Mommy Baby Go Shopping

Baby Freebie list

2006-06-08T08:42:00.000-06:00

babytobee.com
Just register, and they will send you coupons and samples

www.coupons.com/
You need to download a free coupon bar from them and get free printable coupons

www.coolsavings.com

Sign up with Coolsavings.com, a free coupon clipping site to get printable coupons for groceries like Hormel Chili®, Land o Lakes Butter®, Red Barron Pizza®, Lactaid Milk®, Tropicana Orange Juice®, Tide®, Pampers®, and Aquafresh® Toothpaste. U.S. only.

target superstore

Print these coupons out for significant savings on name brand groceries at Target Superstores. U.S. only.

Similac

Free Similac formula coupons, a stylish diaper bag, and support from other moms and experts. What more could you ask for? U.S. only.

Parents Choice Organic Formula

Free sample of formula for filling out address form. Produced without pesticides, added growth hormones or antibiotics. U.S. only.

Gerber

Print coupons good for Gerber baby food products. Get up to $45.00 in savings coupons if you join Club Gerber. Don't worry, it's free to join. U.S. only.

Earth's Best Baby Food

To get a brochure with money saving coupons for Earth's Best Baby Food, call 1-800-442-4221 or check out the promotions they have running this month.

Bright beginnings formula

Register now for a free 4.5 oz sample of Bright Beginnings Baby Formula with DHA, and a coupon voucher good for $7.50 off Ultra Bright Beginnings Formula. U.S. only.

Ensure Healthy Mom

Get a free sample of the Ensure Healthy Mom Shake, two Snack Bars, or a valuable coupon. U.S. only.

Charming potty training kit

This all inclusive kit comes with a storybook, stickers, a progress poster, photo magnet, and a potty training diploma. What more could you possibly want? Available to U.S. and Canadian Residents.

DRC diaper rash cream

See bottom of page for toll-free # to call to get free trial sized sample and a $1.00 mail-in rebate coupon.

Orajel rebate

You are probably familiar will Orajel if you baby is teething. Print the form on the following page, and send it in to receive a $1.50 rebate by mail. U.S. only.

Beech-nut bib

Free Beech-Nut baby bib when you sign up for their monthly newsletters. U.S. only.

Enfamil

Efamil would like to send you a free diaper bag, complete with free Efamil formula samples (up to $60 in formula checks) and coupons as well as a sippy cup courtesy of JCPenny's. Get your free Family Beginnings Pack today. U.S. only.

A call-in list for coupons and samples. You do need to talk to a live person most of the time, but they are friendly and helpful.( U.S.only)

1-800-222-9546 Free Similac, Isomil or Other Formulas, & Coupons

1-800-485-9918 Free Can of "Store Brand" Formula from PBM Products

1-800-864-9714 Free Can of "Parent's Choice" Soy or Milk Formula from Wal-Mart

1-800-587-3721 Free Diaper Rash Cream sample from Xttrium Labs (in Parents)

1-800-843-6430 Free "Diaper Genie" Diaper Pail to Multiple Birth Parents (3 months & less)

1-800-292-4794 Free "Lansinoh" sample - For Moist Wound Healing During Breastfeeding

1-800-588-6377 Free Cord Blood Banking Kit - Posters, Videos, Booklets, Stickers (x508)

1-800-222-9546 Free Similac, Isomil and Other Formula Coupons from Ross Pediatrics

1-800-962-5357 Free Tylenol Product Coupons for Tylenol Products of Your Choice

1-800-344-1358 Free $5 Rebate on a Case of "Babymil" or "Babysoy" Formulas

1-800-547-9400 Free Carnation Baby Formula Coupons and Free Magazine Subscription

1-800-543-3112 Free Carnation Baby Formula Coupons and Booklet

1-800-242-5200 Free Carnation Follow-Up Formula Coupons and Booklet

1-800-544-1847 Free Kimberley-Clark Product Coupons, Booklets and Information

1-800-523-6633 Free Beech-Nut "New Parent Pack" with Baby Food Coupons

1-800-222-9123 Free Mead/Johnson Coupons toward Enfamil, ProSobee, Other Formulas

1-800-526-3967 Free J & J "New Parent's Packet" of Baby Product Coupons

1-800-952-5080 Free Baby OraJel Coupons for Cherry Flavor and Nighttime Formula

1-800-523-6633 Free Beech-Nut Product Coupons, Booklets and Information

1-800-356-2229 Free Evenflo Product Coupons, Booklets and Information

1-800-443-7237 Free Gerber Baby Food Product Coupons and Information

1-800-872-2229 Free Heinz Earth's Best Baby Food Coupons and Booklet (press #2)

1-800-344-BABY For Munchkin coupons (for bottles, nipples, etc.)

