby, but for each other.

Isn't it cozy?

Our little one is due in 4 weeks (eek!) and our nursery is not quite ready yet.  This weekend we hung curtains and shelving for books, but the furniture still needs tweaking and we have yet to buy bedding.  Here is a sneak peek of one corner of the room, but we are still deciding what to do with that little table – paint it, cover it or use something else?  And of course accessories have to be added (oh the decisions to be made).  Stay tuned in the next few weeks for the big reveal!

Do any of you have any advice for must haves in the nursery?  Things we should leave out?  How about your favorite Graco products to include in the space?  We would love any ideas you have on ways to finish our look!

The collection includes five unique products: Graco Alano™ FlipIt™ Reversible Handle Travel System, Graco DuoDiner™ 3-in-1 Highchair, Graco Nautilus™ 3-in-1 Car Seat, Graco Pack ‘N Play ® Silhouette™ Playard and Graco Duo™ 2-in-1 Swing & Bouncer.

Check out some of the features that make this collection a must-have for new parents:

Graco Alano™ FlipIt™ Reversible Handle Travel System:

- The Alano Flip It has a unique reversible handle feature so your baby can face you, or face the world

- This stroller grows with your child from infant to toddler and can be used up to 50 lbs.

Graco DuoDiner™ 3-in-1 Highchair

- The DuoDiner highchair grows with your child from infant to toddler and converts to a space-saving booster

Graco Nautilus™ 3-in-1 Car Seat

- The Nautilus helps keep your child secure in a 5-point harness, from 20-65 lbs and then converts to a belt-positioning booster from 30-100 lbs

- This car seat is designed to allow you to transition into either a Highback or Backless booster for a comfortable fit for your child up to 100 lbs

Graco Pack ‘N Play® Silhouette Playard

- This Playard is the perfect place for baby to nap and play

- The Silhouette Pack ‘N Play includes an infant bassinet, playard and posture-plus changing table for your comfort

Graco Duo™ 2-in-1 Swing & Bouncer

- The Duo 2-in-1 Swing and Bouncer includes both a swing and bouncer to soothe and amuse your baby

- This is a great option because it allows you to save money and space without having to buy two products

The entire Graco Sprout ‘N Grow collection is available in the adorable Sweetpea fashion.

Be sure to check it out at Target this week for a $10 savings on each item. Don’t miss your chance to get all of the essentials for your baby to grow with. Happy Shopping!

Here’s a preview of just a few of the great products you can look forward to for you and your little one this year — and stay tuned for even more new items as the year goes on!

Graco Smart Seat™ All-in-One Car Seat

The new Graco Smart Seat All-in-One Car Seat is the ultimate in car seat longevity. This convertible car seat fits your child from 5-100 lbs and features a convenient stay-in-car base so you only have to install the base one time!

Quattro Tour® Reverse Travel System featuring the new SnugRide® 30 Infant Car Seat

For face-to-face adventures, the Graco Quattro Tour Reverse Travel System features an innovative stroller with a reversible seat that provides superior maneuverability in both seating positions. This new travel system features a one hand fold, holds a child up to 50 lbs and also includes the top-rated SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat.

Pack ‘N Play® Playard with Cuddle Cove™ Rocking Seat

Graco’s Pack ‘n Play with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat features a removable vibrating rocking seat to create a soothing haven for your newborn.

Graco’s Signature Series™ 3-in-1 Modular Stroller

Graco’s new Signature Series -in-1 Modular Stroller has all the thoughtful details parents love about Graco with the touches that make Signature Series the best of the best.

New Graco Fashions

Graco has the world’s largest selection of fashions, ranging from basic solids and sweet animal prints to toiles, geometrics and modern florals—so many to choose from! So whatever your style, there is a set of coordinated Graco gear for you. Check out these new fashions making their debut in 2011!

What baby gear are you looking for this year?

First, I will start with the super excited (and probably nervous) mom-to-be. Before my first trip to the maternity ward, I gathered some pointers from friends, read up online and in magazines as to what to bring. You should also consider if it’s your 1st, 2nd or 3rd, etc. baby. From my experience, you spend a lot more time in labor with baby #1. Therefore, you will want some things to occupy your time while you are in labor. For this post however, it doesn’t matter which pregnancy it is for you. Here are my overall top picks:

Top picks for what to pack for Mom:

–“Trash” magazines: Great for the quick celebrity gossip in between contractions.

–DVDs: My TV was on the entire time I was in the hospital bed and my channel options were limited so it helps to bring some funny movies to take your mind off of things. Just make sure they have a DVD player!

–CDs or MP3 player: Some people create playlists to calm them down or actually rev them up when its time to push. I actually brought a CD player with a CD of classical music since I wanted to calm myself (and everyone else in the room) when its time to get the baby out. (Plus, I heard classical music makes your baby smarter, right???)

–Baby journal: My friend told me to bring the baby journal just in case you have family visiting. I had my in-laws and family fill in their family tree pages – it gave them something to do too while everyone is sitting around waiting.

–Room spray, warm, fuzzy slippers and a soft robe: In my mind, I wanted to create a spa-like ambiance (you are probably thinking, huh??). Anything to calm myself down. So, I brought lavender spray, my white slippers & white robe. My doctor actually came in and said, “It feels like a spa in here.” Mission accomplished.

–Shower shoes: Best advice–bring them!!

