UrbanBaby Buzz

You’ve put the kibosh on non-essential purchases, but when none of your old clothes fit it’s time to whip out the Amex.

At least you can minimize the damage with the wear-them-everywhere maternity basics from Ingrid & Isabel. The clothing line from the makers of the BellaBand just launched their Essentials Collection, which includes a layering cami, tank, leggings and black pant (which you can wear three ways) made of a special soft knit that stretches with you. Available in black and white, these separates will transition through seasons, sizes and any future wardrobe malfunctions.

That’s a good bottom line.

Available at bellydancematernity.com.

Yes, $95 is a lot to spend on a kids’ toy, even if it is one of the most sweetly vintage dolls we’ve ever seen. A C-note does seem like a lot to drop on a dolly that will no doubt be chewed on, dropped in the gutter, and splashed with grape jelly–and that’s just in the first week. But once you pick up one of Jess Brown’s delicious handcrafted dolls, you’ll be hooked. Long-limbed and waifish, they resemble swooning Victorian maidens or Edward Gorey heroines.

Brown, a Petaluma, California designer and shop owner, began making dolls for her own little girl almost a decade ago out of old cashmere sweaters. That interest soon blossomed into a business, with most of the doll materials sourced from flea markets and thrift stores as Brown likes using retro clothing and trims in her work. She also uses cotton muslin, dyed in black tea to create variations in skin tones, to fashion their spindly, lovable bodies, and hand-stitches each doll’s almond eyes and pouty lips.

Available at shoptwig.com.  

There are only but so many shadow bunnies one can make. Your hands are tired of finger puppets, and the baby is no longer impressed by your Donald Duck impersonation.

Take a load off: The BoBo Glove has colorful noisemakers, pull-toys, shapes and rings that turn your digits into well-designed toys. Little ones will love the beeps and squeaks, and you’ll finally get a break from “This Little Piggy.” With an accompanying board book, this all-in-one makes for enough entertainment to replace the 37 toys currently floating around the bottom of your diaper bag.

How handy.

Available at amazon.com.

You’ve promised your future rock star guitar lessons — but not until he’s old enough to actually hold one without falling over.

Until then, French design team Olivelse’s handmade ukuleles are even better than a Yamaha. Each stuffed cotton instrument is one-of-a-kind, and adorned with cleverly designed pears, pink horses or elephants. He’ll have fun singing “Tiny Bubbles,” and when he’s onto the next phase (soccer? dinosaurs?) it’ll look super cute as a bedroom accessory.

Rock on.

Available at fawnandforest.com.

I want to live in Fuzzy Town, where everything is soft and plush and big-eyed; where every animal plays together, the lion lies down with the lamb, the polar bear snuggles the seal pup.

You may have seen Alfa’s Fuzzy Town stuffed animals popping up in upscale kids’ boutiques this year, when they’ve suddenly become ubiquitous. Why have their fortunes risen while other toy makers’, like ’80s powerhouse Gund, have fallen? Because the cuteness and softness of Fuzzy Town toys just can’t be beat. Many animals (like the wild cats and the kangaroo) are sold with baby versions, or habitats (like the penguin in an igloo). It’ll be all you can do to stop yourself from squealing “Oooh!” like a little girl when you pick one up.

Available at playfulplushtoys.com.

A trip to the E.R. with a child often means hours of waiting, needles, the stress of watching your baby in discomfort, and docs who look nothing like George Clooney. But it’s still your job to alleviate the trauma for your child.

Pediatrician Dr. William Sears, best-selling author of more than 30 parenting books and father of eight, says an emergency room visit is a chance to shine as a parent. He spoke to UrbanBaby about some easy things you can do to keep the fear factor to a minimum.

Stress less: Stay calm. An anxious parent makes for an anxious child.

Comedy hour: Humor is the best medicine. Crack a joke or act silly to diffuse tension.

Mind over matter: Keep in mind that children who feel better, heal better.

