Ystyle Gift Guide: Finding the perfect presents for ... The rock 'n' stroller
MANILA, Philippines - If you’re not a new mom, you probably know someone who is or who is about to be. There must be something in the water that has made this year baby-making crazy. Or maybe we’re just growing up. Whatever the case, it’s definitely a boom time for the baby biz, especially here. Half of the items on this list are from homegrown start-ups run by mothers, so show your support during the holidays and spread the local love.
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Baby Gaga: Onesies, which are already innately cute, are given the graphic design treatment by AJ and Audrey Dimarucot, the artsy couple behind the label Googoo&Gaga. The all-over dyed designs have a vintage feel and hipster appeal, yet still exude youthful charm with their explosions of color. The brand has been a big hit in European and US trade shows, which could explain their foreign currency pricing online. Onesies, P850, googooandgaga.com
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Pouch patrol: The “attachment parents” will tell you that babywearing is the best thing you can do for your infant, who develops a sense of security through close contact. Meanwhile, the parents’ hands are free to do other stuff and go about their lives. There are many types of carriers out there, but a simple pouch sling like this one from Indigo Baby is one of the most minimal you can find. It also works with small pets. Indigo Baby pouch sling, P880, at indigobabyshop.com
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Dream of the ’90s: Doc Martens are back, and just in time for the current zeitgeist, which revisions the grunge-era angsty slackers as socially-networked occupiers. Rockin’ mamas who used to stomp around sweaty clubs will find new-generation Docs a weather-proof utilitarian alternative to flats or sneakers as they roll down the street with their SUV-sized strollers. Doc Martens, P6,300 to P7,700, The Dr. Martens concept store, The Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City
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Milking cookies: New mommies will find new BFFs (breast friends forever) in Paola Loot’s lactation treats. For those who need a bit of a jump in their pump, Mommy Treats’ cookies, brownies, cupcakes and muffins contain ingredients like fenugreek, oats, flaxseed and brewer’s yeast — natural galactagogues that have been proven to increase milk supply. And oh, they’re delicious too. P60/pack, P399/one week supply, P749/two week supply, P1,349/one month supply, to order at mommytreats.multiply.com
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aThe cat in the app: You may remember from YouTube the widely-viewed video of a one-year-old playing with an iPad, or a “magazine that doesn’t work.” The thought is quaint, but kids will still be able to read proper books if you instill in them the love for reading. iPad apps for kids can help encourage this with classic children’s titles like Dr. Seuss and Alice in Wonderland rendered in HD wonder. iPad apps can be purchased on iTunes.
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She’s got the luxe: The flashpacker’s favorite travel guide just gave birth to Little Luxe, starting with pocket guides to Singapore and Hong Kong, ideal for baby’s first trips out of the country. Go glam with the fam and get recos for kid-friendly hotels, restaurants and parks, and stores for baby and maternity gear without sacrificing on singleton style. Little Luxe City Guides, P480, available at Fully Booked, Firma, AC+632 and Nothing But h20
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Garden state: Eden’s multi-purpose clothes will take a woman from pregnancy through nursing and even beyond, since there’s nothing about them that screams “maternity.” Designed with versatility in mind, the very comfortable tops, wraps, dresses, cover-ups and even workout clothes can be worn several ways and are primed for discreet breastfeeding. P2,300 for nursing cover/shawl and P2,500 for bandeau maxi dress, available at Aura Athletica, Power Plant, or at Eden showroom at Unit 403 La Fuerza Plaza, 2241 Chino Roces St., Makati
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They shoot babies, don’t they?: Say goodbye to awkward family photos — you know the ones taken in front of a Christmas tree where everyone has red eyes and Grandpa has fallen asleep and the dog won’t cooperate and you’re all wearing unfortunate matching sweaters. Professionally shot studio portraits of your baby and you will capture those fleeting moments and provide several new profile pics to last the year. Basic package, P5,000, bellastudios.biz and thestorkstudio.com
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Bunz of style: Marketing hype or eco-conscious decision? Cloth diapering, while initially expensive, will save the world’s landfills — and oceans — from non-biodegradable nappies, because you get to reuse these one-size-fits-all diapers for quite a long time. Just be prepared to do more laundry. FuzziBunz, P1,100 each, available at Rustan’s and Hobbes and Landes
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Nappy sack: A woman shouldn’t have to give up her “it” bag just because she’s lugging around diapers in them. Storksak diaper bags do double duty as everyday or work bags, in leather or nylon with brushed gold hardware. With a plethora of pockets and even space for a laptop, these are the ultimate accessories for the do-it-all mom. Stonesak diaper bag, P8,000and above, Rustan's
