Ultimate
the
Baby Gear
buyer’s guide
Your Ultimate Baby Gear
REGISTRY CHECKLIST MODERN STROLLER PICKS MODERN MAMA’S CONCIERGE:
Apps Moms can’t live without
Ultimate
the
Baby Gear
buyer’s guide
04 PUBLISHER’S NOTE
12 BEST BABY CARRIERS
05 YOUR ULTIMATE BABY GEAR REGISTRY CHECKLIST
16 CAR SEAT SAFETY WITH BRITAX
08 MODERN STROLLER PICKS 11 GET SOCIAL WITH US
18 BEST DIAPER BAGS 20 APPS FOR MOMS
photo courtesy Britax
2 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
PUBLISHER’S NOTE We are delighted to deliver to you our first ever Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide! This guide is your starting point for you to get the gear you need for baby’s arrival. It may all feel overwhelming, the amount of stuff this little person seems to need, but with a little help you’ll get there. Yours in Modern Motherhood, Xo Connie connie@modernmama.com
photo courtesy Mamas & Papas
4 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
THE GEAR YOU NEED TO
Bring Baby Home GEAR Baby Tub
Diaper Bag
Breast Pump
Car seat
Highchair
Stroller
Baby Video Monitor
Baby Carrier
Safety Gate(s)
Play yard or travel bed
Swing and/or Bouncy chair
Diaper pail
Activity Mat
Bassinet or co-sleeping unit
Jumper or Saucer
Nursing pillow
photo courtesy Britax
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 5
THE GEAR YOU NEED TO
Bring Baby Home NURSERY Crib & mattress
Childproofing supplies
Change table
Crib bedding
Rocker or Glider
BASICS Diapers
Nursing Bra
Wipes
First Aid kit
Sleepers
Pacifiers
Swaddling blankets
Night light
Sleep sack
Diaper rash ointment
Bottles
photo courtesy Baby Bjorn
6 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
EXTRAS Infant Toys
Nursing Cover
Board books
Bottle warmer
Linkable toys
Baby Food Maker
Drool bibs
Diaper caddy
Teething toys
Sound machine
Burp cloths
Air purifier or humidifier
photo courtesy Britax
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 7
MODERN
Stroller Picks We searched high and low for the best of the best in new strollers. Our picks are versatile, modern, hip and high quality. Have a look!
www.modernmama.com||Ultimate UltimateBaby BabyGear GearBuyer’s Buyer’sGuide Guide||2015 2015Edition Edition 8 • • www.modernmama.com
photo courtesy UPPAbaby
PLANNING-FOR-THE-FUTURE PICK
UPPAbaby Georgie 2015 VISTA A versatility winner, it can convert to a double in a breeze. Cdn $964.99
HIGH FASHION MAMA
Stokke Xplory in true black pinstripe
Love the styling and the modern silhouette of the Xplory. This print is exclusive to WestCoast Kids. Cdn $1563.99 plus $164.99 Style kit
BEST FOR TRAVEL
BabyZen Yoyo
A true on the go stroller with smart styling, quick fold and ultra portability. This model is exclusive to WestCoast Kids. Cdn $519.99 includes frame and canopy (sold separately)
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 9
FOR THE EDGY MAMA
Bugaboo Chameleon & Diesel Collaboration
This stroller takes your style statement to the next level with Diesel’s rebellious looking branding. We love the reversible seat of the Chameleon. Cdn $1299.99
BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK
Britax Affinity
With the choice of three different frame colours and seven colour pack options, you’re sure to design the stroller of your dreams with this modern choice. Cdn $729.98 including colour pack & base
EUROPEAN FLAIR
Mamas & Papas Armadillo
I love the simplicity of all of the mamas & papas products, they have a European flair to them and this stroller folds flat as a pancake. Cdn $349
*prices as listed are Canadian typical retailer prices 10 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
GET SOCIAL
WITH US! Subscribe to our weekly National newsletter at modernmama.com/subscribe Find us on Instagram: @modernmama
Share with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/modernmama Tweet with us on Twitter: @modern_mama And follow our mom, baby, gear, recipes, fashion, family travel and home boards for instant inspo on Pinterest at Pinterest.com/modernmamateam We’ll see you ONLINE and at an upcoming event! Xo, Modern Mama
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 11
THE BEST FOR BABY WEARING
ErgoBaby carrier shown
12 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
You’ve heard the buzz, babywearing is great for snuggling baby while being hands free. It allows you to bond, soothe and stay attached while being able to go for walks, shop and even do things around the house. There are a few really great carriers on the market.
Most Popular
ERGOBABY Original $139.99
BABY BJORN WE $179.99
BECO GEMINI $149.99
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 13
THE BEST FOR BABY WEARING
BOBA $144.99
STOKKE MYCARRIER COOL 3-IN-1 CARRIER $229.99
LILLEBABY $124.99
14 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
Convertible+Booster
Baby Carrier One www.babybjorn.com This product features the characteristic BABYBJÖRN parallel line design.
BabyGear_201503.indd 1
2015-03-04 15:59
Convertible+Booster
- Naomi • Features the only full steel frame for unmatched safety • Deeper side walls for complete side impact protection • Space saving design allows spacious interior and allows extra room for passengers ca.diono.com www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 15
Content provided by BRITAX and Sarah Tilton
FACT OR FICTION?
