| By :
Mark Etinger
You live in New York City. You have learned to think of 400 sq. ft as a reasonable expanse of living space. You've learned to maximize corners that people in the suburbs have never even thought of actually utilizing--corners high and low--books here, shoes there, a mirror to make the "vestibule" feel like twice the room it is... You're proud of yourself. You've made yourself a home. Then, in their own perfect and mysterious timing, the gods of city living laugh a little and decide you're ready for a new challenge. That's right, New Yorker, you're pregnant! First, you panic. Obviously. Next, you call a realtor and look at a couple of one-bedroom apartments you can't possibly afford, not to mention dealing with a new commute, not to mention the insane stress of moving on top of the fact that YOU ARE HAVING A BABY. You, a person who's never set foot in a baby furniture store, are going to have to turn your elegantly arranged single girl sanctuary into a nest. And the thing is, this you can do, too. You're going to be fine. Here are a few brilliant tricks to start with, specifically tailored to your space, just like everything else you own. 1. Now more than ever, RESIST THE URGE TO BUY MORE STUFF THAN YOU ACTUALLY NEED. 2. That said, an infant crib is essential. One that fits right at the foot of your bed. 3. Forget fancy contraptions to rest your newborn on while the little darling breast feeds. Use that yoga bolster! When he gets a little bigger, rather than give up prime floor real estate for yet another piece of furniture, use a toddler high chair that clips onto the end of your table or a chair booster seat. 4. As for decorations, how about a mobile you can both enjoy? New babies learn to focus on bright colors like red and black and two-tone graphics. There's no need to paint everything pink or baby blue or suddenly relinquish your love for beautiful art. 5. You won't need a baby carriage stroller immediately (though you will soon enough). For the first several months, carry your baby in a space-saving wrap or carrier. A million times easier when navigating the subway (and watch how quickly that baby weight burns off!). When it comes time for the stroller, choose one that can also double as a play seat at home. 6. Babies love to swing, but the structure for little swings can take up your whole "living room." Get one that hangs in the doorway! Let the super do the installation so it's safe and snug. 7. And finally, clothes. Luckily, baby clothes are tiny. They're not really going to take up too much room in your closet. And they're so freaking adorable, you wouldn't be mad at them if they did. But don't drop them off at the corner laundry like you do the rest of your wardrobe. Regular detergents are too harsh for babies' soft skin. Find a cleaner dedicated to this special task, or do the washing yourself for now. Oh, and one last thing! While you're walking down the block to visit your new favorite baby furniture store (a girl can dream), you know that you can use any bathroom in the city, right? Walk into any restaurant, let them know you're pregnant, and they must allow you to use their facilities. It's the law.
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