When my wife and I were getting prepared for the arrival of our baby we were short of time with seemingly endless things to do. Instead of trawling through lots of online reviews of products we bought most of our items based on recommendations from friends. Here are our top 10 products which we have found particularly useful:
Note: To allow products to be identified Amazon links have been included but look out for future articles on how to buy these more cheaply
1. Out N About – Nipper Single
Pros:
- Suitable from birth to 4yrs(approx) without the cost of a bassinet
- Performs well on all terrains (especially muddy footpaths!)
- Excellent value
- Height adjustable handle bar (useful as I am 6’4” and my wife is 5’1”!)
Cons:
- Not very stylish looking
- Newborn insert required, extra cost
- Not the most compact but wheels are easy to remove when required
2. Ergo Baby Carrier- Omni 360
Pros:
- Comfortable for parent to wear and for baby
- Easy to adjust
- Design appears robust- gives feeling of security
- Long lasting: newborn->20kg
- Useful pouch for nappy/muslin cloth
Cons:
- Expensive compared to simple fabric alternatives
3. Sleepyhead Deluxe Plus
Pros:
- Provides cosi-ness for baby and seems to aid good sleeping
- Compact/easy to take when visiting friends and family
- Fits inside cot/next to me
- Removable/ washable covers
Cons:
- Expensive
- Conflicting safety research (isn’t endorsed by Lullaby Trust)
4. Motorola Monitor MBP50
Pros:
- Large screen
- Mid-range price
- Easy to set-up/use
- Excellent range
- Adequate battery life
Cons:
- Camera doesn’t tilt down that far, sometimes difficult to use with high sided cots
- Limited colour definition on screen
- Blue power light very bright if parent sleeping with monitor alongside
5. BabyBjörn Balance Bouncer(can’t recommend this enough)
Pros:
- Seat provides supportive position for baby
- Baby enjoys seeing around
- Suitable for newborn to 2 yrs
- Toy bar extra provides good entertainment
- Folds flat
- Baby can rock themselves when older
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Haakaa Breast Pump
Pros:
- Haakaa can replace need to express (depending on milk supply)
- Saves time (collects milk whilst feeding)
- Cheap
- Really works! (Mrs E managed to collect a 200ml bottle of milk a day)
Cons:
- Slightly difficult to clean
7. Mam Bottles
Pros:
- Easy to sterilise in microwave
- Help to prevent wind
- Cheap
Cons:
- none
8. Gro Company Grosnug 2-in-1 Swaddle +Grobag
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Act as light blanket
Cons:
- Seem very tight but helped our baby to sleep
9. Angelcare Soft Touch Bath Support
Pros:
- Makes washing baby easier
- Helps prevent slipping/sliding
Cons:
- Takes up space in bathroom
10. Ion Water Bottle (key for breast feeding mums to stay hydrated!) – we have 4 of these!
Pros:
- Single handed open/closing
- Variety of sizes/colours
- Sturdy and leak proof
Cons:
- None
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