So parents should always read up and check out the pros and cons before actually buying. It also pays "where" you get the items. I've noticed that baby products are more pricey in the malls, compared to online shops or bazaars. There are also select items in second hand stores and thrift shops, if you have an eye for bargain hunting.
Here are 5 more baby products and gears plus some tips before getting them.
Baby bottles
- I suggest to SPLURGE on baby bottles! We use them primarily used as breast milk storage because my son stopped feeding from synthetic nipples at 8 months. He drank his milk from cup or through a big syringe without the needle. We invested in bottles made with hard and thicker plastic, so they don't expand or contract when exposed to high heat when i sterilize them.
- You can also get bottles that are convertible. Some brands have a line of sealing discs, spouts and handles which fit the screws of the feeding bottles. Get the a spout to convert it into a cup. Or just get a sealing disc to make it a storage bottle.
- If breastfeeding, choose small bottles - those with 4 to 5 oz capacity. Breastfed babies feed more frequently but in small quantities.
- Actually, it does not matter what brand you choose, but always choose BPA free bottles or plastic utensils for your baby. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in making plastics. Too much exposure to this may cause developmental defects in newborns, according to some studies done on animals. Based on La Leche Leagues's Breastfeeding Answer Book, plastics with the recycling symbol # 1,2,4 or 5 and/or PP are BPA free. Look for this symbol at the bottom of the bottle.
Baby rocker
- It's a tossup between SAVE and SPLURGE on this one. Actually we did not use a rocker then, but we bought one. The problem is we bought it late so we did not maximize its use. P was "malikot" and more mobile and resisted being put in the rocker. I suggest to buy it as early as possible so your baby can use it longer.
- Always check to weight limit of the rocker, that can give you an idea how much longer you baby can use it.Look for straps to make sure baby is securely placed on it.
- The biggest come-on (for me) when we got this one is that it has music and lights - which should have come secondary to the rocker's structural design.
[caption id="attachment_2357" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
We bought this rocker when baby was around 7 months, only to realize he's about to reach the weight limit![/caption]Safety gate
- A safety gate is a must to prevent your toddler from getting to hazardous places like the kitchen or stairs. SAVE on this by checking online stores or second hand stores or thrift shops. Believe me, once they start walking they'll try to get to these areas when you're not looking! They usually start walking around 9 to 13 months.
- Make sure that the safety gate is easy to install but at the same time sturdy. Make sure they fit right on your doorway so it won't fall down when your child swings on it. Believe me, he will!
[caption id="attachment_2424" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
We bought a safety gate like this for P1,000 in a thrift store along McArthur Highway in Valenzuela. Source of photo: ebay[/caption]High chair
- You can SAVE on a high chair if you check out thrift stores. (As you may notice by now, we are a fond of bargain hunting!)
- You can get a high chair when the baby starts to sit on his own, that's around 6 months for our baby.
[caption id="attachment_2423" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
We got this high chair from a thrift shop along Del Monte Ave in QC for only P800.00. This converts into a swing by pushing down the back panel. When baby was younger, he would actually sleep on this.[/caption]- Look for a high chair with a heavy and wide base. This adds to the stability of the chair. Sturdy highchairs won't topple down when your child reaches out to grab on something.
- Straps are a must for high chairs so you're secure as he sits on this. I once sat may baby down, and being to small, he almost slipped down because i forgot to strap him.
Baby shoes
- SAVE your bucks rather than spend it on too many baby shoes! Baby feet grow so fast! At 12 months, i think we got about 12 shoes for P din! He just kept on outgrowing them.
- I can't emphasize enough how important it is to get the right size for your kid. Always have some allowance, but not too large for his feet.
Every family's need is unique so take time to check if you really need to get these items. Do diligent research before buying big ticket items like a rocker or a high chair. Avoid buying on a whim or else you won't have time to analyze the product's features.
Shopping for baby is always happy time for me! It even get happier when you know that your every purchase is worth it.
Also worth reading:
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