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Ten New-Baby Essentials and Must-Have Items with Detailed Comparisons
 (Photo Credits: E. Aroyo)
If you are expecting a baby, you must surely be planning the items that are necessary to ensure his or her arrival into a safe, comfortable and happy environment.
In this article, we will provide a list of 10 items, most of which are essential for creating a safe and comfortable environment around your baby and that can help you perform your mother (or father) role efficiently and with ease. For each item presented below, you will be redirected to a web page that compares some of the best and most popular products related to that item. The purpose of the comparisons is to make it easy for you to choose the product that will respond best to your needs. |
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1. Electric Breast Pumps
(Photo Credits: Philips Avent)
It is well known that there is no better food than mother's milk to ensure normal and healthy baby growth. Mother's own milk contains the exact nutrients required by her unique child, including all that is necessary to strengthen the infant's immune system.
A breast pump can be of great help in making sure that the baby gets the full benefits of mother's milk.
Here are some of the most important advantages in using a breast pump:
- It allows collection and storage of breast milk for later use, if the mother must be away for reasons such as sickness, work, etc.
- It allows sharing of the baby-feeding task by letting the father take over the job, using the stored breast milk.
- It can stimulate the formation of milk when the breast does not produce sufficient quantities, and it can relieve the breast when it is engorged with large quantities of milk.
- As the infant grows, it can help transition the baby from breastfeeding to the bottle.
There are manual and electric breast pumps, but unless it will be used in rare occasions, an electric pump is preferable, because it can easily produce more milk in much shorter amount of time. Given that nowadays most mothers are quite busy with all sorts of activities including work, electric pumps have become extremely popular. Also, a mother who needs to increase milk formation in her breasts would benefit much more using an electric breast pump.
Thanks to medical innovations, using a breast pump today is completely painless. Modern breast pump designs respect the female body and have in mind the relief of any pain that breastfeeding may cause. Thanks to compact and portable designs, these pumps can be tossed in a bag for travel or easily stored away when not in use.
In summary, electric breast pumps offer the comfort and convenience of fast, easy pumping at the touch of a button. The mother basically sits and relaxes while the pump does all the work.
Of course electric pumps are more expensive than manual pumps, but if you are a busy mom and plan to feed your baby exclusively breast milk, the electric pump will be well worth the price.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular electric breast pumps, please click: Comparing Best Electric Breast Pumps.
A breast pump can be of great help in making sure that the baby gets the full benefits of mother's milk.
Here are some of the most important advantages in using a breast pump:
- It allows collection and storage of breast milk for later use, if the mother must be away for reasons such as sickness, work, etc.
- It allows sharing of the baby-feeding task by letting the father take over the job, using the stored breast milk.
- It can stimulate the formation of milk when the breast does not produce sufficient quantities, and it can relieve the breast when it is engorged with large quantities of milk.
- As the infant grows, it can help transition the baby from breastfeeding to the bottle.
There are manual and electric breast pumps, but unless it will be used in rare occasions, an electric pump is preferable, because it can easily produce more milk in much shorter amount of time. Given that nowadays most mothers are quite busy with all sorts of activities including work, electric pumps have become extremely popular. Also, a mother who needs to increase milk formation in her breasts would benefit much more using an electric breast pump.
Thanks to medical innovations, using a breast pump today is completely painless. Modern breast pump designs respect the female body and have in mind the relief of any pain that breastfeeding may cause. Thanks to compact and portable designs, these pumps can be tossed in a bag for travel or easily stored away when not in use.
In summary, electric breast pumps offer the comfort and convenience of fast, easy pumping at the touch of a button. The mother basically sits and relaxes while the pump does all the work.
Of course electric pumps are more expensive than manual pumps, but if you are a busy mom and plan to feed your baby exclusively breast milk, the electric pump will be well worth the price.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular electric breast pumps, please click: Comparing Best Electric Breast Pumps.
2. Baby Video Monitors
(Photo Credits: Babysense)
One item important to consider to ensure the security of your baby is a baby video monitoring system that will allow you to remotely watch and listen to your baby.
In a nut shell, a camera on the baby side, a screen on the monitoring parent side, and wireless communications between the two sides make up these systems. You can either choose to watch your baby continuously, or you can watch only when the monitor alerts you that the baby is crying (or that there is some noise around the baby), by starting automatically showing you what is happening.
Equipped with 2.4GHz FHSS technology for sound clarity, the best baby video monitoring systems you can buy nowadays will make you feel at peace with the knowledge that your little one will come through loud and clear when he or she needs you. And most of these baby monitors allow you to talk back to your baby too.
