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Home › Articles › Baby Gear › Baby Gadgets – Are They for You?

Baby Gadgets – Are They for You?

Two Moms Share Their Views

By iParenting Staff

Pages:  1  2  3  4  

occur to us to buy any of this paraphernalia."

What are McLean's alternatives to bouncers, swings, monitors and the like? "A blanket on the floor covers many of these options," she says. "Our living room is made safe, without going overboard, so Quinn can cruise and roll around without coming to too much grief. A play yard? I'd probably put myself and the ironing board inside a play pen, rather than the baby! As for monitors, we live in a small apartment so I can hear Quinn at all times. And I put Quinn in the high chair with some toys and wheel him into the bathroom when I want to have a shower."

McLean gets a lot of positive feedback about her decision to use fewer gadgets and more human contact and comforting. "I have always received positive comments and questions when I have had one of the boys in the backpack," she says. "Maybe it's the company I keep, but the fact that I don't own any of these things is a non-issue. I think it's easier to get out and about without having to cart stuff around, like swings, bouncers, etc. I can't imagine having to take a swing with me to visit friends."

Both of McLean's boys have loved all of the contact they receive from their mother, and the backpack is a favorite item. McLean also notes that the boys never reacted negatively to the stroller.

"There is a whole industry based on the ignorance of new parents," McLean says. "Before having children you are bombarded with information about 'essential' products, and because you have no frame of reference, you believe they are 'essential' and that your baby will be happier and healthier swinging in a swing, jumping in a jolly-jumper or bouncing around. What makes babies happy and healthy is being held by their parents, not being restrained all his waking moments and cot-bound the rest."

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