What to Expect the First Year (16 page)

Diaper bag.
Have baby, will travel. And while you can certainly stuff your extra-large shoulder bag full of all the baby on-the-go supplies you might need, a diaper bag is definitely a nice carryall to have—since you will have to carry all. But with so many bags on the market—high-end designer bags, bags specifically designed for dads, bags that don't look like diaper bags, and those that most certainly do—how do you choose?

First consider size and carrying comfort. You'll probably want one that's large enough to fit most of the supplies you'll need on any given outing, but you may not want one that's heavy and unwieldy before you even fill it up. Next, think about the features you want. If you're doing any bottle-feeding, you'll want a diaper bag that has a separate insulated bottle holding area (later, you can use it to keep baby's food chilled). Multiple roomy compartments—well divided and easy to reach into—will come in handy
for keeping diapers, especially dirty ones, separated from bottles, pacifiers, spoons, and food (including snacks for you). A moisture-resistant material will protect against bottle, medicine, or diaper ointment leaks. A changing pad that comes with the bag and folds compactly inside is an added bonus. And if you'd rather the diaper bag do double duty as a handbag, look for one with compartments for your wallet, phone, keys, makeup, and other stuff that normally ends up in your own bag. Finally, decide on the style. Shoulder strap or backpack style? Sleek, sophisticated diaper bag that could pass as an oversize handbag or one that screams “baby”? Remember, too, that you can also adapt any other carrier (such as a gym bag, backpack, or large handbag) for carrying baby gear.

Shopping cart cover.
Not a must-have, but certainly a nice-to-have, a shopping cart cover—a fabric seat cover that fits into the sitting area of a shopping cart (as well as a restaurant high chair)—helps protect your cutie from nasty germs while providing him or her with a cozy, comfy, and stylish place to sit. Some models include handy pockets to store pacis and loops to attach toys, so baby's favorites don't get tossed onto the floor of aisle 3 (and 4, and 5). Look for one that folds up for easy toting, has ample padding for optimum comfort, and provides good cart coverage (no exposed metal or plastic), as well as one that has a dual safety-belt system—one strap that keeps baby in place and another to attach the cover to the cart (and be sure to use both every time you shop).

While you can certainly hold your baby in your arms all day (and when he or she is first born that's likely all you'll want to do), there'll be times when you'll need your hands for other things—like cooking dinner, uploading those adorable baby pictures, and even (hey, it could happen!) showering. Which is why you'll want a place where you can safely deposit your little one—whether it's in a sling close to your beating heart, in a fun jumper or stationary entertainer, on a play mat, or in an infant seat or swing all his or her own.

Baby carrier or sling.
If you're like most parents, you'll love carriers or slings for the hands-free baby comfort they offer—giving weary arms a break from holding and rocking, plus allowing you to multitask while you're soothing your sweetie. And there's no easier way to go for a stroll with your baby, fold laundry without putting baby down, walk the mall or the market, or hold your little one while you push a big sib on the swings.

But the benefits of “wearing” a baby go way beyond the hands-free convenience and efficiency. Studies show that babies who are worn more cry less (a definite perk during those fussy times of the day or if your baby has colic), not surprising when you consider that being snuggled against your chest approximates the cozy cocoon of the womb. The physical closeness built into
baby wearing also builds that parent-infant bond—plus it feels really amazing. Happiness, as you'll soon discover, is a warm baby.

There are as many styles of carriers and slings to choose from as there are reasons for buying or borrowing one. Keep in mind that while reviews and recommendations from other parents can be really helpful, different carriers and slings work for different moms and dads (and that trying before you buy isn't that helpful if you're trying it while you're still expecting—bumps can get in the way). Here are some options to consider:

• Front carriers (as well as mei tais) consist of a fabric compartment supported by two shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly so that your back and shoulders share the load. They are designed so your baby can face either inward (especially useful for when baby is sleeping or for a newborn who doesn't have good head control yet) or outward (so an older baby can enjoy the same sights as you, though there may be some potential downsides to the outward-facing position if you haven't positioned baby properly,
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). Most can accommodate an infant up to 30 pounds, though some parents prefer to switch to a backpack once their baby is over 6 months—and, in fact, some front carriers convert to backpacks (and even offer front-in, front-out, side- and back-seating options). When choosing a front carrier, look for one that's easy to get on and take off without help and that won't require you to wake up your baby to slip him or her out. It should have adjustable, padded straps that don't dig into your shoulders, be made from easy washable, breathable fabric (so baby won't overheat), have head and shoulder support for baby, and offer a wide seat that supports bottom and thighs.

• A sling carrier (or ring sling, pouch, or wrap) is a wide swath of fabric that slings across your body, supported by a shoulder strap. Infants are able to lie down comfortably in them or face outward. An older baby can straddle your hip while being supported by the sling. An additional plus for nursing mothers: Slings allow discreet and convenient breastfeeding. When choosing a sling, look for washable, breathable fabric, a well-padded and comfortable strap, and trimness (one that isn't bulky with extra fabric). Just remember that different babies and different parents feel comfortable in different slings, making buying ahead especially tricky. Slings may also require some getting used to.

• A framed carrier is a backpack frame made of metal or plastic with a fabric seat. Unlike front carriers, which distribute baby's weight on your shoulders and neck, a backpack carrier places the weight on your back and waist. This type of carrier is not recommended for babies under 6 months old but can be used for children up to 50 pounds and age 3 (depending on the model). When choosing one, look for models that have a built-in stand—it helps make loading and mounting easier. Other features to look for: moisture resistant and cleanable fabric, adjustability, safety straps or harness to prevent your little one from climbing out, firm and thick shoulder strap padding, lumbar support to help distribute the weight down toward your hips, and storage pockets for baby stuff (so you don't have to lug a separate diaper bag on your shoulder as well).

