SUMMER SWELL

JULY’S MUST-HAVES ARE SO HOT, THEY’RE COOL

PLAY, BABY, PLAY
Whether Junior is kickin’ back or spending some quality time on his tummy, he can lounge, play or lie anywhere in style—and comfort!—with a baby zabu from the ever-hip Wagamama Baby. This parenting 2.0 must-have, part on-the-spot playpen (or playpen insert, if your wee one is very wee) and part tummy-time mat, creates an instant play area with the simple fold and tie of its side panels. The unique design rolls up to a compact size for easy storage and portability, even coming with a carrying strap—in matching colors, natch. We think it’s the coolest new-baby gear thingy thing we’ve seen in a long time. Be sure to check out their eco-friendly collection made from super-soft and sustainable bamboo.

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($88 for the small and $118 for the large, www.wagamamababy.com)

AMERICAN IDOL
Pledge allegiance to the flag—by dressing your little patriots in it. This shirt and onesie, from Ooh La La Mama, home of designer wares for babies, boys and girls, are the de rigueur digs for a good old-fashioned slice of summer, American style.
($39.95, American Flag Romper; $34.95, American Flag Tee; www.oohlalamama.com)

CARRIED AWAY
Get out and stay out—outside, that is—with this super-chic mei tai from CatBird. A traditional Chinese design carries Baby with her legs up in a seated position (versus dangling down), which is the preferred method for development. Available at La Stella Blu, known for its breadth of beautiful baby-wearing gear, this classic tot toter has modern padded straps for extra comfort and comes in three fabulous fabric choices. Have baby, will travel—in style.
($89, CatBird Baby Mei Tai, www.lastellablu.com)

FAB FOUR
Give good gift—as in good for the environment—with the Baby Basics Gift Set from ja*lu, a company dedicated to providing children and parents with products that are not only reliable and safe but foster environmental awareness. Available at the fashion-forward Tiny Tots with Style, the place to scoop up everything from bathtime essentials, baby shower gifts and fabulous tongue-in-cheek onesies to slings, diaper bags and more, the cool kit comes complete with a little lu (aka a lovey), a bib and two burp cloths, all of which are made from high-quality organic cotton and are super-duper soft to the touch. Bonus: The goodies are ready to impress in a gift box, so no wrapping (or wasting paper!) necessary.

($78, www.tinytotswithstyle.com)

CRADLE OF LOVE
We’re obsessed with this stunning showpiece of a cradle. Is it budget-friendly? Heck no! Is it drool-worthy? Absolutely! It’s just one of those must-see items. This classic design, made of powder-coated hand-forged iron with Victorian era shell escutcheons for old-fashioned charm, comes with a lavish nine-piece bedding ensemble done up in organza, satin and venise lace trim and a plush mattress on which Baby can sleep tight—and in the lap of luxury. Seriously, we’ve never seen anything so over-the-top fabulous. And while you’re indulging in a little online window shopping courtesy of the trendy Taylor’s Baby, check out what else they have—everything from gorgeous bedding to photo cards and furniture to gifts, toys and even custom playhouses, which are pretty dang jaw-droppingly amazing, too.
($2,500 Sterling Silver Leaf Oval Cradle and Bedding Set by Little Miss Liberty, www.taylorsbaby.com)

CAPPED OFF
Oh, there must not be anything more adorable than a little baby in a bonnet! We are in love with the handcrafted ones from the eco-friendly Seven Smooches. The designer line makes high-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces from recycled sweaters and vintage feed sacks and pillowcases with enough function and durability to withstand a child’s busy day-to-day activities and enough whimsy to make you go scrambling for your camera.
($30, www.sevensmooches.com)

THAT GIRL
She’ll bop her way through party season (all the way to back to school!) in this oh-so-wearable dress from Igloo Island, a versatile, fashion-meets-function clothing line for girls ages 4 to 14. This ’60s-inspired frock rocks with a yoke bodice and shirring for a stylish and fun look. She’ll love the retro feel and bright pops of colors, and you’ll love that the loose fit means that she won’t outgrow it quickly.
($69, Go-Go Color Block Dress, www.mytinycloset.com)

WELL SEATED
Sit your mini in the height of baby gear elegance with this absolutely to-die-for high chair. Shown here in distressed ivory and black/ivory leopard print, this shabby-chic stunner, designed by the Nicole Reid Collection, the premier tastemaker in high chairs, and available at Luxury Baby Nursery (the name says it all!), features a three-point safety belt, a three-position sliding tray, monogramming options—and just enough ooh la la to make everyone go ga-ga when they see it sitting pretty in your kitchen or dining room. ($885 without monogramming and $924 with monogramming, www.luxurybabynursery.com)

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE
Drink water! It’s important, people! It makes you look better, feel better and think better. Now you just have to do better by ditching those plastic bottles once and for all. Pick up a BPA-free, reusable water bottle by Victoria P. Zurcher Designs to instantly decrease your carbon footprint. The dishwasher-safe bottles come complete with two different caps and a carabiner to hook onto bags and bikes, but the best part is that they’re customizable (the design is actually fused into the surface), helping to make your foray into the green life a little more personal and fun.
($23, www.victoriapzurcher.com)