What Brands/Models Do You Recommend???

I know how overwhelming registering can be, so I'm doing whatever I can to prepare in advance. I would love to know if you have any thoughts on brands and/or models for any of the following. I know the list is long, but I'd greatly appreciate any input you could offer.

-high chairs
-swing
-bouncer
-bottles/sterilizer
-diaper pail
-monitor
-diapers
-swaddle me or miravle blanket? (Don't they do the same thing?)
-bassinet
-bathtubs

I've ton tons of stroller research and think I've narrowed it down to the Zippy or the Peg Perego Uno. Any thoughts on those would also be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a million!

Re: What Brands/Models Do You Recommend???

The stuff that I am going to comment on is from when we had DD two years ago, but hopefully it will help...

high chairs - we have the one from Fisher Price that goes on a regular kitchen chair. I have a small kitchen and have loved using this. At 2 years, she still has plenty of room in it.

swing - the Fisher Price Papasan. I like that it swings in both directions and the cover for the swing washes really well. DD had reflux and was a big spitter so it was washed a LOT.

bottles/sterilizer - we used the Playtex drop ins and LOVED them. So easy and convenient. I didn't need a steralizer with them - I just ran them through the dishwasher.

diaper pail - the diaper champ. I didn't want anything that needed special refills.

diapers - we used the Pampers Swaddlers in newborn to start. DD was born at 6 lbs 4 oz and was in them for a while.

swaddle me or miravle blanket? I didn't love the swaddle me, but have never used the miracle blanket. We actually used the halo sleep sack that they make for newborns that has the swaddle attachment that velcros to the back. I loved it and plan on getting more for this pregnancy.

bassinet - didn't use one of these either. We got an extra PNP for grandmas and used that with the bassinet attachment in our bedroom until DD moved into the nursery. We got one on clearance for about $35.

bathtubs - didn't need this either, just used the kitchen sink.

I hope that helps! I know how overwhelming it was for me when I was registering!

Re: What Brands/Models Do You Recommend???

-high chairs: i have the FP rainforest highchair and it's been great so far, but probably not too much better than any other high chair...

-swing: LOVE LOVE LOVE the FP starlight papasan. couldn't recommend it more highly - DS LOVES it.

-bouncer: we actually bought a cheap one by summer and DS loved it... i wouldn't go crazy spending too much money on this. it's great while it lasts, but by 5 months DS was turning himself over and capsizing the thing!

-bottles/sterilizer: after trying a zillion different kinds, we found that dr. brown's was the best for DS. i would recommend getting only one bottle of several different kinds, and then buying more of the one you find to be best. this is a trial and error thing - every child is different. didn't use a sterilizer - only sterilized the stuff once, after we first bought it. i think the whole concept of sterility is silly, but that's another story...

-diaper pail: diaper genie. i wouldn't get this - would go for the ones in which you can use any kind of bag.

-monitor: we use the fisher price one and have had a great experience with it.

-diapers: pampers all the way for the first year. huggies didn't fit him well and leaked in the first few months. now he'll wear anything and be fine. this is one of those individual things for each baby, so i would try different kinds until you find the right one for your baby.

-swaddle me or miravle blanket? (Don't they do the same thing?) we used the swaddle me but only for a couple months. it was fine. no experience with the miracle blanket.

-bassinet: didn't use one.

-bathtubs: we got the FP aquarium one with the netting for infants, and it was great. just retired it a few months ago.

as for the stroller, we actually have the zippy. it's fine... BUT if i had to do it again, i wouldn't get it. the snap and go is light and SUPER convenient, and it can last you for a REALLY long time (i used it for nearly the whole first year). after that, a nice, light umbrella stroller does just fine. no need for a bulky, 30lb stroller in my opinion.

Re: What Brands/Models Do You Recommend???

Re: What Brands/Models Do You Recommend???

high chairs--PP Prima Pappa
-swing--FP Papasan
-bouncer--Graco
-bottles/sterilizer-Dr Browns
-diaper pail--NONE--get the scented blue bags and throw out the diapers in the kitchen garbage
-monitor--Summer Handheld Video- worth it's weight in gold!!
-diapers--Pampers swaddlers for a newborn,huggies supreme after that.
-swaddle me or miravle blanket? loved the swaddle me for both kids
-bassinet--Kolcraft--nightlight, music and vibration
-bathtubs-FP Aquarium..hated the summer soothing spa and shower one--total waste of money!

I have a PP stroller and LOVE it. Either way you go both companies are excellent Good Luck

Message edited 12/2/2008 8:47:04 PM.