1-800-754-8853 Little Remedies coupons, info, and poster (Little Noses decongestant aids, Little Tummys gas and nausea relief, etc)

1-800-843-643 Free "Diaper Genie" for twins or more (call before the babies are 3 months old)

1-800-242-5200 (ext. 291) Free Carnation Follow-Up Formula coupons and informative booklet (formula for babies eating solid foods)

1-800-292-4794 Free breastfeeding healing and soothing lotion

1-800-746-8888 ext. 715 Free sample of "Zilactin" Baby Teething Gel

1-800-523-6633 Beechnut's mailing list, free coupons
1-800-587-3721 Diaper Rash Ointment sample

1-800-442-422 Earth's Best (baby food) newsletter and coupons

1-800-356-BABY or 1-800-233-BABY Evenflo coupons and information

1-800-4-GERBER Gerber prenatal pack, also call for coupons later

800-222-0453 Playtex Product Coupons

1-800-872-2229 Heinz Baby Food Coupon

1-888-935-5543 Triaminic Free coupon

1-800-990-4448 Kimberly Clark (Huggies) huggies rebate form

1-800- 518-CLUB Ross Labs Similac For Canadians coupons and samples

1-800-533-6708 The 1st years product coupons

1-800-526-3967 Johnson & Johnson for "New Parent's Pack" of coupons

1-800-962-5357 Free "St. Joseph's" Aspirin Coupon and Consumer Information Line

Baby Clubs & Programs

1-800-544-1847 (press 1, 1, 1) Kimberly Clark (Huggies ) to get to the automated mailing list

1-800-565-2100 Heinz Baby Club For Canadians

1-800-533-0143 Kmart Birthday Club

1-800-BABY 123 Family Beginnings Club For expecting parents

1-800-BABYLINE Ross Labs (Similac) Welcome Addition Club

1-888-827-4223 Free "Ace Kids" Birthday Club - Member Card and Gift on Birthday

1-800-369-5437 Free "Fox Kids" Catalog, Digimon Club and Fox Kids Club Information

1-800-658-4635 Free "Fresh Samantha" Club - Member Card and Birthday Gift (ages 3-12)

1-800-524-8697 Free "Hot Wheels" Club - Member Card & Free Car (mail-in - ages 3-12)

1-800-775-9272 Free "Magic Attic Doll" Club - Member Card, Poster, Stickers, Doll Catalog

1-800-228-2269 Free "Oriental Trading" Club - Catalogs and Party Planners

1-800-682-8691 Free "Sears" Craftsman Club - Member Card & Newsletter (ages 7-12)

Baby Resource Information

1-877-986-9472 Free pregnancy planner from the National Women's Health Resource Center and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. It's a 10 month blank calendar loaded with pregnancy tips and information.

1-888-663-4637 Free Booklets and Information for Moms-to-Be from the March of Dimes

1-800-843-5678 "Just in Case You Need a Babysitter" Safety Booklet ask for booklet #12

1-800-843-7625 ext. 3076 For a "You're A New Parent!" Guide from Prudential Insurance

1-888-232-6789 Free "Folic Acid and It's Role in Preventing Birth Defects" Booklet, good for before and during pregnancy.

1-888-SF EVENT (1-888-733-8368) Free Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy and Baby's First Year from State Farm

1-800-777-2500 "Preventing and Treating Your Baby's Diaper Rash" pamphlet, and a $1 off any size from Balmex

1-800-729-6686 Free Guide "For a Strong and Healthy Baby" ask for "phd603"

1-800-944-4773 For women after childbirth: a pamphlet called "Depression After Delivery" to help you determine if you have postpartum blues or need help with deeper feelings.

1-800-587-DAVS For free information on ear infections and a booklet on you baby's language development and hearing

1-800-INFANT-A Free information on Advantage Sound and motion Bassinets

1-800-400-3430 Free information on why you should have your baby's umbilical cord blood savedl

1-800-624-9659 Free information on homeopathic medicines for children

1-800-430-0222 Free information on BeBe Sounds Prenatal Listening device

1-800-433-9016 American Academy of Pediatrics FREE Parent Resource Guide

1-800-222-0453 Playtex Product Booklets and Informationl

1-800-872-2229 Heinz Baby Food Booklet

1-888-935-5543 Triaminic Free information

1-800-962-5357 Tylenol information

1-800-526-3967 Johnson & Johnson for "New Parent's Pack" info

1-800-222-9546 Free Similac, Isomil or Other Formula Educational Materials

1-888-746-2852 Free Pregnancy/Childbirth Questions Answered by Helix Health Care

1-800-311-2229 Free Prenatal Care Hot Line from US Dept of Health/Human Services

Baby Safety Tips

1-800-985-2220 Safety Kit for Halogen Lamps

1-800-506-4636 Window Covering Safety Council free childproofing kit for window blinds

