Gearing up baby

From the Parents Council blog this week:

“There’s so much gear available now to help make caring for baby easier – everything from Diaper Genies and baby-wipe warmers to shopping cart covers and gizmos like the DreamMover, which is supposed to automatically rock your baby to sleep.

“My grandmother raised seven kids on a farm, but she never had any of those conveniences. It makes me wonder sometimes as I find myself surrounded with so much baby gear – what do infants and toddlers really need?

“Which items and accessories did you use most when your children were babies? Which ones ended up being a complete waste? Is there a particular baby/toddler accessory that you never got but wish you would have had?”

– Posted by Virginia de Leon

“The items that I could not get enough of were bibs. Our firstborn was spitting up all the time; he lived with a bib on. My favorite types are those that are towel fabric and embroidered on. It simply pulls over the head and the hand embroidery is beautiful. Having tried many bibs (gifts and probably designed by parentless people) that were too difficult to use quickly, these were the most handy.

“Whenever I need a baby gift, I buy the bib and embroider on it. It’s useful and the mom loves the thoughtfulness of the handmade gift.”

– Posted by Lisa P.

“Bibs are a must and the pull on terry cloth ones are the best. No trying to tie one on a wiggling babe.

“I used tons of flannel receiving blankets. The bigger size sqaures are the best. I used them for swaddling, burp bloths, sunblockers, everything. Alas most of my receiving blankets are now dust cloths. It’s a great way to recycle, but a bit poignant.”

– Posted by Cindy H.

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