Baby Products Review
This is one of the highly requested posts indeed, from mamas across the globe, okay, not to brag, mostly from Asia I mean. I wish I can somewhat compose a comprehensive review for all the baby products I've tried, but downtime is way too precious, I have 5 more errands to check off the list before calling it a day and this post is one of them, so as for today, I'm gonna focus on the baby gear first and do this quick, straightforward & brief~~
12 products, let's get the ball rolling!
#1 Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat ✭✭✭✩✩
I bought this car seat after reading hundreds of reviews on the internet; there's this parent mentioning her infant nephew (or niece) survived in an car accident because she's sitting in this car seat, from Amazon.com if not mistaken. It is very sturdy I'd say, that's why it's heavier than other infant car seats like Graco & Chicco, and it is compatible with our stroller. However, the car seat is in a pretty upright position, which I think it's not good for newborns. A 2009 study showed that sitting upright in a car seat might compress a newborn's chest and lead to lower levels of oxygen (Mayo Clinic, 2012). That's why we limit Bao Bao time spent in car seat during the first 3 months. Now Chloe has better head control & is able to sit with support, the seat finally works wonderfully, but if i were to choose again, I'll opt for Maxi-Cosi Prezi (new product, launched in summer 2012) instead.
#2 Uppababy Cruz ✭✭✭✭✩
We like it so far. Cruz has a big storage basket, a sleek, compact & lightweight design, very maneuverable, sturdy, and suitable up to 50 lbs. We also bought Bugaboo Chameleon right after Chloe was born but she hated the bassinet & refused to sleep in it; she screamed like we're murdering her while strolling, so we ended up returning it the very next day :'( She seems to enjoy her car seat more, snug & secure. Sigh, lesson learned. Expensive item doesn't also work for babies...
#3 Boba Wrap ✭✭✭✭✩
Chean chose this one for me, a more breathable & stretchy wrap compared with Moby Wrap. It works wonders during the first two months when Bao Bao constantly screaming for cuddle; she falls asleep in 10 sec, safe & sound, and the best part is, I've my hands free!!! However, it took me a while to get the hang of it, worth the effort though ^^V (pic taken when BB was 5 weeks old)
#4 Líllébaby Complete Carrier ✭✭✭✭✩
A recent purchase, bought it 2 weeks ago. Boba wrap is ergonomically great with newborn and very young baby when they do not much much head control; however, as Chloe grows, a baby carrier is an easier option when we are out and about. After searching high and low, running in & out of many baby stores, Líllébaby is the best carrier that allows front face in & out positions; most importantly, its ergonomic design shifts baby’s weight to hips instead of back & shoulder. We love it. Now Chean can have a little bonding time with Chloe too while Mama Bev is busy shopping ;)
#5 Fisher-Price Cradle 'N Swing, My Little Snugabunny ✭✭✭✩✩
Frankly speaking, this swing is lovely & cute to look at but not very functional nor practical to me. First, it's huge and it eats up a lot of room. Second, the lowest speed setting is too fast, even she's almost 5 months now, I still have to hand swing it most of the time. Third, Bao Bao rarely sleeps in it, god knows why but my mama instinct says this is not comfy enough to make her drowsy. Despite all the negatives that I'm not satisfied with, she still enjoys her swing everyday (5-10 mins each time), she likes looking & cooing at the birdies, loves the lullaby music and oh, when she was real tiny, the running water sound effect soothes her instantly, perfect white noise! This is a total splurge, it's not a must but I'm glad that I have it at home still.
#6 Fisher-Price Portable Rocker ✭✭✭✭✩
This is by far the most affordable rocker that will grow with the baby, from newborn to toddler. Unlike other typical bouncers, this one prevents baby from sliding out of it. It comes with calming vibrations; although Chloe not into that at all, still appreciate that toughtful function. The only complain I have is the seat itself, it is quite hard, basically it's just a piece of plastic cardboard, and it may result flat head syndrome in newborn. (Btw, I did figure out some ways to prevent flat head syndrome, that'd be a future topic of course.)
