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What items of baby gear have issues, or are not worth buying?

One of the biggest regrets parents have about buying child car seats, is opting for models that are part of a transport system. These car seats can double as a crib and can clip onto pram base. They have built-in carry handles and some have canopies and rocking bases. The problem with them is the bulk and weight of the car seat. The uncomfortable carrying position and heavy load make it almost impossible for many parents to carry the seat single-handed. This makes it very inconvenient to safely open locked doors, move shopping bags and briefcases, along with carrying your child in the car seat.

Always shop around at many types of shops before purchasing expensive must-have items like buggies, carriers or strollers. Big chain department stores sell a limited range of items and these are not always suitable. Make sure that you really need all the features offered on an item. Why pay a lot of money for a feature that you will hardly ever use? Always test baby carrier for comfortable fitting and for easy use. Check that they can distribute loads evenly. Baby shops will offer test fits with simulated loads, to ensure that you are happy with the product before you buy.

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Avoid buying gimmick items that are new on the market. Many of these products rely on the manufacturers creating a need that isn't there. Wipe warmers are a luxury and many parents end up not using them, or they dislike how rapidly the pads and wipes dry out. Bottle warmers, including in-car bottle warmers can be inefficient. Spa baths for babies can be a waste of money, especially if your baby does not like the spa action.

It is silly to buy new-born clothing outfits, since your baby will outgrow the outfits too fast to be worn more than once or twice. The same goes for infant shoes. Most of the time, they do not need shoes until they are walking properly anyway.

When considering buying swings, bouncers and similar items, try to borrow one from a friend first, to make sure it is convenient to use and that your child enjoys it.

More questions

Considering the amount of time your baby will be spending in it, it is important that you buy a crib that is comfortable, safe and durable. When choosing a cot always make sure it has a CE mark, as this...
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A travel cot is the perfect accessory for the family that loves to travel, and will be an essential piece of equipment.
A Moses basket or crib can be a good choice for parents who want to share their room with their baby for the first few months, or who want a portable option in addition to a cot.
There are several types of cot mattress available, and which one you choose will depend on your budget, and your specific requirements.
There are many different types of bedding available and you don't really need much to keep your child comfortable – the choice over which type to use rests on personal preference and convenience for you.
Any push chair you buy in a store, online or second hand, must comply with standard safety regulations.
The terrain you walk on, your transport and storage needs and the comfort of the push chair are all important factors when choosing a push chair.
The three main types of pushchair have different suitability, depending on how where you plan on using them and what kind of transport you use.
There are a few different types of high chair and various accessories you can buy, depending on what your requirements are.

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