What to Expect the First Year (14 page)

Play yard/portable crib.
Play yards (also known as portable or travel cribs) are usually rectangular in shape, with a floor, mesh sides, and rails that lock and unlock for easy (but safe) collapsibility and folding. Most fold into a long rectangle and come with a carrying case for easy transport. Some have wheels, others have removable padded changing stations that fit on top, built-in bassinets for newborns, side storage areas, and even a canopy for shade (useful if you bring the play yard outdoors). Play yards can also be used as portable cribs when traveling or even as baby's primary digs in the first few months (or beyond) if you opted not to spring for a bassinet (or if you're not planning to get a crib). Do keep in mind that once you stop using the bassinet insert, shorter moms and dads may find it a stretch to lay baby down on the bottom of the play yard. When choosing a play yard, look for one with fine-mesh netting that won't catch fingers or buttons, tough pads that won't tear easily, padded metal hinges, a baby-proof collapse mechanism, quick setup, easy folding, and portability. It should also take removable fitted sheets for easy cleanup.

Changing space.
By the time your baby has reached his or her first birthday, chances are you'll have changed nearly 2,500 diapers (and sometimes, it will seem as though you've changed nearly that many in a single day). With such staggering numbers in mind, you'll want to set up a comfortable place to change those diapers—one that is also convenient, safe, and easy to clean.

The obvious choice is a changing table—and if you choose one, you'll have two options: a stand-alone changing table or a combination dresser/changing table, which has an oversize top or a flip-open top with a pad. With either option, look for one that is sturdy and has solid legs, safety straps, washable padding, diaper storage within your reach, and supply storage out of baby's reach. Also test it out to make sure the height and maneuverability are comfortable for you. There are intuitively designed changing tables that allow you to position baby vertically instead of horizontally, making it easier to access the business end. If using the flip-open type of changing table, do not place baby's weight on the outer edge: That can cause the entire chest to topple. One clear advantage of a combo changing table is the space-saving storage it provides.

While a designated changing table is definitely nice to have, it isn't necessary if you're short on space or money. You can actually turn an ordinary dresser or table into a changing space. If you go that route, you'll need to shop for a thick pad with a safety strap to place on the dresser to keep it protected and to keep baby secure and comfortable. Make sure, too, that the dresser height is comfortable for you (and whoever else will be doing diaper duty) and that the pad doesn't slide off the dresser top when you're diapering a squirmy baby.

Diaper pail.
Your baby's bottom is sure to be sweet and adorable. But what comes out of it probably won't be. Luckily, diapers are there to catch it all. But to catch all those dirty diapers,
you'll want a diaper pail designed to whisk away and store the evidence (and odor). If you're using disposable diapers, you can choose a fancy diaper pail that tightly seals (or even coils) diapers in an odor-preventing plastic liner. Or look for one that uses ordinary garbage bags (because the special liner refills can get expensive). Whichever type you use, remember to empty the pail often (but hold your nose when you do, because the stench of stored diapers can knock you off your feet). Deodorized pails make sense for obvious reasons.

If you are using cloth diapers, choose a pail that is easy to wash and has a tight-fitting top that a baby or toddler can't pry open. If you're using a diaper service, the service will usually provide you with a deodorized diaper pail and cart away the stinky contents weekly.

Glider.
Most parents are off their rockers these days, choosing a glider for the nursery instead. Gliders beat out rockers in comfort and safety, since they don't tip over as easily and they're free of runners, which children (and pets) can get caught under. While a glider isn't technically a nursery necessity, you're bound to get a lot of use out of one—not only for rocking your baby, but for feeding, snuggling, and years of cuddly story times (which you'll want to start from birth;
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). Secondhand gliders usually still have lots of life left in them, so if someone you know is looking to unload theirs, you may want to snag it. If you're buying new, let comfort guide you. Test before you buy, preferably using a doll as a prop—the arms of the chair should support your arms well in a feeding position, and the height should be at a level that allows you to get up smoothly while holding baby, without any stumbles that could startle your sleeping bundle. Many gliders come with matching gliding ottomans so you can kick up your tired dogs as you glide with your little puppy.

Baby monitor.
A baby monitor allows parents to keep tabs on a sleeping infant without standing watch over the crib (though, realistically, you'll be doing plenty of that in the first few weeks, too). It's especially useful when your baby isn't sharing a room with you, or if you're in another part of the house when he or she is sleeping during the night or naps. Even if baby's not within earshot of you, the monitor will alert you when he or she wakes.

There are a few types of monitors. The basic audio monitors transmit sound only. The transmitter is left in your baby's room, and the receiver either goes where you go or stays in the room you'll be in. Some monitors have two receivers so both parents can listen in (or you can keep one receiver in your bedroom and the other in the kitchen, for example). An added feature to the audio monitor is the “sound-and-light” feature. Such a monitor has a special
LED display that enables you to “see” the sound level of your baby. An audio-video model allows you to see and hear your baby on a TV screen using a small camera placed near the baby's crib. Some models have infrared technology so you can see your baby even if it's dark in the nursery, and apps that allow you to peek in on baby's sleep when you're out and the sitter's on duty. There are also movement sensor monitors—a sensor pad is placed under the mattress to detect baby movement. If the baby stops moving suddenly, an alarm sounds. Just keep in mind that research doesn't show any SIDS prevention benefits from using these monitors.

