The Next Big: Baby Boom

Babies are the new rats of Baltimore City (adorable, cuddly rats, of course)—they're everywhere. And boy is Charm City taking notice. There is a website dedicated to their happiness (kidbaltimore.com) and D.I.Y. Kids, a book written by MICA's Ellen Lupton, and her twin sister Julia, to help stimulate babies' right brains. Toddlers now have social engagements, like Baby Loves Disco at Rams Head Live!—an afternoon of bubble machines, DJs, and juice boxes. Local baby businesses (Bediboo, EllieBellieKids, and Sweet Pepita) are popping up faster than Starbucks. Organizations are being formed on their behalf, like the Downtown Baltimore Family Alliance, a brand spanking new nonprofit focused on making the city a great, clean, and safe place to raise a kid. And the real proof that this city has gone to the tots? Even the cranky City Paper now has a cheery kid's guide.