–Maternity clothes: Contrary to popular belief, you will not be leaving the hospital in your pre-preganancy clothes. Pack some comfy maternity clothes for your trip home (and for your stay in the hospital–after you give birth, you are going to want to get rid of those ugly hospital gowns).

Top picks for what to pack for Baby:

–Coming Home outfit (and a couple of outfits for the hospital): The hospitals do provide swaddle blankets & snap side shirts, but with the visitors that you will be getting, you may want to dress up that little one (well, at least I did). Bring some options for the hospital stay & for the going home outfit.

–Car Seat: You can’t leave the hospital without one, so make sure you have your infant car seat ready to go (and your car seat base safely installed in your car). Also make sure that you know how to use your car seat (remember, read your vehicle manual and your car seat instruction manual!). My pick, of course, is the Graco Snugride 35!

–Blanket: The hospital will give you a swaddle blanket to take with you, but you may want your own soft and cozy blanket to cover the baby after they are snugly harnessed into their car seat (and it looks good in your pictures!)

Top picks for what to pack for Dad:

–Shower shoes: Yes, he is going to want to shower too if he sleeps there every night with you (and of course, you want him too), so the same rule applies to him.

–Pillows: Dad is going to get his moments to snooze on the rock hard  sofa/bed so try to make his stay a little more comfortable with pillows from home.

–Vending machine money: There is going to be some late night runs to the vending machines once everything is closed, so make sure you bring change to re-energize yourself with some chips & Snickers.

–Camera & video camera: One of Dad’s most important roles in the delivery room is picture taking (and support of course!). Make sure you capture every moment of your baby’s firsts (but make sure you have your wife approve any pics before sending them out to family & friends).

I know this sounds like a lot to pack, but, you are going to be there for 2-5 days depending your delivery. These are some tips that I have picked up along the way and I hope they help you too. For all of the expectant mamas, best of luck for a safe and easy delivery!

For all of the moms, what is your top pick to pack in your hospital bag?

What are 5 must-have essentials for the closet during pregnancy?  

Liz Lange: Jeans, T-shirt, LBD (Little Black Dress), ballet flats, cardigan + bonus: stretchy leggings. If you work you also need a blazer and pencil skirt.

What colors should pregnant women stay away from?

Liz Lange: There is no color you need to stay away from… celebrate your pregnancy in fun colors!

What is a great way to wear jeans or leggings – be warm and stylish without looking like a buffalo?

Liz Lange: Keep jeans/leggings nice and fitted and pair with a flowy top – it’s all about the proportions!

Do you think a maternity swimsuit would be a good investment instead of just using my regular one?

Liz Lange: Bathing suits are stretchy, wear your regular one if it still fits – if not invest in one.

I have 5 weeks left in my pregnancy and not a ton of clothes that fit. Any suggestions on how to get by?

Liz Lange: Leggings and big sweaters. Leggings will fit on the way back down, too! Check out more tips at Shopafrolic.

Is it cool to keep wearing pregnancy jeans AFTER pregnancy?

Liz Lange: Absolutely! 9 months on & off – don’t feel the pressure to get out of your maternity clothes!
Are patterns more flattering than flat colors when dressing with a baby bump?

Liz Lange: Solids are always your safest bet, but patterns are cute if mixed in with solids.

How can i feel pretty and sexy when I’m carrying SO MUCH extra weight!? My face is like a pumpkin!

Liz Lange: Trust me there’s nothing more beautiful than a pregnant woman. Dress sexy and feel happy! 

What about bangles? Are thick bangles okay for thick wrists?

Liz Lange: Yes, wear 3 -4 for extra impact. Accessories are a great place to save money – wear the ones you own, they are not size specific.

Ohh, how i love ballet flats! But my feet have spread so they are too tight.

Liz Lange: If that’s the case, flip-flops or Uggs are always good.

Missed the party? What other maternity fashion questions do you have? Ask us here!
 

Thank you to all of our amazing followers who submitted great questions:

@awelbaum, @cestallion, @mom4everandever, @themommydiaries, @uberabby2, @iheartanya, @jillcordes, @kateypie35, @iheartanya, @BeeBubbaBella

If you love neutrals, the outdoors and adorable scenery you are going to love the new Nobel Fashion out this month exclusively at Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory.

Nobel combines a mix of lovable forest animals, leaves and fruits with colorful stripes and solids. The combination works nicely in the home thanks to the nature-inspired colors of green, brown, tans and soft corals.

The Nobel Fashion, which is only being offered at Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory, is available on some of Graco’s most popular products, like the new Graco SnugRide® 30 Infant Car Seat – a light-weight car seat that holds a baby from 4-30 lbs.

And there’s the extremely popular Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard® with Newborn Napper® that cuddles your newborn up to 15 lbs, then grows with your child to transition to a bassinet and then a playard as your child gets older.

The Nobel Fashion pattern is also featured on these Graco products sold at Baby Depot:

• Graco Swing ‘N Bounce™ 2-in-1 Infant Swing: $129.99
• Graco Vie 4™ Stroller: $99.99
• Graco Pack ‘N Play Playard® with Newborn Napper®: $149.99
• Graco SnugRide® 30 Infant Car Seat: $119.99
• Graco SimpleSwitch™ Highchair: $89.99 (Coming Soon!)

Wherever your baby needs to play, rest or explore, the Noble Fashion creates that perfect nurturing environment.

Check out the Nobel Fashion at any Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory or online at www.babydepot.com.