Best Stuff For Infants/Babies
As a new parent, what are the absolute essentials you should have on hand for a new baby? Besides a place for the baby to sleep, diapers, as well as some infant gowns and onesies, what else should you get? At CBS New York, we've done the research for you. Below you will find our top product recommendations as well as places to find them.
Babies R Us
www.babiesrus.com
24-30 Union Square East
New York, NY 10003
(212) 798-9905
In New York, you can't leave the hospital without a car seat for the baby. Infant car seats can be removed from bases in the cars, so you can transfer a sleeping infant easily. They install rear-facing, will hold a baby from 5 to around 22 lbs, have a 5-point harness and offers the top protection for your little bundle of joy. We like Graco's Snugride line and the Maxi Cosi Mico. Both can work with many stroller brands to form a temporary travel system. Never place a car seat on a table or let your child nap in it for extended periods of time.
Metro Minis
www.metrominis.com
821 Park Ave at 75th St.
New York, NY 10021
A good baby carrier is worth its weight in gold. It is easier to use than a stroller and will keep your baby calm and close to you. Choose from structured carriers, wraps, or slings. If you use a sling, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges you to make sure "your baby's chin is up and their head is always visible (no fabric is covering their face) and that their body is not kept in a curled position, bending the chin towards the chest, so air supply is not restricted." Some parents prefer a structured carrier like a BabyBjorn, which can be used with the baby facing in or out on the parent's chest. The ERGObaby Carrier can used in 3 ways: the baby facing inward on a parent's chest, on a parent's back or in a hip position. The child's weight is distributed on to the parent's hips and it can be used into the toddler years. An infant insert is also available if you want to use it with a newborn. Metro Minis will help you find that perfect carrier and also offers babywearing classes.
Buy Baby
www.buybuybaby.com
270 Seventh Ave (between 25th and 26th)
New York, NY 10001
(917) 344-1555
Parents have been swaddling their babies for thousands of years to calm them down and get them to sleep. For first time swaddlers, Summer Infant's SwaddleMe Blankets are easy to use and close with velcro tabs. We also love the Miracle Blanket which uses a long piece of fabric to wrap around your baby. For more experienced swaddlers, a lightweight cotton muslin swaddle blanket from aden + anais or Solana Swaddle Wraps will do the trick (and work with larger babies). They can also be used as infant car seat or nursing covers and as lightweight blankets long after your babies outgrow swaddling. Buy Buy Baby carries a wide selection of the blankets mentioned above.
Nancy Horn is a blogger with Mom in the City.
