1. Pack N Plays are versatile, convenient, multi-functional items for your baby and a must-have for new parents. Easy and fast to assemble and tear down, they can be used as play pens and on-the-go beds. You won't have to worry about the availability of safe, comfortable accommodations for your baby when you travel to visit friends and family.
2. Diaper bags should have enough separate compartments that your essentials are organized, but not so many that you have to waste time searching through a maze of pockets to find a pacifier. Look especially for insulated compartments to store bottles or baby food, an included changing pad, and a designated cell phone pocket and key ring.
3. Your diaper bag should be comfortable to carry, so think about if you want a backpack or shoulder strap. Some bags can be attached to the handle of your stroller. The style of your diaper bag is also very important. Bags are available in a variety of colors and shapes, and you'll want to choose a bag that both parents will be proud to carry.
4. Baby entertainers give your baby a safe and stimulating place to play or rest while you are free to do other things. Motorized swings soothe your baby with a gentle rocking motion and often play songs. Your baby can lie down and develop strength and motor control while he interacts with the items on an activity gym or floor mat. When baby is a little older, plop him in a walker so he can train his muscles. Walkers help babies develop the muscle strength and control to stand and walk while in a safe, fun, and supportive piece of equipment.
5. A rocking horse has to be the most classic, iconic toy in existence. There's something about the rocking motion and the possibilities for imaginative play that captivate a child. However, today you aren't just limited to horses. Look for other animals, like elephants, birds, or even fish to suit your child's unique preferences.
6. To keep your child's room clean and organized, you'll need a spacious toy storage. Classic wooden toy chests lend charm to any room, but you can also find many specialty boxes with distinctive styles to suit the decor of your child's room - or try decorating them. Some toy chests even double as benches. No matter which toy box you choose, consider safety first. The box shouldn't lock, in case your child decides to hide inside, and must have a safety hinge that won't close too quickly and pinch fingers.
7. Never use a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of the stairs; these gates should always be hardware-mounted (screwed into the wall) for safety. Gates blocking access to rooms, hallways, or the base of stairs can be pressure mounted or hardware mounted.
8. Choosing a stroller can be an overwhelming task, as there are hundreds of types, styles, and features available. Think about your lifestyle and how you will be using the stroller. Will you be jogging with baby, going on quick errands, or heading out for all-day adventures? Owning multiple strollers is an increasingly popular option, since having the proper equipment will increase your enjoyment of your outings with baby.
9. Audio monitors let you listen to your baby from another room, alerting you to your baby's needs overnight and giving you freedom to move about the house during naptime. Look for models that include two receivers, low battery indicators, AC adaptors, and multiple channels to maximize clarity. For extra peace of mind, choose a monitor with sound activated lights in case the baby cries while you are performing a loud task like laundry, or get a monitor with a pad that goes under the baby's mattress to detect movement and/or breathing.
10. Don't rely solely on a baby monitor for your child's safety; peek in to check on him frequently. For extra peace of mind, consider getting an audio/video combination monitor so you can hear and see your baby. Some even have infrared capabilities so you can watch the baby at night.
