New Parents Guide to Baby Products

There are literally hundreds of things to do before baby comes, buying baby products shouldn’t add to your stress, but help relieve it some. Unfortunately though, everyone and their mothers (literally) have tons of unwanted advice on what to buy for baby; that could really stress a parent out. Don’t think this article is going to be much different. Well, maybe a little different, you came HERE remember? But we’re not going to bother you with anecdotes or show your spouse naked pictures of you at three months old. What we are going to do is offer a few suggestions with the “whys” for you to consider. Hopefully, unlike the three hour conversation over how castor oil was great, this might help you out some.

If the first major invention of prehistoric man was the wheel, the second was the baby stroller. There was most likely a caveman somewhere who was tired of listening to his wife complain about holding the baby, or how the harness hurt her back (and they aren’t too comfortable) and after awhile viola! Stroller! Today, strollers are something you can’t live without. Basically there are two versions: Big and Little. The big strollers have lots of pockets and places to hide stuff for baby, and are extra safe. They’re more like a home away from home for your little caveperson. The little strollers are smaller. For small walks around the block or maybe to the corner store and back, these are a better, short range option.

Diapers are every bit of a concern as well. Whether you decide to use cloth or disposable diapers there are things you need to consider. First off is again: lifestyle. True, cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly, but if baby goes to daycare, good luck with that one. Either way though, fit is a concern. The best way to check if the diaper you are using is too tight is to put two fingers in the waist band once the diaper is closed. If your fingers are snug, then that’s a perfect fit. Next you want to check the legs. The bottom should be snug, but not restrictive. If your baby’s legs are purple, the diaper is too tight.

In your quest for the perfect baby products you’re going to encounter many, many play pens. The natural inclination is to think you can just get one later, when baby is older. This is not a good idea. A play pen is your baby’s protection when you are not holding them. It’s a safe environment for them to learn to roll over and to stand up. As infants, it’s a place where you know no one will step on them. Don’t be afraid to get one right off.

Your baby will need a bed too. As infants, bassinets are the preferred bed as they are more mobile than full on baby beds. You can move a bassinet from room to room while baby sleeps because no monitor is as good as having baby right there with you. When they are old enough to move into a baby bed, get a bed with high rails. This will keep your baby from escaping and making their own snacks between feedings. (RIGHT!)

Let’s talk bedding now. Blankets are definitely needed. Not only do they say a lot about your status as being a good parent, but they can be used to keep baby warm; just not too warm. Blankets can be used for shade, insulation and often as last ditch clean up rags. You want to make sure that you are using the right blanket for the right temperature. Use lighter weight, lighter colored blankets for summer and heavier ones for the winter time. Make sure whichever blanket you use, it is light enough for baby to move out of its face if needed.

There are many bottles on the market; some haven’t changed in ages while others could nearly advertise as “same baby bottle the NASA uses.” Go with what makes you comfortable. A lot depends on your baby’s eating/drinking habits. Just remember that heat and rubber nipples are a bad idea. The rubber in the nipples can become brittle and break off. The possible hazards are obvious. This issue is more prevalent with cheaper made bottles, but all nipples have this possible hazard when exposed to extreme heat like a dishwasher.

Baby products have been developed enough over the years that there are probably more choices than what is healthy for a new parent’s sanity. The best bet is to look at your own lifestyle and go from there. If you travel a lot with baby, think pockets. If you’re homebodies, then think light. Either way, it’s a learning experience and not one you’ll ever get back when it’s done, so enjoy!