Car Seat
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.
Infant Car Seat
Small, portable, and rear-facing, these can often snap into a stroller frame.
Convertible Car Seat
Larger option that can be installed rear-facing, then turned front-facing.
What to Consider
Safety
Look for car seat safety features like a 5-point harness system and an anti-rebound bar.
Style
All-in-one car seats are designed to transition between stages and grow with your child.
Safety Guideline
Per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, children should stay in a rear-facing car seat until they’re two years old, or until they reach the seat’s weight limit.
Stroller
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.
Travel Systems
A heavy-duty, combination stroller that’s compatible with an infant car seat.
Jogger Stroller
Outfitted with three heavy-duty wheels to provide a smooth ride while running.
Travel Stroller
More compact and easier to maneuver, it’s sized to fit in a plane’s overhead bin.
Umbrella Stroller
The most lightweight option that’s easy to fold and transport, but with few features.
What to Consider
Weight
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.
Safety
Just like a car seat, a five-point harness keeps baby secure. Youalso need reliable, easy-to-engage brakes.
Features
Other important must-haves include quality wheels, comfortable handlebars, large basket, and a simple folding mechanism.
Baby Carrier
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.
Sling
A piece of fabric fitted with two rings that you secure over your shoulder.
Soft-Structured Carrier
Includes padded straps over shoulders and waist for more support.
Frame Carrier
Backpack-like with a rigid frame, this is perfect for hiking and long walks.
What to Consider
Function
Some carriers canbe used in positionsthat workbeyond infanthood.
Material
If you or your baby run hot, optfor cooler fabrics or breathable mesh.
Safety
It should be comfortable for the parent and hold baby in a hip-healthy position.
Diaper Bag
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.
Style
Whether it’s a backpack, messenger bag, or tote, havingthe right lookstill matters.
Material
Resilient, easy-to-clean materials are best. Bonus points if it’s also water-resistant.
Size
Having enough storage space is important, butit should also fit your frame.
Features
Look for multiple compartments,an insulated pocket, and magnetic closures.
Travel Crib
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.
What to Consider
Size
Measure to make sure it’ll fit your baby and in overhead bins, if flying.
Function
Assembly is usually required. Get a sense of how difficult and long it takes.
Features
Some come with a bassinet or changing table that fits on top.
