9 MONTHS TO GO
Mom Jeans: You will live in these, so spring for your favorites—some stores will even outfit the pairs you already own with an expandable panel. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Maternal America jeans, $102, at Preggers Maternity, 900 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-843-6262, preggersmaternity.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
8 MONTHS TO GO
Room to Grow: Start looking early for a comfy crib and a mod dresser. With an added pad on top, the dresser doubles as a changing table—but can hang around long after. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Netto Collection Moderne crib, $1,595 (converts to toddler bed with kit, additional $275), at Hadley, 1205 W. Webster Ave.; 773-883-0077, hadleybaby.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
7 MONTHS TO GO
Wheel Cool: Great wheels are an all-important purchase, so make sure the stroller fits your travel needs, works with car-seat options, and includes adaptable accessories. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Quinny Buzz three-wheel stroller, $579, at Kustum Kribs, 147 N. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge; 847-825-5742, kustumkribs.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
6 MONTHS TO GO
Rock On: Pick a bassinet that’s not only practical but looks swell in your room; we love options with a rocking base and quick-clean slipcovers. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Ninna Nanna bassinet, $395, at Giggle, 2116 N. Halsted St.; 773-296-6228, giggle.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
5 MONTHS TO GO
VIP Seats: This infant car seat has garnered unparalleled blog buzz. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Graco SnugRide infant car seat in platinum, $169.99, at Galt Baby, 1915 N. Clybourn Ave.; 773-327-9980, galtbaby.com
NEW LOCATION, OPENED IN SPRING
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
4 MONTHS TO GO
Lounge Act: A bouncy seat provides space for your little one to eat, relax, and play—and it’s a chic, colorful accessory that’ll be on display until Baby weighs 26 pounds. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Coco baby lounger in green/clear plexi by Bloom, $200, at Grow, 1943 W. Division St.; 773-489-0009, grow-kids.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
3 MONTHS TO GO
Little Layette: From bottles and bibs to onesies and toys, we love going green (when possible) with newborn essentials that are undyed, unbleached, and uncomplicated. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Babylife Wee-Go glass bottles, $18, at Green Genes, 5111 N. Clark St.; 773-944-9250, green-genes.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
2 MONTHS TO GO
Ritzy Gifties: Instead of sticking to the staples, register for a few decadent gifts—think instant heirlooms (we love the Jonathan Adler Junior Collection) and personalized treats. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
Pink letter baby pillow, $98, at Jonathan Adler, 676 N. Wabash Ave.; 312-274-9920, jonathanadler.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors
1 MONTH TO GO!
Special Delivery: Trumpet a new mini moniker with hand-engraved announcements that come on lush papers and in endless color combinations. See our list of baby and maternity stores »
The Printery birth announcement cards, prices vary, at Kneen & Co., 400 W. Erie St., Ste. 503; 312-787-7003, kneenandco.com
Photograph: All photos courtesy of vendors