AOL Baby

Whether taking baby on an extended vacation, to the backyard for outdoor play or to grandma's for an overnight stay, travel cribs have become essential gear for on-the-go families. Some basics to keep in mind when considering your travel crib options include:

• Durability. You'll want to choose a travel crib that's lightweight, but sturdy, able to take the demands of travel and a busy baby. Easy clean up and maintenance are also important.


• Ease of use. Make sure your travel crib is easy to set up. The last thing you want after a long day of travel with your baby is a crib that takes extra time to assemble. Most popular travel cribs also include their own storage cases and many models are also on wheels.


• Comfort and safety. Your choice of travel cribs should help encourage a restful night for both baby and parent.

Baby blankets are the most popular of all the new mom nursery basics, and we definitely have some favorites for every need and style. Before you choose any old blanket from the same retailer you buy all of your generic baby gear from, consider these adorable and luxurious offerings from specialty baby blanket brands!

The basic items that come in a baby layette are the most important things new parents need to have on deck when taking their little one home from the hospital. Traditional layette packages consist of a non-descript onesie, nightcap and pair of booties; many modern layettes offer the same garments but inject the tradition with a stylish flair. Both options, however, have their charms. Are you on the hunt for a newborn baby layette but can't decide whether you should go the traditional or modern route? This list of baby layette suggestions covers both sides of the field, from classic and conventional to fun and funky.

Shopping for baby boy clothes is one of the most exciting parts of being pregnant, but what will your son really need? We cut through the clutter to give you the essential list of must-haves for your new bundle, as well as the most fashionable places to buy infant boy clothes!

Hats

Not only are hats some of the most adorable things you can buy for your little guy's wardrobe, they are usually some of the most affordable! With so many hats to choose from, you can always find the best one for your occasion. Looking to protect from the sun? These Baby Sun Bucket Hats from Patagonia are a sure way to keep sensitive skin from burning, and they keep baby looking cool, too! For chilly days, the L.L. Bean Katahdin Pom Hats are tops! Pick from two bold color schemes to match the baby boy clothes you have on hand.

With the arrival (or pending arrival) of twin bundles of joy, parents are often faced with the joyous decision to purchase two of everything. But when it comes to strollers for twins, two is definitely a crowd. Enter the double stroller, the best invention for parents of twins since non-matching clothes. Of course, weighing options and picking the best double stroller for your family becomes twice as hard.

We suggest picking a double stroller that fits your lifestyle. City parents will appreciate the Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller (available at toysrus.com). The lightweight apparatus easily fits into most standard-size business doors (like the neighborhood Starbucks) and the design of the wheels makes it maneuvering around flocks of pedestrians or passing cabs that much easier. The City Mini is compact, but is still spacious for growing babies. The sun shade on the stroller is also one of the best on the market.