1-877-UL-4-SAFE Free home safety tips

1-800-638-2772 Toy Safety" Coloring Book for kids (ask for item #283) and you can also ask for a booklet on safe playground tips for children

1-800-638-2772 Free "Child Care Safety Checklist" and Baby Safety Info

1-800-985-2220 Free "Bulb Guard" Safety Kits for Halogen Lamps (request by postcard)

1-800-604-1995 Free video on water contamination, lead exposure, health effects, and what parents can do to protect their children

Baby Books, Catalogs, Magazines

1-800-633-0303 Motherwear catalog for moms who breastfeed

1-800-432-KIDS Fisher Price catalog and information

1-800-544-1847 Free Kimberley-Clark (Huggies, Pull-Ups) Proof-of-Purchase Catalog, call

1-800-GO CEDAR Cedar free video for playsets, and catalog

1-800-533-6708 The 1st years product catalog

1-800-678-1208 Introductory Subscription to American Baby Magazine for Expecting Parents

1-800-242-5200 Carnation "The Very Best" Magazine

1-800-533-5437 Free Little Me - Babywear Catalog

1-800-408-7633 Free breast pump catalog and infant care catalog from US Medical Corp

1-800-966-6847 Free Maternity clothes catalog for Maternity Factory Outlet

1-800-MY5-TOES Free children's shoes catalog

1-888-344-BABY "Your Baby's Development," a color booklet about child development from birth to 18 months

1-800-4-MOM2BE Free Motherhood Maternity Catalog, they also have nursing cloths and plus sizes

1-800-727-3682 Risk-Free Trial of "Parents" Magazine

Other Baby Related Items

1-800-505-2742 Free "Back to Sleep" SIDS Safety Stickers, Video, Babysitter Reminder Card

1-888-933-5383 Free Pregnancy guide cdrom

1-800-311-2055 Free "Gerber Grow-Up Plan" Insurance
Information Packet and Application

1-800-554-7637 Free "Healthtex" Child Immunization Chart and Playwear Sizing Guide

1-88-748-5433 Free "Pregnancy Bracelet" Video - For the Life of Your Baby

1-888-935-5543 Free "Triaminic" Cough & Cold Tracker for Kids - Handy Record Keeper

1-800-522-7300 Schering Plough free video on child allergies and pollen index chart

1-800-637-0701 Free "Parents Resource Video" - Help in Dealing with Troubled Teens

1-800-843-5678 Free "Eight Rules of Safety" Child Safety Poster from NCMEC (#28)

Canadian freebie:

Enfagrow Go to http://enfagrow.ca/en/enroll.html to sign up for their club. Along with membership comes a free sample of Enfagrow, nutritional supplement for toddlers.

Walmart Portrait Studio
http://www.photoparade.com/portraitcoupon.asp This is for a free 8x10 and 5% off your order.

Electrasol Tabs

I received my sample the otehr day, this a free box of 15 tabs with the powerball, Apple Scent. Here's a tip, when they ask you what brand of detergent you use answer Cascade Gel or Powder. That way you get the free sample instead of a coupon for $2 off. Also in the box comes a coupon for Buy One Get One Free for your next purchase of the Tabs, and also $1 off Jet-Dry.

http://www.startsampling.com/sm/18941/quickQuestion.iphtml?item=18941&source=

Free Gillette Venus Shower Caddy

Call Gillette at 1-800-445-5388, select option 5. Follow the prompts and they will send you a free shower caddy in 4-6 weeks.

New Parents Pack - Johnson's & Johnson's Canada Call 1-877-223-9807 ask for the New Parents Pack. They are open from 8 am-8 pm est.

My Pack contained:

27g container of Pentaten Cream

Johnsons Nursing Pads (1 pr)

1 oz of Baby Lotion.

Also 3 X $1 off coupons for Children's Tylennol.

$1 off any Johnson & Johnson Product

$2 off any McNeil product

New Mom's Pack - Pfizer

Save $6.99 on Zincofax diaper rash cream

Save $1.00 on any Tucks product

Save $4.00 on any 300mL or larger Lubriderm product

Save $4.75 off 1L Listerine

Save $6.99 on Destitin diaper rash cream

The only coupons that cover the full price of an item are for the diaper rash creams I suspect. But if any of these products are one's that you regularly use it may be very worth ordering.

Call Pfizer at 1-800-223-0182 and request the new mom's pack.

Free Bottle of Herbal Essences Shampoo or Conditioner
http://www.save.ca/herbalessences

You put in your information and click send.

Voucher number: 437225

UPC: 6640000455

It will bring you to a whole list of coupons, make sure that the one for Herbal Essences is checked, and any other coupons that you might use.

