Best Baby Gear of 2021

United States Department of Agriculture estimates that the average parent spends $13,000 on baby gear and products before their baby is born. It’s true - the baby gear and product industry is a billionaire-dollar industry. While it is true that you’ll need a several key items that will make the first year a breeze, the good news is your baby does not need a lot of stuff. While there are some key items that you definitely need (such as an infant car seat and safe sleeping space), the list might not be as long as you think. We have some recommendations to consider as you plan your baby registry.*

*Please note that the links associated with the baby products below are not commission-based. Aila Birth Village does not receive compensation based on your purchase of any of these items. These are simply recommendations that we have throughly reviewed to save you time

Car Seat

A car seat will be one of the important items you purchase before your baby’s arrival. If you are having a birthing center or hospital birth, your care team will not let you leave without ensuring the car seat is safely installed.

Car seats range in price and can cost as much as $500. But you do not need a luxury car seat - every car seat sold in America must meet the exact same safety standards. Finally, while it is tempting to use a secondhand car seat, particularly if a loved one has one that they would love to pass on to you, safety standards change often and it is best to err on the side of caution by purchasing your own brand new car seat. Parenting tip: Always research if the car seat models you are considering have ever been recalled.

What should you look for in a car seat model?

  • Safety indicators that signal if it has been installed correctly.

  • A car seat that can be installed with a regular seat belt or the LATCH system.

  • A car seat with higher rear-facing weight limits so your baby can ride rear-facing longer.

  • Easy to clean and doable fabric.

  • Padding for better shock absorption.

 

Stroller

Infants need a sturdy, supportive stroller that fully reclines (a must for a newborn). These start around $100 and can go up to about $1,000 (yikes!). Once your baby gets a little older and can sit up on her own, you can opt for an inexpensive umbrella-style stroller ($25 to $100). This style is smaller, lighter and easier to push around.

Many readers prefer to start with an infant car seat, which lifts out of the car and secures onto a coordinating stroller for easy transitions. The winning twofer is the Chicco Corso Modular Travel System, which pairs the highly rated KeyFit 30 Zip infant rear-facing car seat with a well-designed stroller made to hold it. You’ll keep using the snazzy stroller long after your baby outgrows the companion car seat. $500

Bassinett

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in your bedroom, in her own separate sleep space — the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants sleep in the same room as their parents for at least the first 6 months of life, and ideally the first year. Bassinets, mini cribs and playards can all get the job done: Budget options start around $100, with most models costing between $150 and $250. But prices can go as high as $1,000.

Baby monitor

Even though you’ll likely spend the vast majority of your days (and nights) in close proximity with your baby, having a monitor from the beginning means you’ll be able to keep an ear (and eye) on her. Basic audio-only models start as low as $20, while audio-plus-video models with extra features like wireless network capability, multiple handsets and high-definition imaging can drive the price up to $400.

Diapers

Baby carrier

Breastfeeding accessories

Breastfeeding has big health and cost-saving benefits, though you’ll want to invest in some gear, such as three or four nursing bras (anywhere from $15 to $50 on average). Pumps can range from $25 for manual models to $350 for some double electric models, though many new moms are eligible for a free one through their health insurance plan.

Diaper pail

Baby Lounger

Baby First Aid Kit

Pacifier

Swaddles

Sound machine

Baby bottles

Nursing pillow