Before You Buy Baby's First Shoes

Your baby is walking! Now is the time to shop for some baby walking shoes. Before you buy, though, check out these tips to be sure you get a pair of baby shoes that will help, not hinder, your baby's walking experience.
When Should I Buy Shoes for Baby?
If your baby is starting to take a few steps, it's time. Many parents prefer to let their children walk without shoes, which is fine. A good amount of barefoot time can be helpful to new walkers, who need to figure out how their feet work before having shoes on all day. There are times, though, when it's dangerous or unsanitary for baby to go barefoot, so all babies need a pair of walking shoes to protect those sweet little feet from harm.
What Kind of Baby Shoes Should I Buy?
Baby shoes should be soft and flexible so that baby can use his or her feet properly for balance. The sole should be non-slip and offer traction, but steer clear of extra-thick soles that might trip baby up. High-top baby shoes aren't necessary for ankle support, but if you do choose high-tops, be sure baby can still flex his or her ankles, or the shoes may hinder walking. Look for shoes in a natural, breathable material so baby's feet stay cool and comfy.
How Should Baby Shoes Fit?
Babies should not have to "break in" their shoes. After they've worn the walking shoes around the store for a while, take the shoes off and check baby's feet for irritation. If the shoes rub or seem to make walking more difficult, find another pair. You should be able to put a pencil or your pinky finger in between the heel of the shoe and the baby's foot, and there should be a half- to a quarter-inch (thumb-width) between baby's toes and the end of the shoe.
Laces or Velcro?
Laces do need to be re-tied a lot, which may send parents in search of Velcro baby shoes. It's a matter of personal choice. Lace-up shoes are harder for babies to take off. Velcro is easier to figure out for the young mind, so be prepared for baby to learn to remove Velcro shoes fairly quickly. Try tying the shoe laces a few times in the store. You'll be tying and re-tying these shoes a lot, so be sure the laces are long enough and easy to work with.
When Should I Shop?
Just like adults, babies' feet can swell towards the end of the day, especially when they're practicing new walking skills. Shopping for baby's walking shoes in the afternoon or early evening will ensure the shoes are not too tight when baby's tootsies are tired. Plan your shopping trip for after a nap or at a time when your baby is normally in a good mood. Getting a cranky, tired baby to walk around and model shoes won't make for a pleasant trip.
How Often Should I Buy Shoes?
Check the fit and condition of your baby's shoes at least once a month. All babies grow at different rates, but you can expect to buy new shoes in bigger sizes at least every three to six months. Check for signs of wear on the shoes and be ready to replace them if the bottoms are cracked, there are holes in the top, or any pieces are flapping around. Babies and toddlers will find plenty of things to trip over, so be sure their shoes aren't part of the problem!

Before You Buy Baby's First Shoes

Your baby is walking! Now is the time to shop for some baby walking shoes. Before you buy, though, check out these tips to be sure you get a pair of baby shoes that will help, not hinder, your baby's walking experience.
When Should I Buy Shoes for Baby?
If your baby is starting to take a few steps, it's time. Many parents prefer to let their children walk without shoes, which is fine. A good amount of barefoot time can be helpful to new walkers, who need to figure out how their feet work before having shoes on all day. There are times, though, when it's dangerous or unsanitary for baby to go barefoot, so all babies need a pair of walking shoes to protect those sweet little feet from harm.
What Kind of Baby Shoes Should I Buy?
Baby shoes should be soft and flexible so that baby can use his or her feet properly for balance. The sole should be non-slip and offer traction, but steer clear of extra-thick soles that might trip baby up. High-top baby shoes aren't necessary for ankle support, but if you do choose high-tops, be sure baby can still flex his or her ankles, or the shoes may hinder walking. Look for shoes in a natural, breathable material so baby's feet stay cool and comfy.
How Should Baby Shoes Fit?
Babies should not have to "break in" their shoes. After they've worn the walking shoes around the store for a while, take the shoes off and check baby's feet for irritation. If the shoes rub or seem to make walking more difficult, find another pair. You should be able to put a pencil or your pinky finger in between the heel of the shoe and the baby's foot, and there should be a half- to a quarter-inch (thumb-width) between baby's toes and the end of the shoe.
Laces or Velcro?
Laces do need to be re-tied a lot, which may send parents in search of Velcro baby shoes. It's a matter of personal choice. Lace-up shoes are harder for babies to take off. Velcro is easier to figure out for the young mind, so be prepared for baby to learn to remove Velcro shoes fairly quickly. Try tying the shoe laces a few times in the store. You'll be tying and re-tying these shoes a lot, so be sure the laces are long enough and easy to work with.
When Should I Shop?
Just like adults, babies' feet can swell towards the end of the day, especially when they're practicing new walking skills. Shopping for baby's walking shoes in the afternoon or early evening will ensure the shoes are not too tight when baby's tootsies are tired. Plan your shopping trip for after a nap or at a time when your baby is normally in a good mood. Getting a cranky, tired baby to walk around and model shoes won't make for a pleasant trip.
How Often Should I Buy Shoes?
Check the fit and condition of your baby's shoes at least once a month. All babies grow at different rates, but you can expect to buy new shoes in bigger sizes at least every three to six months. Check for signs of wear on the shoes and be ready to replace them if the bottoms are cracked, there are holes in the top, or any pieces are flapping around. Babies and toddlers will find plenty of things to trip over, so be sure their shoes aren't part of the problem!

