NEW YORK CITY HIPPEST BABY STORES AND SERVICES AWARDS
After much investigating, shopping, and interviewing cool, hip NYC moms we have our créme de la créme for 2010. Our winners and runners up in each category below exemplify an independent spirit, a urban flair for fashion and are unquestionably the coolest and hippest baby stores and services in NYC.
Crembebé's If I were a Rich Girl Collection
HIPPEST BABY CLOTHING STORE IN NYC 2010
Crembebé - (212) 979-6848 - 68 2ND AVENUE(BTW 3RD and 4TH STREET)
Barbara Michelus certainly carries the créme de la créme outfits for infants, toddlers and tweens at her lower east side boutique that has started featuring accessories and toys in addition to the fantastic clothes. She started the concept for her shop in 1999 after the birth of her son Rocco who also has modelled in some uber cool photo shoots that highlight the edgy children's clothing Crembebé sells. From European designers to local artists, the assortment for tots is stunning and themed to an edgy downtown look. You can also purchase these delicious clothes from their privately run online shop at www.crembebe.com. We love the Little Marc Jacobs sunhats and rompers for girls. For all these reasons we feel Crembebé has earned its throne this year as Little Babe and the Big City's Hippest Clothing Store in NYC.
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HIPPEST BABY FURNITURE STORE IN NYC 2010
Babesta (Cribz) - (646) 290-5508 - 56 WARREN STREET (BTW WEST BROADWAY & CHURCH)
In keeping with the urban theme and attitude, Babesta's outpost for nursery decor and furniture, including "cribz" of course is our winner for Hippest Baby Furniture Store in NYC for 2010. Don't expect pink or pastel unless its part of a retro statement, this baby furniture boutique is all about hip and modern sleekness and edge. They have an amazing selection of wall art that need not be limited to baby's room. Babesta Cribz carries graffiti wall art by Brooklyn artist Beebles so your little burgeoning tagger can have his or her name properly marked on the wall of the nursery instead of the playground. Pretty dope, if you ask us. 
They also carry a broad range of cribs, changing tables, dressers, sophisticated rockers, and awesome light fixures. We love the Gummi lights they carry from Jellio. Your babies room is sure to be the coolest place in your apartment, or if you are like most NYC families, the coolest converted dining room in town! You can also shop online for all of Babesta's goodies at www.babesta.com/shop.php
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HIPPEST MATERNITY STORE IN NYC 2010
Veronique Maternity - (212) 831-7800 - 1321 MADISON AVENUE (93RD AND 94TH)
Veronique's New Perfect Maternity SwimsuitWithout a doubt, the very best maternity store for the posh NYC Mommy-to-be who is quickly realizing that her belly bands can only stretch those Jbrand Skinny Jeans so far before they stop at the hips. In the middle of a mid-pregnancy meltdown Veronique Maternity is a haven when you need that perfect fall crisp outfit for a critical business meeting after just starting your 3rd trimester. Style maven in maternity fashion Lori Solomon has selected the very best sophisticated belly flattering pieces to carry in her Madison Avenue maternity boutique. The assortment runs from Michael Stars tanktops, three dot maternity leggings, Jbrand maternity jeans, signature Nicole Caramel (worn by Angelina Jolie) sleek trousers, and private label Veronique dresses. We love the latest "perfect maternity swimsuit" that made us actually want to be preggers again...uh, if we only looked in that suit as the model...For those unable to shop locally, you can visit Veronique's website to shop online at www.veroniquematernity.com
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MOST INTERESTING TOY STORE IN NYC 2010
Dinosaur Hill Toy Store - (212) 473-5850 - 306 East 9th Street (BTW 1ST AND 2ND AVENUE)
Since 1983, Pamela Pier has been selling unique and innovative toys, blocks, plush, gorgeous marionettes and delightful little knick knacks that are a wonderful surprise in a city full of big commercial chain stores and Gamestops. The small toy shop feel and friendly staff make for a wonderful experience whether you and your little one are just browsing or looking for a specific toy or 
gift. You will find gorgeous wooden blocks available in a number of languages including Hebrew and Russian along with a number of hand carved items and games. While not the trendiest store, we couldn't call it the "Hippest" you will find real quality and workmanship in the selection of items here. And if you are looking for the truly unique and inspired toys to introduce your little one to, Dinosaur Hill simply cannot be beat.
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HIPPEST BABY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT IN NYC 2010
Bubby's - (212) 219-0666 - 120 HUDSON STREET (NORTH MOORE STREET)
With high chairs, booster seats, a changing table and nursing area in the restroom and balloons, crayons and a coloring menu for older kids, Bubby's in Tribeca is at the top of our list for baby friendly restaurants in NYC. This wonderful American home style comfort food restaurant has been a favorite for years and strollers are just part of the decor. 
