Baby Accessories Buying Guide

Baby carriers

Baby carriers give you a hands-free option for carrying your baby around. "Baby wearing" has inspired a devoted following with a philosophy about parent-child attachment, but whether or not you subscribe to those ideas, using a baby carrier can make bringing your baby places or even carrying her around the house easier.

Baby slings

Baby slings are a carrier used for infants and toddlers, and they vary depending on how you carry your baby. Baby slings can be positioned so that your baby is on your back, your front or your hip. Some slings have a pouch for your baby to sit in, while others are just a piece of cloth. Some are tied into place, and others use heavy metal rings to create tension, holding your baby securely. Baby slings are appreciated by parents for their "pop-ability," or the ease in which you can "pop" a baby in and out of the sling. This is useful when you have an active child or when you are in a situation where your baby will need to get in and out often.

Baby slings can be padded or unpadded. Unpadded slings can be trickier to tie in place, but they snuggle newborn infants close and are easy to stash in a diaper bag. Unpadded slings are similar to traditional baby carriers, and many parents like this connection to parenting techniques of the past. Padded slings have more structure, so they tend to be easier to use and give a bit of cushion to your baby and your shoulder but are bulkier to store. Some parents also find padded slings to be too hot for the baby inside.

Baby backpacks

Baby backpacks are based on the same design as hiking backpacks, with a metal frame that works as a stand and durable nylon fabric. Baby backpacks work well for times when you'll be carrying your baby for a while for two reasons. First, the shoulder pads and waist strap reduce strain on your hips and shoulders more than a baby sling. Second, a baby backpack can be tricky to "pop" your baby in and out of, so you'll want to keep him in there for a while. Baby backpacks are perfect for hiking as well as vacation sight-seeing. In order to use a baby backpack, your baby must be strong enough to support his own head. Using the baby backpack when with someone else is also a good idea; your baby is behind you, and you won't be able to see him.

Factors to consider with baby carriers

While baby slings can be used on the front or back, baby backpacks are restricted to your back. You'll also want to consider which way your baby is facing in her baby carrier. Active babies like to face out so they can watch the world, while young or sleepy babies prefer the comfort of facing in. All baby carriers have weight limits, so be sure you are getting one that can support your baby's weight. Regularly check any baby carrier for wear, holes and loose threads.

Diaper bags

Taking your baby out on the town should be fun. Make the trip better with a useful diaper bag. Diaper bags let you pack along all the baby items you'll need to keep your baby happy while you're out, so you won't feel frazzled. You'll find diaper bags that range from functional to fashionable and cover every style in between. When you choose the style of your diaper bags, consider whether more than one parent will be using them. You can decide whether you want to each have your own diaper bag or compromise on a style that you both will like to carry.

Diaper bags can be backpacks, messenger bags, tote bags or any other type of bag. What makes them different is that they have all the compartments you need to keep your gear organized. Built-in features include changing pads, insulated bottle holders or key clips. For a diaper bag you will be carrying on your shoulder, look for wide shoulder straps that won't dig in when the bag is full of baby gear. Most importantly, look for a diaper bag that will be easy to clean.

When you have more than one diaper bag, you can switch between an errand bag and an all-day bag. When you shop for a discount diaper bag on Overstock.com, you'll be able to have a whole wardrobe of diaper bags. You and baby never looked so good.

Layette sets

Layette sets have the kind of clothing you'll need for the first few months. The word "layette" comes from the French word for "little box," because a layette set is packaged together (often in an actual box) with a few or many items to get your baby started. Some items that may be included in layette sets are "onesies" (baby bodysuits), sleepers, baby blankets, booties or socks, hooded bath towels, bibs, burp cloths, small soft toys and hats.

Other helpful baby products

While new baby accessories are coming out all the time, there are a few other supplies that you'll find you really appreciate. Here are a few things you'll likely want to have around.

• Teething ring: made to be a texture that soothes teething gums and designed to be large enough that a baby can't choke on it. Many teething rings can be put in the refrigerator or freezer for babies who find the cold to be comforting.
• Pacifier Clip: used to attach the pacifier to your baby's shirt with a clip and a ribbon. If a pacifier is spit out, the pacifier clip prevents it from dropping to the floor. Available in many cute, cartoon styles and, for a touch of class, you can use a silver pacifier clip.
• Feeding spoon: small enough for your baby's mouth, so you can feed her when she moves from milk or formula to soft foods. Choose a feeding spoon in beautiful silver or functional plastic.
• Baby bottles: for feeding formula, milk or juice. Look for bottles with easy-to-read measurements. Choose glass or plastic baby bottles; they are all made to be sterilized easily. You'll want to try a few different bottles to find your baby's favorite before stocking up. Baby bottles come in small or large sizes, based on meal size, although she will probably grow out of the small size quickly. If your baby is fussy after bottle feeding, she may be inhaling too much air. Baby bottles with drop-in disposable bags, an angled shape or air vents can all prevent air from getting into her tummy. There are different shapes and flow speeds of nipples, so you'll want to have your baby audition a few of these as well. Remember to inspect nipples often and replace them if there is wear. To make bottle time even easier, use a feeding pillow to support your baby's weight and pick up a baby bottle brush to effortlessly clean the baby bottles.

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