Baby Advice
What do you need in those first few weeks after you bring your baby home? We read what the experts had to say, and then we checked in with parents — and found that people have very different ideas of what's essential.
(And when you consider that humans raised babies for thousands of years without plastic bottles or rubber crib sheets, it's clear that "need" is a fuzzy concept.)
Still, your baby will require a few basics:
Somewhere to play
Something to eat
Clothes to wear
A Safe seat in the car
A Stroller to ride in
A Pacifier to help them settle
Hi chairs to make feeding easier
Monitors to keep an ear on their sleep
Playpens for safety and parents peace of mind
Slings and carriers for out and about
A Place to sleep
Somewhere to play - Return To Top
Babies, being inquisitive creatures, are constantly seeking stimulation. Even very young babies who can't yet hold objects can explore with their eyes and their ears.
Activity centers offer a variety of things for babies to look at and touch, stimulating your child's hand and eye coordination while easing the frustration felt at not being mobile.
Playmats, the simplest of activity centers, are usually made of fabric backed with padding so you can place your baby directly on top. Inexpensive playmats have pictures printed or embroidered on them. More elaborate playmats offer activities, such as flaps that can be lifted, baby safe mirrors to gaze into, and even water-filled compartments holding floating objects.
There are now even playmats, with soft, fabric-covered arches crossing overhead that attach to each corner. Bright toys are suspended from the arches, putting them in reach of an infant on his back or an older baby on her tummy. This lets you change toys often to keep baby interested and stimulated.
Baby on a Budget Tip:
Buy activity centers that can be outfitted with additional toys.
Age Range:
Your baby will use a soft, infant-oriented activity center starting at 10 or 12 weeks old, until he's about 10 months old.
What's it going to cost?
Safe, educational activity toys range from $4.90, depending upon the size and features.
Our brightly coloured deluxe playmat experience retails from $79.00, with features that will will entertain tiny babies as well as a crawling 10-month-old
Something to eat - Return To Top
Breast feeding Buying Guide
What do you need to breast feed successfully?
"Breastfeeding should be the most natural and easy thing in the world"
Sadly Baby can't read this great advice, and so this isn't always the case. Getting your child to latch on and feed involves patience, practice, maybe a few tears and more practice -- but it's well worth the effort. We have talked to mothers (and we are mothers) who have successfully breast fed and have found several things make the experience easier.
What to Buy Before the Baby Arrives
* Breast Pumps and Accessories
* Nipple Shells
* Breast Pads
Nipple Shells:
One of the most difficult things for new breast feeding mothers is sore nipples. Of course they'll get sore for many of us- you have someone suckling more than five hours a day on skin that is very sensitive to begin with. The good news is that our nipples adjust and the pain of feeding disappears within weeks. Even better news - you can buy nipple shells that prevent a lot of the chafing and chapping that can worsen nipple pain. These plastic perforated shells improve airflow to your breasts so they can heal faster between feedings.
Our advice: Nipple shells are inexpensive, easy-to-use products that you'll be glad you invested in ahead of time.
Breast Pads:
If you're nursing, you need breast pads to protect your clothes. Which type is best? You can choose between thick, soft, machine-washable pads or disposable pads that draw moisture away from your skin.
Our advice: Machine washable Pads are cheaper in the long run, but good quality disposable pads are most effective.
Breast Pumps:
Time is the single biggest factor in deciding what kind of breast pump you'll need. Whether electric or manual, single or double pump will depend on how you plan to use it. If you know you'll be pumping at work and want to make that time as short as possible, you'll need an electric pump that is reliable, quiet, and fast. Motors in breast pumps are notorious for burning out; when you pay top dollar for a breast pump you're buying the ability to use the pump every day without fear of overusing it. If you'll only pump once or twice a week, a manual pump will serve you well
Our advice: If you plan to return to work right away, buy the best pump available. Even if you don't plan on returning to work immediately, a breast pump can make the process of breast feeding simpler and less painful - but you can go with an electric or manual pump meant to be used two or three times a week and save a lot of money.
Breast Pump Accessories:
A few simple accessories can make breast pumping easier. Adapters allow you to operate your breast pump by plugging into your car's cigarette lighter; Conversion kits let you use the same bottle from pump to freezer to microwave to dishwasher.
Our advice: Most accessories cost less than $10, so can be an inexpensive way to add convenience to your breast pumping routine.
