Outfitting your car for safe driving is a priority if you plan on taking baby out and about. There are many types of car seats to choose from. Avoid getting secondhand car seats, which may not meet current safety standards.
No matter which one you get, proper installation is key. Opt for a car seat that has either a top tether strap or a LATCH (Lower Anchor and Tethers for Children) system, which tethers it to a metal bar in your vehicle’s seat.
Driving solo? A car seat mirror allows you to see your rear-facing baby while driving.
Small, portable, and rear-facing, these can often snap into a stroller frame.
Larger option that can be installed rear-facing, then turned front-facing.
Look for car seat safety features like a 5-point harness system and an anti-rebound bar.
All-in-one car seats are designed to transition between stages and grow with your child.
Safety Guideline
A stroller doesn’t just get you from point A to point B. It’s the item that makes leaving the house easy and enjoyable.
You’ll need a main daily stroller (which may be a double if you have more than one kid) that can do it all, plus additional specialized strollers for different activities.
Stroller accessories like a cupholder, stroller cover, weather shield, and stroller lock will make life easier when you and baby are on the go.
A heavy-duty, combination stroller that’s compatible with an infant car seat.
Outfitted with three heavy-duty wheels to provide a smooth ride while running.
More compact and easier to maneuver, it’s sized to fit in a plane’s overhead bin.
The most lightweight option that’s easy to fold and transport, but with few features.
Strollers, especially travel systems, can get very heavy. Test to see if you can lift it in and out of the car or up stairs.
Just like a car seat, a five-point harness keeps baby secure. Youalso need reliable, easy-to-engage brakes.
Other important must-haves include quality wheels, comfortable handlebars, large basket, and a simple folding mechanism.
Babywearing can help with bonding, breastfeeding, and also soothing baby by maintaining closeness and connection. There are three main carrying styles: front inward facing (for infants), front outward facing (4 to 6 months), and back carry (after6 months).
Like strollers, it may be helpful to have a few on hand to grow with your baby. You might also have a different carrier preference than your partner, so having more than one is always a good rule of thumb.
A piece of fabric fitted with two rings that you secure over your shoulder.
Includes padded straps over shoulders and waist for more support.
Backpack-like with a rigid frame, this is perfect for hiking and long walks.
Some carriers canbe used in positionsthat workbeyond infanthood.
If you or your baby run hot, optfor cooler fabrics or breathable mesh.
It should be comfortable for the parent and hold baby in a hip-healthy position.
Your mission control when out and about, a diaper bag stores everything your baby needs. It should fit essentials like a full set of clothes, diapers, wipes, bottles, baggies for dirty items, bib or burp cloths, changing pad, and more.
Additional accessories like packing cubes and bag clips make it easy to organize a diaper bag and attach it to your stroller.
Whether it’s a backpack, messenger bag, or tote, havingthe right lookstill matters.
Resilient, easy-to-clean materials are best. Bonus points if it’s also water-resistant.
Having enough storage space is important, butit should also fit your frame.
Look for multiple compartments,an insulated pocket, and magnetic closures.
A travel crib is similar to a pack and play, but is even lighter, more compact, and more portable. It usually has a metal or plastic frame surrounded by breathable mesh walls. Travel cribs are designed to fold easily and fit compactly into a storage bag. Unlike cribs, there is no standard sizing.
It’s good to have a travel crib for visiting grandparents or as a safe place to sleep on baby’s first family vacation.
Measure to make sure it’ll fit your baby and in overhead bins, if flying.
Assembly is usually required. Get a sense of how difficult and long it takes.
Some come with a bassinet or changing table that fits on top.