Calling all babies' Mamas

Cloth vs Disposable, 4 wheels vs 3 wheels, boppy vs breast friend, so many choices so much junk!  Researching all the baby gizmos out there has been interesting to say the least and after reading hundreds of reviews, articles and posts I've come to the conclusion that its all BULLOCKS!



In the end you could pick the most phenominal, quadruple tested, mother-approved __________ (fill in baby item) and the first time your baby uses it, she will spit it out, kick at it, cry till her face turns purple and basically let you know "The experts don't know squat, this is the worst _________, EVER". ** Full disclosure after pouring over pics this is the only one i could find of my nephew, Keval, crying - he's a happy baby.


I don't say this to discourage myself or any moms or dads-to-be out there but instead offer you salvation.  Take refuge in the fact that if you start getting tired of researching and pick the cheaper nursing pillow that has the cooler looking cover rather than the one that's filled with organic braided mohair from only grass grazing black rabbits, you've still got a 50-50% chance that YOUR baby will like it.

I've also come to realize and appreciate the value of hand-me-downs.  Cribs, car seats, slings, carriers, high chairs, rockers, sleepers, bouncers, play gyms, pack-n-plays, strollers, are just some of the items that you really don't have to buy brand new.  If you're lucky enough to have a few friends, sisters, cousin-in-laws who've kept some of these things, go and atleast check it out.  If only to use as a tester to see if your baby likes it, if he does, great! buy it brand new, if not then all you have to do is give it back or pass it along.

Saving some money there will allow you to spend some money on the types of things that I've often read you really should by brand new - like breast pumps (or atleast if you're borrowing a pump, buy brand new tubings and such), crib mattresses, pacifiers, rectal thermometers, etc. Not to mention those splurges (how can one more onesie that says i ♥ mommy hurt?) you can't resist.

So I'm calling on all those babies' mamas out there who were so kind enough to hold on to some infant-related items out there.  If you're willing to pass along or share for a while - I'm your girl. 

If you want to check out some of the stuff i have researched and decided upon acquiring (be warned its a constantly evolving list) check them out at ducky's gift registry

MY CRITERIA for selecting most items is as follows:

RECENT REVIEWS - (some items are worse than Apple with a new generation out every 6 months, so make sure the review you're reading is for the version you're looking to buy)

INGREDIENTS/MATERIAL- I'm not super Green but atleast a shade of Mint.  organic, 100%, breathable, BPA-Free, all natural, no chemicals, etc. are all phrases i LIKE to see

SAFTEY/RELIABILITY - U.S. Product Safety Commission Recall, tipped over, fell apart, shredded in washing machine, poisoned my cat, are all phrases i DO NOT LIKE to see

PRICE - (DUH.)

STYLE - Hey, your baby's ride and swag is a reflection of your style so if you wouldn't be caught dead in that bulky pink and white stroller then why make your baby.  This is, of course, totally a matter of personal choice, my personal taste leans towards a skandinavian vibe, wanna be marimekko fabrics, not a lot of bulk or frills, a former urbanite living in suburbia not ready to let go ;)


Another good piece of advice i've read is to buy one of a couple of brands you think are good - for instance baby bottles, because you don't know which your baby will take too.  In some cases the item will be something you can return and in other cases worse case you only bought 1 of the brand the baby doesn't like and can then purchase more of the one he does.

Thanks for listening
xoxo
BG