How to Gear Up for a New Baby

Most expectant parents want to buy their new baby the world--and there is a whole world of gear out there for little ones. But you don't need to spend a bundle on your little bundle. Before you blow the budget on all-new gear, consider borrowing as much as possible or buying much of it used. Check out online sources for reviews and recommendations and then selectively purchase new items with safety, durability and adaptability in mind.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cribs
• Bargain hunter's guides
• Disinfectant
• Cribs
• Safety instructions

1. Talk to people about what baby items they've used, and what they like or don't like about them. Other parents who have been in your boat are your best source of information. This is also a great way to find out if someone has something (like a portable crib) that they'll lend you or let you test drive. Items to ask about or look for are: Changing tables, diaper pails, baby monitors, front packs and slings, backpacks, portable cribs and playpens and swings. With the exception of the diaper pail and possibly the backpack, these are good "borrowing" items, as they're costly, but most people have to invest in them.

2. Read up. Browse the bargain hunter's guides like Baby Bargains and Bargain Buys For Baby's First Year for comparisons of major baby products by brand and price. Consult ConsumerReports.org and DrSpock.com. Shop the sales at BabyCenter.com and have gear shipped directly to you.

3. Go online to local parenting sites and hit yard sales for access to ever-available used gear. You'll be able to find almost everything you need in good condition from other parents whose child has outgrown it. Usability on most of these items is counted in months, not years.

4. Have a friend who is a parent make a list of those items you should borrow or buy used and those you definitely want to buy new. You'll want to borrow or find used such items as a Baby Bjorn (which retails for $80 and is grown out of in less than 9 months), a portable crib, activity saucer, doorway jumper and temporary changing table.

5. Make sure any used gear is safe and in good working order. Check for recalls at BabyCenter.com and give it a good scrub with disinfectant before using. Make the Web site of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (jpma.org) your first stop when shopping for nursery furniture. It provides up-to-the-minute information on recalls and safety tips as well as links to approved furniture manufacturers.

6. Invest in a crib if you plan on having more than one child, and a changing table that eventually converts to a dresser.

7. Follow safety instructions for all items. Similarly, adjust swings, jumpers, packs and activity saucers as needed as your child grows. As a rule of thumb keep in mind that your baby's legs should never fully extend while jumping--he or she should always have slightly bent knees.

Tips & Warnings

• To get the most for your money, don't restrict your search to baby stores-- check out regular furniture stores (especially during seasonal sales). You might find top-quality goods at reduced prices, and a few modifications (adding drawer stops or replacing protruding drawer pulls) will keep your baby safe.
• Crib alternatives--bassinets, cradles and Moses baskets-- can keep a newborn snug and make it easier to move him or her from room to room. But because a baby outgrows them within six months--and you'll need that crib eventually--borrow or buy these items secondhand.
• Always mail in your product registration card in case of recalls.
• See How to Choose a Stroller.
• Quilts, comforters, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals do not belong in your baby's bed. Any of these items are suffocation hazards since babies do not have the strength to move their head or body out of harm's way. The ties that attach some bumpers pose a strangulation risk.

[goodpapa]

on 6/10/2009 Great article! I am always concerned about my children safety and do everything to protect them. I buy all of my safety products at www.kindersafetyproducts.com and highly recommend this website to every parent. Check it out.

on 11/22/2005 For great skin, you can do this (whether pregnant or not). While pregnant, I would rub olive oil (instead of baby oil) into my skin after I finished washing. This adds moisture to my skin (without being greasy), and my skin glows and feels softer and more supple.

You can use it from head to toe (but not on wet hair). If you aren't comfortable rubbing it all over, at least ensure that you rub it on your tummy and breasts. Like me, you might have no stretch marks!

If your hair feels dry or frizzy, you can rub a little olive oil on your palms, rub them together, and lightly wipe them over your hair (when it's dry, not wet). This makes your hair less frizzy and adds a little shine. Don't use too much, or it will look oily.

I also put olive oil on my legs before shaving them. The result was that the hairs grew back less dense, softer, and much more slowly than usual.

Before putting on nail polish, rub a little olive oil into your nails & cuticles. Don't wipe it off. Paint on your polish as normal. I was amazed that the nail polish lasted twice as long and didn't discolor or peel as fast. The polish dried in normal time.

For these treatments, I use regular olive oil. The Extra Virgin type seems best. The great thing is that this product is 100% natural and has no added chemicals! I put it in a plastic bottle with a pump top, for easy dispensing in the bathroom. I hope it works for you, too!