Security blanket: Pack a favorite comfort item — a stuffed animal, rattle, or book.

Advocate: Speak up. Ask questions, update hospital personnel of any change in your child’s condition, and take notes. You’re there to represent your child and to make informed decisions on her behalf.

Hand holders: At the hospital, ask for a child life specialist or social worker. A child life specialist has been specially trained to help little patients and their families cope with the stress of a hospital visit.

Needle know-how: Almost every kid fears the dreaded needle. Ask if the hospital has a topical anesthetic such as Zingo.

Pain meds: Feel free to request pain medicine for your pride and joy. Little known fact: Asking the E.R. intake personnel (receptionist) for pain medication can sometimes fast-track junior’s case (translation: she’ll get to see the doctor sooner).

Honesty: Tell your child what to expect, and tell the truth — you want her to trust you. If a needle is in her future, say, “You’ll feel a little stick, and it will last as long as it takes to say your name.” Draw pictures to help explain what’s happening: If your child is getting stitches, sketch out a set of railroad tracks and tell her how it will bring the two sides of the wound together.

Scope it out: Not all emergency rooms are created equal. Some are staffed with pediatricians and have a kid-friendly waiting room; others do not. It pays to do your research before an emergency happens. Call or visit the E.R. and find out if they have pediatricians, a pediatric intensive care unit and child life specialists.

Visit getthehospital411.com.

Plucking aimlessly with a tweezer during the five spare seconds of the morning does not make for pretty eyebrows. Even your DD has noticed (”Mommy, why do you look like a Muppet?”). Vanity aside, you need help.

Maybe you don’t have 45 minutes for a professional wax, or maybe your threading guru is on maternity leave. But makeup artist Brett Freedman has developed a “to-go” package with his luxe brow and lash line, Vanitymark. The brow kit comes with essentials like powder, glaze and dual-sided tweezers (use with caution), while the lash kit’s got the necessary mascara, curler, lash primer and brush. Take a few minutes to read Freedman’s tips, and become your own pro.

We’re keeping an eye on you.

Available at vanitymark.com.

There’s a certain cornball cutesiness that works in a nursery but would look ridiculous in other parts of the house: alphabet mobiles, painted cloudscapes, that sort of thing. And Heart to Heart’s Wooden Picket Fence is a perfect example. In your living room, ick. In your little girl’s room, darling.

The wooden picket fence is sold in 23-inch sections, so it’s easy to fit into small sections of your child’s room, providing a countrified down-on-the-farm vibe. You can tuck flowers into it for a garden effect, use it to fence in painted stencils of petting-zoo animals, set it in front of decals of grass or houses. Whatever way you use it, it amps up the adorable factor, and that always looks right in a small child’s bedroom.

Available at butterflycraze.com.

That cliche image of a toddler throwing spaghetti at the ceiling isn’t so cliche anymore. You’ve got a picky eater who abhors sitting down to meals (even those made from scratch and totally organic) at the table.

Maybe the cute colors of Skip Hop’s Mate stay-place mat and plate will keep her in her seat — plus the pretty orange, pink and blue designs will look great with your melamine. The fork, spoon, and three-compartment plate pop in and out for cleaning and storage, revealing a smiley face to signify another successful dinner.

Finally, a happy ending

Available at skiphop.com.

Your mini-monarch is low on her pink and sparkly supplies, but you can’t bear to buy another tutu. Always thinking ahead, you’d like to prompt her toward more sophisticated taste.

Zid Zid Kids imports the gorgeous little babush, a handmade Moroccan ballerina-esque leather slipper. The limited-edition cult faves are perfect for dress-up, but totally chic (and sturdy) enough to wear outside the playroom. These shoes typically sell out faster than you can say “Marrakech,” so snatch up a pair before the gold and silver booties are gone.

Unless Princess Jasmine, Jr. already put in a pre-order.

Available at milkshop.com.