Big Purchases

• Car seats – We use a Britax infant seat that came with our original stroller, the Britax B-Agile Travel System. I like how it easily clicks into Britax strollers. We don’t use it much though since we don’t have a car, but when we do use it, it is great how it clicks into the Britax Affinity we have now. Since we don’t have a car, when we needed a convertible car seat, we got the Cosco Scenera Next. It is so lightweight and easy to travel with. 
• Strollers – I would recommend trying them out and seeing what you like. There is a lot to consider (comfort, weight, storage space, collapsibility, ease of use, etc…) We chose the Britax B-Agile as our first stroller. I liked it a lot because it was easy to fold, and it was great as an everyday and travel stroller, but I didn’t like the small basket. We also tried out a Maclaren and I didn’t like how it folded or pushed. For my everyday stroller, I ended up upgrading to the Britax Affinity and LOVED it. It pushes like and has features of a high end stroller but it was only $200 from Albee Baby. Overall, I don’t think any stroller is perfect, and everyone has different stroller preferences/needs so try them out and see what you like.
• Our current stroller is the Mountain Buggy Duet (we need a double now) and I absolutely love it! 
• We also have the Babytrend Tri Fold Mini as our current lightweight/travel stroller. I like how it folds and pushes, and the Cosco Scenera Next can sit in it for ease during travel. Get more ideas for lightweight strollers here!
• Jogging Stroller – If you need one, try them out! We don’t have one.
• High Chair – You don’t really need this until 4 – 6 months. We have the IKEA one. It was $20 and is not an eyesore. It works well and is easy to clean! 
• Floor Chair – We used the Fisher Price Sit me Up, and it was very useful. We started using it around 2-3 months. It is great because my babies have always wanted to sit up and look around and the sit me up is great before the baby can sit up on their own. It doesn’t give them too much support or put them in a weird position but it lets them sit up and see what is going on around them! 
• Jumperoo – We did not get one of these. We got the exersaucer instead. 
• Exersaucer– Our babies loved the saucer. We started using it around 3-4 months and it was a lifesaver because they would sit in it and play while I did dishes, cooked, etc. It is big, bulky, and ugly, but very useful. 
• Pack N’ Play – We got the Nimble Nook. It is skinnier than regular pack n plays so it fits through hallways and doors. It has been good for traveling, too. It also comes with a bassinet option for newborns.
• Swing/Rock N’ Play – If you have space, both a swing and a Rock n play  (update: Rock n’ Plays have been recalled, choose an alternative instead) have uses. However, if you are short on space I’d recommend the Rock n play over a swing because you can move it from room to room. The swing pretty much has to stay where you plug it in. However, I think it also depends on your baby. Neither of my babies really were able to fall asleep in the swing. And it would be hard for you to know if your baby will like the swing unless you try it. 
• Baby Carrier –  I have and love the Beco Gemini. It has lumbar support for you and the baby can face in or out. I use it a lot and really like it since it is so easy to put on. If I was going to splurge on a second carrier, I would get the Lillebaby complete. I tried it out and liked that it had a pocket although I like the simplicity and ease of use of the Beco! (update – Beco has such great customer service and they replaced my original carrier when it got a tear in it. The new version has a pocket so I was very excited!)
• Diaper Bag – I’ve used a lot of different diaper bags and ultimately, I would suggest a diaper bag backpack. It allows you to be really mobile and have your hands free to do whatever else you need to do! The thing I have found most essential to look for is lots of pockets and side cupholders on the outside of the backpack. Also, I really only use the diaper bag if I am going out without the stroller because I use two stroller organizers (this one and this one) and keep all of the diaper stuff I need in the stroller all the time. 
• I do highly recommend this diaper clutch, as we have used it when traveling, for on the go, and even for a portable around the house changing station for the first few weeks at home!