Ask a Groovy Gal (Bump Watch)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS

I want to get my long-suffering husband a little gift. We're in week 26 now and he really deserves it. What do you recommend?—Rebecca, Pittsburgh, PA
		A line called BUMP (Baby Under Manufacturing Process) does these fun t-shirts (they like to call them “Paterni-tees”). With phrases like “Without Me, There'd Be No Bump” and “Sympathy Bump,” you can treat your baby daddy to style—the t-shirts have cool/hipster/self-aware feel—without breaking the piggy bank. They're $38 at www.bumpbabies.com. After your bundle arrives, you can give him these adorable sterling silver cuff links by Kathy Lo Rocks ($68, www.kathylo.com). Just snap up that beautiful baby and send in the photos to the website. Once your man becomes a dad, he'll be much more inclined to wear his heart on his sleeve.

What's supposed to be the best breast pump on the market? Are the expensive ones really better?—Petra, Seattle, WA

Yes, unfortunately, the more expensive ones are better. Sigh.... I originally bought a hand pump—it was a nightmare (read: you feel like you should be mooing). You've really got to go electronica, baby; it's a bit daunting and freaky, but you'll get used to it. In my experience and research, I've found the Medela pumps to be the best—there's a reason why they're a juggernaut.

Get pumped with the Medela Limited Edition Pump In Style Advanced ($299, www.breast-pumps.org), featuring patented Two-Phase Expression breastpump technology and a stylish shoulder bag (hey, it's not Balenciaga, but it's still cute, discreet and wearable for an on-the-go MWM, Mom With Milk). The bag itself can be customized thanks to removable internal parts and is easy to clean.

The chic color combination (taupe, chocolate and mulberry) is in limited edition, so act fast to express yourself in style .

We're doing our nursery and I'd love to know what THE FAMILY GROOVE thinks is groovy for a baby's room.—Seton, Basking Ridge, NJ
Grooviness abounds in the world of kiddie décor nowadays—the democratization of high style is here, folks! Recently, we've done a couple articles on our favorite nursery furnishings. Check out The Mod Squad and Beyond Blue and Pink. Right now, I am loving the wall stickers by WallCandy Arts (www.wallcandyarts.com). Decorate—and redecorate—a nursery, child's room, play room and even your room with these fun, funky and unique stick-ons that don't leave a mark when they're taken down. These super duper cool room embellishers range in price starting from $50.

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.