Where to go for the best baby product reviews?

[IvyandLace]

My husband and I are expecting our first baby in June 2012 and are currently looking to start our registry; however, I'm not sure really where to go to get unbiased baby product reviews. We will have a limited budget and are hoping to put some of the "big" items on our registry so that family can help out. Any helpful hints as we start this process??

Thanks in advance!

IVY

 

[teacherlisa1978]

We looked through a book called Baby Bargains and made our registry from that. It was great and really told us what was truly necessary and unnecessary.

 

[sherry7]

We looked through a book called Baby Bargains and made our registry from that. It was great and really told us what was truly necessary and unnecessary.

^^^What she said. ^^^

The Baby Bargains book saved me a ton of money. It's well worth the $11 or $12 price of the book. Make sure you buy the most recent edition.

 

[Swimalie]

^^^What she said. ^^^

The Baby Bargains book saved me a ton of money. It's well worth the $11 or $12 price of the book. Make sure you buy the most recent edition.

Same here. It's the best book you can buy!

 

[cseca]

Just want to say congrats!

And also to let you know that your idea of necessary might be different than other peoples. So don't be too surprised if there are things that people say you will absolutely need it and find out that it's a waste of $... and of course vice versa.
It's all trial and error.


Congrats again!

 

[moonpie85]

I had a total of 30 mins to prepare for our newborn. Yes....30 minutes. That adoption call was very quick and very unexpected but thank the Lord! Anyways, I learned from that that you actually "need" very little for a baby. Sure there were things I wish I had had but if you're really watching your dimes don't worry too much about 95% of the baby products out there because they truly aren't necessary.

Congrats!

 

[Karenj2]

What they all said!! Also, if you have anyone you know that has recently had a child, you might want to pick their brain. We took my sister to help us register for stuff - she was great (and a bit bossy).

Oh, and here's another tip - don't let people know the sex of the baby! If you let folks know, all you're going to get are clothes! When you keep it mum, you'll be more likely to get some of the more needed items on your registry...

 

[evandmp]

Congrats! I'm due in June too<:

I like to look on Amazon for reviews. Also baby forums for more specific opinions. I agree with all the posters that with a newborn, less is more. You don't need most of the gear that is recommended or marketed. Also check out consignments or wait awhile to buy. Just chit chatting with another mom in dd's preschool ended up with her giving me a very nice bassinet and car seat her baby had just outgrown.

 

[IvyandLace]

Wow...thanks to all my fellow budget board DISers for their advice!! I am NOT going to go overboard with the newborn "stuff" and have two sisters that have had babies within the past three years so am getting a TON of used stuff from them! Plus we have a Once Upon a Child close by our home and they always have GREAT deals. My main concerns are nursery furniture, stroller/travel system...stuff that I want to get new for safety concerns. My husband and I will NOT be finding out the sex of the baby so hopefully that will help with the clothes overload!

I'd love to find some good baby forums to peruse...any ideas?

IVY

 

[AZMermaid]

We looked through a book called Baby Bargains and made our registry from that. It was great and really told us what was truly necessary and unnecessary.

This!

As far as strollers, We got a Snap and Go for the first 6 months. Basically it is just a frame you set the car seat on. It is awesome and I read review after review and talked to so many moms about the traditional stroller system being really heavy and bulky. So many people would see our stroller and say "I wish we went with that!" When he was about 6 months old, I switched him to a Baby Jogger City Mini, but really could have used the snap and go much longer.

I agree that a lot of the stuff depends on the baby. My son had colic. Awful colic and he hated the swing, bouncer and baby mat- he cried at it all, so it was all a waste of money, but hopefully baby #2 will like them better! Other people swear by the exact same stuff.

 

[Elleshoodat]

I like babygizmo.com for reviews on big-ticket items like strollers and car seats. There are even video reviews that go into great detail. That's how I chose our current umbrella stroller.

 

[englishteacha]

The only "must have" items on my list are a crib and a carseat, along with diapers. If I have those, I know I'll be OK. There are lots of "nice to have" items but if I have those things when baby arrives we'll be fine!

I've been checking reviews on Amazon for the "nice to have" items, and picking the brains of my friends who are new parents. 2011 was a big year for babies in my circle of friends, so I have gotten lots of good suggestions (and some hand me downs!). The best advice I've gotten thus far for stuff I "need" is from my pal who is a stay-at-home dad; Very practical guy, very down to earth, not big on all the extras. It helps that they, too, live in a small home, so they really tried to focus on what their baby needed to be comfy and happy.