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Weston resident Sandra Gordon can help. The health/medical writer runs Baby Products Mom where she curates items to help new parents gear up safely and within their budget. The blog, which she started in 2009, is an outgrowth of her book, “Consumer Reports Best Baby Products.”
"Baby products are a multi-billion dollar industry," she said. "New parents want to know what they need, and what they can skip, or buy later if they need to."
Most of her core content centers on items such as a diaper bag, car seats and strollers. From there, Gordon drills down to answer other questions that come up, such as:" Do I need to use bottled water to make infant formula?"
"In light of the Flint, Michigan’s lead problem, water quality has become a big issue everywhere," she said. "It’s especially a concern when you’ve got a baby in the house because babies are a vulnerable population."
Parents think that just because a baby product is on the market, it must be safe, she said. But in some cases, like wearable baby monitors, there are no safety standards for products.
"Wearable baby monitors give off small amounts of electromagnetic radiation and they’re worn close to the body," explained Gordon. "Some safety experts don’t think they’re a good idea. As a parent, you have to decide: Is this worth whatever risk I may be taking?"
To help: Baby Products Mom is starting a new baby planner concierge service to help virtually or in-person to personalize your registry and get you the products you need.
According to Gordon, you don’t have to be completely geared up from day one.
"You should have just enough stuff to feel set," she said. "With baby products, less can be more."
Bottom line: Those calm breathing techniques you may have learned in Lamaze class can come in handy with the baby, she emphasized. There's a lot to digest when it comes to baby products. But keep in mind, she said, that if you need something, you can buy it after your baby is born.
Said Gordon: "Often, it’s helpful to have a few weeks of parenting under your belt before buying a product."
For more information and rates, email sandra@sandrajgordon.com or go to www.babyproductsmom.com/.
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