Sure, Hell’s Kitchen is best known for its hot bars and ethnic restaurants, but it’s also home to a growing number of families. While baby-goods stores have taken over areas like Tribeca and Park Slope, this midtown section has lagged behind. Until now. Business partners and moms Caryn Neary-Delgazio and Erica Lyon have expanded their Chelsea operation with a shop on Ninth Avenue that offers both cribs and childbirth courses. “The area is very underserved, and we want moms to have a place in the community to go for classes and gear,” says Neary-Delgazio, who lives in the neighborhood with her two children.
Parents and parents-to-be can snatch up eco-friendly baby basics from Sckoon, bold-printed Baby Bonkie swaddling blankets and Baby Bean outfits that look like they fell off the Anthropologie truck. Moms can also test out strollers and get fitted for a nursing bra. “Yes, we’re selling products, but we really want to educate parents about what’s best to buy,” Neary-Delgazio explains. Which is exactly what they’ll do at their grand-opening party on Sat 3. Guests can learn about Bump to Baby’s full class schedule and watch a fashion show courtesy of BabyLegs, purveyor of organic leg warmers for tots (of course!).
—Blair Tidwell
715 Ninth Ave between 48th and 49th Sts (212-245-0796, realbirth.com).