New mom's shopping list

2006-05-05T11:22:00.000-06:00

Here's a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.

Car seat
Diffierent carseats has different standards, please refer to the instruction coming with the products.

Infant carseat (newborn upto 22lbs)

Graco SnugRide $79.99

Britax Companion $189

Convertible Carseat(upto 40lbs)

Britax Roundabout $219

Britax Marathon $219

Evenflo Triumph 5 $99

Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 $109.99

Stroller

Graco Metropolitan MetroLite LE Stroller $149

Graco Quattro Tour Standard Size Stroller $107

Peg Perego Pliko P3 MT Stroller $249

Kolcraft Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier,

Crib

DaVinci Emily Convertible Baby Crib and 4 Drawer Dresser and Changer Set $599

Diaper Corner Baby Changing Table $135

Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away)

Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard $139.99

Two to three fitted crib sheets.
Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby
Two mattress pads.
One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet)

Breathable Bumper

Crib bedding deals from overstock.com

Stokke Sleeping Bag

Diaper duty

Diapers, Disposable or cloth

Amazondiaper deal

Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables)

Diaper bag.

Dressing baby

Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet
Six side-snap T-shirts
Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch
A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)
Six pairs socks/booties
Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits, Get only a few items in newborn size. Then, go for clothing in the 6-month size--your baby will grow into it quickly. But don't buy baby sleepwear that's too big; it's a fire hazard
Cotton sweater or light jacket.
Summer babies: Brimmed hat.
Winter babies: Snowsuit or heavy bunting. Heavy stroller blanketWarm knit hat.

Feeding time

If you're planning to breast-feed

Two or three nursing bras

Nursing Sleep Wrap Bra

A box of washable or disposable breast pads

Breast pump if you expect to use one.

Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump By Medela

Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk

If you're planning to bottle-feed

Bottle drying tree
Bottle brush
Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)
Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths
Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher

Bathing/grooming

Three soft hooded towels
Two packs of baby washcloths
Baby body washes that doubles as shampoo
Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers
Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment
Infant bathtub
Soft brush and comb
Mild laundry detergent

Medicine chest essentials

A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor, such as Infant's Tylenol
Cotton pads/swabs
Nasal aspirator
Rubbing alcohol
Keeping baby happyPacifiers

Extras: Nice but optional

Monitor
A rocker or glider

Fisher-Price: Sensory Selections Bouncer

Soft carrier
Swing

Graco Sywngomatic 6 speed swing

List originally from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/new-baby-basics-1105.htm

Checklist for new moms(chinese version)

2006-05-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

Here's a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.

Car seat

不同的infant carseat，标准也不同，具体请看说明书。这里说的标准和价格，都只是个大概。

Infant carseat (newborn upto 22lbs)

这是必须在baby出生之前准备好的，中国宝宝一般都比较大，所以infant carseat 实际上用不了几个月，我的两个儿子都是六个月就换了covertible carseat, 就是小个儿宝宝，也至多用一年，所以不建议买特别贵的，目前市场上常见，好评比较多的有：

Graco SnugRide $79.99

Britax Companion $189

Convertible Carseat(upto 40lbs)

这个Carseat是超过infant carseat 体重或身长标准后要换的，可以一直坐到40lb, 也就是说大概4岁左右，利用率比infant carseat 高多了, 可以买好的，耐用一点的。很多Convertible Carseat 只要是rear facing安放，小baby 也可以坐，但是不如专门的infant carseat 舒服，并且不能手提，出门的时候不方便.

另外还有可以坐到80lb的carseat, 我家老大用的就是eddie bauer的3-in-1，从6个月到现在，快6岁了，还在坐. 老二坐的是evenflo triumph 5, 相比eddie bauer要舒服，有了老大的经验，我觉得　carseat坐到40磅(大概4岁)也差不多了, 4岁以后如果还要坐,换一个booster seat就可以了,很便宜,没必要一开始就买到80磅, 舒服还是第一位的.

Britax Roundabout $219

Britax Marathon $219

Evenflo Triumph 5 $99

Eddie Bauer 3-in-1 $109.99

Stroller

分standard stroller和umbrella stroller两种，standard的舒服，但是比较笨重，6个月前的baby一定要standard,并且最好是可以平躺的， 6个月到一岁以后可用伞车，不要买最简单最便宜的，因为伞车的利用价值高，我们的starndard stroller 到一岁半以后基本就不用了。

Graco Metropolitan MetroLite LE Stroller $149

Graco Quattro Tour Standard Size Stroller $107

Peg Perego Pliko P3 MT Stroller $249

可以买travel system, 分开买也未尝不可。另外还有这种Kolcraft Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier, 我觉得也不错。

