Baby Products: Safety First

By Zeeman Haus

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.

Strollers will always be the baby's main mode of transportation and will help keep your arms the same length now that they were before your little bundle of joy came into your life. There are two types of strollers: the classic, luxury version and the economical, compact version. If you plan on taking mall trips or park excursions, go for the larger stroller. Many even come the option of converting into a car seat. The smaller and lighter strollers are great too because they are lighter. Also as your child grows up, if they are a girl, baby dolls can be carted around as well.

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.

Bottles are the other obvious baby product you will need. Even if you breast feed eventually your child will want some juice, and you'll want to give it to them. No amount of fruit mommy can eat will help the situation either, so get used to the idea. Remember when looking at bottles to make sure they are dishwasher safe and try not to wash the nipples in hot water, as it can break down some of the components in the rubber and cause the nipple to break down and ruin the hole in or even flake apart and choke baby.

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! - 31371

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