Top Gear for Your Baby's First Year

Essential Baby Gear Recommendations from Experts

Shopping for baby gear is one of the most important purchases you will ever make. It's not just about buying equipment; it's about ensuring the comfort and safety of your newborn, who is the ultimate VIP in your life. The right gear can make all the difference in making your life easier and more manageable during those early weeks.

Being well-prepared is key to surviving the first few weeks with your baby, according to Suzy Giordano, author of “Twelve Hours' Sleep by Twelve Weeks Old.” She emphasizes that shopping ahead is crucial to maintaining your sanity during this time. However, she also warns against thrifting, as there could be safety issues with used baby equipment. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advise against purchasing used baby gear due to potential recalls and safety risks.

We reached out to child health and development experts—many of whom are parents themselves—to get their top recommendations for baby gear. Here are some of their favorites:

Everyday Stroller

The TourV2 is a favorite among many parents. Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas, praises its ease of use, compact design, and stylish appearance. Available in five colors, including forest green, the stroller can be customized with features like a snack tray, convenience bag, and even all-terrain wheels. For families with multiples, Zoe offers a line that grows with your family, such as the Trio, which can expand into a quad stroller.

Urban-Explorer Stroller

Emily Silver, a family nurse practitioner and founder of NAPS, recommends the Uppababy Vista V3. This stroller is known for its durability and versatility, allowing for a bassinet or infant car seat attachment. It can convert into a double stroller and even accommodate a third child on the ride-along board. With eight color options, it’s a stylish choice for city living.

Travel Stroller

For those who are always on the go, the Cybex Coya is an excellent option. Silver loves its compact size, which makes it easy to fold and carry. It fits in airplane bins and has a shoulder strap for convenience. Available in five colors, it supports children up to 55 pounds.

Infant Bouncy Seat

The BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft is a top pick for its ergonomic design and simplicity. Giordano highlights its ability to support infants’ heads, necks, and shoulders while allowing natural movement. It’s lightweight, folds flat, and the seat is machine washable. However, it’s important to never leave an infant unattended in the bouncy seat.

High-Tech Bassinet

The Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet is highly recommended by Revere. Designed by Dr. Harvey Karp, it automatically responds to a baby’s cries with gentle rocking and white noise. It ensures the baby sleeps safely on their back and includes a sleep sack. While it’s popular, it can be challenging to wean babies off it.

Infant Car Seat

Revere trusts the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX for its high safety ratings and ease of installation. It features an anti-rebound bar and is suitable for infants from 4 to 35 pounds. An extra base is recommended for multiple cars.

Convertible Car Seat

The Graco EasyTurn 360 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is ideal for growing babies. Its rotating feature makes it easier to load and unload children, but it only works in the rear-facing position.

High Chair

The Skip Hop Eon 4-in-1 High Chair is praised for its adaptability. It transitions from a high chair to a booster seat and toddler chair, featuring a minimalist design that blends well with any dining room.

Travel Cribs

Silver recommends the Breeze Plus Portable Playard for its durability and ease of setup. It’s suitable for children up to 30 pounds and comes with a removable bassinet and changing station. For frequent travelers, the BabyBjörn Travel Crib Light is a lightweight option that’s eco-friendly and easy to transport.

High-Tech Baby Monitor

The Nanit Pro Baby Monitor is a game-changer for many parents. It provides real-time alerts and sleep analytics through the Nanit app, offering valuable insights into your baby’s sleep patterns.

Audio-Only Baby Monitor

The Bebcare Hear Digital Audio Baby Monitor is a cost-effective alternative that offers night light, lullabies, and two-way talk. It’s a great choice for parents concerned about EMF exposure.

Sleep and Sound Machine — Plus Baby Monitor

The Rest+ 2nd Gen combines a sound machine, nightlight, and baby monitor. It helps establish bedtime routines and offers peace of mind for parents. It also includes a two-way audio feature for monitoring your baby’s sleep.

Shopping for quality baby gear doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and guidance, you can ensure your baby’s comfort and safety while making the process easier and more enjoyable.