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Zutano baby shop at FAO Schwarz

Photograph: Cinzia Reale-Castello

Baby gear

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Babies “R” Us
The Union Square outlet of this megachain has everything you could ever need to feed, bathe, diaper, clothe, transport and entertain your babe. Even though it specializes in the basic and affordable, it does carry some high-end brands like Bugaboo and Bumbleride. 24–30 Union Sq East between 15th and 16th Sts (212-798-9905, babiesrus.com)

Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory
It’s not exactly a glam shopping experience, but in this crowded baby department above the Sixth Avenue discount clothing store, you can pick up breast pumps, burp cloths and car seats at some of the best prices in the city. 707 Sixth Ave at W 23rd St (212-229-1300, burlingtoncoatfactory.com)

Buy Buy Baby
Show up on a weekend afternoon, and it might be rough to navigate through the sea of bellies working on their registries. The selection is vast, from basic pacifiers, bibs and washcloths to floor-to-ceiling displays of fancy diaper bags and bedding. Downstairs you’ll find strollers (both low-end and high-end), as well as nursery setups complete with cribs, sheet sets and mobiles. 270 Seventh Ave between 25th and 26th Sts (917-344-1555, buybuybaby.com)

Little Folks
Located down the block from Madison Square Park, this discount children’s department store has an impressive selection of baby basics. Sippy cups, bottles and pacifiers line first-floor shelves, while the upstairs level is dedicated to a huge selection of strollers. Shop for everything from old-school, cheapo umbrella strollers to the most tricked-out Bugaboos or Mountain Buggys (they repair them here, too). The shop will also deliver rental breast pumps to your apartment—a great new-mom perk. 123 E 23rd St between Park Ave South and Lexington Ave (212-982-9669, littlefolks.stores.yahoo.net)

Splurge

FAO Schwarz
This tourist magnet might conjure up images of giant floor pianos and life-size stuffed animals, but head to the lower level and you’ll find strollers, diaper bags and baby clothes aplenty, including a Zutano boutique where you can stock up on colorful cotton bodysuits, tees and leggings. 767 Fifth Ave at 58th St (212-644-9400, fao.com)

Giggle
As soon as you walk in and see the cheeky stroller parking lot (complete with retro street meters) and the balloons, you’ll know this is a welcoming spot for parents and little ones. The mini-boutique carries the coolest new products for eating, sleeping and toting—think loads of Dwellbaby bedding and Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags. • 120 Wooster St between Prince and Spring Sts (212-334-5817, giggle.com); • 1033 Lexington Ave at 74th St (212-249-4249)

Mini Jake
Everything’s ultramodern at this Billyburg baby mecca (a spin-off of Brooklyn design store Two Jakes). Look for home accessories and rugs so gorgeous you’ll want them for the living room, plus the latest diaper bags, strollers and cribs. 178 North 9th St between Bedford and Driggs Aves, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-782-2005, minijake.com)

Sons + Daughters
Owner Carin van der Donk hand-selects most of her shop’s wooden toys, handmade clothes and practical gear from Europe, including many items that are fair-trade and/or organic. She also has one of the city’s largest selections of slings and baby carriers, and she’ll tell you the pros and cons of each one. 35 Ave A between 2nd and 3rd Sts (212-253-7797, sonsanddaughtersinc.com)