Posts tagged: Gear + Stuff

'I'm so excited to swaddle my baby!' - said no expectant ever. We've all heard about how tricky it can be to master the art of the swaddle...and when you're a sleep-deprived new parent, the last thing you want is to be fumbling around with a blanket and a squirmy baby. But here's a pro tip for all the new and expectant parents out there: Swaddling doesn't have to suck. For one thing, it gets much easier over time, so your day one skills aren't indicative of what you can...

One of the best parts about being pregnant today? Choice! There are hundreds (and hundreds) of products out there meant to support mamas with a growing belly and make life a little easier. But which items are worthy of that must-buy status? We asked a group of Monica + Andy team members — all of whom have been through pregnancies recently — to share their favorites. AG Secret Fit Belly Farrah Skinny Ankle Maternity Jeans ($198)'I really could not live without my AG maternity jeans - I wear them for...

If you're playing for team green — which essentially means you're choosing not to find out your baby's gender until he or she is born — you're in for a majorly fun moment after you deliver. But there's something else you're in for, at least until your babe arrives: The tricky task of decorating a nursery that's fit for a baby boy or a baby girl. #TeamGreen members aren't the only ones who love a gender-neutral look (it's trending!), and parents who want to prep for boy-girl twins or an...

If you're a first-time mom-to-be, you know how overwhelming registering for newborn essentials can feel...and if you're expecting multiples? Well, it's totally normal to feel (at least) double the registry confusion. Do you need multiple quantities of every item? How do you figure out which stroller is best for transporting two (or more!) babies? And should you really be splurging on top-of-the-line equipment when you need even more stuff than the average mom-to-be? It's a lot to process, and that's why we enlisted a few twin mamas to share their...

The newborn phase goes by so quickly — and while we haven't quite figured out a way to stop time, we do have one piece of advice for new parents who want to hold on to that short (but oh-so-sweet!) stage for as long as possible: Take lots (and lots and lots) of pictures. Whether you'll be scheduling a professional newborn photography session or simply snapping away at home with your iPhone, there are certain tips that can take your new baby's photos to the next level of adoreable-ness. We...

First-time mom-to-be Kimberly Lapides can admit it: She 'most definitely' overpacked her hospital bag...but that doesn't bother her. Another thing the successful blogger is unbothered with ahead of her August 29 due date? Sticking to a specific birth plan. @eatsleepwear 'The actual labor process does scare me,' Kimberly told us. 'What I will say is that I am open to the plan that baby has for me. Everyone keeps asking if I have a birth plan and really, the answer is NO. I will go with the flow and do...

Staying stylish while pregnant isn't always the easiest feat — but is it doable? Totally! It just takes a little imagination and a few versatile pieces (though not nearly as many as you think!) to make it all work.Whether you opt for lots of maternity-specific pieces or simply choose to size up in 'regular clothes', these simple tips from Jeannine Adams, the super-stylish founder of Ready Pretty (who just welcomed a baby!), will help you stay chic as ever through those 40-ish weeks.First trimester A-line dress

Looking for a creative gender reveal idea? We've got you. Monica + Andy personalized gender reveal boxes give expectant parents a fun way to find out if it's a boy or it's a girl. We work to create beautifully packaged boxes packed with items to indicate whether your little one is a boy or a girl — and the best part is, the boxes are full of Monica + Andy clothes your baby will love wearing after he or she arrives....talk about a great multitasking mama move! We know what...

As the founder and CEO of Fashion Mamas, a network for influential moms, Natalia Alcala has her finger on the pulse of all things motherhood. Now that she's just days away from welcoming her second child, that expertise is coming in handy — because the mama has made her (hospital bag packing) list and checked it twice. She had everything packed and ready to go weeks ahead of her early August due date, and now she can focus on the most exciting part: Meeting her baby girl. @nataliealcala Natalie, who...

Laura Reynoso has made a name for herself as the bilingual beauty behind Spanglish Fashion, a lifestyle blog that details her adventures in travel, motherhood, personal style and more. Now Laura is about to tackle her most exciting role yet: Mother of two. The Texas-based influencer is due with her second baby (it’s a boy!) in just a few weeks. Laura, who has a two-year-old son, Diego Luis, knows what to expect on delivery day — but she admitted she’s still nervous about how her firstborn will handle his baby...