Baby Gear

The right baby playard or playpen can make your life easier from the word go. Playards are especially helpful, doubling as a crib or changing station when you’re not at home. They’re easy to set up and fold, and even come with a carrying bag for smooth transport.   Playards range from very basic (four walls and a floor) to loaded with extra features for napping, changing and more. Here are some features to look for as you shop for this popular ‘mother’s helper’.  

Napper station

This is a small bed for newborns and infants that fits into the playard. It’s a perfect place for them to grab a few z’s during the day (so you can grab a few yourself). Some playards with napper stations offer space-saving convenience like built-in storage shelves for blankets, diapers, sleepers and other necessities.  

 Bassinet feature

At home, it makes a great place to put a napping newborn down while you fold laundry, make a quick call or grab a catnap of your own.

 Changing stations 

Diaper emergencies can happen in a hurry, so you can never have too many changing areas at home. And it’s very handy to have when travelling, especially if you’re setting up shop somewhere for a while.

 Mobiles

Encouraging your baby to reach up is good for their muscles and motor skills, and as a parent, it’s fun to watch them coo at the figures above their heads. It also keeps them occupied for a while. Look for ones with music and ambient sound features for added entertainment.

 Wheels

Being able to easily roll your playard from one room to another or from inside to outside is a definite bonus. Every playard has wheel locks so you can be sure your little one isn’t going anywhere unless you’re taking them.  

Coordinated playards

If you’re putting a look together with your other baby gear, you can find prints to match what you already have. Or if you’re starting from scratch, you can look for sets that could include a swing and a high chair to keep a consistent style.

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Make every outing easy on you and baby with the right travel gear and accessories.

There are so many things you’ll want to show your little one—from the everyday sights in your own backyard to their first big trip away from home—but as a new parent, the thought of straying too far from the familiar may seem daunting. Pick key travel pieces to make every excursion a breeze, for both of you, and you’ll wonder how you ever considered passing up an adventure.

 Travel Checklist

• Travel system or stroller for going everywhere with ease
• Baby carrier or wrap for hands-free ease
• Playard to keep them happy and safe
• Booster seat or portable high chair so mealtime is a breeze, anywhere, anytime
• Bottle, sippy cup and snack jar because a full tummy makes a happy child
• Diapers, clothing and toys, because you always need extras!

When your new baby starts to fuss and rocking them in your arms isn’t doing the trick, a baby swing is a great alternative. Here are a few features to look for when you’re out shopping or reading through baby swing reviews.

Size

Swings can vary in size. This is why you should decide where in your home you’ll be placing it before you purchase. Larger swings are meant to be more stationary because they require a lot more space. Portable swings generally take up less space and are easy to move around.

Speed and directional settings

At the beginning it’s all about trial and error to find out what your little one prefers and what’s most comfortable (don’t worry – they’ll have no problem telling you what they like and don’t like). Many of today’s swings have multiple speed settings as well as the ability to mix it up by rocking from side-to-side as well as from front to back. Sometimes, a change of direction is all it takes to calm them down. If you do buy a swing with front to back and side-to-side capabilities, remember to give it enough room. Keep it away from walls, cabinets and table corners.

Mobiles

Most swings come with mobiles, which are excellent for keeping your baby stimulated (and awake) while they rock back and forth. Don’t hang anything from the mobile that didn’t come with it.

Reclining seats

In the first few months, your baby lacks the head control and neck strength to safely maintain an upright position. Reclining seats are designed to cradle newborns, and then straighten over time as your little one grows to the point where no recline is needed.

Music

Soft tunes mixed with light rocking can definitely have a soothing effect on your baby. But before you purchase a swing that plays music, it’s probably best to listen to the swing’s offerings. You’ll be hearing it a lot so you should make sure you like the lullaby.

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Relative to the size of a baby, the gear they require is massive. If you don't plan for the various pieces carefully, your house will start to feel like an obstacle course very quickly. Here are some of the items and options you’ll probably have to make room for in the first 0-18 months:

Baby swings

You’ll be happy to have a swing to gently rock your baby when they’re fussy. The soothing movement will calm them, and if it comes with an audio component, the soft music can quickly turn a frown upside down. More traditional models will swing front-to-back, but the more advanced options have a side-to-side motion as well, which some babies prefer.

Bouncy chairs

If you want to put your baby down but don’t necessarily want them to sleep, a bouncy chair is a great entertainment solution. They all come with a toy bar to keep the little one engaged, and some have vibration and music functions. Bouncy chairs are excellent for promoting movement in a seated position. When your baby learns that kicking their legs makes the bouncer bounce (and that bouncing is fun), they’ll do it more.

Playards

These are large, enclosed places for babies to rest, move and play. Whatever size playard you choose, it will most likely be the biggest piece of gear you have for your baby outside of the crib in terms of floor space, so plan accordingly. Playards are good to have even if you don’t plan on travelling with it. Being able to easily move it from room to room when you need to make space is a huge bonus.

High chairs

Your kitchen will never be the same again once your little one graduates from eating in your arms to eating on their own in a high chair. Your eating area will have a new seat to consider when setting or clearing the table; and even if you go for a fold-up high chair, you’ll need to find storage for it. Since it’s going to be with you for a while, look for a high chair that matches your kitchen’s style. Fortunately, you may only need to buy a high chair once, as models will transition with your little one as they grow.