Clothes to wear - Return To Top
What do I look for?
In general, you want soft, comfortable clothing with no irritating tags or seams. You'll be changing your baby's clothing several times a day — babies are messy — so make sure outfits are uncomplicated and open easily for diaper changes.
Babies outgrow newborn sizes quickly, so buy big- at least 3 months ahead - but do choose one or two newborn outfits that you love for the thrill of dressing your new baby in an adorable outfit!
What do I need?
While we've included rough guidelines on quantity, how many of each item you need will depend on your own preferences and how often you plan to do laundry.
One-piece outfits (4):
One-piece bodysuits dramatically simplify dressing. Look for clothes made in a soft fabric with wide head openings and loose-fitting ankle and leg cuffs. Also, look for finished seams (so there are no rough or scratchy parts), and avoid zippers (which can pinch tender skin), and try to get them in a soft fabric.
One-piece pajamas or Sleeping bags (3):
Nightgowns open at the bottom are useful because you won't have to fuss with snaps during nighttime diaper changes. Make sure that whatever you choose is warm so your baby is more likely to sleep comfortably.
Sleeping bags come in a range of Togs to suit your envirioment and the time of year, ask our friendly staff to help you, they will be delighted.
Body suits (4):
Choose soft bodysuits, preferably loose at the neck for easier fitting. Bodysuits are good for layering and will also protect your newborn's skin from any seams or roughness in his outer garments. Choose bodysuits that snap under the crotch so they don't ride up.
Socks and booties (4-7):
Stores may sell shoes for newborns, but you don't want them for the simple reason that your baby isn't walking. So warm your baby's feet in socks or booties.
Cap or bonnet (1-3):
You'll want a broad-brimmed hat for a summer baby, or a soft, warm hat that covers the ears for a winter baby.
A Safe seat in the car - Return To Top
What to look for when buying a Child Safety Restraint
Easy installation:
If it looks as if you'd need an engineering degree to install a certain seat in your car, keep shopping. If you don't install the seat correctly, the baby may not be properly restrained — buckling your baby into the car seat is not enough.
Adequate restraints:
If you're buying an infant-toddler seat to use from day one, look for one with a five-point safety harness. The straps — one for each shoulder, one for each thigh, and one between your baby's legs
Belt adjustments:
Pass on car seats that require you to adjust the buckle from the back of the seat. The better car seats allow you to make adjustments from the front and have raised belt slots for buckling ease. A few models even adjust automatically.
Washability:
Babies and messes go hand in hand. But some manufacturers ignore this universal truth, and a surprising number of car seats come with pad covers that you can't take off. Be smart: Buy one with a machine-washable detachable cover.
Comfort:
Your baby will have a better ride if you buy a well-padded seat with plenty of head and back support. Just make sure he can move his arms freely and check out the view.
Our advice : after 20 years in this industry Safe n Sound has proven to be the best in all aspects of car restraints and safety offering the largest choice of price, range and the safety is not at all impaired, in fact these are the leaders in cars safety setting the bar for other manufaturers.
How do I install a Child Restraint correctly?
If you are not confident fixing the car seat for the first time, for a small fee, Kids Safe WA will expertly fit child car seats.
Our staff are happy to advise, however only some of our staff have obtained the certificates to be permitted to install car seats, so not all stores are licensed fitters. Please enquire at a store near you, however when you purchase your car seat and baby is about to be collected from the hospital please call in and we can check it for you at no cost .
The safest place to install the seat is in the center of the rear seat, or the center seat in a van or station wagon, never place a rear-facing seat in the front seat. Even the best seat may need modifications for proper positioning in some cars.
Read your car seat and vehicle manuals to make sure you understand the mechanics of installing the seat. If the information isn't clear, call the car manufacturer, the safety-seat manufacturer, or both.
Make sure the car's seat belt is threaded through the correct slots.
If your seat belt only becomes taut when you hit the brakes, you'll need to use a locking clip. This metal clip comes with all new car seats, attaches to the lap/shoulder belt, secures the car seat, and limits the movement of the seat belt. (this is not an extra cost ) every one of our car seats sold comes with the bolt and locking clip and extra bolts may be purchased for the older vehicles
Once the seat is installed, be sure you know how the baby's buckle system works. You can loosen and tighten the straps with the harness adjustment lever.
A Stroller to ride in - Return To Top
Why do I need a stroller?
