Infants Toddlers
Infants Toddlers
Page 1
By Vikki McMahon
Parents have so many choices to make when they welcome their newborn into the world. Whether to breastfeed or not, or to use cloth or disposable diapers, the myriad of information available is often confusing and overwhelming, especially to first time parents. Here, we will take a look at the basics of nursing and diapering products.
MEDELA PRODUCTS
Medela provides a variety of necessities for the breastfeeding mom. They offer quality breast pumps and accessories as well as breast milk storage, collection, and feeding bottles and devices. Medela also offers a full line of breast care products, such as nursing pads, lanolin cream, and nipple shields.
BREAST PUMPS
A breast pump is the largest purchase you will make if you choose to breastfeed. There are several big name manufacturers to choose from, including Medela, Avent, Ameda, Evenflo, Playtex, and The First Years. Most of these manufacturers provide different models to suit your needs. Automatic pumps are lightweight and portable, providing quick results due to a powerful motor. Smaller, battery operated units are more portable, but may be slower and need more time to produce results. Manual pumps are much slower than the automatic and battery models. While inexpensive, they are recommended for occasional or backup use only.
NURSING PADS
There are several choices when it comes to nursing pads. You can buy disposable pads or pads that can be washed and reused. Either way, cotton pads are best and provide the most air flow which prevents infection. Lansinoh, Johnson’s, and Evenflo are a few brands to look into.
BABY SLINGS
The selection of baby slings available is immense and limited only by a person’s particular style. From Asian-inspired mei tais and pouches to traditional slings, hip hammocks, and wraps, there is a style and fabric for every mom. Baby slings provide a way to keep baby close to you while still leaving your hands free to get things done. The best way to determine what works for you is to research each option. The Internet has a wealth of information that can be used for a thorough comparison.
DIAPERS
The biggest decision to make when choosing a diaper is to find out whether cloth or disposable diapers are right for you. There are pros and cons to each method, and different factors, such as cost and convenience, to consider. For disposable diapers, while they are convenient, the cost to your pocketbook is huge over the course of a baby’s diaper-wearing years. There is also the cost to the environment that must be considered as well.
CLOTH/COTTON DIAPERS
Cloth diapers are easier on the environment and are also cost effective, although the price of using a diaper service must be looked into before making the final decision. This becomes a convenience issue if a diaper service is cost prohibitive for your family, then the diapers will have to be personally laundered. There are different types of cloth diapers to consider as well. There are Chinese prefold, flats, and fitted. Then, there are a number of accessories that need to be considered. You need to determine the type of fasteners to be used such as pins, Velcro, or snaps as well as which diaper covers to use. Most consumer websites that sell cloth diapers also provide extensive assistance in choosing the system that will work best for you.
SWIM DIAPERS
Swim diapers are a wonderful addition to any baby’s wardrobe. They are essential to you baby’s comfort when enjoying water play on those warm, sunny days. The most popular type is disposables. The major diaper manufacturers, such as Pampers and Huggies, make their own brand of disposable swim diaper. They are sized from extra small through extra large according to weight. The fit will be tighter than regular diapers. They should fit snugly and not have any unnecessary bulges in the leg area. You can also find cloth swim diapers that are washable. These are available through most cloth diaper manufacturers.
DIAPER BAGS
Diaper bags are one of the most fun accessories to shop for. The standard, over the shoulder bag provides the most versatility, while the backpack type gives a nice, hands free option to consider. Most diaper bags come with a small vinyl changing pad that folds up for in-the-bag storage. Other models include a hot/cold pack to keep formula or milk from spoiling on longer trips. Many models have a wallet pouch for keys, money, and/or credit cards so you do not have to carry a separate pocketbook. The styles are limitless, but be sure to pick one that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Shopping for baby gear can be an overwhelming task, even as it is fun. Today’s parents have abundant choices and, with a little help, should be able to stock their parenting arsenal with everything they need, and with a nod to their own personal preferences that they can feel great about.