#7 Peg Perego Siesta High Chair ✭✭✭✭✭
OMG! This is my fave! It's expensive but totally worth every penny! Very sturdy, sleek design, easily folded for storage. Love its great recline features that even a newborn can sleep in it, and also its 9 height positions that allow me to feed Bao Bao on the floor or next to the dining table or couch when she's on solids (which is next month). The seat fabric is kinda leather-ish & soft, so comfy yet easy to clean. I ordered it in Noce, and that seat color comes in exactly the same shade with Mr. Bronze's leather seat; that's why I called this high chair her mini BMW :p Super happy that Baby Chloe no longer being left alone in her bouncer while we're having dinner, she can stay side-by-side & join our conversations! Its stop-and-go system enables me to move her around the house and have her under supervision 24/7 :D
#8 Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor ✭✭✭✭✭
Speaking of supervision, I can't imagine how my life would evolve without this, probably using half of my precious relaxing time running up & down the stairs to check on Bao Bao while she's asleep @.@ Thanks for the invention and yes, this is a must! Awesome video & sound quality (I can see her breathing!!!) and super user-friendly! Also, I can press and hold button to talk back through the baby unit, this function will definitely come in handy when the toddlerhood kicks in.
#9 Bumbo Seat & Play Tray ✭✩✩✩✩
I knew that it has been recalled but this is the newest model, with an irremovable restraint belt, great for safety purpose. Unfortunately, Bao Bao struggles to get in the seat. She gave me a puzzled look whenever I try to place her in it. Guess it's the restraint belt that eats up the space; this seat just has to go... Sorry Bumbo. The single star rating goes to its adorable design, that's it.
#10 Fisher Price Pink Sparkles Bathtub ✭✭✭✭✩
Have been using this since day one. Although Bao Bao has outgrown the sling now, it's super handy back then. It gets the job done without wetting the newborn's umbilical cord stump! Peace of mind~~
#11 Sharp KC-860U Plasmacluster Air Purifier and Humidifier ✭✭✭✭✩
The weather is getting chilly here & it's impossible to open windows for fresh air during autumn & winter. So I reached out to Mama May Lyn, an awesome, experienced & knowledgeable full-time mummy in Canada, for air purifier recommendations. She suggested this and I ordered it after researching & comparing it with other air purifiers. Have been using this for about two months now, there are two distinct benefits that I noticed: 1) The odor eliminator works beyond expectation; it effectively eliminates the nasty smell of excessive Chinese cooking, 2) Chloe sneezes less frequent right on the 2nd day (she used to sneeze 5-8 times a day, although her doc said it's normal but I feel bad seeing her sneeze so frequent)! How amazing! And that's the reason why I needed an air purifier at the 1st place. Well, I'm not sure if the whole household is benefit from the ionizer & plasmacluster thingies but one thing for sure, we all are breathing "fresher" air! Thanks May Lyn~~
#12 Leaps & Bounds Interlocking Foam Play Mat ✭✭✭✭✩
I have hardwood floors, so play mat is a must-have in order to provide Bao Bao a safe & soft start. Eyed on the Dwinguler first but they are too expensive. BB is moving home soon; it's really a headache to bring back a 10kg play mat to M'sia but it's also kinda silly to leave a $179 play mat sleeping in the storeroom here @.@ Thanks to May Lyn again for the wonderful recommendation. I purchased the 26 letters, 10 numbers and then ordered 6 packs of edges and one pack of the corner pieces, a total of $80+, a good deal indeed. I can just leave the mat here in the U.S. without being nagged by Chean for overspending. It's durable, thicker than other interlocking mats & safety rated for all ages. Guess what, Bao Bao starts to crawl as soon as I put her on it, so happy! And the texture & color of the mats enhance her sensory development, she loves running her fingers, scratching & making sound on it already!
Hope this review helps you make better buying decisions on baby products as they are really really really expensive, and worst, there's no turning back. You just have to keep spending because there's always something new at different stages of baby growth. If you think Chanel is extravagant, wait until you have a baby.
