Sylvana Ward Durrett and Luisana Mendoza Roccia, two Vogue alums, are the entrepreneurs/moms behind Maisonette, a newly launched one-stop e-shop for meticulously curated, decidedly non-hokey kids’ and baby clothes, accessories, furniture, and toys. Given our recent interest in baby-shower gifts, they were kind enough to offer up their own go-tos.
Sylvana: “As moms, we love anything hands-free. New moms may be caught with a sleeping child lying on top of them, or a screaming child in their arms, at any given moment. The Echo Dot allows you to play a soothing baby lullaby amid the chaos, as well as turn on or off your TV or lights. Someone that actually does what you ask them to do! Amazing.”
Luisana: “This is the unglamorous, but oh-so-necessary gift for a new mom, in one chic toiletry bag. This is not the gift that gets the oohs and aahs at the shower; this is the gift that gets you a “THANK YOU!!!” text message at 3 a.m., two weeks after the baby is born. I like to include a Miracle Blanket, for swaddling — I found this one easy to use, and loved the fact that it has no Velcros or zippers that would make a sound when I put it on and needed to adjust. The Itzbeen timer is a great way to keep track of feedings, naps, and diaper changes. Then there’s Gripe Water, your first line of defense against whatever it is that might be keeping your baby from sleeping — gas, hiccups, general discomfort. It’s safe, made with organic ginger and fennel, and needs no refrigeration after opening. And then there’s the Baby Shusher, a noise machine for babies.”
Sylvana: “Another set of newborn classics: Our favorite, softest onesie from Kissy Kissy; a beautiful and delicate Anaïs & I swaddle; Sophie the Giraffe; a Jellycat stuffed animal; and a board book.”
Luisana: “A beautiful way to keep things organized in a diaper bag. They come in multiple sizes, and can double as a clutch in a pinch. No one needs to know it’s carrying pacifiers and hand wipes.”
Sylvana: “I received this gift with my first child — who’s now 5 — and I still use them all the time. It has gone from carrying baby bottles and diapers to carrying his tennis gear and snacks. I am sure we will still be using them for years to come.”
Luisana: “It’s hard enough carrying around all that newborn gear, so might as well make it look good. These beautiful bottles will make you feel a little bit better about pulling a bottle out in the middle of a restaurant.”
Sylvana: “Unfortunately — or maybe fortunately — new moms find themselves in loungewear for a large part of the first few weeks, including their stay at the hospital. A bright and beautiful robe is a must-have to make the process a bit more fun.”
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best kids’ items, baby shower gifts, gifts for a 1-year-old, 2-year-old, 3-year-old, 4-year-old, 10-year-old, and patriarchy-defeating books. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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