What You Need to Know about Baby Products
Welcome to the world of buying baby products and congratulations! Believe it or not there are tons of options for things from diapers to strollers. Almost everything has gone digital now, except for the diapers, of course. With so much on the market at the moment it’s easy to get sidetracked and buy baby products you don’t need or else leave something important out. For Pete’s sake, don’t let it be the diapers!
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 a concern and a huge expense, particularly if you plan on using disposable diapers. Due to concerns over landfills and environmental issues, many parents are choosing to go green with diapers. (I’ll save that joke for the people I know.) No matter which you choose though, remember that fit has a direct effect on function. A diaper that is too loose will not catch everything it needs to and one that is too tight might cut off baby’s circulation. So be mindful of the fact that it’s a diaper, not a tourniquet.
Play pens will not only protect your baby, but protect your sanity. Laying your baby down on the floor where Balto can clean up baby’s face, or clean out baby’s diaper, is not a good idea. It’s also drafty down there. A good idea in the world of baby products has come to light in the last 150 years. It’s called a playpen. Use it well and use it often. All domestic playpens are baby tested and mother in-law approved. It will protect baby and give them much needed time to learn how to roll over and later “cruise”. Plus it will keep Uncle Phil from stepping on your little one.
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.
What’s a bed without blankets? In fact having a baby without blankets is like having submarine with a screen door: completely useless and a little insane. Blankets provide comfort and shade for your baby. Remember to use heavier blankets in the winter months or in colder climes and lighter blankets in the summer for some shade when needed. Keep lots of blankets on hand too! Of all the baby products on the market today, blankets are still the most versatile items in your parental arsenal. They’re also the most likely to get up-chucked on, so extras will always be 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!
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.
