Before Buying Baby Gear: Must-Haves

With all the itty-bitty furniture and newfangled baby gear there is to buy, it’s tempting to grab a shopping cart (or a registry gun) and go wild. But first, pause to take your baby’s safety  and your wallet  into consideration. The one thing you don’t need when you have a newborn, after all, is a case of baby-related buyer’s remorse. Here’s what to know about each baby-gear essential before you buy.

Car seat. You might be drawn to a convertible car seat, which can hold a baby as tiny as three pounds and last well into toddler-hood. But a bulky convertible seat will be tricky to maneuver in and out of the car while the baby is sleeping. Plus most convertible seats don’t have wheeled frames, so you’ll have to move the baby to a stroller if you’re going more than a few feet. An infant seat, on the other hand, simply pops in and out of a car base with the click of a button. (Infant seats can also be installed quickly and safely with a seat belt, if you often travel by cab.) Look for one with an easy-to-grip handle and a substantial sunshade, and test-drive it with a stroller frame if you plan on using one. Steer clear of used car seats, which can be compromised if they’re installed in a car that’s been in an accident.

Stroller. Strollers see a lot of wear and tear, so unless you’re certain you’re getting a barely used model, spring for a new one. Shop for a stroller in person and have everyone who’ll be spending a lot of time behind it — Mommy and Daddy, at the least — take it for a spin. If the handles don’t adjust, make sure they’re at a comfortable height for whoever will be using it most. Consider the amount of storage space it contains (bigger is better) and whether it will be easy to access once the stroller has a tiny occupant. If you’ll be spending a lot of time on bumpy sidewalks, look for a model with air tires, which offer a smoother ride than plastic wheels. Apartment dwellers should try collapsing and carrying a few strollers; lightweight umbrella strollers with carrying straps, like the Bumbleride Flite, are the easiest to carry up and down stairs. A substantial sunshade is a good perk, but if you fall in love with a stroller that has a wimpy shade, there are several tie-on shades available, such as the Protect-a-Bub.

Crib. Vintage cribs might be charming, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) strongly cautions against using any crib that’s more than ten years old. Even newer models can be dangerous, with more than 11 million recalled since 2007. (Check the CPSC’s Web site before you buy or borrow from a friend.) Cribs should have fixed sides (drop-side cribs are no longer sold in the US) with slats that are no farther than two and three-eighths inches apart. Look for a brand that carries a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association (JPMA) so you know it has been tested for quality and safety. A money-saving tip: A model that converts to a toddler bed offers a gentle transition from the crib, and it will last through several birthdays.

Mattress and bedding. The most important factor to consider when shopping for a crib mattress is how firm it is, as soft sleeping surfaces can raise the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). To test firmness, press your hand in the center of a mattress, then pull it away and check for a hand print; if you can see the outline of your hand, pick a different model. Once you have your mattress, you’ll need something to cover it with: All-in-one bedding sets are virtually useless, since the only bedding your baby needs is a fitted sheet. Crib bumpers, a staple in many sets, are discouraged by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which considers them a SIDS risk. And blankets are also a no-no in cribs. Stock up on fitted sheets and buy a crib skirt separately, if you’d like one.

Carrier. You might wait on this purchase till after your baby is born so you can determine which style your papoose prefers — plus your baby’s size might affect your decision. If possible, borrow a few different carriers from friends before you buy to see which one works best for you and your little one. Take each for at least a walk around the block with your sweetie inside, so you’ll know how the carrier feels when you’re on the go. Keep in mind that a carrier that straps around your waist, like the Baby Ktan, will be easier on your back than a model with straps that crisscross your back or a sling, which puts most of your wee one’s weight on one of your shoulders. If you opt for a sling, review the CPSC’s guidelines for wearing them to make sure your baby bundle stays safe.

Swing, seat, or activity center. These are also purchases you can probably save for post-pregnancy. Yes, the swing worked like a charm on your best friend’s baby, but for every little one that finds swinging soothing there’s another that starts sobbing. The same is true for bouncers and play saucers. To find out what your wee one prefers, let her give it a whirl first. If you can, bring your baby to visit a friend who has a little one who’s a few months older. You can catch up with a fellow mama  and your tot can test-drive some gear. If you do end up opting for a swing, look for a model that plugs into an outlet, like the Graco Duo 2-in-1 Swing with Plug (unless you enjoy late-night battery runs).

One final tip: Before making a purchase, new or secondhand — don’t forget to check the CPSC to make sure the product hasn’t been recalled.