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.
Believe it or not, of all the baby products out there, diapers are the most controversial. The two choices are cloth and disposable. Cloth diapers are better for the environment and don't fill up landfills. But they're cloth, so you have to wash them. Disposable diapers are disposable, oddly enough, and for your baby and you it's all fire, change and forget. Whatever your choice is remember two things: makes sure the diaper is snug but not too tight and that if the diaper has a 25 lbs limit that is the BABY'S weight limit, not the amount the diaper will hold.
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.
Beds are imperative, unless the idea of your little addition sleeping on a straw mat appeals to you. I'll bet it doesn't. Some parents will buy a play pen and call it quits there. That's a bad idea because you want to establish early on that baby sleeps "here" and plays "there". You are better off starting with a bassinet working up to a baby bed, but definitely work into a bed. Also be mindful of inspecting any antiques that are passed down for possible safety issues. Just because four generations of Lipwickis slept in that bed doesn't mean they didn't get lucky and survive the experience. Padding can be added to make these valuable heirlooms safer.
Blankets are an important concern as well. How many blankets do you need and what types are best? The answers to both of these questions are: all of them and yes. Different baby blankets have different uses. A nice warm fleece is great for cold weather and generally a good choice, however in a hot car on a summer day? No. Use a nice thin linen type blanket. Blankets are also great catch alls for your baby. By that we mean is your baby will use it as a best friend, cover, shade and a bib. It's for the last function that you really should consider getting as many blankets as possible and always keep extras on hand.
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.
Remember when listening to advice from anyone on what would be best for your child that the people giving it care. Yes, it's a hassle. In most cases though, it's not because they feel you'll be a bad parent. They're just trying to save you some of the trial and errors they went through themselves. Just smile and nod. - 31371
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.
Believe it or not, of all the baby products out there, diapers are the most controversial. The two choices are cloth and disposable. Cloth diapers are better for the environment and don't fill up landfills. But they're cloth, so you have to wash them. Disposable diapers are disposable, oddly enough, and for your baby and you it's all fire, change and forget. Whatever your choice is remember two things: makes sure the diaper is snug but not too tight and that if the diaper has a 25 lbs limit that is the BABY'S weight limit, not the amount the diaper will hold.
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.
Beds are imperative, unless the idea of your little addition sleeping on a straw mat appeals to you. I'll bet it doesn't. Some parents will buy a play pen and call it quits there. That's a bad idea because you want to establish early on that baby sleeps "here" and plays "there". You are better off starting with a bassinet working up to a baby bed, but definitely work into a bed. Also be mindful of inspecting any antiques that are passed down for possible safety issues. Just because four generations of Lipwickis slept in that bed doesn't mean they didn't get lucky and survive the experience. Padding can be added to make these valuable heirlooms safer.
Blankets are an important concern as well. How many blankets do you need and what types are best? The answers to both of these questions are: all of them and yes. Different baby blankets have different uses. A nice warm fleece is great for cold weather and generally a good choice, however in a hot car on a summer day? No. Use a nice thin linen type blanket. Blankets are also great catch alls for your baby. By that we mean is your baby will use it as a best friend, cover, shade and a bib. It's for the last function that you really should consider getting as many blankets as possible and always keep extras on hand.
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.
Remember when listening to advice from anyone on what would be best for your child that the people giving it care. Yes, it's a hassle. In most cases though, it's not because they feel you'll be a bad parent. They're just trying to save you some of the trial and errors they went through themselves. Just smile and nod. - 31371
About the Author:
Zeeman Haus enjoys writing articles online on a variety of subjects. You can check out his latest website on Playard Bassinet which reviews and lists the best playards with bassinets for your baby.
