With the many important decisions to make while preparing for your little one’s arrival, having to choose from the thousands of baby gear options in the market can add to your worries. Luckily, it’s a lot simpler to decide on the essentials to buy given most of the items available are now designed to grow with your little one from birth to their toddler years.
Wondering which baby gear you should invest in and shouldn’t miss out on? We’ve rounded up the top five baby gear essentials that mamas swear by to make childcare easier throughout your little one’s growing years.
- Stroller
There’s no easier way to take your little one out but with a compact yet sturdy everyday stroller. Mamas recommend choosing a TSA-approved stroller that grows with your child from infancy to their toddler years, which you can easily pack, carry, and take with you wherever you go.
Edamama carries a wide variety of strollers which you can choose from. Crowd favorites recently featured at the Consumer Choice Awards 2022 include Joie’s Tourist Stroller, which features a flat reclining seat, one-click adapters for easy packing and stashing, and front swivel wheels for easy navigation.
Another bang for the buck option is the two-function Doona Car Seat/Stroller. Ideal for families on-the-go, this 2-in-1 stroller opens and closes at the click of a button and is suitable for infants from 4lbs to 35lbs.
- Car Seat
Having a car seat for your little one is a no-brainer, but choosing which one to buy can be a more difficult decision. There are two options for car seats from birth: an infant car seat or a convertible car seat.
Some parents find that an infant car seat is more convenient, since they include a base system which can be left in the car while you carry the rear-facing car seat out of the car. Meanwhile, other parents find it more practical to have a convertible car seat, which is both a rear-facing and forward-facing car seat which can be used from birth until pre-teen years.
If you’re looking for the most sulit investment for your little one’s car seat, the Poled All Age 360 Car Seat is a good option for you, as it can be used from the newborn age up to 12 years old. It has a unique quad-shield system, and has been tested to control collision energy to protect your child. The car seat also has a 360-rotation mechanism, and a 160 degrees reclining position fit for the newborn age.
Keen on starting out with an infant car seat? Joie’s Juva Car Seat is both a mama-recommended and affordable option you can check out. It is a rear-facing car seat suitable from birth until 13kg featuring a curved base for easy rocking and comfort, side impact protection mechanisms, multi-position ergonomic carry handle, and a 5-point harness with one-pull front adjustment for convenience.
- Carrier
All a little bub wants is to be close to their mama. Having a baby carrier, wrap carrier, or baby sling is one way to keep your baby close to you, while keeping your hands free to do other things.
The Bébéar Mesh Plus Hip Seat Carrier is an ergonomic choice built to provide complete support and comfort to both you and your baby aged 0 to 36 months or up to 20kg. It is a front and back carrier that allows multiple wearing positions, and includes a hip seat that can be used separately.
Another mama tried-and-tested carrier is the Minimonkey Mini Sling Baby Carrier. It is a compact option that is as light as a mobile phone, making it easy to stash and bring with you wherever you go. It is an ergonomic choice made with airy material, making it a comfortable carrier for you and your little one from birth until two years old or 15kg.
- High Chair
For when your little one starts eating solid food at six months, having a trusty high chair is key to making the experience more comfortable for both mama and bub.
The Oribel Cocoon High Chair is one you can use from birth until three years or 20kg. It transforms from a comfortable recliner infant bed, to a modern dining chair with detachable table. Made to mimic a cocoon, the high chair is a snug, warm, and cozy option that your baby can grow in.
Another practical high chair option is the Anko Flat Fold Highchair, suitable for little ones aged 6 to 36 months. The lightweight and easy-to-clean highchair comes with a meal tray and drink holder, and folds completely flat for easy stashing.
- Crib/Bassinet/Playard
Having a safe sleeping spot for your little one is a must to avoid any unwanted accidents. There are many options to choose from, be it a traditional wooden crib, a playard, or a bassinet. Here are some mama-approved choices you can choose from on each option, all available on edamama:
For mamas looking for a traditional wooden crib, the Cuddlebug Madison 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is an aesthetically-pleasing and practical option that gives you the best value for your money. Suitable from newborn age until your little one weighs 22kg, it can convert into a toddler bed and daybed after being used as a crib.
Sometimes, parents opt for a more compact sleeping spot for their little ones through a playpen. The Graco Pack n Play Portable Seat and Changer Playard is a multi-functional piece that you can easily take with you wherever you go. It includes a safe sleeping area for your little one, a detachable changing station, and a diaper stacker, making it a fuss-free station for everything your baby might need throughout the day.
If you’re trying to save space at home, having a bassinet, which you can use from birth until your bub reaches 9kg, might just be the option for you. The Anko Bassinet was made with your little one’s comfort in mind, as it features a comfortable mattress and cove and mesh sides for easy ventilation and visibility.
