Here's the third installment of my series on buying guide for your baby and/or toddler.
Baby wash
Splurge on anything that comes into contact with your baby's skin. It has to be ultra mild because baby's skin can be very sensitive. We learned this the hard way. We bought baby wash from a popular drugstore on a buy one, take one promo. We bought it because it's cheap and it smelled nice. After several washes by kid developed rashes on his back and bum. When we stopped using this the rashes disappeared. So i guess we really needed to invest on his baby wash.
Here are some of the baby wash we used throughout my child's first year. Our favorite is Mustela. It's a bit more pricey but it is parabens-free. It has a fresh mild scent that i got addicted to.[/caption]Baby food maker
I make home made baby food and I had my eyes on baby food maker in the mall. Every time we pass by the baby section, i would look at this gadget. It was sold for Php 900.00, i think. But i was able to convince myself that i won't need it because any blender will do. We're already swamped with baby food containers and baby bottles. If i get a baby food maker, i won't have use for it once my kid starts on "real family food". I use regular household utensils in making puree and smoothies for my baby. Just make sure they're extra clean. Want recipes for baby food? Here are a few of my baby's favorite!
Baby spoon
Save your bucks for other baby products. Virtually any ordinary spoon can be used to feed your baby. But i think it's better to have baby spoons made of silicone or rubber so it's gentle on the gums. Also consider the size and shape of the spoon. Get one that's big enough for your baby's cute little mouth. If you're training him for self feeding, then you might want to get a spoon with a short handle. This way, it's easier for him to hold and put in his mouth.
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We got these cute spoons from Chicco to encourage self feeding.[/caption]Diaper Bag
I suggest to use money on other needs. Practically any bag can be a diaper bag, you just have to be organized. Honestly, a regular diaper bag with a lot of pockets and zippers confuses me. I keep forgetting in which pocket I put baby’s small stuff like nail cutter or baby buds Right now we’re using a generic backpack to store baby things. I just keep a separate small bag where a set of diaper change and wipe is kept. This way it's faster to find things when the kid needs a quick nappy change.
Do you want to stream line that heavy baby bag? Here’s my very short diaper bag checklist.
Stroller
The hubby and i both have bad backs. After just a few minutes carrying the little boy comes hours and hours of back pain. So we really need a stroller. I think if you have a child who's still learning to walk or is just "lazy" walking, then you need to invest in a good stroller. The one below is our second stroller. We like this because it's an umbrella type. It's lighter and you can fold it and store in the car's trunk. Note that this type is suited for older babies - those who can sit on their own longer and can do some walking.
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Our son is nearing his second birthday and he is already a good walker, but sometimes he just refuses to take a step. A stroller is a life saver, perfect for his "tamad" moments.[/caption]Here are good features to look for in a stroller:
- Choose those with restraint straps so he's securely seated while you're in transit.
- Good brakes are a must so the stroller won't roll away while it's parked.
- Big wheels are a good choice because it provides stability.
So there. Happy practical shopping!
Also worth reading:
