Benefits of Doing My Own Baby Products Research

I am expecting my second son. I do have a due date, but let’s face it—babies come when they want to, whether it be early or late. I thankfully have a few things leftover from my first baby boy, along with friends and family giving me some hand-me-downs.

If you are like me and received a ton of hand-me-downs, you want to have a little something new (or at least new to you) for a change. I have had friends and family ask me about a registry, but truthfully, I have not made one for this baby, and I honestly don’t think I need to make one. The only reason I’d make one is so I could get the gift box!

Truthfully, I didn’t want to make a registry because I had a lot leftover from my oldest son’s baby days, and I only needed two things: a car seat and an awesome double stroller. Since I began my “nesting period,” I’ve done a ton of research on what stroller, car seat, and infant carrier I should purchase for kid number two. I did my own research this time around versus listening to family and friends on what I may or may not want in a stroller or infant car seat.

It has been more than two years since I was last pregnant, and I have noticed the “list of needs and wants” for mama and baby are a lot different. Mothers seem to do more research on strollers, breast pumps, infant carriers, and baby wearing carriers. Back in 2017, I did not know exactly what I needed or wanted. I blindly went off everyone else’s advice and direction as to what I absolutely needed, down to the brand. I was taking most of the direction from my mom, her friends, co-workers, and grandparents. Every single one of these people suggested very specific brands. Based off of a few testimonies from friends and classmates, I went with their suggestions to start. The products were great at first, but over the course of six to nine months, they began to show a lot of wear. Part of me thinks it was because my eldest son was bigger than the average baby. I am regularly active and used my jogging stroller often.

The brand I had was heavy, so I upgraded to a (new to me) stroller of a different brand. I honestly loved that stroller and used it more than my old jogging stroller. To me, the new-to-me brand is more durable and can last for a long time if it is properly taken care of.

If I really thought about it, I should have just found a new to me stroller in my preferred brand from the start.

Now that I will be a mother of two, I did my research and found a (again new to me) double stroller for a great deal while I was doing some Saturday yard sale shopping. The stroller itself is beyond perfect and came with all the accessories. It hits everything on my check list of what I want (and need) in a double stroller. The price I paid for it alone was reason enough to celebrate, but the fact that it came with accessories made it extra sweet. Both my children will be able to sit in the stroller comfortably, so I’ll be able to use it for a few years. Another great highlight about the double stroller is that the wheels can go through light snow and gravel if we are ever out for a walk and it begins to snow. I have not had a chance to use my new-to-me stroller yet due to some inclement weather, but I’m extremely excited for it to warm up and use it.

Another product I researched was infant carriers. I found that I, again, love a different brand more than what was recommended to me. The new brand is lighter than the old infant carrier by a long shot! It also fits perfectly in my double stroller and even in my car.

Overall, I am glad I did my own research this time around. If I did not, I probably would have ended up spending more money than I wanted and not have quality products. I am thankful and grateful for the advice I was given about certain baby products, but I am glad I went with my own judgment on what to get for my second son. The ones I chose may be new to me or gently used, but they are top-quality products that are durable and will be able to last me a few years.

There are many pros and cons when you are hunting for baby items that do require a lot of research and endless combing through reviews and searching for advice on which is the best product(s). Its best to go with your own intuition and decide what’s best for you, your children, and your lifestyle.