With all the itty-bitty furniture and newfangled baby gear there is to buy, it’s tempting to grab a shopping cart (or a registry gun) and go wild. But first, pause to take your baby’s safety — and your wallet — into consideration. The one thing you don’t need when you have a newborn, after all, is a case of baby-related buyer’s remorse. Here’s what to know about each baby-gear essential before you buy.
Car seat
You might be drawn to a convertible car seat, which can hold a baby as tiny as three pounds and last well into toddlerhood. But a bulky convertible seat will be tricky to maneuver in and out of the car while the baby is sleeping. Plus, most convertible seats don’t have wheeled frames, so you’ll have to move the baby to a stroller if you’re going more than a few feet.
An infant seat, on the other hand, simply pops in and out of a car base with the click of a button. (Infant seats can also be installed quickly and safely with a seat belt, if you often travel by cab.) Look for one with an easy-to-grip handle and a substantial sunshade and test-drive it with a stroller frame if you plan on using one. Steer clear of used car seats, which can be compromised if they’re installed in a car that’s been in an accident.
