Having two grandchildren, ages 2 and 6 months, has certainly taught me a lot about the newest products for babies. There are so much more to choose from than there were in my child raising days. To make buying for the new baby-to-be less stressful, I have compiled a list of products which have been "tried and true" and I would recommend for showers and gift-giving for the mother-to-be.
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Personal Care Products
Johnson and Johnson Products: Used by moms for years! There are a lot of generics but none better. Now they have many new products available: "Bedtime" soothing bath products and lotions, as well as vaporizing bath cream. They run a little higher than store brands but are well worth the difference!
Dr. Boudreaux's Butt Paste: For diaper rash. It is very lightly scented but it clears up a chapped bottom in the first use. I love it!
Mylecon Gas Drops: Dollar store brands are equally as effective. Sure saves a lot of floor-pacing!
"Little Noses": Sold at Walmart these saline drops will clear a stuffy nose and help baby breathe better.
Vicks Baby Rub: Very mildly scented and works wonders on a congested baby.
Baby Oragel Tooth And Gum Cleaner: With a soft rubber finger "brush", it feels soothing on little gums.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Great for little chapped faces due to drooling and spitting up. Heals very quickly and works great!
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Bottle Reviews
Playtex (With Liners): Liners are made to "drop in" and are so much easier than years ago. Absolutely, the best bottle on the market. No air!
Playtex (Vent Air): Slanted so it's comfortable for baby to hold, but no liner, a small rubber piece blocks air. My #2 choice.
Dr. Brown's: Highly recommended but a lot of parts to clean and assemble and I'm no rocket scientist!
Avent: Seems to get too much air. I recommend it only for older babies. They are also wide for a small baby's hands.
Diaper Review
Huggies: No leaks! The best diaper sold! More gathers, fits great! Thicker than Pampers.
Pampers: A good diaper for the price. My #2 choice.
White Cloud: Cheaper than Huggies or Pampers, but still a good diaper for the price.
Parents Choice (Walmart): Good for older babies (particularly girls) but will not hold leaks as well on boys.
Sleepers, Clothes And Blankets
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Carter's: Well made, really durable terry cloth and appropriately sized, no guesswork! Great prices at outlets!
J. C. Penney: Good terry cloth, well made, appropriately sized. Great prices at end of season clearance sales!
Bibs: Bibs without soft rubber backing are useless! Kmart sells a pack of four large rubber backed bibs for around $5.00.
Mom's Helpers
"Boppy" Pillows: Babies love them, so do moms! It's a horseshoe-shaped pillow which fits around mom's waist when nursing, rocking or holding baby. My grandson loves to lay between the sides with his head on top, he loves the "snuggly" feeling of closeness.
Bumbo: A sturdy rubber seat similar to a saddle (except round) with a piece in the middle for between the legs. Very safe and encourages the baby learning to sit upright and strengthens little backs. About $40 but well worth it.
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K-Mart Brand Bassinette: Very pretty, rocks or sits stable. Net underneath holds a lot of diapers,etc. Attached mobile has soft light, cloth moving bears, and plays music, many soothing sounds and singing.
Baby Wipe Warmers: For baby's comfort and mom's sanity. No cold wipes on a baby's bottom.
Bottle Holders: Unsure of the brand but plastic pegs flip up to hold bottles, rings and nipples after washing.
Toys
Leap Frog toys: Very educational and extremely durable. Safe cloth and plastic toys. Babies love them!
"Exersaucer" By Evenflo: The one my grandson is using has been through 3 others and still in great condition. Very durable with lots of great toys for baby to play with. Sits low so a short baby's toes touch the bottom to build strong legs and back. No other compares!
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Winnie-The-Pooh Toys: Soooo sweet! For a small baby, many toys have movement but at a speed which is not "scary". Pooh has a soft, friendly voice babies love!
Elmo Toys: For a little older baby, babies love them! They dance, sing. Hokey Pokey Elmo dances and spins around. Chicken Dance Elmo flaps it's arms. Really exciting for a baby! Mamaw"s pick!
Womb Sounds Bear: Purchased at Walmart, the sounds similar to inside the womb seem to sooth a newborn. About $15.00
Playmats: One with cloth animals or toys hanging encourages arm and hand usage. Babies love to lay flat and kick and reach for the toys.
Videos
Baby Einstein: Lots of movement showing toys with classical music. Real world objects and animals. Babies love all the motion. Encourages eye movement.
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Mommy And Me: My grandson laughs at the bright green Kangaroo named Little Jay. Parents and children dance and exercise to traditional kid's songs. Less expensive then Einstein videos but more excitement for babies!
Request: I would like to know if Graco prodcts are good for the baby? Can you give other information on other brands on carseats, strollers, cribs, and etc. for the baby?
Reviews of the best Graco Baby Products is what I found online. Maybe this can give you some information to compare with other manufacturers.
As always, Buckle Up EveryBody on Every Trip. It will save your life.
By Jess (Guest Post)
December 13, 20060 found this helpful
I have used Graco products and have always found them to be fine. You can find reviews on baby products on-line. Amazon or other baby sites usually have a review section under the item you are considering. I have an Evenflo infant seat that I am currently using, and I think I like the Graco better. If you have the opition, take the child with you when you buy the product for a correct fit if it's a car seat or such.
By Tricia (Guest Post)
December 13, 20060 found this helpful
We have a couple Graco car seats for our kids. I like them better than Evenflow, simply because the Evenflow straps are terrible and flimsy and twist all over the place, atleast on the seat we have.
If you have money to spend though, my absolute favorite is the Britax carseat. I recieved one from a friend (used) and I think it is by far better constructed and more secure than the US made carseats. Just my opinion though.
Yes, works great. I had second thoughts also before my daughter assured me it was safe and very helpful. When I used it for my grand child, agreed with her.
Lilac Silver Feedback Medal for All Time! 450 Feedbacks
November 9, 20110 found this helpful
Never unless the doctor recommended it and showed me how to use it.