Depending on the brand and model, baby video monitoring systems come with different sets of features. Some of these are essential, others not as much.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular baby video monitoring systems, please click: Comparing Best Baby Video Monitors.
In a nut shell, a camera on the baby side, a screen on the monitoring parent side, and wireless communications between the two sides make up these systems. You can either choose to watch your baby continuously, or you can watch only when the monitor alerts you that the baby is crying (or that there is some noise around the baby), by starting automatically showing you what is happening.
Equipped with 2.4GHz FHSS technology for sound clarity, the best baby video monitoring systems you can buy nowadays will make you feel at peace with the knowledge that your little one will come through loud and clear when he or she needs you. And most of these baby monitors allow you to talk back to your baby too.
Depending on the brand and model, baby video monitoring systems come with different sets of features. Some of these are essential, others not as much.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular baby video monitoring systems, please click: Comparing Best Baby Video Monitors.
3. Baby Safety Car Seats
(Photo Credits: Britax)
When looking for a safety car seat for your infant, you should consider the following important points:
1. Until your infant is two years old, you should consider getting a rear-facing seat. Note that the American Academy of Pediatrics now advises parents to keep their infants and toddlers in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat.
2. Though infant car seats can be used with or without a car seat base, consider getting one that comes with a base. This is because if you keep the base installed in the car and simply lock the seat into it when you need to drive, it is more likely to have a safe and correct installation of the seat every single time. Without the base, you'd have to safely and correctly install the seat every time you put it into the vehicle, and chances are you will not always do a perfectly secured job. You should also make sure that the base is easily adjustable so that correct positioning of the base in the car that will ensure safety and comfort of the infant can be readily achieved.
3. You should consider a car seat with at least 5 point security harness, side impact protection, and appropriate safety inserts for newborns or very small babies.
4. You should consider getting a car seat that is compatible with one or more stroller brands and models. It should in particular have a simple, one-step, click-and-go type installation mechanism to the stroller of your choice, allowing you to create a travel system that best fits your lifestyle.
5. You should make sure the car seat is aircraft travel certified just in case you may need to travel with your child in the future.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular baby safety car seats, please click: Comparing Best Baby Safety Car Seats.
1. Until your infant is two years old, you should consider getting a rear-facing seat. Note that the American Academy of Pediatrics now advises parents to keep their infants and toddlers in rear-facing car seats until the age of two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat.
2. Though infant car seats can be used with or without a car seat base, consider getting one that comes with a base. This is because if you keep the base installed in the car and simply lock the seat into it when you need to drive, it is more likely to have a safe and correct installation of the seat every single time. Without the base, you'd have to safely and correctly install the seat every time you put it into the vehicle, and chances are you will not always do a perfectly secured job. You should also make sure that the base is easily adjustable so that correct positioning of the base in the car that will ensure safety and comfort of the infant can be readily achieved.
3. You should consider a car seat with at least 5 point security harness, side impact protection, and appropriate safety inserts for newborns or very small babies.
4. You should consider getting a car seat that is compatible with one or more stroller brands and models. It should in particular have a simple, one-step, click-and-go type installation mechanism to the stroller of your choice, allowing you to create a travel system that best fits your lifestyle.
5. You should make sure the car seat is aircraft travel certified just in case you may need to travel with your child in the future.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular baby safety car seats, please click: Comparing Best Baby Safety Car Seats.
4. Cribs and Diaper Changing Dressers
(Photo Credits: DaVinci)
One of the very first joyful experiences that couples expecting a baby will share is decorating the baby nursery.
A crib is one of the first items that parents will start looking for, but often they will overlook another important piece of furniture, the diaper changing dresser which makes changing your baby's diapers a simple task that doesn't require bending which can cause back problems in the long run.
But not all cribs and diaper changing dressers are equal, and before you get yours, you might want to keep in mind the following:
Instead of getting a crib that will be useless once the baby gets older, it makes sense to get one that can also evolve as the baby grows. Indeed, nowadays you can find cribs that can easily be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed and even into a full-size bed for older kids.
As long as they are of durable quality and attractive looking, such 4-in-1 convertible cribs will represent a smart investment, as they will be used around your home for a very long time.
