(by 11 people)
Baby Gear Guide
Every new or expecting parent quickly learns that there are a lot of baby gear products out there...and that most of them aren't cheap.
Many baby products look really cool and useful. You wish you could buy them all...but you can't and shouldn't. How do you decide which baby gear will really be useful to a new parent and is worth the money? The best way is to talk with someone who has used it.
My wife and I are parents and this guide only contains baby gear products that we own, use regularly and feel confident recommending to others. These products are for babies age newborn to 18 months.
Our #1 Favorite Baby Product
The Fisher Price Portable High Chair
The base is one piece of molded plastic so it's easy to clean. You'll never have to wonder what that sticky stuff on the restaurant high chair is again.
It has a 3 point seat belt to hold your baby or toddler in place. There are 3 height settings and the tray is easy to detach. It also folds up and one of the chair straps doubles as a shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat
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Amazon Price: $26.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Get More Use Out of Your Onesies
Onesie Snap Extenders 6 Pack
Amazon Price: $10.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
The Best Baby Spoon On The Market
See what other parents are saying on Epinions about these spoons.
The SleepSack
Halo SleepSack Wearable Fleece Blanket - Blue (Small)
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Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Halo Cotton SleepSack - Light Blue (XL)
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Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Fun Toys
Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper
Our baby received this as a gift and plays constantly with it. Since then we've met several families who own it and all of their kids love it, too.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $22.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Rock-A-Stack
A classic toy for young babies.
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Amazon Price: $5.49 (as of 07/08/2008)
Books for Baby
Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You : Dr. Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises (Bright and Early Board Books)
One of the first books we started reading to our baby and still enjoyed today.
Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Learn what happens when Farmer Brown's cows get hold of a typewriter.
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/08/2008)
Ten Little Fish
The pages in our copy of this book are well worn from being read multiple times a day by request.
Amazon Price: $10.85 (as of 07/08/2008)
Bubba and Beau Go Night-Night
Read the hilarious (and well illustrated) adventures of Bubba and his puppy, Beau.
Amazon Price: $12.80 (as of 07/08/2008)
Bear Stays Up for Christmas
A beautiful story about a bear whose friends help him stay awake for Christmas.
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/08/2008)
Hands Free Baby Gate
It uses pressure mounting so there's no drilling into your walls and extensions are available for wider openings.
The First Years Hands Free Gate Extension
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Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
The Boppy
We really like the Boppy Luxe slipcovers which are velvety soft and hold up well in the washing machine.
Shopping Cart Seat Cover
a what??
When my wife first mentioned this, I had no idea what she was talking about or why we needed it. I've since changed my mind.This item is good for protecting your little one from sharp edges, dirt, germs and hot or cold seats found on most shopping carts. It also helps to keep any dropped toys or bottles in the cart instead of falling to the floor.
This cover is handmade, easy to use, durable, machine washable, comes in many patterns and is available at MyHandmadeCreations.com.
Baby Carriers
BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Original - City Black
The Babybjorn costs a little more than some other brands, but is worth it. It is well constructed and comfortable for both parent and baby. Make sure to buy a size that will fit the tallest parent, it can be easily and quickly adjusted to fit both parents. For babies from 8-22lbs.
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Amazon Price: $55.32 (as of 07/08/2008)
Evenflo Snugli® Cross Country Carrier Light Brown Nightspots
This backpack has a huge storage compartment in the back and comes with a removable sun canopy. For babies and toddlers up to 40lbs.
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Amazon Price: $75.17 (as of 07/08/2008)
Cups
Take & Toss® Straw Sippers
Once your baby is old enough to use a straw, these are the cups to have. They're cheap, durable and leak much less than other cups.
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Amazon Price: $3.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Money Saving Tips
- Yard Sales & Flea Markets - You can always find plenty of baby toys, clothes and gear at low prices. Make sure that the product is still in good shape and clean (or easily cleanable).
- Consignment Shops - Shops specializing in consignment merchandise for babies and young children are popping up all over the place.
- Organization Sales - Many neighborhood organizations such as parents' groups, home owners' associations, churches, schools, etc periodically hold large baby gear sales. Check your local paper and community bulletin boards.
- Meet Other Parents - Join a playgroup or sign up for a new parent class at your hospital or church. Not only does it help you get out of the house with your new baby, you'll learn a lot of good tips and get info on great deals.
- Get A Group Discount Card - Some retailers issue group discount cards. Check w/ your favorite stores to see if they have a group policy and what the details are, then sign up people from your playgroup to qualify.
- Shop on eBay - People are always selling their out grown baby clothes, toys and other gear online. Sometimes these items have never been used. Remember to always check out the shipping charges before bidding.
Little Golden Books
The classics.
The Little Red Hen (Little Golden Book)
According to my mom, this was also one of my favorites when I was a toddler.
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Nurse Nancy (Little Golden Book)
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Doctor Dan, the Bandage Man (Little Golden Book)
Amazon Price: $2.99 (as of 07/08/2008)
Another Money Saving Tip
Find unused or partially used gift cards for baby stores and purchase them at a discount on eBay. You can expect to typically save 5-20% on your purchases by doing this.
A few tips to maximize your savings:
1. Only buy gift cards for stores that you know you'll be shopping at.
2. Pay attention to the shipping charges. It only costs 41 cents to mail a gift card in the US.
3. Ask the seller if the card has an expiration date.
4. A coupon is not the same as a gift card, so make sure the listing clearly states 'gift card'.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Recommended Manufacturers
- Fisher-Price
- They make great toys that kids want to play with.
- the first years
- They make high quality products for taking care of your baby.
- LeapFrog
- LeapFrog makes toys that are fun and educational.
- Stride Rite
- Stride Rite makes durable, high quality shoes that fit your baby's feet.
