Everybody knows J&R, the enormous music and technology store by City Hall in Lower Manhattan, which is owned and operated by a local family. J&R Jr. is the brainchild of the owners' son, Jason Friedman, who's converted 15,000 square feet on the second floor to create the baby store he always wanted as a new dad.

While the shop has a nice selection of everything new parents need, from strollers to swings, baby bottles to diaper bags, nursery furniture to necessities, you won't find every baby product under the sun here. The goal is to offer the best designed and most popular brands in each category so that shopping at J&R Jr. isn't as overwhelming as hitting the aisles at Buy Buy Baby, where the number of choices can give you a headache.

In addition to baby gear, you'll find toys and a small selection of cute clothing for kids through the preschool years. And of course, since it's J&R, there's an electronics section with the latest LeapFrog, Kinect and Wii releases. Video game stations should help keep your older children entertained while you try out strollers for No. 2 on the special stroller runway that simulates grass, carpet and cobblestone.

A big plus for downtown parents (or those willing to travel to this easily accessible spot) is that Moonsoup—the popular early childhood program with outposts in Midtown East and Queens—will be hosting regular classes in the store. Offerings include a preschool alternative, art and music sessions, free open play and events for registered families.

This weekend, February 11-12, J&R Jr. is throwing a massive grand opening celebration with top-notch family entertainment. On Saturday, you can catch Laurie Berkner playing solo, and music from Little Maestros and Farmer Jason. On Sunday, Dan Zanes and Dirtysock Funtime Band rock the store, Amazing Max does magic tricks and more. You can find the complete schedule in our calendar. J&R is even providing a free shuttle bus from the Upper East and Upper West Sides down to the store on Sunday.

J&R Jr. is not only a huge addition to the growing downtown neighborhood, it's a great destination for parents from all over the city. Almost every subway line goes there. Find J&R Jr up the escalator from J&R Computer on the corner of Ann St, and Park Row. Elevator access is available around the corner at 1 Ann St. 


Read about other great spots and activities for infants in our Baby Guide.