Jogging Stroller我没有用过，也不喜欢，就不评论了。

Crib

可以转成twin bed 的最划算，虽然贵一点，但可以用很多年，即使小时候不睡，2，3岁以后早晚要睡的。我的两个孩子白天的nap是肯定睡在crib里的，晚上要等半夜醒了以后，才给抱到大床上来。生老大的时候没经验，到ikea买了个crib, 便宜是便宜，但栏杆不能升降，到了6，7个月他能站起来以后，床垫放低，捞他出来要费不少劲，所以买的时候看清楚，栏杆一定要能放下的。

Changing Table我认为是必须的，有很多妈妈也说过了，放在床上换尿片的话，腰会酸得跟断了一样。

DaVinci Emily Convertible Baby Crib and 4 Drawer Dresser and Changer Set $599

Diaper Corner Baby Changing Table $135

Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away)

我认为没必要，不便宜，又睡不了几个月。如果想让bb和自己睡一屋，可以先把crib放在自己房间，或者买个带 bassinet 的play pen, 要比专门的bassinet或者 cradle实用得多。等孩子大一点还可以把他放在里面玩儿。

Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard $139.99

Two to three fitted crib sheets.
Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby

要尺寸大的，生老大的时候买的一般的，结果根本包不住。

Two mattress pads.
One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet)

关于crib bedding, 我觉得还是要的，bumper在baby会翻身以后确实有保护作用，如果担心bumper不安全，可以用Breathable Bumper

Overstock.com 经常会有很好的crib bedding deal, 全棉的crib bedding,要比外面便宜很多，又好看。

睡袋也是不错的选择，但是这里价廉物美的比较难买到，可以从国内带。

Stokke Sleeping Bag

Diaper duty

Diapers, Disposable or cloth

Newborn的diaper可以不买或少买，我家两个生出来都差不多8磅，直接用的1号，把前面的边卷到肚脐下就可以了。

哪个牌子的适合你的baby,只有试过才知道，所以任何一个牌子，出生前都不要囤太多。

Amazon 经常会有diaper deal, 算下来比外面不减价的时候还是要便宜些.

Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables)

我们用的是diaper genie, 现在选择更多了。需不需要取决于你几天清一次垃圾，我们这里一个星期收一次，那么这个就是必须的了，六个月以前的bb如果母乳喂养，大便是没什么味道的，但加了辅食以后，diaper如果直接扔垃圾桶里，味道就够你受的了。如果垃圾是天天扔出去的，diaper pail就不一定是必须的了。

Diaper bag.

Dressing baby

Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet
Six side-snap T-shirts
Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch
A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one)
Six pairs socks/booties
Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits, Get only a few items in newborn size. Then, go for clothing in the 6-month size--your baby will grow into it quickly. But don't buy baby sleepwear that's too big; it's a fire hazard
Cotton sweater or light jacket.
Summer babies: Brimmed hat.
Winter babies: Snowsuit or heavy bunting. Heavy stroller blanketWarm knit hat.

衣服最有用的是连脚的sleeper, 要多买,其他衣服生了再买也不迟.

Feeding time

If you're planning to breast-feed

Two or three nursing bras

看你多长时间洗一次衣服，如果是一星期一次，我觉得起码要买6个。motherhood有一种Nursing Sleep Wrap Bra便宜又舒服，如果不出门，在家戴的话不错。

A box of washable or disposable breast pads

开始一定要disposable的，漏奶很厉害，没时间换了洗，而且也洗不干净，最好就是湿一个扔一个。

Breast pump if you expect to use one.

电动的推荐Pump In Style Advanced Breastpump By Medela, 很多姐妹说好用。

如果不上班，不用每天pump的，用手动的就行了。我用过gerber的，不好，千万别买，费半天劲也挤不了多少，还漏。后来换了medela 手动，很好用。

Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk

可以买milk storage bag。

If you're planning to bottle-feed

我没有Bottle Feeding过，所以不作评论。

Bottle drying tree
Bottle brush
Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one)
Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths
Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher

Bathing/grooming

Three soft hooded towels
Two packs of baby washcloths
Baby body washes that doubles as shampoo
Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers
Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment

开始只买凡士林就够了，如果保护得好，不会有尿布疹，对付尿布疹的东西，等得了再买。

Infant bathtub
Soft brush and comb
Mild laundry detergent

Medicine chest essentials

这些我觉得都没必要生之前买，除了Digital thermometer 和Petroleum jelly （就是凡士林）

A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor, such as Infant's Tylenol
Cotton pads/swabs
Nasal aspirator
Rubbing alcohol
Keeping baby happyPacifiers

Extras: Nice but optional

Monitor

A rocker or glider

Fisher-Price: Sensory Selections Bouncer

Soft carrier

Swing

Graco Sywngomatic 6 speed swing

List originally from http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/babies-kids/new-baby-basics-1105.htm

Child Carseat Consumer Report Quick Recommendations-Infant carseats

2006-03-28T08:07:00.000-06:00

INFANT SEATS

Britax Companion
The Lowest price on the web: $169.95 Ground shipping:$16.39
From:

Onestepahead coupon:
Save 15% at One Step Ahead

Baby Trend
I can not find any stores selling them

New baby basics -A master list for new moms and dads

2006-03-28T07:36:00.000-06:00

Here's a checklist of what you should have on hand before your baby arrives.