Your baby will spend a lot of time in a stroller or pram, so it's important to choose one that's safe and comfortable for both of you.
What to look for when buying one:
Construction:
Before you buy a pram or stroller, look for the manufactures instructions and ensure all are followed. Make sure there are no sharp edges, no projections which could fall off, all tubes have their ends sealed to prevent finger and toes injury and that they are made to the Australian Standard
Folding Mechanism:
Modern prams and strollers often fold, making carriage in the car easy. Ensure that your pram has a safety lock to stop it from collapsing, and that after a good shake, the safety lock remains locked.
Safety Harness:
Children can wriggle around in the most energetic fashion, keeping them in the pram is much easier with a 5 point safety harness, preferably with shoulder and waist straps. The crotch and waist straps should be not less than 20 mm wide and should be permanently attached. Make sure that a child can't operate the harness
Test Drive:
You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive. Why take the chance with a pram or stroller? Take it for a spin inside the store. Ask yourself: Is it sturdy and stable, comfortable to drive? Is it easy to fold and unfold? Do the wheels swivel and not lock sideways? Do reversible handles stay in place?
Buyer Beware:
Second hand or hand me down prams and strollers may not comply with our stringent Australian Safety Standards.
Don't be fooled by unbranded or unknown brands that look like quality named brands. Often these will have thinner metal tube frames, inferior plastic moldings, lower quality rivets and other components that make the unit unsafe in the long run. Many cheaper or unbranded units come with no warranty and no local support if you have a problem.
The new legislation is that all prams and strollers have "Red" brakes and all prams must have a wrist strap to prevent the pram/stroller from rolling away from you. We have ensured that all our wheeled goods are within and exceed this legislation.
What's it going to cost me?
Budget upright Strollers start at around $69 ranging to $899.00 for a top quality layback European Stroller.
Traditional Prams range from $175 to $1600 for a top of the line, imported European model
Tips:
Apply the brakes whenever the pram or stroller is parked and ensure that safety locks are in place
Ensure your child's limbs are inside the frame when using the stroller
Don't hang shopping bags from handles and do not overload with shopping or older children.
Always use the safety harness when your child is in the stroller.
A Pacifier to help them settle - Return To Top
How do you choose a Pacifier?
It's not easy to select one dummy from the wide variety available.
As with bottle nipples, it's smart to buy several types of dummies to start and let your child choose a favorite. It's essential that you choose the right size for your baby.
Dummies are sized by age range, from newborn to toddler
Orthodontic and traditional varieties are available, with most babies preferring one variety over the other.
Latex dummies are softer and more flexible but they don't last as long.
Silicone dummies are firmer and hold their shape longer.
Keeping the dummy clean is your major concern. Switch them often and clean in hot water and mild detergent. Sterilizing at least daily is easy using the great choice of user friendly sterilizer systems available.
Dummy holders that snap to the dummy and clip to a stroller or your baby's jacket help prevent the pacifier from dropping to the ground.
We Advise: Have several different types on hand from day one but your child probably won't use these for a month or so.
Hi chairs to make feeding easier - Return To Top
Highchairs & Feeding Booster Seats
Which highchair works best for you?
You'll need a highchair when your baby begins to sit up on their own. Most parents opt for either a modern highchair or the old fashioned, much loved wooden chair, but a booster seat can take the place of a highchair if space is tight.
How do you decide?
Consider the advantages of each type:
Modern chairs
A lot of thoughtful and good design have gone into modern highchairs, such as:
A wide, easy-to-use tray,
Comfortable padding;
Recline seats; multiple height adjustments
Sturdy 3 or 5 point safety harness, and
Reliable folding mechanisms.
Wooden chairs:
On the other hand, blend into colonial decor's a little more readily but may not be as easy to clean. If you really love the idea of an old-fashioned highchair, add a washable cushion to the seat. Older wooden highchairs may not include a safety belt. If your highchair doesn't have a lap belt, purchase one and make sure to secure your child in the seat. While wooden chairs wear well and can be passed down for future generations, keeping them clean can be a challenge as wood can't be thoroughly sanitized the way vinyl and plastic can.
Booster feeding seats:
If you live in a small space, a booster seat can be a good choice. Booster seats strap to your own dining chair and allow your child to eat at the table with you. The greatest advantage of a booster seat is that you can unstrap it easily and hide it away in a closet between meals.