Infant seat.
Bouncer seats, baby rockers, or infant activity seats (designed for
newborns to age 8 or 9 months) are a boon for babies and their busy parents. For baby, an infant seat provides cozy seating, a great view, and often, built-in soothing entertainment. For you, it's a secure place to put baby so he or she can safely watch you go about your business—whether it's making the bed, unloading the dishwasher, checking in at work, using the toilet, or taking a shower. And since infant seats are lightweight and take up little room, they can be moved from kitchen to bathroom to bedroom easily as you switch locales.

There are a few basic types of infant seats: The lightweight framed seat (also known as a bouncer seat) has a flexible frame covered with a fabric seat and bounces or rocks back and forth or side to side using your baby's weight and movement. The hard-shelled battery-operated infant seat provides comforting rocking or vibrating motions at the flip of a switch. Both kinds of infant seats usually come with sunshade canopies (useful if you'll be using the seat outdoors) and a removable toy bar that can provide entertainment and activities for your baby. Some models have a sounds-and-music feature for extra diversion (which means you might even be able to steal an extra five minutes in the shower—or even dry your hair). There are even multitasking infant seats that double as travel bassinets, while still others can grow with your baby and become a toddler seat.

When choosing an infant seat, look for one with a wide, sturdy, stable base, nonskid bottom, safety restraints that go around baby's waist and between his or her legs, comfortable padding, and a removable padded insert so the seat can be used for your newborn and then later for your older infant. Choose one that is lightweight and portable and, if battery operated, has an adjustable speed. For optimum safety, be sure to always keep your baby safely strapped in and supervised. And even if you're right beside your baby, don't leave him or her in an infant seat on a table or counter or near something (such as a wall) he or she could push off from suddenly. Don't carry the seat with your baby in it, and never use an infant seat as a car seat.

Another option in the infant seat category is the soft infant support pillow (such as the Boppy). This C-shaped pillow is quite versatile—you can use it during breastfeeding sessions (just tuck it around your waist, lay baby across it, and say bye-bye to neck, back, and arm strain), or to prop up baby during tummy time (
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). And once baby has enough head control, the pillow can be used as a semireclining “seat.” For safety's sake, never leave your baby unsupervised when propped up in a Boppy, and never let your baby sleep in one (it's a SIDS risk).

Finally, there are also cushioned baby chairs shaped like feeding booster seats that can be used on the floor as an infant seat. These come with detachable trays that can be used for toys or books or to serve up food. Wait until baby has good head control (around 3 months) before you use this kind of seat.

Baby swing.
There's a reason why baby swings are so popular among new parents—they're an easy, hands-free way to soothe most fussy babies (a few just don't end up liking the mechanical rocking motion). But a swing is definitely not a “must-have.” Before buying or borrowing a swing, check the manufacturer's weight and age recommendations and look for good safety features, including secure straps and a sturdy base and frame. Also consider whether you'll want to be packing the swing to go—if so, you'll want to select a lightweight, portable model, so you can bring it along when visiting friends or family.

Use the swing only when you're in the same room—never use it as a substitute for supervision. And though babies often fall asleep in their swings, it's best for your little one to do most of his or her sleeping in a safe bassinet or crib (the swing sleep habit can be hard to break). Also, limit the amount of time your baby spends in the swing, especially at high speeds, since some babies can get dizzy from a lot of swinging time. Plus, too much swing time, especially as your baby gets older, isn't great for motor development since it limits the time baby spends flexing his or her muscles.

Stationary entertainers (ExerSaucer).
These stationary entertainment toys (commonly called ExerSaucer) allow a baby who can hold his or her body up well (around 4 months) to bounce, jump, spin, and play while staying safely in one place.

When choosing, look for one with height adjustment (so it can grow with baby), a padded, washable seat that spins in a full circle, a sturdy stationary base, and a wide selection of attached toys and activities. If you do opt for an ExerSaucer, make sure you do not leave your baby in it for long periods of time (
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for reasons why).

Jumper.
Want to add some bounce to your baby's playtime while freeing up your hands? A jumper—either a stationary activity jumper or a doorway jumper—can be just the ticket. There are a couple of options to choose from:

• A stationary activity jumper looks like a mix between an ExerSaucer and a baby swing with a little “boing” added in. A seat is suspended with springs between a supporting frame, letting your active little one bounce up and down each time he or she flexes and pushes off those growing leg muscles. Most come jam-packed with an array of games, activities, and even light and sound toys within easy reach. A few have height adjustments to grow with your baby, and some can be folded for storage or to take on the go.

• A doorway jumper is a suspended seat attached with a bungeelike cord to the top of a door frame. The doorway jumper is considered less safe than the stationary jumper because the jumper's straps or clamps can break (causing a bad fall) and because vigorous bouncers can bump into the sides of the door frame (and little fingers or toes can get a bad bruising as a result).

Before investing in either type of jumper, remember that no amount of jumping will speed your little one's motor development, and too much time spent bouncing in one can actually do the opposite. Also consider that some babies get motion sick from all those ups and downs. If you do decide to buy (or borrow) one, be sure your baby has good head control before letting the bouncing begin—and take the jumper away once baby starts climbing and/or cruising.