Tooling around
_____Car seat.
_____Stroller.

Beds and linens
_____Crib.
_____Crib mattress.
_____Bassinet/cradle (if you don't want to put your baby in a crib right away).
_____Two to three fitted crib sheets.
_____Four or more waffle-weave cotton receiving blankets for swaddling baby.
_____Two mattress pads.
_____One to two waterproof liners (for crib or bassinet).

Diaper duty
_____Diapers. Disposable or cloth.
_____Diaper pail. (Optional with disposables.)
_____Diaper bag.

Dressing baby
_____Four sleeping outfits or onesies (one-piece sleepers), preferably with attached feet.
_____Six side-snap T-shirts.
_____Four to six one-piece undershirts that snap around the crotch.
_____A small baby cap (although the hospital will probably give you one).
_____Six pairs socks/booties.
_____Two to three soft, comfortable daytime outfits. Get only a few items in newborn size. Then, go for clothing in the 6-month size--your baby will grow into it quickly. But don't buy baby sleepwear that's too big; it's a fire hazard.
_____Cotton sweater or light jacket.

Summer babies
_____Brimmed hat.

Winter babies
_____Snowsuit or heavy bunting.
_____Heavy stroller blanket.
_____Warm knit hat.

Feeding time
If you're planning to breast-feed:
_____Two or three nursing bras.
_____A box of washable or disposable breast pads.
_____Breast pump if you expect to use one.
_____Four small baby bottles with newborn nipples for expressed breast milk.
_____Bottle drying tree.
_____Bottle brush.
_____Insulated bottle holder for diaper bag (the hospital may give you one).
_____Three packs of cloth diapers or burp cloths.

If you're planning to bottle-feed
_____Six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a dishwasher basket if you use a dishwasher.

Bathing/grooming
_____Three soft hooded towels.
_____Two packs of baby washcloths.
_____ Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo.
_____Pair of blunt-tip scissors or baby-sized nail clippers.
_____Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment.
_____Infant bathtub.
_____Soft brush and comb.
_____Mild laundry detergent.

Medicine chest essentials
_____A pain-and-fever reducer recommended by your baby's doctor, such as Infant's Tylenol.
_____Cotton pads/swabs.
_____Nasal aspirator.
_____Digital thermometer.
_____Rubbing alcohol.
_____Petroleum jelly.

Keeping baby happy
_____Pacifiers.

Extras: Nice but optional
_____Monitor.
_____Changing table.
_____A rocker or glider.
_____Soft carrier.
_____Swing.

From Consumerreports.org

Crib bedding safety issues

2006-03-27T08:41:00.000-06:00

I like fancy crib beddings, but some research says too much stuff on the crib can cause SIDS. I have two babies, I bought both of them a whole crib bedding set, including the bumper and the quilt. I don't think little baby can roll into the bumper, and when they have the ability to roll, they also can roll back if they bump into the bumper. Crib bumper to me, is a must have, otherwise, once they become very motive, the babies will sure bump their head on the rail, or stuck their arms or legs between them . If you are concerned about the SIDS, and can not decide whether to get the crib bumper or not, maybe a breathable bumper could help.

The quilt is not necessary, a simple blanket could do the job. I bought my younger baby a sleeping bag from eBay , it is very nice and warm, I don't need to worry about him kick it off during the night, and no SIDS danger of course.

Curious George and Dr. Seuss

2006-03-23T13:32:00.000-06:00

This is a really fun site, they got lots of stuff I like. The Dr.Seuss and Curious George crib bedding looks so good, just post the picture, take a look.

More children's magazines

2006-03-22T12:30:00.000-06:00

Click to save on Children's Magazines!

Magazine for kids who love animals

2006-03-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

There is an animal magazine just for kids.

