why not consider both? Cloth diapers
are considerably cheaper. Disposable
diapers are more convenient. By using
both methods parents can save money
and protect the environment, while al-
lowing for convenience over virtuous-
ness now and then.
Showered In Support:
10 Baby Shower Gifts
That Make Parenting
A Newborn Easier
W
— by Christina Katz
hen people say having
a baby is like having a
bomb go off in the liv-
ing room, they are not kidding. If you
are having a baby for the first time, you
are going to need all the help you can
get. So don’t be afraid to ask for prod-
ucts that will help you survive the first
few months of new parenthood.
When you are the gift-giver, remem-
ber that thoughtfulness counts. When I
was a new mother, anything that helped
me be hands-free was most appreciated.
I did not even realize how much a sling
or backpack would help until my hands
were no longer available.
No matter what you buy, remember
to get gift or regular receipts. If you are
unsure about a mother’s position regard-
ing feeding, diapering, and pacifiers,
steer clear of those items. Even if you
are certain this mom would think breast
was best or pacifiers are crucial, you’d
better wait and let her make the call.
Also avoid perfumed soaps or creams
that may cause a sensitive skin reaction.
When it comes to shower shopping,
think loving, helpful, and supportive and
you can’t go wrong. A little forethought
and introspection will likely lead you to
8 WNY Family April 2019
choices any new mother would cherish.
Here are ten tips on purchasing baby
products that make parenting newborns
easier. Happy shopping!
1) Convertible Car Seat. You will
not believe how long baby is going to be
using a car seat, especially if the child is
on the petite side. My best advice is to
search for whatever car seat is the cur-
rent best model in terms of safety. The
most protective choice is what every
parent wants for their precious child. A
good car seat is a bit of an investment,
and worth every penny. Remember, you
can’t go home after a hospital delivery
without one. Check out this overview
of car seats from the US Department Of
Transportation https://www.nhtsa.gov/
equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats -
find-right-car-seat-find-compare-seats.
Here’s a link to car seat laws by state
https://csftl.org/state-laws/.
2) Diapers. Brace yourself for the
giant impact on the environment one
tiny baby can have. By far, your largest
expense after having a baby is the steady
need for clean diapers. Before decid-
ing on disposable or cloth diapers, take
a deep breath and do your homework.
Rather than go one way or the other,
3) Feeding Bottles. Whether
mom is nursing or not, she is going to
need feeding bottles to nourish baby
when they are apart. If you are nursing,
get a complete feeding kit, including a
breast pump so you will be ready. For
parents feeding with formula, purchase
the basics before baby arrives, but make
a larger investment in a system after ba-
by’s delivery, to insure you meet baby’s
individual needs. No matter when you
purchase, save all the receipts just to be
on the safe side.
4) Changing Pads. When my
daughter was an infant, we used a chang-
ing table, but you don’t need to buy a
new piece of furniture unless you want
one. These days a changing pad can be
used on top of a sturdy dresser or even
on a bed. Portable changing pads are also
an option, if bending over does not hurt
your back. But keep in mind the sheer
volume of diapers that will be changed.
Babies are estimated to go through 1,200
diapers in the first four months. Consid-
er what is best for everyone doing the
changing, before you decide.
5) Baby Carrier. Having a great
baby carrier helps you get out and about
with less fuss. Whether you are taking a
walk, going shopping, or heading to your
baby group, the Baby Bjorn carrier is my
top recommendation, but there are many
quality brands out there. Most carriers will
continued on page 73
Laundry Lifesaver!
Go to a fabric store and order
a large sheet of rubberized
flannel. Cut the flannel into
smaller pieces with pinking
sheers that are just right for
covering baby’s changing
station. These handy sheets
will save mom lots of extra
laundry duty!