Exercisers

Once your baby’s neck muscles are strong enough to keep their head upright, you can start on getting them to work on other muscles. An exerciser, is a fantastic piece of equipment for not only development but it can also provide entertainment for your baby. Once placed in the seat, babies learn to use their legs for bouncing and balance. If their feet don't touch the ground, put a mat or a change pad underneath. Their feet should be able to touch something so they can bounce. Most exerciser seats swivel, which will help you teach your baby to use their hips to move, especially if there’s an affixed toy behind them that they love.

Jumpers

There are two kinds of jumpers: doorway jumpers that hook onto a door frame and stand alone jumpers that come with their own frames. Both help your baby improve balance and develop rhythm while strengthening core muscles. If you’re going to install a doorway jumper, pick a doorframe on a less travelled path in your house. You can put a soft surface underneath like a rug, mat or carpet for your baby to stand on.

Tip: For added fun, think about adding a musical mat that is colourful and makes sounds as they jump on it.

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Holding your little one, breathing in that new baby smell… there’s really nothing that compares to the bond between a parent and child. There are days when we’d like nothing better than to cuddle them in our arms for hours. But life still has to happen and sometimes you need your hands free.

That’s when carriers and wraps can really save the day. They cradle your cutie close to your body, so you can move easily, navigate a crowd and take care of daily activities.

What makes infant carriers and wraps so wonderful?

Well for starters, they have a bundle of benefits, including hands-free convenience, soothing your fussy baby and of course, building your bond. And dads love them as they guarantee some quality one-on-one time.

Babies R Us carries soft carriers that are designed with comfort in mind. Wearing a carrier front-facing (with your newborn facing inwards) will keep your baby close to your chest for a cozy carry. Once your baby has good head control and can sit up, you can consider turning him around so he can explore the world. Some carriers even give you the option of using it as a backpack; so once your child is heavier, you can carry him on your back for a greater view.

One style does not suit all: depending on your body and your baby, you should consider:

• versatility (choosing a carrier that grows with your child)
• comfort for both you (lower lumbar support) and your little one (proper head and neck support)
• ease of use – you should be able to put in on by yourself (preferably with one hand)

Wraps are another cozy option. They are super comfortable and wrap your little one in a close, womb-like swaddle. There are no buckles or straps to deal with: it’s one long piece of cloth that can be worn several ways for everyone’s ease. And since there is no material between you and baby, wraps are very nursing friendly.

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Not much beats the feeling of holding your baby close and having their heart beat against yours. It’s especially rewarding when your hands are free to do other things at the same time. This is exactly the flexibility a carrier or wrap gives you.

A carrier or a wrap is good for when you’re on the go, both out and at home. You can strap your baby to you when taking a stroll or just hanging out. And when the little one’s fussing and needs to rock or bounce, you can ‘wear your baby’ and give your arms a rest. Some babies actually prefer it.

One thing to keep in mind is, that although the baby may be snugged up against you, it’s not advised to cook or bend forward when carrying your little one.

Carriers

Carriers can be a lot of fun and stylish. You can find different fabrics, colours and buckle styles from a number of brands. Check your carrier manual for weight limitations but generally you can carry your baby up to 2-3 years of age. While any carrier you choose will be safe for you and your baby, here are a few things to consider with regards to style.

Front and Back Carriers

This style is recommended for infants, and at that age, your baby should be facing inwards so you’re chest to chest with them. This is the case for a number of reasons. First and most importantly, it’s so that they can use your chest as head support (they won’t yet have the neck strength to keep it up on their own). With them facing you, you’ll also have easier access to them so you can put their soother back in if it falls out, wipe up any drool and, of course, watch them smile or sleep.

Once baby can safely support their own head, you can place them in the outward facing position and let them see the world.

Soft carriers can come as slings, hip carriers, or in a traditional backpack-style. They’re the lightest back carriers, which is why they’re best for everyday use like a neighbourhood walk, a trip to the store or any other short-term excursion. They will not compensate for the inevitable strain that 20-45 lbs can put on your back.

Framed back carriers are bulkier and heavier, but are also much more comfortable and designed to be worn for longer stretches like a hike. They’re reinforced mostly by metal bars that better distribute the weight of your baby between your shoulders so it’s not putting pressure on your lower back. Many models have a stand so you can set it down without needing to take your baby out; and some even have added storage space.

Wraps

Unlike carriers that have buckles that you clip into place, wraps are usually just a piece of fabric you can use to wear your baby in a number of ways. Many parents prefer wraps over carriers because it is the ultimate in baby wearing and because there are no hard plastic pieces. And like carriers, there are different wrap styles for different stages and preferences.

Wraps are recommended for babies 35 lbs and under, both for their safety and for your back. Having said that, if your baby is under 35 lbs, you’ll be able to carry them for a while if you tie it snugly.

Practical for newborns (and new parents) because they’re fairly easy to tie and wear (once you get the hang of it). The woven comes in handy in the early months and will adjust as your baby grows.

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