Before You Buy a Baby Swing

A baby swing is a wonderful way to soothe a fussy baby or hold an infant while mom or dad sneaks a quick shower. Before you buy a baby swing, check out this list of handy must-have features that will make your baby swing more useful for you and baby.
Stability & Safety First
Since baby's safety is your first priority, check all swings to be sure they have a wide base and will not tip over if baby leans to one direction. Next, check to see that the swing has a safety belt system. Just like in car seats, a 5-point harness system is safest in swings. The shoulder and hip straps reduce the chance that baby will slide out of the swing or successfully learn to climb out while mom isn't looking.
Battery Vs. Wind-Up
Whether you choose a battery-powered swing or a wind-up variety is a matter of personal choice. Of course, batteries don't last forever, so battery swings may add cost to the swing over time. However, battery swings eliminate the need to keep re-winding the swing at the risk of waking or upsetting the baby, and are more convenient to operate. Battery swings also tend to feature more speeds and music settings to meet baby's preferences.
Variable Speed & Sound
Some babies want to be rocked to sleep slowly, while colicky babies may like a more forceful rocking speed. For this reason, choose a baby swing that has several rocking speeds. Your baby may also have strong preferences on music, so look for swings that play music at different volumes and various musical styles, and that have the ability to operate with no music at all. Some babies just want peace and quiet!
Recline
Small babies will not be able to hold their head up or avoid slouching forward in an upright swing, so be sure your baby swing has at least two recline positions. One of the recline positions should be a newborn recline that allows baby to lay back far enough to avoid slouching. The recline feature is also handy when older babies fall asleep in the swing. For these instances, you'll want a recline feature that is smooth and easy to use while baby is in the swing's seat.
Open Top & Flip-Out Tray
A flip-out or fold-up tray is a must-have feature on a swing, so that a sleeping baby can be gently removed from the swing without trouble. These trays are also much more convenient for parents and lessen the chance of scraping baby's legs while trying to get them in or out of the swing. An open top swing makes it easier to lift baby out of the swing without the chance of hitting their head on the swing's upper bar.

Before You Buy A Baby Stroller

Strollers can be a parent's best friend, but choosing the wrong baby stroller could spell trouble and inconvenience. How can parents choose the right baby stroller from the many available in stores and via the Internet? Strollers are available to match just about any lifestyle, so think about how you want to use the stroller first and then look for a stroller model that best fits your life and your baby.
Safety Features Are Important
As always, baby's safety is the biggest concern. Check strollers for stability before buying, and don't forget to see if the stroller will remain upright with a diaper bag hanging over the handles! Also check the stroller harness. A five-point harness that goes over baby's shoulders is best, especially for infants or babies who are in the stroller a lot. For occasional mall trips, a three-point harness might be OK.
Wheels and Handles
Walk your favorite strollers through the store before making a purchase. Check the height of the handles to be sure they are comfortable for you. Taller parents should look for strollers with adjustable handle heights so they don't have to stoop. Choose a stroller that makes corners smoothly, especially if you'll use it in crowded places. Also try walking with the stroller at a faster pace to be sure your feet don't hit the wheels. Foam-covered handles are a nice choice for comfort.
Convenience Features
Do you need a stroller with a basket underneath, or will you carry the diaper bag elsewhere? Some strollers come with parent organization trays, toy bars, snack and drink holders, rain hoods and more. Many of these accessories are available separately, so don't let the lack of a drink holder sway you away from a stroller you otherwise love. How the stroller folds and how much trunk space it may take are important considerations. Be sure you can fold, unfold and store the stroller easily!
Lightweight Strollers
Lightweight strollers have come a long way from the old umbrella stroller. This new generation of strollers under 20 pounds have many of the same features as larger strollers, such as reclining seats, storage baskets and sun shades. These strollers are great for travelers and perfect for trips to the mall or zoo. Inexpensive umbrella strollers are still a great, economical choice to be stashed in the trunk as a spare, but those without a reclining seat can't be used with tiny infants.
Standard Strollers
Larger and heavier than lightweight strollers, standard strollers often feature roomier seats, larger wheels, more storage space and extras like built-in music systems and ergonomic handles. Standard strollers perform well in most conditions, and many parents love these versatile wonders. For travelers, these strollers do fold, often with nice one-hand mechanisms, but they take up more trunk space and are heavier to lift in and out. Larger strollers may be hard to handle in crowded places.
Jogging Strollers
Outdoorsy parents may want to consider a jogging stroller, as a backup for a standard stroller or even as an everyday stroller. Featuring large, sturdy tires, sleek frames, hand-grip brakes and all-terrain suspension systems, jogging strollers perform well on almost any surface. Jogging strollers may not fold as easily or as flat as other strollers, meaning there may be better everyday choices for parents who travel a lot. Jogging strollers are not recommended for infants under 6 months old.
Travel Systems
Travel systems offer convenience for busy new parents. A travel system begins with a standard stroller, but includes an infant car seat that snaps onto the stroller, allowing parents to move the infant from car to stroller easily. Most travel systems come with a car seat base that stays in the car so that parents just snap the infant seat into the base rather than buckling/unbuckling the seat into the car. Once the infant seat is outgrown, travel systems perform the same as standard strollers.
Strollers for More Than One Child
If you have more than one child, strollers with extra capacity can make outings easier. Consider the children's ages when choosing a stroller for multiples. Some double strollers have space for a child to stand and ride, but this doesn't allow for in-stroller naps. Other models have seats for all riders. Choose seats that recline for younger riders. Also consider this versatile option - clip two lightweight strollers together with stroller clips, which also lets you use the strollers separately.