When you buy a crib for your baby, besides from the 4-in-1 convertibility feature, make sure it meets or exceeds all U.S. safety standards and is JPMA certified (JPMA = Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association). This will ensure that the crib is built with the child's safety in mind and that no toxic finishes are used when building it.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular baby cribs/dressers, please click: Comparing Best Cribs & Diaper Changing Dressers.
A crib is one of the first items that parents will start looking for, but often they will overlook another important piece of furniture, the diaper changing dresser which makes changing your baby's diapers a simple task that doesn't require bending which can cause back problems in the long run.
But not all cribs and diaper changing dressers are equal, and before you get yours, you might want to keep in mind the following:
Instead of getting a crib that will be useless once the baby gets older, it makes sense to get one that can also evolve as the baby grows. Indeed, nowadays you can find cribs that can easily be transformed into a toddler bed, a daybed and even into a full-size bed for older kids.
As long as they are of durable quality and attractive looking, such 4-in-1 convertible cribs will represent a smart investment, as they will be used around your home for a very long time.
When you buy a crib for your baby, besides from the 4-in-1 convertibility feature, make sure it meets or exceeds all U.S. safety standards and is JPMA certified (JPMA = Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association). This will ensure that the crib is built with the child's safety in mind and that no toxic finishes are used when building it.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular baby cribs/dressers, please click: Comparing Best Cribs & Diaper Changing Dressers.
5. Playpens (Playards)
(Photo Credits: Joovy)
Babies grow fast! It doesn't take much time before they are able to crawl around the house making it quite difficult for the parents to keep them under their watchful eye.
Playpens, also known as playards, were invented precisely to provide the toddler with an enclosed, safe, and pleasant environment for play time.
Playards have evolved over time, and the best brands today come with features that keep the toddler both entertained and comfortable.
In addition, they easily fold and can be carried anywhere you go. This becomes quite useful when you're visiting the grandparents, other relatives and friends, or when you're traveling and you need to keep the toddler under control in unfamiliar environments such as hotel rooms.
When you buy a playard, you should be looking for the following features:
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular playpens, please click: Comparing Best Playpens / Playards.
Playpens, also known as playards, were invented precisely to provide the toddler with an enclosed, safe, and pleasant environment for play time.
Playards have evolved over time, and the best brands today come with features that keep the toddler both entertained and comfortable.
In addition, they easily fold and can be carried anywhere you go. This becomes quite useful when you're visiting the grandparents, other relatives and friends, or when you're traveling and you need to keep the toddler under control in unfamiliar environments such as hotel rooms.
When you buy a playard, you should be looking for the following features:
- It should be spacious enough for the baby to feel free and play comfortably.
- It should have a strong sturdy frame.
- The walls should both be transparent and meshed so that air can flow in from the sides, you can see what the baby is up to, and the baby does not feel confined.
- It should be quick and easy to set up and fold. Best playards can be installed and folded in less than a minute.
- It should have a soft mat or a mattress so the baby can rest or sleep when tired.
- It would be nice to have wheels so it can easily be moved around by just pulling.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular playpens, please click: Comparing Best Playpens / Playards.
6. Soft Baby Carriers
(Photo Credits: Ergobaby)
Babywearing has been considered for centuries by many cultures as an important component of child raising customs, and in recent decades the practice has also been adopted by millions of moms and dads in the western world who have come to realize its numerous benefits.
The concept allows you to carry the baby safely while keeping both your hands free and not having to bother about any cumbersome strollers. Furthermore, babies of all ages simply love it. Newborns love to be huddled against the bodily warmth of mom or dad, feeling both secure and snug, and older babies enjoy watching the world from adult heights sharing better the outing experience with their parents.
But there are additional advantages. When carried snuggled close to the parent's body, the infant can be kept warm while he or she is kept reassured by the parent's up-close and familiar voice, promoting bonding, and in many cases even soothing crying, gas issues or colic, Moreover, a difficult child who constantly needs attention is often calmed when thus carried.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular soft baby carriers, please click: Comparing Soft Baby Carriers.
The concept allows you to carry the baby safely while keeping both your hands free and not having to bother about any cumbersome strollers. Furthermore, babies of all ages simply love it. Newborns love to be huddled against the bodily warmth of mom or dad, feeling both secure and snug, and older babies enjoy watching the world from adult heights sharing better the outing experience with their parents.
But there are additional advantages. When carried snuggled close to the parent's body, the infant can be kept warm while he or she is kept reassured by the parent's up-close and familiar voice, promoting bonding, and in many cases even soothing crying, gas issues or colic, Moreover, a difficult child who constantly needs attention is often calmed when thus carried.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular soft baby carriers, please click: Comparing Soft Baby Carriers.