Age Range:
You'll probably start to use your highchair when your child sits up unassisted, usually at about four to five months old. You can use a highchair sooner if you buy one with a reclining seat. You'll use it right through your child's toddler years, usually until two or three years old.
How much will I pay?
Prices start at about $59 for a portable chair which hooks onto your table.
Booster seats are available from about $55.00
Budget highchair models with a safety 5 point harness begin at $79.
For $349, you get the top-of-the-line imported Italian Peg Perego that is a virtual marvel of design and comfort.
Highchair Tip
For meals away from home, an inexpensive portable highchair makes dining out more convenient and hygienic - your child won't be sitting in a restaurant highchair used by hundreds of other children. Portable highchairs are lightweight and can fold down to fit into very small spaces.
Monitors to keep an ear on their sleep - Return To Top
Monitor Buying Guide
Room monitors, which are basically a transmitter and a receiver, allow you to listen to your sleeping baby from another room. You can do chores, nap or rest knowing that your baby is fine.
Receivers work best when placed within 2 to 3 metres of your child
They can transmit sounds as far as 50 to 150 metres away.
Basic models include an on/off switch and volume control.
Quality monitors use light displays to show how loud your child is crying and AC power adapters giving you the choice of battery or mains power.
Breathing monitors use a pad under Baby's mattress to alert you if baby stops breathing- a great safety device and gives Mums and Dads great peace of mind
Age Range:
Newborn through toddler years.
Bottom Line:
You can buy a no-frills monitor for about $69. For around $89 you'll get clearer sound and less static; newer models also include a two way intercom so you can soothe your child by talking to them. If you want a top of the range monitor the price jumps to about $149.Breathing monitors are around $249- less than a dollar a day for the first year of your baby's life.
Playpens for safety and parents peace of mind - Return To Top
Playpen Buying Guide
If you don't take little breaks throughout the day, there's no way you can stay constantly vigilant until your child's bedtime, but where can baby be safe while you take a few minutes?
A playpen gives you a safe space to contain your child while you answer the phone, have a rest or answer the call of nature...
Playpens today have come a long way since we were children! Remember when you were young- your playpen probably had heavy metal frames, wide mesh, exposed hardware, and would collapse around you if you tried to escape over the walls?
Today's playpens are more than "just" safer - they're available in fashion colors, easy to fold, and versatile. You can use your playpen as a travel crib for younger babies (a great idea!) and a safe spot for a toddler when you're picnicking.
Some models include a deep, comfy bassinet that you can use with a newborn. This is especially nice if you plan to travel. When your child outgrows the bassinet, you simply lift it out and your playpen is ready to use saving you space and getting two pieces of equipment in one.
Other models have canopies to protect your child from the sun, inside or out.
Today's playpens fold quickly and compactly, and most come with a lightweight carry bag for easy portability. Playpens can serve as a part time crib while you're traveling, but at home we think its best to invest in a real cot, because to sleep soundly, babies really need a thicker mattress than those found in most playpens.
Age Range:
Unless you get a playpen with a bassinet feature, a newborn will possibly feel overwhelmed by the size.
A playpen will be a huge help when your child is just beginning to crawl - at about six months, - And you'll continue to use it until your child is really running, about two years old.
Bottom Line:
A basic wooden playpen with safe concealed hardware (and makes a great heater/ Xmas Tree barrier when your child is older) starts at $99.00 An easy to clean comfortable vinyl mat to suit costs from $49
A new fold away playpen can cost anywhere from $95 to $195. The extra investment buys you attractive fabrics, a sturdier tote bag, and extras such as wheels, a canopy, or a built-in bassinet.
Tips:
Before purchasing, consider how and where you'll use your playpen.
A good quality playpen is a valuable addition to your household furniture. We wish they were this good when we had our first child!
If you keep the box your playpen comes in, you can use it to pack your playpen while traveling.
Slings and carriers for out and about - Return To Top
Baby Carrier Buying Guide
How to keep baby close if you have to use your hands?
If you've ever seen a parent pushing an empty stroller with one hand while holding an unsettled infant with the other, you'll know the advantage of having a Baby Carrier tucked nearby.
Baby Carriers allow you to keep your infant close to you but still use your hands for other activities. Many parents find grocery shopping, errand running, even household chores a little easier when their child is happily carried along.
Mums really appreciate the even distribution of weight over both shoulders.
