Essential Chic Baby Gear – Tried & Tested by Yours Truly

Car Seats & Strollers

Going for a infant car seat to tag along with a travel system? We suggest the Britax Chaperone ($229) that is compatible with Britax Chaperone strollers. It also features true side impact protection and quick-adjust head restraint harness. The easy-to-install base has easy-t0-read level indicators which are a big help to provide quick reference for the proper angle of recline. The extra-large canopy and fun cowmooflage print is a plus too!

If you need something that last a little longer go for The First Years “True Fit” Premier Rebound ($200) that received five-star “ease of use” government rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Cupcake Mag too! The all new car seat can be used from 5 to 65lbs as your child will be secured in a 5-point harness – which most Safety Advocates recommend – to keep your child in a harness as long as possible, along with rear-facing too. We also love the two-position recline for better installation.

The Britax Blink is our first pick for a on-the-go compact single stroller for any toddler. Check our review for more about the super chic stroller along with our top choice double stroller, Contours Options Tandem.

But, if you plan to get into shape after baby then you MUST invest in the Jeep Overland Limited Edition Jogging Stroller ($220). Plug in your iPod right into the stroller to get you and your babe moving right along. With this jogging stroller you no longer have to worry about not hearing your little one or ear buds falling out. The stroller features Music on the Move parent tray where you can attach your iPod and go! It is a GENIUS idea that we can now, not live without. Repeat: NOT LIVE WITHOUT!

Going up and down hills was a breeze – it felt as if the stroller helps you really maintain good running form. The unique rear disc brakes also make great quick stops. And unlike many big and bulky jogging strollers when you’re done exercising you can easily fold up the stroller in an upright position for compact storage.

High Chairs

Chicco USA provided us with a modern print, Polly Highchair with Double-Pad ($150) – it grows with your child. The seven height positions and three reclining positions add for increased comfort. Your child sits right at the table with you and it has a convenient maneuvering with one-hand seat recline and easy to clean tray removal. We also love the two cushioned seat pads that are super easy to clean with a wipe. Let’s not forget safety with the five-point safety harness and brakes on all wheels – your little one won’t be going anywhere. It is the slimmest fold in its class. Easy to clean, not a space hog, and convenient features make it a must!

If you’re looking to not splurge on a highchair opt for the Serve ‘n Store LX High Chair ($80) from Safety 1^st. With its compact easy to fold ‘n stand frame the high chair offers lounge-style reclining to help feed newborns but also has a 7-poistion height adjustment to grow with your little one. The insert tray, cup holder and dish are all easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

As for a booster seat, we are a big fan of Mutsy. Check out our review here!

Baby Slings

Check out the oh so chic baby sling (Serena & Lily) and carrier (Baby Bjorn) we can’t be without here.

Monitor

You will actually get some sleep but only if you have Summer Infant’s NEW Slim&Secure Hand Color Video Monitor. It is a true peace of mind, day and night, when you have this monitor ($200) to look upon. The small, sleek and stylish design (they even come in pink) has an LCD 2.5” color screen with automatic black and white night vision. It provides a secure and private connection, so don’t worry about hearing your neighbors with the 100% digital technology. Our product testers also couldn’t stop

raving about the added parent convenience features like the flip stand, belt clip, auto time-out feature, ten hour rechargeable battery, LED sound lights and the one-touch video on/off button for nighttime convenience. If you have more than one child, no worries, one monitor can view both cameras with the touch of a button; a perfect way to feel secure and get sleep.

All About Diapers

Our diaper changing station would be quite naked without the Prince Lionheart Premium Wipe Warmer and New Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail by Munchkin ($29.99-$39.99).

The wipe warmer ($26) is perfect for your little one’s buns – it takes the chill right out of diaper changing! The Premium Wipes Warmer features the patented Ever-Fresh System to keep baby wipes ever so fresh, moist and free from discoloration. It is molded with an EPA-approved anti-microbial additive to inhibit the growth of bacteria and microorganisms. It is the best way to keep wipes the freshest for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin.

As for the new (just launched in November) easy-to-use Arm & Hammer diaper pail (you can read more about it here) that is designed to neutralize odors in the nursery through a patented odor-control system with the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at its core – and it gets the job done. The patented self-sealing system and refill bags that you simply snap, seal and toss in the trash – you only need one hand to gently push diapers through the seal – each bag holds up to 25 bags and blows the Diaper Genie away! No more frustrations with trying to get the diapers into the bag. Munchkin’s patented system automatically seals the bag when the lid is closed and keeps it sealed when the lid is reopened. The diaper pail includes three bag refills but you can purchase a 10-pk of refill bags for $5.99-$6.99.

Bath Tub

The Right Height Bath Center ($30) from Summer Infant is one of the most innovative and unique approach to infant bathing – and did we mention convenient? The four-stage growth plan makes bath time not only comfortable for babies but for us moms too! In the first stage, it features a cushioned newborn bath support. Stage two is the addition of a raised infant tub – it lifts the baby closer to you while helping not break your back. The third stage is a toddler tub with a kneeler – perfect for bathing older children easier. And finally, the fourth and final stage is a step stool – which will be around for quite awhile and we are sure you will get plenty of use out of it as it can hold up to 250 pounds.

You could also try the European style bath tub with Spa Baby ($45). It allows baby to sit in a natural upright position, similar to the womb and keeps your baby warm and relaxed in the bath. It is also super easy to use.

Playard

Summer Infant has done it again with The Natures Purest Hug Me Collection. The Complete Comfort Playard ($180) is a full-sized playard that offers all the conveniences for parents. Our favorite part? Eco-chic! It is made from naturally grown and colored cotton – the bassinet, canopy and playard sheet pad. We also love the 3 musical melodies, 2 nature sounds and 1 womb sound complete in the full-size bassinet with embroidered bumper. Another plus is the removable and easy to wash playard sheet along with the changing table and parent assist tray. The easy compact fold makes it easy for on the go travel along with wheels for portability and travel bag.

While some of these things may be luxuries to some (minus the car seat) after trying out and testing many products we fully support these brands and the products they offer. If you are soon to be expecting or if you are – keep all of these MUST HAVES in mind when making your registry and stay tuned for our top picks on more gear, featuring our fave things to keep your little one entertained.

Disclosure: We received the products above from the companies above as part of our review and for product testers. All opinions are solely our own. Cupcake Mag & Sprinkles tested. Baby approved.