7. Travel Cribs
(Photo Credits: BabyBjorn)
When traveling with baby, one important baby item to take along is a travel crib which represents a safe and comfortable place for your baby to rest and sleep while you're on the go.
A travel crib is a portable folding infant bed that is easy to carry, set up and fold up. It usually comes with a soft mattress which makes the crib a comfortable and snug place for your child to sleep on a trip.
Lightweight and well designed, travel cribs are perfect for both short term trips or longer travels. They are ideally suited to paying a short visit to grandparents' home as well as to longer stays away from home.
But the nice thing about travel cribs is that they are so easily portable that you can also use them at home. Whenever you want to be close to your baby while you're in any room of your home and still want to be able to attend to other interests, all you need to do is bring the travel crib along, set it up in a few seconds, and have your baby safely rest or play in it, all in your company.
Note that most travel cribs are only suitable for babies and toddlers that are under 3 years old.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular travel cribs, please click: Comparing Best Travel Cribs.
A travel crib is a portable folding infant bed that is easy to carry, set up and fold up. It usually comes with a soft mattress which makes the crib a comfortable and snug place for your child to sleep on a trip.
Lightweight and well designed, travel cribs are perfect for both short term trips or longer travels. They are ideally suited to paying a short visit to grandparents' home as well as to longer stays away from home.
But the nice thing about travel cribs is that they are so easily portable that you can also use them at home. Whenever you want to be close to your baby while you're in any room of your home and still want to be able to attend to other interests, all you need to do is bring the travel crib along, set it up in a few seconds, and have your baby safely rest or play in it, all in your company.
Note that most travel cribs are only suitable for babies and toddlers that are under 3 years old.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular travel cribs, please click: Comparing Best Travel Cribs.
8. Diaper Backpacks
(Photo Credits: DadGear)
One very useful item becoming more and more popular that you might want to consider when you prepare for your future baby is the diaper backpack which allows you to take along all the necessary items needed for the baby when you go out together for a stroll or even a trip, without having to tie up your hands by carrying any of the stuff.
When you compare diaper backpacks you should consider the following points before you choose one:
- Ease of Organization: The ideal diaper backpack will have enough room to carry absolutely everything for your baby, and still stay conveniently organized. It will contain a cushioned diaper changing pad, space for at least a dozen diapers, a removable wipe dispenser, insulated pockets for bottles, additional pockets and compartments for other items such as foods, cups, toys, keys, books, etc. Some fancier models even come with padded protected pouches that can securely hold electronic equipments such as an iPad or a DVD player.
- Convenience: The backpack should open up like a clam shell or like a book for maximum viewing and easy access to all compartments and pockets. It should have zippered side pockets that allow easy access to the main compartment while wearing. A removable and refillable wipe dispenser and a quick-grab wipes window are also desirable to facilitate reaching for wipes. The backpack should have straps that can attach to the handlebars of strollers. This feature comes in quite handy when you are out with a baby stroller, and you don't want to carry the pack on your shoulders.
- Comfort: The shoulder straps should be padded to make carrying the backpack comfortable. They should also be adjustable so you can move the pack up and down your back until it feels right. The backpack should also have a solid back support that strengthens the pack and stops it from bulging into your back when stuffed to the max, as this can be quite uncomfortable.
- Safety: Insulated pockets for the bottles is a must to avoid spoiling of the various baby foods. Fancier backpacks even have built-in coolers for medication, beverages, and snacks. A good backpack should be made from solid nylon or polyester for durability and protection against wear and tear. It should be equipped for waterproofing, and if you have a tendency to leave things on the floor or the ground, it should have a sturdy bottom or metallic feet to keep the contents off the ground and away from dirt and bacteria.
For a comparison of four of the best and most popular diaper backpacks, please click: Comparing Best Diaper Backpacks.
When you compare diaper backpacks you should consider the following points before you choose one:
- Ease of Organization: The ideal diaper backpack will have enough room to carry absolutely everything for your baby, and still stay conveniently organized. It will contain a cushioned diaper changing pad, space for at least a dozen diapers, a removable wipe dispenser, insulated pockets for bottles, additional pockets and compartments for other items such as foods, cups, toys, keys, books, etc. Some fancier models even come with padded protected pouches that can securely hold electronic equipments such as an iPad or a DVD player.
