Bye-bye Baby Products

For glory and for shame. These bad buys are dad’s fault. Here are my baby product regrets.

Convertible Carseat: Maxi-Cosi Magellan Max 5 in 1

Interestingly in 2018 this convertible was top 5 on every list I’ve seen. In 2019 it is no longer on anyone’s list. The magnetic clasp stifles every adult challenger. You have to break a nail and use two hands to unbuckle the belt. The belt tightening system and buttons are too stiff. The extra lumbar pillow is necessary from the start, but it moves around, is misshapen, and bulges. If you hear your baby crying more than normal in the carseat, it’s probably because it’s uncomfortable. Avoid.

Carrier: LILLEbaby SIX-Position, 360° Ergonomic Baby & Child Carrier – The COMPLETE All Seasons 

Stiff material. Lumbar support pad that falls off and gets lost. Hard to put on and take off if you already have a hard time reaching your back, like me. Wasn’t very comfortable for my wife and myself. Just go with the more well-known brand, Ergobaby.

Bassinet: Halo Bassinest Premiere

The features on it are unnecessary. The swiveling action doesn’t help mom reach the baby any easier than a normal bassinet placed next to the bed. It then requires mom to lift baby higher when in bed and apply force down to lower a very stiff side wall. My wife had a c-section and this thing caused her pain. Batteries don’t last more than a few weeks. We ended up using a dock-a-tot in our bed early on. We’d do that again or try something like the Guava Lotus Bassinet Crib Bundle as it is portable.

Playard: Should have got one

When we travelled with Ness at 3-9 mo old we found it hard to find a clean, safe, confined spot for Ness to crawl, chill, play, or sleep. We would have gotten the Guava Lotus.

Swaddle: Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

Another miss for Halo. Although the original, Ness easily squirmed out of its hold. Cue the cries.

Swing: Fisher-Price Sweet Snugapuppy Dreams Cradle ‘n Swing

Don’t be fooled by the # of reviews and ratings or the brand name. This thing is weak and eventually broke before its time. Although I recorded Ness shaking the maracas to La Cucaracha for the first time. I should have gotten the Nuna Leaf Grow.

Baby Room Camera: Nanit

Most expensive. Requires subscription for video recording (even then it doesn’t allow you record at will) or any of the “smart” features. Babyroom cameras in general at young life cause more anxiety and paranoia (i.e. phantom noises) than its worth. Although, when they get older it is fun to spy and watch them wriggle. Just get the Arlobaby and call it a day.