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Babies don’t care if they’re wearing designer clothes or sleeping on designer sheets. Let’s be realistic. Babies just want to be comfortable.” - From Baby Bargains

After the initial delight of finding out that I was pregnant, my mind moved on to the more practical things (as it’s generally prone to do).  One of those things was getting ready for the baby’s arrival.  Unfortunately, being a first-time expectant mother, I had only a vague idea of what “baby things” one actually needs.  Sure, I knew a few basics - like a crib, for example.  But even when it comes to choosing a crib, I wasn’t really sure what to look for, and with cribs ranging in price from one hundred to over a thousand dollars, I also wanted to make the smart decision financially.  With the dizzying array of baby and maternity products available, it is difficult for new parents to choose the right products and separate the essentials from wastes of money.  Baby products being a multi-billion dollar industry, many manufacturers play on the parents’ desire to get the best thing possible for their baby combined with lack of knowledge about what they really need. 

Determined to make the best possible choices for my future baby, I did some research and came across Baby Bargains.  In its 7th edition at the time of this writing, this book is considered the “Consumer Reports” of baby and maternity products, and having now read it, I have to agree that it is a “must” for new parents.

The book is organized by chapters, each pertaining to a specific category of products, such as “Nursery Necessities”, “Maternity/Nursing Clothes”, “Car Seats”, etc.  Within each category, it goes into detail on the product basics, what you need when, where to find these products, and what to look for.  Each chapter also includes many money-saving tips, including my favorite section, “Wastes of Money”.  Finally, each chapter provides ratings and recommendations of specific retailers and brand names. 

What I like the most about this book is that it’s comprehensive and objective.  While the title suggests that its goal is to help you save money, the price is not the sole guiding factor and is balanced with other considerations, such as the quality of the product and what is best for the baby.  The book features all major brands, not just the cheapest ones, and provides suggestions in all price categories.  That way, if you really want to splurge in one area, at least you will know what is worth spending those extra dollars on.

Even though we haven’t started purchasing any baby products yet, I’m already finding the book essential in doing research and putting together the list of things to buy.  I have also been able to put its chapter on maternity products to good use even in the earlier stages of my pregnancy.  I highly recommend it for all expectant parents as a true life-saver (and a money-saver too).