Weekend brunch is highly popular for families with small children but for that reason, you may want to do an early evening on Saturday/Sunday instead. And how can you beat those delectable pies?
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HIPPEST BABY CLASS IN NYC 2010
Baby Loves Disco - Le Poisson Rouge - 158 Bleeker Street (Thompson Street)
Not so much as class as an event Baby Loves Disco is a club scene like you have never experienced before. An afternoon dance party with real DJs spinning disco tunes from the 70s and 80s while bubbles blow from machines around the club, diaper changing stations throughout, a spread of healthy snacks nearby and a "chill-out room" complete with tents, books and puzzles. This monthly party for the family started out in Philly and is now held across 21 cities nationwide. What could be cooler and hipper than a baby proofed nightclub where you and your little one can get your groove on, meet other parents and have an afternoon cocktail to boot. Some parties are free, others are $20 for the family. Check out the Baby Loves Disco site for an upcoming schedule for NYC. _______________________________________________________________________________
HIPPEST PEDIATRICiAN IN NYC 2010
Tribeca Pediatrics - (212) 226-7666 - 46 WARREN STREET (BETWEEN CHURCH & WEST BROADWAY)
With their hip offices and expansion into Williamsburg, Boerum Hill, Park Slope and soon to open Chelsea outpost, Tribeca Pediatrics, started in 1994 by Dr. Michael Cohen has quickly earned its reputation as the coolest pediatric practice in the city. The waiting room has been designed with flair and style and is the epitome of urban sleekness. Dr. Cohen himself has been featured in GQ magazine with his favorite designers being Commes de Garcon and Paul Smith. The practice philosophy is low intervention and prescription of medication only if there is a proven benefit. It's an approach that is not for everyone, but 
if holistic medicine holds an appeal, the practicioners at Tribeca Pediatrics are in line with your mode of thinking. While they do follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, for those parents who wish to delay immunizations, Tribeca Pediatrics supports the decision. Tribeca Pediatrics also hosts CPR classes, parenting classes, and vaccine information sessions for its parents. For more information on practitioners, office locations and to make an appointment, visit Tribeca Pediatrics website www.tribecapediatrics.com
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RUNNERS UP
RUNNERS UP - HIP BABY CLOTHING STORES - NYC
Babesta (Threads)- (212) 608-4522 - 66 WEST BROADWAY (WARREN ST)
For its very concept of "cool threads and more for the trendsetting tot", Babesta is one of our favorites for unique children's clothes to appeal to both parents and their little babes with an attitude. Babesta is the hip baby boutique to frequent to indulge your 1980s pop culture nostalgia. We love their slip on checkered pattern and skulls booties and Blume Baby "Little Man" Tie Snap Tee. Check out our full review here.
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Estella - (212) 255-3553 - 493 SIXTH AVENUE, (BTW 12TH & 13TH STREET)
Estella takes hip designer baby and kids clothing to a new level. While many shops cary trendy baby clothes, Estella NYC weeds through the standard fare now more commonplace with baby boutiques and searches worldwide to find the most unique items they could find for children. They have earned the respect of the fashion world and have been featured in an array of magazines for their selection of stylish clothing. Estella prides itself on workmanship and quality of the items it sells, and makes sure that infant clothes are comfortable, washable and wearable, 
Estella Petti Skirt with Ribbonwhich often times is a key factor for baby clothes that are amazingly cool but not remotely practical. Estella's designers are artisans in their craft and European moms themselves who have worked for major fashion houses like Jean Paul Gaultier but now design their own children's collections. With a highly popular online shop, Estella fans can now make their purchases nationwide via Estella's website at www.estella-nyc.com
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Bundle - (212) 982-9465 - 128 THOMPSON STREET
We've featured Bundle for their beyond adorable baby gladiator sandles, (we urge you to run out and get a pair RIGHT NOW) and we just love owner Allison MacCullough's style and flair for picking out the coolest and most unique baby and children's clothes, gifts and accessories. Bundle was founded based on Allison's frustration with the boring selection for baby gifts she encountered shopping for little ones in NYC and she hand selects all the items carried in her downtown boutique. Bundle also has a wonderful gift concierge service which will pick and assemble a very special gift for your baby shower or event. They will wrap the item and ship it for you as well. Don't forget that you can also shop through Bundle's online store at www.bundlenyc.com. Check out our full review here.
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