 Preparing for your new baby also means preparing to have the right equipment for your baby. |
- How to Choose a Crib
A newborn can spend up to 16 hours a day asleep, and, as you might imagine, a good crib is one of the most important pieces of furniture you must procure before your baby arrives. In addition to the comfort of your baby, there are many safety concerns you must be aware of before you pick out a crib. In this section, we will tell you everything you need to know about picking the perfect crib. We will also examine the crib mattress, crib bedding, and portable cribs. - How to Choose Baby Bedroom Furniture
Aside from the crib, there are many other important pieces of bedroom furniture to consider for you baby's bedroom. On this page, we will examine the other accoutrements your baby will require. First, we will look at changing tables. You will be changing many diapers in the first year of your baby's life, and you will need a stable, secure place to perform this procedure. Next we will explore the various drawers and shelves you can buy for your child's room. Finally, we will examine rocking chairs and cradles. - How to Choose a High Chair
Your child will also need a reliable high chair for feeding time. High chairs might seem rather basic, but there are many high-chair injuries that occur every year. For instance, your child might stand up in the high chair, which greatly increases their chance of falling. In this section, we will show all the safety features your should look for in a high chair. We will also explore the advantages of a feeding table over a high chair. - How to Choose a Playpen
Taking care of a newborn is tremendous responsibility that requires constant vigilance from the parents. However, if a parent needs a brief respite to take a quick phone call or perform an important chore, a playpen can be a real godsend. In this section, we will show the safety features you should look for a in a good playpen. The railings, the edge, and the floors of a playpen can all be potential hazards for your child. We will also explore the pros and cons of wooden and mesh playpens. - How to Choose a Stroller and Carriage
If you plan to take your baby out of the house for more than a few steps you will need a sturdy stroller or carriage. While there have been large advancements in stroller safety, there are many stroller accidents each year. Because strollers need to be collapsible, babies can often get their hands caught in the mechanisms. In this section, we will show you all the stroller safety points that you need to look out for. We will also examine safety concerns in carriages. - How to Choose a Car Seat
Probably the most important piece of baby safety equipment is the car seat. In fact, most hospitals will not let a new parent drive home with their baby until they are assured that a car seat has been provided and properly installed. However, not all car seats are created equal. On this page, we will review the various types of car seats and help you decide which one will be the best for you and your baby. - How to Choose a Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is a device that allows you to strap your child to your body in order to free your hands or allow for easier transportation. In this section, we will tell you all you need to know to choose the right baby carrier. First, we will review the two basic types of baby carriers -- those made of cloth and those made from tubular metal frames. Next, we will list the safety concerns that you should look for when choosing a baby carrier. - How to Choose Toddler Equipment
As your child begins to grow, you will need some new equipment to accommodate the change in size. First, you will need an infant seat for when your child outgrows his high chair, but is too young to sit in an adult chair. You may also consider purchasing a walker to help your child develop this important skill, but there are some important safety issues you should be aware of. Finally, you should invest in some sturdy safety gates to prevent your child from entering unsafe areas like stairways. - How to Assemble a Baby First Aid Kit
While you may already have a first aid kit lying around your home, it will probably not be adequate to care for your baby. A newborn cannot withstand some of the harsh medicines in an adult first aid kit or some of the adult medical equipment like an oral thermometer. On this page, we will tell you everything you'll need to have a complete baby first aid kit. - How to Choose Baby-Feeding Implements
You will also need some specialty items to feed your newborn baby. On this page, we will give a shopping list for what you will need in the house for when you bring your baby home. We will also discuss breast-feeding and tell you what equipment you will need while you are nursing.