Baby Sleep tips to help getting baby to sleep

Set a routine. Repeat it every night around the same time. This may involve giving your baby a bath, changing him, having a story together and then settling him to sleep.
Same Place. Always try to put your baby down to sleep in the same place. This way your baby will associate that place with sleep time.
Work out a simple bedtime routine lullaby or message such as ‘'night night sleep tight'’. Repeat this every night and your baby will also learn this is another cue to sleep.
Make sure the sleeping area is dimly lit as bright lights and activity usually keeps babies awake.
If your baby wakes up, check if he / she needs a change of nappy or is your baby feeling too cold or hot.
If your baby wakes after she has settled, stay in the bedroom to soothe her back to sleep.
Play soft lullaby music to help soothe him off to sleep.
Rocking and walking with baby in your arms often settles a crying baby but remember.
Gently patting your baby may calm her to sleep.

Before You Buy a Baby High Chair

High chairs have come a long way from the wooden variety of yesteryear. Today's baby high chairs have a variety of features such as wheels, one-hand tray release, height adjustment and seat recline. Before you buy a high chair for your baby, take the following information into consideration.
When Should I Buy a High Chair?
Babies don't really need high chairs for feeding purposes until they start eating solid foods, usually after 6 months of age. Some parents prefer to buy a high chair early on, though, because high chairs can be useful as a landing place for baby even before the little one is throwing carrots. Even parents who are delaying the introduction of solid foods due to extended breastfeeding may find use for a high chair, which allows baby to join the family at the dinner table and see all of the action.
Is the High Chair Safe?
The number of bells and whistles on your baby high chair is a matter of personal choice, however, you should be careful to choose a high chair that is safe. Your best best for choosing a safe high chair is to pick a model that has a Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certificate on it. The JPMA voluntary safety standards are followed by most reputable high chair manufacturing companies.
Look for Stability
A wide base and a low center of gravity are very important safety features of a high chair. Give any chair you consider a good shake and imagine how it might stand up to a wiggling baby. Is it easy to tip over? Also consider that a nice, wide base is much easier to reach under when you have to pick up cereal and other food-flinging favorites.
Check Wheels and Locking Mechanisms
A high chair with wheels is a great choice if you'll be moving baby from place to place for feeding, but wheeled high chairs should have strong locks on the wheels to prevent accidents and to keep you from having to chase the chair across the room at lunch. If you are looking at folding high chairs, make sure that the folding mechanism locks well and operates easily. Check to see if the high chair could be accidentally folded while in use.
Height Adjustment and Recline
A high chair with height adjustment is a good choice if you plan to use the high chair long-term. You can set the height to be easy on your arms for the first feedings, and remove the tray and adjust the high chair to booster seat height for toddlers later on. Reclining high chairs are best if you'll use the chair to hold an infant. The recline feature is also nice for toddlers, who often fall asleep over their mac and cheese after a long playdate.
Buckle Up!
Check the high chair's belts to be sure the straps are strong, durable and washable. There should be a crotch strap along with the belts that go over baby's hips, though a five-point harness with shoulder straps is safest. Another safe choice is a seat with a molded plastic post that fits between baby's legs to keep baby from slipping under the tray. Steer clear of models that only have a loop to go around baby's waist - it's too easy for baby to slip out of the high chair and get hurt.
Cushy Cushions
High chairs get very grimy, so choose a model that washes well. Vinyl cushions are easy to wipe down, but sometimes have sharp edges. Run your fingers over the edges to be sure they won't cut your baby. Cloth cushions should be made of thick, durable fabric. Be sure to choose removable, machine-washable cushions. You should be able to easily remove the cushions for washing and replace them properly without any hassle.
A Tray That Works
Aside from being easy to clean, the most important feature of a high chair tray is ease of use. Try operating the tray with one hand. Does the tray slide out easily? Would your baby be able to remove the tray on his / her own? Are there any hinges, holes or sharp spots that could hurt baby's fingers? Look for a tray with a high rim to keep more food on the tray and off of the floor. Trays with a dishwasher-safe topper are handy when your baby paints the whole tray with spaghetti sauce.

