where to research baby/kid gear? (car seats, strollers, etc.)

JanieJones

Okay, so now that the wait is on, we want to start researching gear so we know what to buy when the time comes. 

We have zero desire to wander around baby stores, so where can we get good info online for these products?  I want to read industry reviews and consumer feedback.

TIA! 

HannaB

The Baby Bargains book is a popular one. I never read it, because I was the last of my friends to have kids (pretty much), so I just went by their recommendations.

The Nurseries & Baby Gear board is pretty helpful too, actually.

Congrats on being officially waiting!

 

swanck

I did some asking around to friends with experience, and I spent a lot of time on the BRU website....reading descriptions, watching videos and scanning reviews.
It was kinda fun for me!  I hope it is for you.

Congrats on waiting!

Dr.Loretta

Consumer Reports

Baby Bargains

We got a lot of good info from both.

And one word of advice: you may stress about which is the "best" piece of equipment, or get the side-eye (or worry about the side-eye) from someone who bought a "better" one. But as long as you like it and it's not recalled, you should be good.

silliestbunny

My advice-

Make a list of what you need.  And a priority list. 
If there are some things that you know you want to spend top dollar on.. do it.  Maybe the other things can be purchased off of CL or from a mom's group.  (I personally love recycling/upcycling.) 

As for what you want... think about how you'll use things like strollers.  Determine what type will fit your need and your budget.  If you narrow it down, then go read the Bump's Baby Gear and Nursery board to see what others are using.  As on some of the boards w/babies already here if they like such and such.  

Also, don't stress about getting everything now.  Diapers.com, Amazon, and other sites were great for me.  Order as you need

sbhWImom

HannaB:

The Baby Bargains book is a popular one. I never read it, because I was the last of my friends to have kids (pretty much), so I just went by their recommendations.

The Nurseries & Baby Gear board is pretty helpful too, actually.

Congrats on being officially waiting!

 I read Baby Bargains, and I bought it for my SIL also... it's really good honest feedback.  I agree that the Nurseries and Baby Gear board is really helpful too!

 

JanieJones

Thanks.  I read baby bargains last year, and made a list.  We are minimal when it comes to stuff like this, so won't be planning a massive layette, or buying spendy crib or stroller.

I didn't notice the nursery/baby gear board, so I'll peek there.

And thanks for the BRU rec.  BRU USA has a zillion more customer reviews than BRU Canada, so that is helpful.

Go_Dawgs

I mostly used Consumer Reports and BRU online reviews.  We bought the basics, such as a carseat and crib, before we were matched.  I also would occasionally check craigslist and ebay for nursery decor and bought things here or there just to keep me occupied while we were waiting.

SuperCuteBenz

Baby Bargains

www.carseatblog.com

noonecarewhoiam

Baby Bargains has a website with forums if you don't want to buy the book.

Also, check out carseatdata.org--you can put in the make and model of your car and it helps find seats that fit (works especially well if you have a common car like a Honda, less so if you drive something more obscure, like a Yugo).

Don't obsess and keep second-guessing yourself. I say this from experience, as I called by 1 mom-friend in a hyperventalating state right before DS came home. She told me to get off the internet;)