P/s: Please bear with my spelling & grammar errors, not time for revision! Bao Bao is calling for milk milk already! C.I.A.O~~
Good luck everyone,
Mama Bev
12 products, let's get the ball rolling!
#1 Maxi Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat ✭✭✭✩✩
I bought this car seat after reading hundreds of reviews on the internet; there's this parent mentioning her infant nephew (or niece) survived in an car accident because she's sitting in this car seat, from Amazon.com if not mistaken. It is very sturdy I'd say, that's why it's heavier than other infant car seats like Graco & Chicco, and it is compatible with our stroller. However, the car seat is in a pretty upright position, which I think it's not good for newborns. A 2009 study showed that sitting upright in a car seat might compress a newborn's chest and lead to lower levels of oxygen (Mayo Clinic, 2012). That's why we limit Bao Bao time spent in car seat during the first 3 months. Now Chloe has better head control & is able to sit with support, the seat finally works wonderfully, but if i were to choose again, I'll opt for Maxi-Cosi Prezi (new product, launched in summer 2012) instead.
#2 Uppababy Cruz ✭✭✭✭✩
We like it so far. Cruz has a big storage basket, a sleek, compact & lightweight design, very maneuverable, sturdy, and suitable up to 50 lbs. We also bought Bugaboo Chameleon right after Chloe was born but she hated the bassinet & refused to sleep in it; she screamed like we're murdering her while strolling, so we ended up returning it the very next day :'( She seems to enjoy her car seat more, snug & secure. Sigh, lesson learned. Expensive item doesn't also work for babies...
#3 Boba Wrap ✭✭✭✭✩
Chean chose this one for me, a more breathable & stretchy wrap compared with Moby Wrap. It works wonders during the first two months when Bao Bao constantly screaming for cuddle; she falls asleep in 10 sec, safe & sound, and the best part is, I've my hands free!!! However, it took me a while to get the hang of it, worth the effort though ^^V (pic taken when BB was 5 weeks old)
#4 Líllébaby Complete Carrier ✭✭✭✭✩
A recent purchase, bought it 2 weeks ago. Boba wrap is ergonomically great with newborn and very young baby when they do not much much head control; however, as Chloe grows, a baby carrier is an easier option when we are out and about. After searching high and low, running in & out of many baby stores, Líllébaby is the best carrier that allows front face in & out positions; most importantly, its ergonomic design shifts baby’s weight to hips instead of back & shoulder. We love it. Now Chean can have a little bonding time with Chloe too while Mama Bev is busy shopping ;)
#5 Fisher-Price Cradle 'N Swing, My Little Snugabunny ✭✭✭✩✩
Frankly speaking, this swing is lovely & cute to look at but not very functional nor practical to me. First, it's huge and it eats up a lot of room. Second, the lowest speed setting is too fast, even she's almost 5 months now, I still have to hand swing it most of the time. Third, Bao Bao rarely sleeps in it, god knows why but my mama instinct says this is not comfy enough to make her drowsy. Despite all the negatives that I'm not satisfied with, she still enjoys her swing everyday (5-10 mins each time), she likes looking & cooing at the birdies, loves the lullaby music and oh, when she was real tiny, the running water sound effect soothes her instantly, perfect white noise! This is a total splurge, it's not a must but I'm glad that I have it at home still.
#6 Fisher-Price Portable Rocker ✭✭✭✭✩
This is by far the most affordable rocker that will grow with the baby, from newborn to toddler. Unlike other typical bouncers, this one prevents baby from sliding out of it. It comes with calming vibrations; although Chloe not into that at all, still appreciate that toughtful function. The only complain I have is the seat itself, it is quite hard, basically it's just a piece of plastic cardboard, and it may result flat head syndrome in newborn. (Btw, I did figure out some ways to prevent flat head syndrome, that'd be a future topic of course.)