Busting car seat myths
The advice of friends, family and even strangers can cause information overload for new and expectant parents. For especially sensitive topics, like car seat safety, BRITAX recommends parents seek guidance from a child passenger safety expert to ensure they’re learning the correct information. To help, we’ve asked BRITAX child passenger safety expert Sarah Tilton to help us bust some myths!
16 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
Fact or Fiction: I ONLY can use a rear-facing (infant) car seat to bring my baby home from the hospital. Fiction: While we recommend using an infant car seat to transport a newborn baby, plenty of infant/child seats can be used in rear-facing mode for an infant and then forward-facing mode for an older child. If you can purchase a seat made specifically for infants, however, you should because they’re designed to fit tiny babies. A child wouldn’t wear the same pants from infancy to 4 years old; similarly, we recommend a car seat that is tailored to a child’s age. Fact or Fiction: When installed and used correctly, child safety seats (car seats and boosters) and safety belts can prevent injuries and save lives. Fact: Child safety seats can reduce fatal injury in a vehicle crash by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers (ages 1 to 4). That applies to vehicle seat belts, too. Buckle up, parents! Fact or Fiction: The car seat harness should be snug enough so that you cannot pinch webbing between your thumb and pointer finger. Fact: Take up the slack! Test at the child’s collar bone and try to pinch the webbing up and down. Your fingers should slide off. If they don’t slide off, tighten the harness. Did you know that about 60 percent of harnesses are not tight enough? If you’re unsure, stop by a local car seat check. They can help you with installation and proper fit. ABOUT SARAH TILTON Sarah Tilton is a child passenger safety advocate with Britax. An active Certified Passenger Safety technician and instructor, Tilton frequently participates in child passenger safety activities at a local, state and national level. She is active with Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg and is a member of the North Carolina Child Passenger Safety Training Committee.
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 17
Diaper Bags
We Love! BY KIMBERLY OUELLETTE
Choosing a diaper bag is a big task, this is the bag you will be sporting for the next year or longer! Function, fashion & fun all combine with our top picks below.
Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F.
Easy to access pockets, 2 insulated bottle pockets, a memory foam padded change pad and machine washable. This bag is also treated with Teflon® Fabric protector to help repel stains as well as Agion® which protects the liner by inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. $165
Lug Pitter Patter Backpack
For the active mom this backpack style diaper bag features easy access pockets, baby change pad, 2 zip accessory pouches and a ventilated zip compartment for wet or soiled items. This baby is also treated with a water repellent finish. $143
18 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
Petunia Pickle Bottom City Carryall
The City Carryall comes with 3 large interior pockets to keep you organized, plus 2 bottle pockets as well as spaces for diapers and baby’s pacifier. Includes a monogrammed wipes case and can carried 3 ways- shoulder, cross body or clipped on your stroller (using Valet Stroller Clips®, sold separately). $165
Skip Hop Bento Ultimate Diaper Bag
For some, if you want your hubby to carry it you must think neutral. This bag from Skip Hop has 15 pockets and includes an 8 piece mealtime kit with an insulated cooler bag and freezer pack. You can wear it on your shoulder, as a messenger bag or clipped on to your stroller (Shuttle Clips included). $120
maranda lee Stella Deluxe Diaper Bag
We love the look of this handmade diaper bag. Keep all of your baby essentials together with 6 pockets, including 3 elastic ones which are great for stashing bottles and sippy cups. Top zipper closure and attaches easily to stroller hooks. $138 etsy.com
www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition • 19
Best Apps for the
Modern Mama BY KIMBERLY OUELLETTE
Being a mom changes everything, especially the amount of free time, sleep and memory you have. Don’t fear- we’ve put together a list of our favourite “mommy apps” to help you out! Think of it as a modern day virtual concierge for mothers. Kimberly is a modern mama to one little guy in St. Albert, Alberta. Find her at www.modernmama.com/st-albert
20 • www.modernmama.com | Ultimate Baby Gear Buyer’s Guide | 2015 Edition
What to Expect Baby Tracker This new app from Heidi Murkoff’s best- selling parenting guide, What to Expect When You are Expecting lets you track baby’s sleeping, diaper & feeding needs. This is key for well baby visits, you’ll have all the info at hand. Bonus- the app has tips and tricks for feeding and play time. Free.
Today’s Parent Milestones This one will be useful for a long time. There is a section for pregnancy with articles and a baby naming tool, section for baby with diaper, sleep and feeding trackers, and a toddler section with a neat “brush buddy” option to help your little one focus on dental hygiene. An extra bonus is the “photo fun” section which makes it really easy to upload and edit pictures with cute borders and captions right in the app that then saves to your phone so that you can message it to grandma! Free.
Baby Center: My Baby Today This simple app takes you through the first year of baby’s life. There are daily quick updates on development, care, feeding, health and safety. You can also create a customizable checklist with suggested “to-do” items for each month of your child’s life. Free.
Sprout Baby The interface of this app is gorgeous! It creates a daily “newspaper” page for your child with statistics, milestones and more. There is a medical section for you to track doctor visits, growth, immunizations and medications (so helpful if baby is sick and you are low on sleep). There are the usual trackers included as well such as sleep, feeding & diapers but this app also includes a pumping tracker with timers and charts! Bonus- we like the “memories” section, which allows you to enter a milestone, picture and notes- like a digital baby book. The 15 day trial is free and you can purchase the premium app for $5.79.
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Toronto Calgary Edmonton Spruce Grove/Stony Plain St. Albert North Shore Vancouver South Surrey/White Rock
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