There are certain pieces of advice you’ll hear time and time again while pregnant for the first time. “Get all the rest you can now,” and “the baby doesn’t need much,” are two things I’ve been told several times since announcing my pregnancy to the world. While I understand and agree with both in theory, the latter has been much harder for me to follow.
I love the act of shopping. Not buying necessarily but browsing, reading reviews and mulling over an item. It’s truly a hobby. So, I took the task of stocking everything needed for a new baby’s life quite seriously. From building the registry to scouring Facebook Marketplace for second hand items in excellent condition, I’ve enjoyed the process of preparing. I am also a budget shopper and love finding a good deal, hence my loyalty to Marketplace. However, there are some extremely popular, five star reviewed items that are almost impossible to find second hand. These are items that tend to be pricey but that I haven’t, despite a lot of effort, been able to talk myself out of. I’ve read the reviews, researched the alternatives and scoured the internet for coupon codes and still came back to the same end result: I just can’t resist buying this luxury baby item.
Silver Cross Stroller
I won’t get into the ugly details of my stroller search. Let’s just say my mother and husband had to all but hold me down and force me to press the “buy now” button on the stroller I finally chose. It felt like such a big decision. Of course you want function but mama needed some form as well. My top two choices at the end were the Nuna Mixx Next Stroller and the Silver Cross Reef Stroller. I went with the Reef. It truly is a stunning set of wheels.
Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair
I love both the design elements and the potential longevity of the Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair. With the right accessories it can be used from infancy up to adulthood. You read that right. According to the brand, an adult can use the seat comfortably. So while the chair is pricey on the front end, it has the potential to serve you and your family for years to come.
Babyletto Kiwi Power Glider
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From the start, I knew I wanted the Babyletto Kiwi Electric Glider but started to doubt myself after meticulously combing through reviews. Many people reported the electric function failing and being left with a chair that rocks but doesn’t recline. Still, with a year warranty, I felt comfortable enough to add this luxury purchase to nursery.
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
The Keekaroo Peanut Changer is overpriced. There, I said it. So why is it on the list you might ask. The answer is that the alternative wipeable changing mats weren’t rated very well. They also had price points that weren’t that much less than the Keekaroo. I asked myself, “do I pay roughly $60 less for a pad that people across the board don’t like or splurge on the one that gets rave reviews?” I think you know my answer.
Storksak Diaper Bag
Here were the things I was looking for in a diaper bag: real leather, wipeable interior, internal cooling pouch, and style, style, style. The Storksak St. James Diaper Bag delivers on all those criteria. The tan color is gorgeous but it also comes in black.