Before You Buy a Baby Car Seat

Parents often ask which of the many car seats is the best car seat on the market. The truth is, the best car seat is the one that fits your vehicle, your budget, your baby and that you will use properly each time your baby rides in the car. Use the following criteria to determine which car seat is the best choice for your baby.
The Safest Car Seat?
All car seats sold in the U.S. must pass the same federal crash tests. Some car seats may have extra features that make them easier to install correctly, such as built-in locking clips or non-twisting straps. Because proper installation is key in car seat safety, these installation helpers may add safety for some people. However, even the cheapest car seat in the store, with no extra features, has passed the basic crash tests and is safe for your baby when installed properly.
Car Seats Must Fit the Baby
Use your baby's height, weight and age to choose the type of car seat to use. Rear-facing-only infant car seats are used through about 20 lbs. Convertible car seats are used rear-facing until baby is at least 1 year old and weighs at least 20 lbs., and forward-facing through the weight limit listed on the car seat. Height-wise, baby's head should be one inch or more below the top of the car seat when rear-facing. For front-facing seats, the tops of baby's ears should be below the seat top.
Can You Install and Use the Car Seat Easily?
The most expensive, feature-rich car seat is not safe for your baby if you don't take the time to read the directions and install it properly every time it is used. Check the car seat manual to be sure you can install and use the car seat as it is intended. Can you adjust the harness to secure baby in the car seat? Choose a car seat that you will use according to the instructions.
Does the Car Seat Fit Your Vehicle?
With so many vehicle seat styles, from benches to buckets, not all car seats will fit in every vehicle. It is essential to find a car seat that can be installed tightly, with the proper angle and less than an inch of side-to-side wiggle. Most reputable baby products stores will let you take a car seat floor model to your vehicle, possibly with a store employee, to check the fit before purchase. If not, check the return policy to be sure you can return the seat if it doesn't fit the vehicle.
Car Seat Recalls
Most recalled car seats are pulled from store shelves when the recall notice is issued. It's still a good idea to check with the manufacturer to be sure your new car seat is not affected by any recalls. If you have borrowed or purchased a used car seat, checking for recalls is even more important. If you also send in the registration card for a new car seat, you will be quickly notified if your baby's car seat is ever affected by a recall.
Are Used Car Seats Safe?
Steer clear of used car seats if you cannot get an accurate history of the car seat's use. You must know a car seat's crash history to determine safety. Buy used car seats only from people you know well enough to trust their account of the car seat's crash history. Car crashes can cause hidden damage to car seats, and the car seat could fail in a second crash, putting your child at risk of injury. Check to be sure no alterations have been made to used car seats.
Car Seat Accessories
When buying a car seat, bypass all of the car seat accessories and installation aids. If an item didn't come with the car seat, it's not safe to use it with the car seat. After-market car seat products aren't crash-tested with each car seat and could cause injury during a crash. This includes head positioners (unless it came with the car seat) and seat belt ratchets, which aren't needed if you install the car seat properly. Use of after-market products often voids the car seat warranty.
Keep Baby Safe As Long As Possible
The best way to keep baby safe in the car is to use a car seat with the most crash protection for as long as it fits your baby. You don't have to turn baby forward-facing right at one year and 20 pounds. Many seats today offer higher rear-facing weight limits, and this is a good option to choose if possible. Also look for higher forward-facing weight limits on 5-point harness seats, and keep your toddler in a booster seat as long as possible after he or she outgrows a regular car seat.