If I could go back in a time machine, and give myself advice on the items to purchase (or avoid at all costs) for my first baby, what would I do differently?
Well, to be honest, if I had a time machine, I might first go back and spend a couple of days living my life before kids — just to remember what it felt like to have a clean house and eight hours of continuous sleep.
Oh, the free time I had back then.
Well, to be super honest, if I had a time machine, I’d probably go back to 1950’s America or ancient Rome or some other interesting historical period, but I’m getting off topic.
In all seriousness, I love my children and the wild life we’ve created – I wouldn’t change it for the world. There were, however, over the years, some silly toddler purchases that never got used, as well as some great baby gear finds I still use to this day.
We’ve highlighted our Amy Baby picks for baby essentials, this piece will hit on some things I would have done differently with my first baby, knowing what I know now.
1. Car Seats, Strollers, & Stroller Wagons
Car Seat
If you’ve got a car, and you’ve got a baby, ipto-facto you’re going to need a car seat.
I’m pretty sure it’s illegal in all 50 to not strap newborn in whenever you operate a motor vehicle. Rules are rules, we’re not trying to break any laws – infant car seats are a must.
– Infant Car Seats
Yes.
Infant car seats that are part of travel systems are the way to go. Before you make that initial infant car seat purchase, make sure it connects with other equipment you plan on buying.
A travel system or infant car-seat-stroller combo is a must – you will be happy you went with one of these options rather than saving money on an off-brand, cheaper infant car seat.
I can’t tell you the amount of time and energy I saved by not having to constantly transfer the baby in and out – from car seat to stroller seat…’oops this is the wrong store’… back to car seat.
Also, it allows them to keep sleeping – great for babies, super great for parents.
– Infant Car Seat Stroller Combos
No.
A recent fad in the US, car seat strollers are somewhat new on the scene. These puppies morph from car seats right into strollers, and similar to a travel system, they negate the need for any transfer of newborn (which is awesome).
Doona is the originator, but brands like Evenflo and Graco are now offering these neat little all in one combos.
I would prefer something like this over the non-travel-system infant car seat, but overall these aren’t my vibe.
I never got into them and I don’t regret that decision – here’s why:
- While super convenient, these lack big storage room. Little babies require so much stuff with them, I need all the space I can get!
- Not part of a travel system, specifically, it can’t connect to a stroller wagon. Oh l love stroller wagons. Especially if you have more than one child, and this is not for your first baby, a stroller wagon is a one stop solution – great for babies, toddlers or even young kids, all hauling together.
I saw a few of these car-seat-strollers up close at the ABC Expo in Las Vegas – definitely new and emerging baby equipment that is gaining momentum for a reason, just not something I recommend for active families with multiples.
– Convertible Car Seats
Yes.
At about the 1-year mark (it varies depending on your baby’s size), babies will switch from the infant car seat to a convertible car seat.
If I could do it again, I would get a rotating car seat – they are awesome and the swivel feature is worth every cent. See my comprehensive guide to explore the many advantages of rotating car seats.
Stroller
I always planned on having multiple children, so purchasing a good all-terrain stroller with the ability to adapt and accommodate two kids was something I thought I needed.
This was one of my first large purchases, and I did a ton of research.
Online review after online review. Watching YouTube videos from stroller mommies every chance I got. It was exhausting.
Do I need the infant car seat and the stroller to be the same brand?
Is the color going to make that big of a difference?
Will this thing fit into the car? “Babe, get the tape measurer and tell me the height of our trunk.”
– Single Stroller
Yes.
A good single stroller that is part of a travel system is all you need.
Don’t go crazy on perks and spend big to kit-out your single stroller, just make sure it is part of a travel system and can marry to your infant car seat (is the same brand or has the proper adapters).
My advice, don’t get a double stroller, and instead save up for a wagon.
– Double Stroller
No.
Looking back, I didn’t realize there are different routes to go when you start dipping your toes into the sea (ocean) of strollers and stroller accessories. And when I made that initial purchase, I wish I knew more about the new kid on the block, stroller wagons.
If I knew about stroller wagons, I wouldn’t purchase a double stroller (unless maybe you have twins). I would have only purchased a single stroller.
The stroller wagon can serve as your double (or even quadruple) stroller and beyond! We highlight all the nitty gritty details in what makes a double stroller different from a stroller wagon, but take my word for it and go with the wagon.
Stroller Wagon
Yes. Double Yes.
What if the stroller wagon could deliver on being its own travel system?
The price tag on these can make you gaff – but if you get anything from this piece, I hope it’s that saving up for a stroller wagon is a decision you’ll never regret.
I originally did not know that infant car seats could go onto stroller wagons.
Like, this is possible? I guess because I’d never personally seen someone cruising in a wagon with the infant car seat attached.
If I could do it all over again, I would buy a stroller wagon, with the infant car seat adapter and NOT get a double stroller. 5 years later I could without a doubt say to my husband “see, wasn’t this one of the best investments we ever made?”
