Planning for Baby: Newborn Must-Haves
Planning for Baby
Got a little one on the way? Have you begun shopping around for baby gear?
Though you won’t need to purchase the items until the middle of the third trimester, it’s often a good idea to begin shopping early. There’s often a lot of information to wade through and options to consider. By getting a head start, you’ll be sure to have time to make the choices that are best for your family!
Three of the major items you’ll need for baby are a crib, car seat and stroller. Here’s some information that may help jump-start the research process:
Crib – Decide whether you need a bassinet, cradle or standard crib. When shopping for a crib, find one with an adjustable mattress height. This will ensure baby is able to use it as he/she grows. Be careful when considering drop rail cribs, as these have seen some recalls in the past few years.
On top of this, opt for a firm mattress that fits snugly. Crib bumpers will also help create a cozy environment while protecting little fingers.
Car Seat – The most important consideration here is safety, so make sure to get a new car seat that complies with NHTSA standards. Second-hand seats are never a good option, since it’s impossible to tell whether they’ve seen an accident, extreme use or weather conditions and other instances that could compromise the seat’s performance.
A car seat base that’s permanently installed in the car is a feature many parents find convenient, as it allows them to install and remove the seat with a simple ‘click’!
And, finally, always consider head supports for newborns, since their muscles need time to strengthen.
Stroller – First, assess your lifestyle and needs. Do you have other young children, or is this your first baby? Will you be out and about a lot, running errands or walking through the neighborhood? Do you live in a big city, a suburb or the country? How important is weight and fold?
Though no one stroller can ‘do it all’, there are strollers for each of these needs. By narrowing your stroller selection to the strollers that will best adapt to your lifestyle (instead of choosing whichever one looks coolest), you lessen the risk that you’ll be disappointed in your stroller’s performance.
Once you’ve got it down to three to five options, head out to a local retailer and give them a try!
*adapted from Peg Perego’s Planning for Baby—a guide for expectant moms. To receive a free copy, contact Customer Service or visit Planning for Baby online.
hey Amanda!
I am a first-time mom considering what stroller to buy. I already purchased the Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30 so I’m looking into Peg Pereggo strollers to match it.
Here are some basic things I’m looking for:
-I live in a really busy city in the US where I don’t always have the luxury of having a car, so I need a stroller that is not too big and that is easy to maneuver around the streets and small stores and restaurants.
-I’m not looking to jog with this stroller or even to walk as a workout with it. This is more about running errands around the city and as we know, streets are not the smoothest of surfaces.
-I also need to make sure it’s super light and easy to fold in case I need to jump into a cab or a bus.
-It is also important to me not to own too many strollers, so I’m hoping to find one that can handle all of these things at once.
After doing a lot of research, I found that the Vela has many options I want but I was concerned when I read (on one of your previous blogs) that the Vela is recommended more for indoor use like malls and supermarkets. I have tried to find a retailer near me so I can test the Vela but have not been successful in finding one. Looking at my needs, do you think the Vela is a good option for me or do you think I should look at a different model?
Your response is greatly appreciated!
Franca
Franca,
Thanks for your interest in our products!
Yes, the Vela is best when used indoors. If you live very close to most of your destinations, then I’d say it would be an ok choice. But if you’ll be out walking for fifteen minutes or so to reach the grocery store, then I’d look into something that’s just a little better for outdoor use …. like the Si. Like the Vela, the Si excels when indoors. However, it’s a bit more heavy duty, which helps it handle bumps a bit better than the Vela. Another feature that is great for the city is its convenient umbrella fold (which is a must on public transportation). There is a video of the 2009 Si here. Note that the only difference between the 2009 and 2010 model is the new 2010 model has a bumper bar and a traditional 5-point harness.
The Si has been around longer than the Vela, so you may have an easier time of finding it in stores.
Hope that helps! Let me know if there’s more information I can provide.
amanda
thanks Amanda! you were very helpful!