"ZOOBOOKS MAGAZINE is a great way to start kids off on a life-long passion for reading. Zoobooks uses creatures as teachers. Every monthly issue contains:- Eye popping illustrations- Educational diagrams- Entertaining photos- And, NO advertising to get in the way of your child's learning!Turn a youngster's love of animals into a love of reading!
Zoobooks magaiznes are skillfully designed to enhance your child’s learning potential through words, pictures, and interactive activities. Parents and teachers trust Zoobooks to educate kids... strengthening their vocabulary and reading habits. Kids just think the magazines are cool!"--Quated from it's website

Now they also got a version for the younger kids called "zootle"

"ZOOTLES Magazine for kids ages 2-6.
Just like Zoobooks, Zootles is full of animal fun. And Zootles is written to be shared with young children: pre-readers and beginning readers.
Each new issue delivers:
• A featured letter, phonetic sound, number, color or similar educational focus... concepts to encourage young scholars
• A wonderfully illustrated animal story for bedtime, story time or anytime
• Fun backyard games and challenges for beginning scientists
• Hidden pictures, mazes and activities to captivate little problem solvers
• Otto and Allie, a curious cartoon otter and his funny hedgehog sidekick"

Consumer report recommended carseats

2006-03-20T18:55:00.000-06:00

Quick Picks

INFANT SEATSTop performers:

Britax $170

The pricey but feature-rich Britax provides extra side-impact protection and a unique bar to protect a child's head from hitting the seat during a crash rebound.

Baby Trend $90

The well-priced Baby Trend provided better rebound protection than Safety 1st Peg Perego and Graco . Features such as a harness-adjustment dial make it easy to use. But both seat and base are relatively heavy.

CONVERTIBLE SEATS

High performance and a good value:

Evenflo $70, CR Best Buy Cosco $50 Both are reasonably priced and performed well in our rebound test. The Evenflo excels in crash protection. The Cosco is among the most lightweight seats tested.

SEAT/STROLLER COMBO

Triple Play Sit ‘n Stroll 5-in-1 Combination Child Restraint/Stroller $200 This model, which converts to a stroller, provides very good to excellent crash protection. But it's pricey, heavy, and must be reinstalled in the car after each stroll.

BOOSTER SEATSHigh performance and a good value:

Evenflo Chase DLX (toddler seat) $75 Cosco Protek 22-291 (high back) $35

Graco Backless Turbo Booster 8491 $20 Cosco High Rise Autobooster 22-299 (backless) $20
The Cosco and Graco seats can accommodate children up to 100 pounds.