- Convenience: The backpack should open up like a clam shell or like a book for maximum viewing and easy access to all compartments and pockets. It should have zippered side pockets that allow easy access to the main compartment while wearing. A removable and refillable wipe dispenser and a quick-grab wipes window are also desirable to facilitate reaching for wipes. The backpack should have straps that can attach to the handlebars of strollers. This feature comes in quite handy when you are out with a baby stroller, and you don't want to carry the pack on your shoulders.
- Comfort: The shoulder straps should be padded to make carrying the backpack comfortable. They should also be adjustable so you can move the pack up and down your back until it feels right. The backpack should also have a solid back support that strengthens the pack and stops it from bulging into your back when stuffed to the max, as this can be quite uncomfortable.
- Safety: Insulated pockets for the bottles is a must to avoid spoiling of the various baby foods. Fancier backpacks even have built-in coolers for medication, beverages, and snacks. A good backpack should be made from solid nylon or polyester for durability and protection against wear and tear. It should be equipped for waterproofing, and if you have a tendency to leave things on the floor or the ground, it should have a sturdy bottom or metallic feet to keep the contents off the ground and away from dirt and bacteria.
For a comparison of four of the best and most popular diaper backpacks, please click: Comparing Best Diaper Backpacks.
9. Indoor Infant & Child Safety Gates
(Photo Credits: Summer Infant )
Though it may come as news to many people, indoor accidents are the leading cause of death, disability and hospitalization of infants and children in the US. But this is not so surprising after all when you consider that a 6 to 9 months old infant can already start crawling to reach and explore surrounding objects raising the possibility of accidents.
Furthermore, an 18 to 2 years old toddler is already able to climb stairs at least by crawling. During that period the child can be restless and non-cooperative and may often try to violate prohibitions and warnings to imitate adults. This is quite a dangerous period as far as home accident risks are concerned, and the risk of an accident happening grows as the toddler grows and is able to walk, run and go up and down stairs.
To avoid indoor accidents it is strongly recommended to use safety gates at the top of staircases and at the entrance of rooms with risky contents.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular indoor infant safety gates, please click: Comparing Best Infant Safety Gates.
Furthermore, an 18 to 2 years old toddler is already able to climb stairs at least by crawling. During that period the child can be restless and non-cooperative and may often try to violate prohibitions and warnings to imitate adults. This is quite a dangerous period as far as home accident risks are concerned, and the risk of an accident happening grows as the toddler grows and is able to walk, run and go up and down stairs.
To avoid indoor accidents it is strongly recommended to use safety gates at the top of staircases and at the entrance of rooms with risky contents.
For a comparison of three of the best and most popular indoor infant safety gates, please click: Comparing Best Infant Safety Gates.
10. Jogging Strollers
Mom with Jogging Straller
Choosing a stroller could be a difficult task for new parents as they come in many styles and with different features. But for active people who like running or hiking and who wish to keep their outdoorsy and sporty lifestyles after they become parents, a jogging stroller is the most appropriate choice. These strollers are designed to keep your child comfortably seated in the stroller while you enjoy your outdoor activity. They come with most of the features found on full-sized regular strollers such as reclining seat, storage space, canopy, snack tray and cup holders.
But most important, they have only three wheels which allow parents to run or walk with more ease while pushing the stroller. Large inflated rubber tires, a stable and lightweight frame, and full suspension allow you to run on trails or maneuver on the uneven streets of the city without shaking too much your child while he enjoys a comfortable ride.
Compared with other types of strollers, jogging strollers often display a more aerodynamic design for the benefit of more serious joggers. They are also equipped with rear wheel locks to prevent the stroller from moving when parked. Finally, some come with a safety strap that can be attached to your wrist, which will prevent the stroller from escaping. Note that jogging strollers should only be used with babies/toddlers older than six months.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular jogging strollers, please click: Comparing Best Jogging Strollers.
But most important, they have only three wheels which allow parents to run or walk with more ease while pushing the stroller. Large inflated rubber tires, a stable and lightweight frame, and full suspension allow you to run on trails or maneuver on the uneven streets of the city without shaking too much your child while he enjoys a comfortable ride.
Compared with other types of strollers, jogging strollers often display a more aerodynamic design for the benefit of more serious joggers. They are also equipped with rear wheel locks to prevent the stroller from moving when parked. Finally, some come with a safety strap that can be attached to your wrist, which will prevent the stroller from escaping. Note that jogging strollers should only be used with babies/toddlers older than six months.
For a comparison of two of the best and most popular jogging strollers, please click: Comparing Best Jogging Strollers.
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