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What baby products do I really need?
When it comes to newborns, it seems like everyone's got an opinion. Our advice columnist helps you sift through the clutter to decide what's really important.
Wed, Sep 23 2009 at 4:50 AM
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Q: I’m pregnant and everyone is bombarding me with “advice” about what the baby absolutely, positively must have. How do I sift through the world of pink and blue clutter and find products that are good for my baby and my peace of mind?A: First, congratulations on this exciting new journey. As you’ve already learned, there are several well-intentioned friends and family members providing unsolicited advice from the sidelines.
To help you get started down a greener path, I consulted with two of my esteemed mommy experts: Kate Pak is a stay-at-home mother with two incredible little ones who know their way around an organic grocer. I also consulted with my sister, Nakeya Gore, who just gave birth to her first child in July. With their input, I offer a list of items to buy or borrow, and items you can totally brush off the must-have list:
Buy or borrow
• Crib: “You just want to make sure the crib is made with all wood, not medium-density fiberboard or other pressed boards,” Pak said. “What you are trying to avoid is harmful glues and formaldehyde that are used to make simulated wood products.” Some brands like Oeuf make wood cribs with water-based finish.
• BPA-free bottles: Even if you choose to breastfeed, which would be the greenest and healthiest option for your baby, there are occasions when a bottle comes in handy. Plastic bottles are convenient, but many contain a controversial chemical called bisphenol A (BPA). Exposure to this additive has generated plenty of debate concerning its health risks. The FDA will release a new report on BPA later this year. Avoid all that drama with BPA-free plastic bottles. Avent, a division of Philips, offers several versions. A dual pack of 9-ounce bottles costs less than $20 on Amazon.com, but it’s best to find a few options, Gore said. “Some bottles your baby will not like and others will allow baby to suck too much air causing frequent spit ups.” Brands such as Born Free, Evenflo, Playskool and Thinkbaby also have PBA-free bottles.
• Bassinet: You’ll need this during the first few weeks to avoid frequent runs to the baby’s crib during the night. Since it’s a short-term item, consider borrowing or finding a used version on Craigslist. Pak opted for a Graco Pack 'n Play, which is essentially a portable crib that can be used through the toddler phase.
• Infant car seat: It’s one of the most important items in your baby arsenal. Hospitals will not let the baby leave without one. Since they grow so fast, it is best to borrow the first version or look for ones that come as part of a stroller combo set. You’ll upgrade to a convertible car seat after the baby’s first few months.
• Snap and Go stroller: “This makes your life SO much easier when you take them to grocery stores, doctor's appointments and other errands,” Pak said. “I used a Snap and Go type of stroller for both kids. I never used the bulky strollers for my kids since they are very cumbersome and heavy.” Remember, convenience is key when you have a screaming baby in need of your attention.
• Infant baby tub: They are relatively cheap but Pak borrowed them from friends with both kids.
• Diapers: You’ll need lots, and lots and lots of these. Pak suggests the Pampers premium diaper line, which has versions for every stage of babydom.
• Hypoallergenic laundry detergent: Gore said that your washing machine will get quite a workout when the baby comes. Look for a hypoallergenic detergent for the baby’s clothes, blankets and bibs.
• A sturdy diaper bag: “The diaper bag will now become your second purse, so pick a cute one,” Gore warned. “Also have a friend or relative toss in a couple of books to read to baby.”
What to brush off
• Baby shoes: Until your tyke is actually toddling, there is no need to buy pint-size sneakers, loafers or hiking boots. They will simply wind up on the floor or in baby’s mouth.
• Skincare lines: Save all that baby oil, powder and lotion for a few months down the line. Pediatricians prefer that parents keep it simple with newborns; a gentle soap and water are all it takes.
• Toys, glorious toys: “The first few weeks and months are all about you caring for and getting to know your baby,” Gore said. “What's most important is love — and plenty of patience.”
Sites to bookmark
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: If a stroller gets pulled from store shelves, you’ll find it here first. Do the research on recalled products and safety guidelines before you buy or borrow big-ticket items.
• Seatcheck.org: Make sure your child’s safety seat is installed properly, and get up-to-date on passenger safety laws in your state. Seatcheck.org also lists locations where you can get a free car seat inspection.
• Zrecs.com: This popular Web site serves as a comprehensive guide to chemicals in popular products. “Look for nontoxic bottles/toy lists and lots of other really good and informative topics for baby related stuff,” Pak says. “I go to it every time I want to make a major purchase or have questions.”
Got a question? Submit a question to Mother Nature and one of our many experts will track down the answer. Plus: Visit our advice archives to see if your question has already been tackled.
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I will admit that I am new to organics but as a mom of 2 kids under 3, I can suggest either glass bottles or BPA-free plastics, silicone nipples, cloth diapers or eco-friendly disposables, and the natural/hypoallergenic laundry soap. Babies have very sensitive skin and need gentle soap. I found tons of great name brand recommendations in a book called "Healthy Baby Happy Home". It's all about organic baby products and has helped reassure me that what I am buying is good for my kids!
Bolt furniture to the walls and watch out for lead poisoning. Extension cords, holiday lights and garden hoses are all coated with lead and can transfer from your hands into your child’s blood stream through their skin. Small amounts produce irreversible brain damage at this stage of brain development.
http://www.babyproofernewyork.com/
Baby Proofer NY
You can also skip the crib.. What a waste to buy a bed that is usable only for 1+ years. Rather get a safe co-sleeper or play yard that has multiple uses and. And because some baby stuff isn't in use for that long (e.g. bouncer seat, 0-6mths) that you may consider buying it second hand.
I have to second Shea and say a sling or carrier is essential, especially if you wind up with a high needs baby who hates a stroller. When I walk with my son through crowded streets or restaurants, I feel bad for the people with the bulky strollers who don't fit! The sling is way cheaper, more portable, and makes my baby sooooo happy.
But not get so holier than thou. Future generations are goint to learn better than us. But who are you to say disposable diapers don't save more energy than cloth diapers which use land, factories, pesticides,fertilizer, etc, etc. Not an even trade, if you ask me. Of course, you didn't, but I didn't ask for your "oh, I'm green, worship the thoughts I project" attitude either. End rant. Thanks for listening.
We found after our first child that a high chair was nothing more than something to trip over so we got rid of it before our second was born. When our babies were little, we just fed them in their bouncy seats. When they got big enough for a high chair, we strapped a portable high chair onto a dining chair. We needed to remove it when we took it somewhere, but it wasn't that much of a hassle.
Hey BiospherePreservation
Who pissed in your Kashi?
If you folks don't clean up your act... and support the environment... instead of the CONSUMERIST & BIG BUSINESS... we'll have to campaign against you... since you are already proving yourself hypocrites!
I would add a swing to that list. It was invaluable for naps, as well as a safe place to put our baby, out of the way of pets and other children. I talk about this and many other tips in my book, 101 Things I Wish I Had Known About Raising a Baby.
http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/101ThingsIWishIHadKnownAbo...
Thank you for the suggestions. I will feature cloth diaper options in an upcoming column.
Cloth diapers are a simple, economical and easy solution for diapering baby with a smaller carbon footprint. Modern cloth diapers use less water for washing and can be quickly line dryed. There are also much better biodegradable options now than the leaky gDiaper inserts. You can learn about how simple cloth diapering can be at www.clothdiaperreviews.com
I can't believe you are suggesting disposable diapers on this site!!!
Cloth diapers are always best, but if you need a disposable, g-diapers offer an alternative with just a disposable insert which is biodegradable.
Let's try and keep our babies "carbon footprint" as tiny as their actual footprint!