www.mommybabygoshopping.com/babygear.html

Child carseat buying guide

2006-03-20T18:52:00.000-06:00

Carseat buying guide

Buying advice Child car & booster seatsMatch the seat with your child's weight and age and make sure that the seat is anchored securely in the car A child car seat should be high on your to-buy list. You'll need one to bring your baby home from the hospital and for every car trip thereafter. In fact, hospitals and birthing centers generally won't let you leave by car with your newborn if you don't have one. Every state requires that kids up to 4 years of age ride in a car seat; many require booster seats for older children. WHAT'S AVAILABLE The major brands of car seats you're likely to encounter are, in alphabetical order: Baby Trend, Britax, Chicco, Combi, Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Peg Perego, and Safety 1st. There are also car beds for preemies and other very small newborns if there's a concern that a car seat may not provide a secure fit or that it may exacerbate breathing problems. In addition, there are specially designed car seats for children with physical disabilities. Every model of car seat sold in the U.S. must meet federal safety standards. These are your basic choices: Infant seats. These rear-facing seats are for babies up to 22 pounds. They allow infants to recline at an angle that doesn't interfere with breathing and protects them best in a crash. Many strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. All infant car-seat models come with a handle, and nearly all have a base that secures to your vehicle with LATCH connections or a vehicle safety belt, a convenience that lets you remove the seat and use it as a carrier. You can strap most infant seats into a car without a base, using the vehicle safety belts, but most people don't use them that way. Infant seats have either a three-point harness--two adjustable shoulder straps and a lock between the child's legs or--even better--an adjustable five-point system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap. The handle usually swings from a position behind the seat's shell when in the car to an upright position for carrying. Remember to swing the handle to the vehicle position before each trip. Slots underneath most seats help them attach to the frame of a shopping cart. With an infant car seat, you also can move your baby from car to house or vice versa without waking him or her up--a plus for both of you. Note also that extra bases are available so you can keep a secured base in each of your vehicles. Your baby may outgrow an infant car seat quickly and become too heavy for you to use it as a carrier. As a result, you may find yourself having to buy a convertible car seat after your baby is 6 to 9 months old. However, our advice is still to start with an infant seat before moving up to a convertible seat. Price range: $30 to $180. Travel systems. Travel systems offer one-stop shopping: You get an infant car seat and a stroller all in one. Most car-seat manufacturers offer these combination strollers/infant car seats. And many stand-alone strollers are now designed to accommodate infant car seats. With these strollers, you create a carriage by snapping an infant car seat into a stroller. The car seats of travel systems also come with a base, which stays in the car. The snap-on car seat is generally positioned atop the stroller so the infant rides facing the person pushing. Your baby can also ride in the stroller seat alone when he or she is big enough. Most travel-system strollers can be used only with a car seat from the same company. They can also be bulky, so if you're a city dweller who negotiates more subway stairs than highways or if the trunk of your car isn't too roomy, you may be better off with a separate car seat and a compact stroller that is appropriate for a newborn. Price range: $40 (stroller frame only) to $400. Convertible seats. With a convertible seat, the child faces rearward as an infant, then toward the front of the vehicle as a toddler. The seat can function as a rear-facing seat for infants up to 30 or 35 pounds, depending on the model, and as a front-facing seat for toddlers generally up to 40 pounds (a few have a 65-pound limit). Models typically have an adjustable five-point harness system--two straps over the shoulders, two for the thighs, and a crotch strap between the legs. Some models have a tray shield that lowers over the baby's head and fastens with a buckle between the legs. However, our tests show that children, especially small ones, are better restrained with a five-point harness. A convertible car seat can be a money saver, taking your child from infancy to kindergarten and beyond. We advise starting with an infant seat first, though, as mentioned earlier. Keep in mind that convertible seats are not compatible with strollers, so you will have to transfer your baby from the convertible car seat to a carriage or stroller when you're ready to set out on foot. Such jostling can wake a sleeping baby, a problem if you need to take your child on frequent shopping expeditions or other errands. Price range: $50 to $290. Toddler/booster seats. Looking like large versions of convertible seats, these front-facing seats are used with an internal harness for toddlers 20 to 40 pounds. They're either LATCH-attached or can be secured using the vehicle belts and tethers. When kids reach 40 pounds, the seat becomes a belt-positioned booster seat, which children can use until they're 80 or 100 pounds. With a belt-positioned booster seat, the child is restrained using the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt system. Booster seats. These are generally for children weighing 40 to 80 pounds. (A very tall child may begin using a booster seat at 30 pounds.) Booster seats use the vehicle's own safety belts to restrain the child. Built-in seats. Some U.S. and foreign automakers offer on select cars and minivans an integrated, forward-facing child seat that has a harness and accommodates toddlers weighing more than 20 pounds. There are also some booster-seat versions. Built-in seats must meet the same performance standards as add-on child seats. However, they offer little or no side protection and they're usually located next to a door, instead of in the center--the safer position. You may also need a regular car seat for when your child travels in other vehicles. HOW TO CHOOSE Start with an infant seat for a newborn and pay close attention to the height and weight limits as your child grows. When your baby reaches the infant seat's limits for height and weight, or becomes too heavy for you to tote, use a convertible seat in the rear-facing orientation up to the seat's limits in that mode. Then use the convertible seat front-facing until your toddler reaches the next height and weight limits. After that, use a booster seat until your child is tall enough to use the car's safety belts, typically at least 57 inches. Buying three seats instead of two may cost more, but it can pay off in protection and peace of mind. Make sure the seat is compatible with your car. One of the first things you should do in choosing a seat for your child is to check the fit of any models you're considering in your own car. Even before that, though, we suggest placing similar-looking models side by side in the store to compare features. (If you've already had your baby, place your child in the seat, to get a sense of the ease of buckling and unbuckling.) Then, if possible, bring the floor model to your car for a mock installation. Be aware that some vehicle seats are too short, indented, or excessively sloped to allow a good fit of a child car seat. If you're considering a convertible car seat, try the floor model in both the rear- and front-facing positions. Check out the harness release button in the rear-facing position; in some models it may be too low to reach comfortably. If you're thinking about an infant car-seat/stroller combination, also known as a travel system, check to be sure that it fits in your trunk or vehicle cargo area. If the store won't let you take the seat out to your car to try it, make sure you can return any car seat you buy--or go to another store. Insist on new. Although there are many baby items you can borrow or buy secondhand, don't make a car seat one of them if you can avoid it. A used seat may have been in a crash or recalled. The manufacturer's instructions may be missing. If, for some reason, you must use a secondhand seat, avoid those with an unknown history or that are older than six years. In the world of car seats, a six-year-old model is a relic--and risky. You'll also want to avoid recalled models. Send in the registration card. You should be notified by the manufacturer if the car seat is recalled. To play it extra safe, you can also sign up for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's e-mail subscription list at www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.asp. Updated recall information will be sent directly to your e-mail in-box. Or check monthly reports in Consumer Reports or on this site. Other sources of information on car-seat recalls include NHTSA's Web site (www.nhtsa.gov) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission site (www.recalls.gov). Check the store's return policy. If you're not happy with a particular car seat for whatever reason, it's important to know that you can return it and try again with another model. Be aware that a badly soiled or damaged seat may not be exchanged.