Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of baby things that everybody has that aren’t really that great? I’ve been noticing this a lot lately. Probably because deep down, I’m a sucker for peer pressure. I like to pretend I’m a trendsetter. But really, I want what everybody else has.
I don’t know why there are so many things that have become really popular despite their drawbacks. Many of these brands have significant flaws. But people don’t even notice. We love them anyway.
Until we discover the better brands.
Here are just a few examples.
Maya wrap
Don’t get me wrong. I love my Maya wrap. It’s gorgeous and comfortable and did I mention gorgeous? I wouldn’t have noticed any problems with it if someone from Atlanta Babywearers hadn’t told me that the fabric tends to get bunched up in the ring. Then I realized she was right. The fabric tends to get bunched up in the ring.
My sources tell me that Sleeping Baby Productions makes a better ring sling. Which is also made of linen, and therefore much cooler in the summer. I won’t be trading mine in, however. My maya wrap is much too beautiful to give up.
Baby Bjorn Carrier
You knew this, right? Baby Bjorn is not that great. Their little potties are awesome (and discontinued). But the carrier, despite its popularity, is not the best design. Not only does it hold your baby in a crotch-dangling position (uncomfortable), but it also lacks a waist band for hip support. For some reason, men tend to really like this carrier. But for women, it usually pulls at the shoulders and causes back pain.
An Ergo, Beco, or Boba will be more comfortable for you and your baby – and will be usable for a lot longer, too.
Bob strollers
My Bob stroller is fabulous. I love it. But I didn’t do a lot of research before I got it. If I had, I might have realized that it makes most babies slouch until they are at least 18 months old. And the recline is a bit odd. And there are other strollers in a similar price range with a lot more flexibility. Phil and Ted, for example, has a jogging stroller with full recline. And a bassinet. And an optional second seat for another child.
Which is why you should always do your research before you buy instead of just getting what everybody has.
gDiapers
These seems like such a great idea when they first came out. And I know a lot of people who love them. I do think the concept of hybrid diapers is a good one. But as is so often the case, the company to trail blaze an idea is not the one to perfect it. If I were in the market for a hybrid diaper today, I’d buy Charlie banana. They offer a disposable insert that turns their pockets into hybrids. Or I would use thirsties covers with any flushable insert. Both of those offer a better design, in my opinion, than Gdiapers.
Melissa and Doug
I really shouldn’t say this is a brand problem, because many Melissa and Doug toys are actually great. But a few of them are not so great. Like the beginner band set. Which has high levels of lead and arsenic. Which is just further evidence that you should always do your research. Because the fact that a company is usually great doesn’t mean that a particular item is also great.
I have no idea what brand of music set you should get instead. Probably something really expensive and made in Germany.
Conclusion? There are so many options these days. You really have to do your research. And if you don’t have time to research, don’t just ask your friends. Ask somebody who would know. Ask a baby wearing expert about carriers. Ask the manufacturer about toys.
And, of course, ask me about cloth diapers.