With the stroller wagon, not only are you turning heads everywhere you go – “wow, what is that thing?” – “looks like one slick ride for your kids!” – but wagons offer tons of other advantages.
Way more space.
My kids actually like riding in it.
Ability to lie flat to take a nap.
Wagons offer the same stroller features – snack trays, canopies, cupholders and also the bonus feature I never realized: infant car seat adapters.
Which one to buy?
Veer. Read my stroller wagon review to check out all the options, but I highly recommend the Veer Cruiser.
Not only did Veer invent the stroller wagon crossover in 2017, their other products like the Switchback Seat and Basecamp are revolutionary – you will love being part of their ecosystem of products.
My other two favorite brands, Gladly and Wonderfold.
2. Diapers
I would sign up for registries and use any free sample you can find, but after that, there’s only one brand to choose.
Coterie
Yes.
Parents have A TON of different options when it comes to diapers, in my opinion go with Coterie.
Even though color is cute, the dye used to create the patterns and characters on many diapers contains chemicals that you might not want on your kid’s skin. My youngest boy in particular has eczema and everything I can do to keep him rash-free is a plus.
Coterie brand diapers are pure white. Maybe not as fun as those Paw Partrol pull ups, but they have several advantages.
From delivering right to your door to containing all those diaper blowouts, there’s a reason Coterie is the best in the business.
If you don’t want to spend the money, Pure Pamper is my other personal favorite choice.
3. Organic European Baby Formula
Yes.
If you are exclusively breastfeeding, breeze past this section. But if you plan on using formulas, look into European Organic.
“I can just pick up some formula at CVS or Costco and we’re set right?”
This was me, and then I did a deep dive into Organic Baby Formula to try and wrap my head around what (if anything) was differentiating all the various options.
When I came up out of this rabbit hole, what I had discovered was jarring.
There really is a big difference between what one might purchase in the US and what is sold in Europe. If I could do it all over again, I would buy Organic European Baby Formula in bulk.
4. Sleep Time
What gear do I need to have this baby sleeping through the night?
Cribs
Wooden Cribs, No.
Brass Cribs, Yes.
Don’t get a wooden crib with paint. My little boy has gnawed away at the railing, it’s pretty disgusting not to mention the paint my poor son has probably digested in the process.
Then he became strong enough to actually rip off the top portion of the railing.
To be fair, little girls might not be as physical or rambunctious with their cribs.
My daughter would never dream of trying to climb out of her crib whereas my son is a professional escape artist — parents probably can’t gauge their kids personality at the time they purchase a crib, but a wooden crib might be just fine for a precious little girl.
I much prefer our daughter’s crib which is made of brass. It is just built solid and there’s no chance of children digesting woodchips.
Bottom line, put a little thought into the crib and what your plans are – do you want the crib to grow with the baby or will you be transferring them to a floor bed sooner than later? Once you make that purchase you’re kind of stuck with it.
Crib Height
Can you lower the crib all the way to the floor?
As long as my baby is happy in their crib, I intend to keep both children in for quite a while. If you are co-sleeping with your child or have a different strategy, to each their own.
But if you’re like me and would prefer your child to stay in the crib as long as possible (within reason), check to see if you can drop the mattress all the way down to the ground.
This gives the crib one ‘extra setting’ of lowering the mattress down all the way to the floor.
Travel Cribs
Yes.
Get one good floor resting travel crib for your child. Whether it’s an extra spot to ‘contain’ baby around your own home, or part of sleepovers with Grandma, it will get used.
My favorite is Guava, but Baby Moov is also a great option, especially at its price point if being used as a bassinet.
Woolino
How to dress your baby for sleep is another big question parents have – with a ton of options to choose from. There’s a whole world of sleep sacks, swaddles, and pajamas out there.
If I could do it all over again, I wouldn’t waste any money trying out different sleep sack brands.
“Oooh this color pattern is so cute – he loves dinosaurs!”
“This one zips in the middle – that’s different.”
Just get one or two good Woolino sleep sacks and call it a day. I have two for each child, and they have stood the test of time.
They have the ability to keep cool in the summertime and snug warm in the winter – read my full review of Woolino sleep sacks and consider having at least one in your arsenal of sleepwear.
5. Freebies
Hello registry welcome box!
A final thing I would have done differently – get on every list and sign up for every for free baby item I could find. There are tons of companies, stores, and brands which offer free samples and free things to do for new parents – but when I had my first, I just couldn’t find the time.
Now however, I’ve done all the work for you – peruse my list of the best free baby stuff and sign up for the programs that you think will benefit your family the most.
That’s all She Wrote
In the end, if I could go back in time before having kids I’d tell myself not to sweat it.
A few dollars making the wrong stroller purchase. The nights spent worrying – about anything and everything (is she too hot? Do you think she’s too cold? Should I turn the thermostat up?). Being a parent is a roller coaster ride, and everyone makes mistakes.
Having kids is a journey – any failure should be viewed as just the first step towards success.
These are some of my thoughts on the brands and styles we love, hope it is helpful to you as you navigate the rocky waters of parenthood!
