The Lowdown on Baby Products

I've been wanting to do this post for some time, but I'm glad I've waited a while. I really don't think I was fit to write such a post, until I was into the 5th month and still might not be, in fact, I may do a follow up one. We'll see. The fact is, as I've said before, there's way too much information out there when it comes to the baby industry, and it's downright intimidating to mothers, especially young, first time mom-to-be. I remember reading a detailed list of a mom's thoughts on baby products (thank you Emily Fuller) and I'd like to do a version on my own. I think something like this could be helpful for any mom, first time or not, because the products out there are always changing, and there's so much junk out there to sift through. However, please take whatever I say with a grain of salt. Every mother's experience is unique, every mother's child is different, so what works for me might not work for you. But I hope some of my thoughts and ramblings might help as you try and make decisions on what products work best for you and your baby.

Bottles

I list this one first because it's the one I feel most passionate about. By that I mean there's WAY too many bottles out there to confuse you and the fact of the matter is, there's all fine. Use what you like. That's probably what I'll say for every category. If it really makes you feel better to use the more expensive brand with 10 different parts that claim to calm colicky babies (cough, cough, Dr. Browns!) then go right ahead, but I'm convinced all it will do it give you a harder time with your dishes. The thing is, I think we all over analyze every problem our baby has an chalk it up to having the wrong bottle, etc. The fact of the matter is WE HAVE A NEWBORN.

Personally, I myself had registered for the Dr. Browns, because their genius marketing had me convinced that if I did not have those bottles, I'd have a colicky baby. All the last second I realized what I pain they might be to clean and switched them out for the Avent ones, which I'm glad I did, because they are much easier to clean. Thank goodness I registered for them, because they are expensive If I were buying them myself and know what I know now, I might go for something cheaper. I have a good friend who's baby was colicky in the first 4 months DESPITE exclusive use of the Dr. Brown's bottles. She now uses Gerber bottles that cost $2.99 for a pack of 3 and GASP, her baby does not know the difference. They even come in cute colors, and BPA free. But, of course you can't tell a new mom to buy $2 bottles. 9 times out of 10 this is something she just has to figure out on her own. I know I did.

Pack 'n Play

Of course there are tons out there to choose from. I personally have the Graco Portable Playard in Deco which will run you a cool $180. Yea - again, thank goodness for baby showers. It does have a nifty changing station on top, and a bassinet drop in where your baby can sleep when she's really small. All that does really come in handy. However, if you are not going to use your Pack 'n play as a changing station or as a bassinet, it's not necessary - I think it's all those extras that make it so expensive. Also, the little attachment that makes it light up, play music, vibrate, etc....we didn't use that at all. Mainly because of the poor quality and because infants really don't need all that stuff. I think this is one of those things that some people use all the time and some don't - I have some friends that have already put theirs up and some that swear by them. Probably just depends. If you do want a fancy one a word to the wise - it's the bassinet drop in and changing station that makes it not so portable. It packs up nice and neat, but you have to lug around the bassinet and changing station pieces. Pack 'n plays can be great for staying over at grandmas, for vacation, for playpens, for an alternate changing station if you have a large house. I think they are a GREAT alternative to bassinets.

Wipe Warmers

This is one of those things I don't think you really need. With the caveat that someone did give me one as a gift and I really did think it helped calm Savannah in the really early days when she hated getting her diaper changed. Do it was a nice gift and I did use it for several weeks. Do you need to fret over it? No.

Swings

This is something I think most moms will tell you is a life-saver. Especially in the early days, most babies like to be moving when you put them down, and the swing is magical. I don't think I've ever heard a mom say her baby did not like the swing. Of course there's a million different kinds out there; ones that swing from side to side, and that do a cradle swing motion. Either is fine, I think it's just a matter of preference, but of course I deliberated over this way too much. I ended up going with the Graco Deco to match the Pack 'N Play. Yea, it was really all about Savannah, right?

Diapers

This is one thing I've definitely found you get what you pay for. People warned me, but I didn't listen. I bought a pack of LUVs to send with Savannah to daycare and they were HORRIBLE. First you get STUPID, then you get Pampers or Huggies!!! I use Huggies because that's what they have at Costco. I've has no problems whatsoever with leaks. I also like Pampers Swaddlers. I actually like the way those wrap better, but for some reason, those smell funny to me. Costo has a really nice brank (Kirkland) but they don't have a size that fits her right now. If those are cheaper when she moved up to size 3, we will switch to those.

Formula

Yes, I'm the devil. I am now formula feeding. I am even more evil because I use Target brand (now called Up and Up) formula. This portion is not to persuade any breastfeeding moms to switch to formula. That is a personal choice. If you want to know why I made the switch you can email me, or request a separate post. This is just to point out which formula brand I prefer. If you've been keeping up with my blog you'll know I've done the research and talked to other mom's as well who've compared the other brands and you'll find the contents are pretty consistent. The consistency is a little different, but once you shake it up it's all the same. Target, I've found is actually less bubbly than Enfamil which I like. Anyway, we've had a great experience thusfar.

Playmats

I got the Baby Einstein Playmat as a gift when Savannah was about 2 months old and it is wonderful. I'm not sure that it really matters what brand it is, but something like that is really great, once their coordination starts to develop. My girlfriend and I were talking about all these tummy time mats that are out there. I got a couple of these too. Those are great, but honestly, I just use the Baby Einstein Mat, or just a plain blanket for tummy time. I think mom's stress too much about tummy time. Your baby will probably scream with her face in the floor every time you put her on her tummy. Then one day like magic, she will just start to look around like it's no big thing. Anyway - Baby Einstein Mat - 2 thumbs WAY up! I started using mine from 8 weeks up until now and will continue using it until she grows out of it.

