The New Parents Guide Blog

I never did get the hang of carrying my babies around in a baby sling. That may be because I’m short and I just didn’t feel like the baby had any room. But I know plenty of moms and dads who are thrilled with the way baby slings and other baby carriers work. [...]

File this one under “wish I’d had one of these when my kids were little!”
After all these years of bathing babies and toddlers (and with my kids spaced as far apart as they are, it was a lot of years), my knees will never be the same.  Bathroom floors are just not forgiving, and [...]

There’s nothing like a baby swing to give a mom (or dad) with tired arms a little break.   A swing is a great place to let your infant have a safe, snug place to relax, with that soothing, repetitive movement babies just love.  And there are so many different kinds of swings!
My first two [...]

I’ve always been one of those women who could never carry around a small handbag.  The other day I was playing this game on an online forum, and I was asked to list 5 things that were in my purse. 
(What? Only 5? My purse weighs 8 pounds. I could go on [...]

One of the most useful items of baby gear I had was a portable play yard.  The name “Pack & Play” sums it up perfectly.  These play yards are so easy to set up, and pack up again when done. 
My youngest child spent a lot of time in his Pack & Play.  I could [...]

Baby monitors might be a relatively new item on moms’ lists of baby-care essentials, but they’re one of the best inventions ever.  It’s wonderful that they can allow a new parent to get some much-needed rest without worrying that the baby will wake up and no one will hear.
Monitors also allow parents to get [...]

Are you setting up your nursery for your very first baby?  You might want to check out our Baby Needs Checklist.  We have a complete list of what you’ll need to get started. 
Fortunately, your little one won’t need much in the way of clothes.  A few of those stretchy sleepers, some onesies, a couple [...]

Is it just me, or are most moms always in search of the perfect bag?
Diaper bags were always just like handbags for me.  After all, I tossed my wallet, cell phone and keys in there and used it instead of a handbag most of the time anyway!  (Tell me I’m not alone in this!)
It’s been [...]

Here’s a handy little gadget that moms can use for years:  OnTray.   It was invented by Laura Hamrick, a mom who was looking for an easy way to contain her kids’ snacks while she shopped with them.
We all know that we can get our grocery shopping done much faster without our children in tow, but [...]

There are certain items of baby gear that can only be used for a relatively short time.  However, that doesn’t make them any less valuable for the time you do use them. 
One of these is the bouncy seat.  Your arms can’t hold your baby forever.  Sometimes you need to take a rest–or a shower.  [...]