Prefer to keep tabs on baby the old-fashioned way (by listening for crying)? Skip the monitor—after all, it's hard not to hear a crying baby, even down the hall.

Nightlight.
As you stumble out of bed for yet another middle-of-the-night feeding, you'll be thankful for a nightlight (or a lamp with a dimmer). Not only will it keep you from tripping over that stuffed giraffe you left in the middle of the floor, but it will also keep you from having to turn on a bright light—guaranteed to disturb the sleepy darkness and make a return to dreamland more elusive. Look for a plug-in model that can safely be left on, and remember to put it in an outlet that baby can't reach. Want a nightlight that does double duty as a soother for baby? Consider a light projector that displays a bright yet soothing, slowly rotating scene on the ceiling—stars, an underwater scene, a rain forest. Some play music—lullabies or peaceful ocean or white noise sounds—and most have a soft nightlight when the projection shuts off so you can find your way when you go in for diaper changes. Just make sure you don't shine a bright light on baby's room during sleep, since that can mess with natural sleep rhythms. And to protect baby's delicate ears, keep any kind of light projector that plays musical sounds on a low-volume setting and don't place it right next to the crib.

Thinking of leaving the house? You'll want to, you'll need to, and you'll have to be prepared to—with, at minimum, a car seat and a stroller. As with other baby stuff you'll be buying, there will be endless styles, colors, finishes, and features to choose from when picking gear for outings—and you'll have to make your choices with safety, comfort, and your budget in mind. Lifestyle should be factored in, as well as ease of use and convenience (a plush stroller may look great on the sidewalk, but not as you're struggling to fold it with one arm while holding a squirming baby in the other).

In general, look for items that meet federal safety standards and have adequate safety straps at the crotch and waist, where appropriate. You should avoid choosing any items that have rough edges, sharp points, small parts that might break loose, exposed hinges or springs, or attached strings, cords, or ribbons. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions for use and maintenance of all items. Also, always send in your product registration card or register online so that you can be notified promptly in case of a recall.

Stroller.
The right stroller (or strollers) can make your daily life with baby—from that walk in the park to that hike through the mall—much more manageable and much less exhausting. But wading through the dozens of choices (and price tags) in the store can be overwhelming. Because there are so many different types of strollers, carriages,
travel systems, joggers, and stroller/carriage combinations available, you'll need to consider your lifestyle in order to find the one (or ones) right for you. Will you be taking long, leisurely strolls with your baby on quiet suburban streets (or in that park)? Or will you be hitting the jogging trails with Junior? Do you spend a lot of time getting in and out of your car? Or more time climbing in and out of buses or subway stations? Will you be taking mostly short walks to the corner store, or will you also be taking long trips with your baby on airplanes or trains? Do you have a toddler at home who still likes to be in a stroller? Are you (or your spouse or caregiver) very tall or very short? Do you live in a small walk-up apartment, an elevator building, or a house with many steps at the front door? Once you've answered these questions, you're armed with enough information to make your choice. And, depending on your budget, you might consider buying more than one type for more flexibility in your mobility.

The basic strollers and carriages available include:

• Full-size carriage strollers. If you're looking to invest in one stroller that'll wheel your baby right through the toddler years—and even convert into a double stroller when your firstborn gets a travel companion (aka a new sibling), you might consider a full-size stroller. These full-service and high-end strollers come with accessories that not only make baby's ride a joy (toy attachments, bottle holders, plush, fully reclining seats, and in some cases, bassinets or other newborn/infant inserts), but also make your life easier (think large storage baskets and even iPod hookups). Most models fold flat easily, and while they're heavier and more cumbersome than lightweight strollers, they are also very durable and will last many years (and through many babies, if you're so inclined). And it's a good thing, too, since they're usually pretty pricey.

The downside to the large strollers is just that—they're large, and sometimes difficult to navigate through crowds, doors, and aisles. Plus their extra weight (up to 35 pounds for some models) makes it a pain to be carried up and down stairs (especially when you add in the weight of your baby).

• Travel system stroller. You already know you'll need both a car seat and a stroller, so why not get an all-in-one stroller that combines both in one convenient package? Travel system strollers are perfect for parents (and babies) on the go, combining a full-size, stand-alone stroller with an infant car seat that clips into the stroller when you're on foot. The beauty is that since most babies drift off on even short car rides, an infant stroller travel system allows you to switch your sleeping beauty from car to stroller without disturbing those sweet dreams. Once your baby outgrows the infant car seat, the standalone stroller goes solo for the long haul. Of course, while a travel system
can come in handy, there are some downsides. Some are heavy and bulky, making it tough to load into and out of your trunk, or even to fit into your trunk. Plus (another potential minus), you can use only the car seat that comes with the stroller. So if baby will be traveling in more than one car, you may need to buy a second car seat if you don't want to unhook and reattach the one base the stroller comes with. This problem can be avoided if the car seat you buy offers the option of sold-separately bases, so you can leave a base in both your cars.

• Umbrella (lightweight) stroller. Umbrella strollers are ultralight (often weighing as little as 6 pounds) and exceptionally easy to fold. When folded, they are extremely compact for convenient carrying and storing. Since most do not recline or offer sufficient padding or support, they aren't appropriate for small babies, but they're ideal for older ones, especially when traveling, using public transportation, or getting in and out of a car often. You may want to hold off on buying an umbrella stroller until your baby's big enough to be toted in it.