Steam Sterilizer

The jury is still out on this one. I used mine for the first couple of months (AKA maternity leave - when I had time!), and honestly I haven't used it as much lately. The thought was that I'd use it for those bottles that I didn't have time to throw in the dishwasher. But how clean do they really need to be? I see the merit in sterilization, but I just don't have the time for it. I hand wash most of my bottles because I don't run my dishwasher every day, but I am not sterilizing them every day. If you aren't a germ phobe and you dont' have the room, I wouldn't bother.

Drying Rack

This was one of those things I thought I was going to take back. I put it away back when Savannah wasn't taking bottles every day. When I was breastfeeding I was pumping and giving her bottles once day (to get her used to it) and drying them on the counter on a towel. I thought that would do, but condensation was building up. The condensation still was building up when I would run them in the dishwasher. I pulled out the drying rack and my problems were solved. Some might think it's a little unsightly because it's always sitting out, but I love it.

Strollers

Once again - so many choices, and which stroller you choose will depend on your lifestyle. All in all you will find that there are three main categories of strollers out there: 1) Travel Systems which will house your carseat as well. 2) Jogging Strollers which are great for runners and 3) Lighweight strollers, or umbrella strollers. The price points are all over the map. There are some really cool strollers out there like the Bugaboo that will do everything, but that thing will set you back about $1000, and come on people, who is going to buy you that? If you have someone like that in your life, can you please introduce me? Or if you can afford that, maybe we should be better friends. Anyway, we were lucky enought to get a travel system and a jogging stroller. The travel system is wonderful because the carseat just snaps right in the stroller when the baby is small and, when he/she is sitting up better, you don't have to use the carseat. The downside to the travel system is that they can be pretty bulky. Honestly, once your baby gains good head controls (around 4 months) you might want to get a nice umbrella stroller (Chicco makes a nice one) that will reclince a little because they are lighter and much more portable. I am thinking about getting one. We have the Chicco Discovery Travel System and it has been great. We love the carset and base as well. We have the Jeep Jogging stroller. The jogging strollers do not have wheels that pivot - this is normal, because they are made for jogging. We use this one for walks too or rougher terrain. It's been nice, but it's definitely more of a luxury item. Unless you're a serious runner, you probably don't need one of the more expensive items.


Jumparoo (for doorway)

Some people are scared of the Jumparoo, but I think this thing is great. It's MUCH more portable than an exersaucer or stationary jumparoo so it's great for travel as well. Lately I've been hanging it in the kitchen doorway while Savannah watches me cook. She loves it, and she can't really even bouce really well yet! I think the average cost of one of these is somewhere around $30. Well worth it. Most dont' come with a lot of toy attachments, but it's fun for them to watch you and bounce around. I'd say the average age to being use is probably around 4 months.

Blankets

One thing you will probably get a ton of is blanket. The were great in the winter when I had Savannah in an infant seat and the house was cold. I would throw one over her. Or I would throw one over her when she was in the carseat when it was cold/chilly out. However, I would not recommend blankets in the crib. I'm not freak out by SIDS or suffocation or anything, but babies simply cannot control their little limbs. Even now that Savannah doesn't flail about, she would still kick a blanket off in the night. I highly recommend the MIRACLE BLANKET for when the are 0-12 weeks, and then a zip up sleep sack after that. We use the HALO Sleep Sack. You can get them at Babies R Us. As far as the swaddlers, we tried several different ones, and honestly, nothing wrapped as well as the mirable blanket. It's pricey, but I feel you get what you pay for. Luckily, someone was nice enough to give me 2!

Stationary Entertainers

Ok, I have to rave about a product here. We actually did not get one in all of the showers that we were given. So, when Savannah was actually of age, I shopped around. I was going to try and get one from a consignenment store or a garage sale (these things add up!) but decided to get one with some baby gift cards I had. I the Bright Stars One in the $45 range. I figured, all stationary entertainers were created equal. Not so much. This was was ok. My biggest gripe with it was that even on the lowest setting her legs were no where near the floor. Also - the leg holes were up on the sides making it uncomfortable for her. She didn't seem to be too interested in the toys, but I thought maybe she was just wasn't ready for it. Anway, after some thinking, I decided to take it back (Walmart's return policy is awesome by the way!) I took the cash and and put it toward the Baby Einstein one we had oringinally registered for. I'm telling you, this is one of the best baby purchases we have made in a long time. She is so engaged by this thing. She interacts with all the toys, and is so interested in everything on it. It was easy to put together (or so Tim says) and easy to take apart if you want to take it somewhere, yes it's kind of bulky, but what do you expect? It's not even comparable to the other thing. Yes, it was expensive, but well worth it. We've been so happy with every Baby Einstein product we've gotten - I'm sure we'll be keeping them in business. I love watching her learn!

Infant Seat / Bouncy Seat

I used the Bright Stars by your side Infant Seat and loved it. We mainly registered for this one because it kept her out of the dog's reach. It definitnely did the job and kept her comfortable. We were able to use this up until now (about 4 and 1/2 months). She's getting a little big for it now, but it was great while it lasted. I liked it too because it was in a neutral color so it will be good if we ever have a boy. We also got another little Fisher Price bouncer that we love. It it very lightweight and I think it was in the $20 range. It was good from about 6 weeks and we are still using it. It really gets fun for them when they start developing hand/eye coordination and can play with the attached toys. With bouncers, there are alot of bulky ones out there...I'm not sure that those are really needed.



I'm going to end my post here, knowing there's probably something I've left out. I may come back and edit it if I think of something I want to add, or if there's something you want my opinion on, feel free to let me know! Also, let me know your experiences as well...we can all learn from each other, let me tell you!