#7 Peg Perego Siesta High Chair ✭✭✭✭✭
OMG! This is my fave! It's expensive but totally worth every penny! Very sturdy, sleek design, easily folded for storage. Love its great recline features that even a newborn can sleep in it, and also its 9 height positions that allow me to feed Bao Bao on the floor or next to the dining table or couch when she's on solids (which is next month). The seat fabric is kinda leather-ish & soft, so comfy yet easy to clean. I ordered it in Noce, and that seat color comes in exactly the same shade with Mr. Bronze's leather seat; that's why I called this high chair her mini BMW :p Super happy that Baby Chloe no longer being left alone in her bouncer while we're having dinner, she can stay side-by-side & join our conversations! Its stop-and-go system enables me to move her around the house and have her under supervision 24/7 :D
#8 Motorola MBP36 Baby Monitor ✭✭✭✭✭
Speaking of supervision, I can't imagine how my life would evolve without this, probably using half of my precious relaxing time running up & down the stairs to check on Bao Bao while she's asleep @.@ Thanks for the invention and yes, this is a must! Awesome video & sound quality (I can see her breathing!!!) and super user-friendly! Also, I can press and hold button to talk back through the baby unit, this function will definitely come in handy when the toddlerhood kicks in.
#9 Bumbo Seat & Play Tray ✭✩✩✩✩
I knew that it has been recalled but this is the newest model, with an irremovable restraint belt, great for safety purpose. Unfortunately, Bao Bao struggles to get in the seat. She gave me a puzzled look whenever I try to place her in it. Guess it's the restraint belt that eats up the space; this seat just has to go... Sorry Bumbo. The single star rating goes to its adorable design, that's it.
#10 Fisher Price Pink Sparkles Bathtub ✭✭✭✭✩
Have been using this since day one. Although Bao Bao has outgrown the sling now, it's super handy back then. It gets the job done without wetting the newborn's umbilical cord stump! Peace of mind~~
#11 Sharp KC-860U Plasmacluster Air Purifier and Humidifier ✭✭✭✭✩
The weather is getting chilly here & it's impossible to open windows for fresh air during autumn & winter. So I reached out to Mama May Lyn, an awesome, experienced & knowledgeable full-time mummy in Canada, for air purifier recommendations. She suggested this and I ordered it after researching & comparing it with other air purifiers. Have been using this for about two months now, there are two distinct benefits that I noticed: 1) The odor eliminator works beyond expectation; it effectively eliminates the nasty smell of excessive Chinese cooking, 2) Chloe sneezes less frequent right on the 2nd day (she used to sneeze 5-8 times a day, although her doc said it's normal but I feel bad seeing her sneeze so frequent)! How amazing! And that's the reason why I needed an air purifier at the 1st place. Well, I'm not sure if the whole household is benefit from the ionizer & plasmacluster thingies but one thing for sure, we all are breathing "fresher" air! Thanks May Lyn~~
#12 Leaps & Bounds Interlocking Foam Play Mat ✭✭✭✭✩
I have hardwood floors, so play mat is a must-have in order to provide Bao Bao a safe & soft start. Eyed on the Dwinguler first but they are too expensive. BB is moving home soon; it's really a headache to bring back a 10kg play mat to M'sia but it's also kinda silly to leave a $179 play mat sleeping in the storeroom here @.@ Thanks to May Lyn again for the wonderful recommendation. I purchased the 26 letters, 10 numbers and then ordered 6 packs of edges and one pack of the corner pieces, a total of $80+, a good deal indeed. I can just leave the mat here in the U.S. without being nagged by Chean for overspending. It's durable, thicker than other interlocking mats & safety rated for all ages. Guess what, Bao Bao starts to crawl as soon as I put her on it, so happy! And the texture & color of the mats enhance her sensory development, she loves running her fingers, scratching & making sound on it already!
Hope this review helps you make better buying decisions on baby products as they are really really really expensive, and worst, there's no turning back. You just have to keep spending because there's always something new at different stages of baby growth. If you think Chanel is extravagant, wait until you have a baby.
P/s: Please bear with my spelling & grammar errors, not time for revision! Bao Bao is calling for milk milk already! C.I.A.O~~
Good luck everyone,
Mama Bev