It's amazing to see how Brooklyn has grown. As is true for all of New York, more and more people are opting to stay in the city instead of moving to the suburbs, and the presence of all these new families is being felt. Seventh Avenue in Park Slope has long been known as "baby carriage boulevard," but it's become the norm to see more and more strollers in places like Williamsburg and Dumbo, long considered strongholds of the young and cool (and often single!). In my 31 unit-building alone, there are three babies close to the same age. Even Christina on the team recently had a baby! Baby-friendly restaurants and children's stores continue to pop up as they cater to the endless demand for all things kids. Lines like Pomme, Half Pint and Wonderthreads do baby clothes New York-style. If you don't know Wonderthreads, check them out wonderthreads.com - I bet you've seen these onesies and T's (designed by my friend Diana) at many of your favorite stores and on babies and kids all over downtown NYC and Brooklyn.
Even in Brooklyn neighborhoods traditionally known for warehouses and industrial buildings, there are family- and pet-friendly places - quiet, calm streets to stroll, great spots for ice cream and other treats, and child-friendly shops and restaurants - some even have play areas! The parks are full of children and new mothers sitting on the grass having a picnic and swapping stories and resources. Manhattan is so close...yet feels far enough away to escape some of the chaos!
Are you guessing where I'm going with this? Many people who are starting a family need to give up their old home for one with a lot more space...and hopefully something that's affordable! Buying your first home, or selling and finding a new home is on the top 10 stressors list, as is having a baby. The LDM team works with tons of expecting and new mothers and know what they need and when. Most of them just want a quiet and safe environment, with full access to the services and options they are used to living in NYC and, of course, MORE SPACE. With the arrival of children, the home becomes even more important as people start spending more of their time there.
Many of the mothers we are working with also work at home. This brings an additional bit of stress, because they need to have more space, a private space to separate work, and feel like they have a place they can "get away from their work" too! They also need a great nanny and daycare to free up some of their time to be able to get tasks accomplished and take care of themselves. My friend Kim DeYoung, of metromom.com, is an expert on home-based business solutions for moms. She recommends that moms have an actual "office" they can work out of - even if it needs to be created out of sheetrock, it's imperative. This way you can shut the door when you need to really focus or make an important work call. It also makes it easier when you can psychologically shut the door to your work and focus on family time. Her website is full of other tips and you can join to relate to other Moms with full schedules.
Feeling stressed? Shannon Sodano at Arbonne has a great Belly Balm for expecting mothers and a Baby Bath kit for newborns. They make great gifts. My girlfriends who are new mothers LOVE both! In addition she has several spa, anti-aging and detox products to keep you feeling young and rejuvenated. She can be reached at 201 919 8538.
Many non-working moms need a lot of TLC too - some of the most desired elements we understand they need (besides a foot and back massage):
QUIET- the baby needs to sleep at odd hours of the day...as should Mommy!
ELEVATOR or even better- DOORMAN - the fewer steps into the building the better - something to think about when you have to lug the groceries, baby buggy, and baby up the stairs?
SPACE - Where on earth are we going to find the space for a baby's room...AND all of their toys?
PROXIMITY TO A PARK - A place to meet other moms and babies and get out of the house.
Being able to relate to the individuals we work with is our claim to fame, and provides them with the TLC they need and when they least expect it- to make their lives so much easier. Want the same?