apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've got a Stokke crib, and need a comforter for my toddler. Dwell makes great ones, but only sell them as part of a $300 package of items I do not need. Anybody know a good source for a little duvet? An oval one for the Stokke would be great, but I'm sure I could make a rectangular one work, too. The plain ones at BuyBuyBaby looked bad and felt worse.

When my daughter was old enough, I bought a toddler duvet and covers at Pottery Barn. They have some fun ones, and nice plain ones.

Or Stokke makes the sleepi cover, which fits:
http://www.galttoysgaltbaby.com/constructor/cart/productdetail.jsp?ProductUniqueIdentifier=F7DA509A-396D-4522-983D-DB3F6F34C473&iwebsiteID=16660


Other places make crib bedding for the Stokke, and I think a couple sell the pieces individually (personally, I think it is a racket to sell things as a set...).

Here's an example:
http://babydreamworld.com/pro795562.html

Thanks, Monika--Last time I did a search for the Stokki bedding, I missed the covers. I will check Pottery Barn, too.

I am adopting an infant via international adoption. Its a very exciting and long process as anyone who has gone through it can attest - for me, it can't happen fast enough :) In the meantime, as a single New Yorker currently living in a lovely studio apartment, I am starting to think about the future living situation for me and the little one. I know that Maxwell, SK and Ursula are very happy in their studio, but I live in a rental (no construction allowed), and i'm on the 3rd floor in a walk up building. Do I need to move right away? I can deal with the space issue, but is it realistic/crazy to think a single person can handle a baby in a 3rd floor walk up, with all the stuff I know i'll be lugging around?

If anyone has any advice, i'd love to hear it. thanks!

Eames Rocker giveaway contest at DesignSponge!

http://daddytypes.com/2007/10/16/where_would_you_put_a_free_eames_rocker_contest_at_designsponge.php

Hi Steph - Congratulations on your international adoption! There is a lot of stuff that you need to cart around with an infant and going up and down stairs can be tricky and a little scary with your arms full - but, with some trial and error, you'll be able to streamline your diaper bag and your baby gear to make it a bit easier on yourself. Maybe you can see how it goes the first couple of months and then look to make a change. Or, if you don't think it would freak your neighbors out, you could practice with a baby doll, stroller and diaper bag and see how you feel (ok. maybe that would be a little odd!) Also, there are several international adoption chat rooms that are great for support and advice. Wishing you all the best during this exciting time!

Steph,
Congratulations - Why not use a backpack as a diaper bag - that will help keep your hands free. And depending on how old the baby will be when he/she arrives get a front or hip carrier for the baby. Invest in the best umbrella stroller you can afford - Maclaren's are great for the city, fold compactly, and aren't too heavy to lug up and down the stairs. Also, I really recommend the Skiphop portable,folding changing pad - all the supplies fit in great and it locks shut so nothing falls out and it can clip to your bag or stroller.

Steph309, congrats. I would say that a good babycarrier is your best bet--I would minimize stroller use as much as possible, especially with a walk-up. In NYC, try MetroMinis at 75th & Park--they have a HUGE selection of carriers and expert help. Good luck!

thanks everyone, i appreciate the advice!

Hey Steph,
Do you have any friends near by with babies? Maybe you can invite them over to "test drive" your stairs. Great suggestions above, though!

Congratulations!
Melissa

Very cool Steph -I love hearing that you're adopting. For the 1st few months you'll be fine and it is actually nice to live in cozy digs when they are little (really helps tons with bonding). Def. get a baby carrier. I used a bjorn and then moved into an ergo which you're able to have in many positions (back, front, side). If you are tight on space my suggestions is that you use a pack and play for a changing table and crib. They are very convenient and travel friendly (and it beats having to take a proper crib up those stairs).
Good luck!

Hi Melissa,
I do have several friends with babies, they all live in elevator buildings. One friend has nine month old twins - she thinks i'm a little crazy! I think, at least for the first 6 months or so I can do it, at least i'm trying to convince myself of this. I guess I was hoping for some reassurance that there are folks out there who are doing it too.

ps - thanks for the tip about Skiphop, phillymama - they have great stuff!

Guess my advice would go against the flow.

First off, my cousin lived in a studio apartment for years with her son; not ideal, but do-able. However, if you do want to move, I would try and get everything organized before the baby arrives, because it will be much, much harder moving afterwards, especially as a single mama.

Secondly, although I have not personally lived in a walk-up, we stay in them regularly (when we travel in Europe, we rent apartments instead of going to hotels). The last thing I would do is rely on a baby carrier -- lugging the baby around everwhere, as well as the groceries, down streets and up stairs? My back would give out in short order. My advice is to get a stroller that goes up and down stairs easily. NOT a folding stroller like a MacLaren -- we have one of those, and you have to fold it, and carry it, your child and everything else in order to go up and down stairs. WE have a (gasp!) Bugaboo that I can easily walk up and down stairs with a baby and groceries in it. (the big wheels are the key).

Congratulations and good luck!

I just want to chime in and add my congrats to Steph! How exciting and I wish you all the best. Whatever you work out, good luck!

thanks charlita, and everybody! i'm really excited to meet him or her and I can't wait to utilize all the information i've picked up from this site.

i'll keep you posted!

Yep, I carry the baby, groceries, and everything else. I can also hop on and off buses and the subway at will, so that's a bonus for me. It really is tremendously easier for some than dealing with a stroller. A Bugaboo wouldn't fit up my narrow, steep staircase easily, so that's something else to consider. Just take all the factors into account.

lb, have you actually *tried* a Bugaboo on your stairs? You might be surprised, as they are very narrow (and not that long, either) and turn on a dime. Here in Europe, staircases, sidewalks and passages are VERY narrow, and our stroller goes everywhere withouth problem (well, they were designed for the conditions here).

I slipped and fell once while babycarrying, and so besides the discomfort of it, I am reluctant for that reason too.

no, i haven't tried a bugaboo on *my* stairs, but i have tried my friend's on similar stairs, and i hated it. it felt so unwieldy to me. she has actually used her bugaboo less than 10 times (her child is 10 months old) and prefers to babywear, too. to each her own! my day-to-day activities also involve using public transportation frequently, and bugaboos are impractical for that in nyc. you are not allowed to take an open stroller on a bus, and the subways involve so many stairs, and the turnstyles. i also find babywearing a lot easier for shopping (esp small stores) eating out etc etc. and i like having my baby right on me--i'm addicted that feeling now. i just plain don't like using a stroller, except under unusual circumstances... like when i bought several cast-iron pans a few weeks ago. those pans needed a ride home.
have you tried out all the babywearing options that are available and gotten experienced help? :) it should not generally cause discomfort.