If you have two children, play time can be more satisfying if the youngest is supported in a carrier while your firstborn rides in a stroller or romps beside you.
Unsure whether you'd prefer a Frontpack or Backpack Baby Carrier?
Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each:
Front Pack Baby Carriers:
Easier to take on and off (after a little practice). They slip over your shoulder and make it easier to nurse discreetly, and let you place a sleeping infant directly in a crib without waking them.
Place your infant's head near your heart so a young child is soothed by your heartbeat.
Great for newborns.
Many children who are comforted by the front baby carrier as infants find it too restrictive as they get older.
Back Pack Carriers:
Support children upright, giving them a good view of the world around them
Designed to distribute a child's weight more evenly so as your child grows all his weight isn't on one of your shoulders.
Deluxe carriers switch from front to back so you can carry a small baby on your chest and then use the carrier as a backpack when your child is about six months old.
Age Range:
Slings can be used for newborns and some parents say they still use them with toddlers.
Carriers can be used for newborns and toddlers up to about 12kg. but most parents switch from a front pack carrier for newborns to a backpack for children six months and older.
Bottom Line:
A well-made front carrierSling will probably cost between $69.00 and $99.00
A quality harness front carrierSling will probably cost between $139.00 and $279.00
Back Pack carriers cost between $139.00 and $289.00+
Tips:
Be sure to fasten the harness whenever your child is in a carrier.
If using a carrier, avoid very vigorous activities.
A Place to sleep - Return To Top
Do I really need a cot?
Your baby will probably spend more time in the Cot than anywhere else, and while comfort is important, safety is paramount.
Because your child will sleep in a Cot until it's time to move into a real bed (usually at about 2 or 3 years of age), you'll also want a sturdy one.
All new Cots on the market today must comply with mandatory Australian safety standards. At Baby on a Budget, we only sell Cots that comply with or exceed the Australian Standard.
Your Cot should have a drop side that lowers so you can pick up your baby easily, and slats that are close enough together to prevent your baby's head from slipping through or getting stuck. Some models, usually the more expensive ones, offer storage drawers or have railings that lower on both sides.
What to look for when buying one:
Specific safety standards:
In 1997 Australian Costs became subject to mandatory Safety Standards. Avoid hand-me-downs as older cots often do not have the same safety features as new cots.
The distance between the Cot slats must be between 50 and 85 mm. The space between the sides or ends of the mattress and the cot should be less than 25mm.
And to keep an infant from accidentally falling out, the drop sides must be at least 300 mm above the mattress support when lowered. When raised, the top of the drop side must be at least 600 mm above the mattress.
Adjustable base height:
With most Cots, you can change the height of the mattress by simply raising or lowering the mattress support. Begin to lower the mattress when your child can sit unaided. Make sure the mechanism for this feature is essentially child proof and foolproof.
Ease of release:
Before buying a Cot, give it a thorough hands-on inspection. Raise and lower the sides of each model several times to see which Cot is easiest to operate. Bear in mind that you will often have a sleeping baby in your arms, so easy, noise-free release is key.
Frame size:
The frame should snugly fit the standard cot mattress size of 1295 x 695 x 125 mm.
Mattress:
There should be no more than a gap of 25 mm between the mattress and the sides and ends of the cot. This can pose a significant danger to baby, as they could get trapped in this space. Make sure that even with a mattress in place, the Cot sides are tall enough to keep your baby safely inside.
Versatility:
Many Cots are designed to convert to toddler beds, children's benches, and even adult daybeds for later use elsewhere in the home. While this sounds appealing, make sure the Cot makeover is relatively easy to perform and that you like the look of the new furniture.
What to avoid:
Old Cots:
Cots made before 1998, when Australian Standards came into effect, are more likely than newer models to have safety problems. Secondhand Cots may also have splinters, lead paint, discontinued (and potentially dangerous) features, or slats that are too far apart. Be sure to check slat space size and stability, and look out for any sharp edges, protruding metal, missing parts, wear and tear on locking devices and other dangers.
Decorative touches:
Avoid fancy decorations that can break off and pose a choking hazard. Cots with cutout designs along the rail may look pretty, but they could inadvertently trap your baby's arm or neck.
What it's going to cost you?
An Australian Standards Approved Cot with a single drop side feature costs from about $299.00 Quality Australian made Cots are start from $489. A top of the line Cot can cost up to $899.00 But then you would be buying the absolute best that is available .
