Ask a Groovy Gal (Bump Watch)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS

I'm in the market for a good crib. Are there any cool, new ones out now?—Sharon, Boulder, CO
I'm on the lookout for a good crib, too. I recently came across an interesting one from Innovative Crib Designs. Their Quick Change Crib's ($349, www.innovativecribdesigns.com) smart design allows parents to change crib sheets in under a minute without removing any accessories or wrestling with the mattress. The crib is made from high quality birch wood and available in six stunning finishes. It is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) —a non-profit backed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Safe, easy-to-use and good-looking? My days of wrestling might just be over, and hopefully yours, too.

What's the deal with swaddles? They seem to be everywhere. Are some better than others?—Aimee, Rockville, MD
Swaddles are everywhere lately and for good reason: they work! Swaddling my daughter put her to sleep instantly (well, almost instantly). She loved the cozy comfort of it and I loved the fact that it kept her sleeping for long periods of time. I did experiments to see if there really was a difference in how my daughter slept and, without a doubt, she slept sounder and longer when swaddled. Swaddling also helped assuage my nervousness about her turning over or getting smothered by a bulky blanket. Now, to answer your question: yes, not all swaddles are created equally. I like the ones from Aden + Anais. They're made of muslin, a cozy fabric that really breathes (it allows air to flow in and out, therefore preventing your baby from over-heating). And while you should always choose functionality over fashion—the Aden + Anais swaddles have both! ($44, Pink/White Muslin Swaddling Blanket, and $44, Aqua/Brown Muslin Swaddling Blanet, www.adenandanais.com)

I'm looking for a cute bundler so I can take my newborn outside for a run even when it's cold.—Kathy, Brooklyn, NY

It’s great that you’re so motivated! I, on the other hand, stay inside from January to April, devising ways to unsuspectingly move my family to California. Anyway, check out the Windproof Baby Bivi ($69, www.outsidebaby.com). The device is made from a water- repellent micro fleece, and is designed to fit into your stroller, jogger and car seat. Baby Bivi also boasts a removable top layer that has a two-way zipper, just in case your little one wants some foot freedom. Now if it only came with motivation in the face of frigid temperatures, I 'd be all set.

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.