Friday, March 5, 2010

Product Advice

Naturally, I've been taking interest in new baby products that I've come across while surfing the web.  I'm not sure why I'm even giving them a glance considering I learned pretty quickly with Evan that the majority of the "stuff" I accumulated to prepare for his arrival was absolutely unnecessary - and for the most part, useless!  For all the misinformed mothers out there who have no clue what they actually need, let me share with you a few items that you might want to think twice about purchasing.

          #1  The Bumbo Seat

This product was actually recalled awhile back for lack of direction and information on how to use it properly.  I guess too many babies fell over and the number of head injuries caused a bit of a stir.  Beyond reported injuries, this product also discriminates against fat babies.  Evan was never able to use the seat because his legs were too fat for the leg holes.  I managed to squeeze him in a couple of times, but when he realized he was paralyzed from the waist down he became a little agitated.  I would suggest finding this seat second hand.  Definitely not a must have!




          #2 The Exersaucer

Ok - now this product is a matter of personal choice.  Evan had absolutely no interest in this contraption.  In fact, he would get so bored with it that he would fuss after 3 minutes of play.  It's also important to note that even with the platform moved all the way up, Evan was not able to use this until he was about 5 - 51/2 months old.  The advertisement claims it's for babies 4 months and up.  Evan was always in the 98th percantile for height so they're basing that claim on an NBA star's offspring - not mine.   Again, puchase second hand or request as a gift.




         #3 The Diaper Genie

I can't even express how useless and disgusting this product is...DO NOT PURCHASE.  The perfume scented baggies that wrap the dirty diapers up like sausages may seem like a "genius" idea - but trust me - it is quite the opposite.  By the time the storage bin is full there may be 10 - 15 soiled diapers that have marinated for 2-3 days while the pungent mix of baby poo and perfume begin to build like pressure in an air cylinder.  When you open the storage bin to release your diaper links the overpowering smell of flowery waste will hit you in the nostrils like a ton of bricks.  Not to mention once that smell takes over the bin it is always there.  Take my advice - tie your dirty diapers up in a grocery bag and throw them in the regular trash.  It's easy, free and can save you a meal that you'll inevitably lose to the toilet.

9 comments:

Unknown said...

My sister had a Diaper Genie, when he oldest was a newborn..... after feeling it with TONS of diaper's and NEVER changing it, she found MAGGOTS IN IT. 4 years later, when I had my 1st child, I said I would NEVER OWN ONE. Good info on the baby items. Just remember to check the recall list, for items that were 2nd hand.

Amanda said...

Good point on the second hand items. I am not surprised about the maggots. I can't express enough negativity about the diaper genie. It is revolting!

Gina said...

I am laughing right now because I have all three and LOVED them ALL! (So did Collin.) We will see what baby numer 2 thinks!

Amanda said...

Yeah, the first two are debatable because every child has different likes and dislikes. But, Gina, please explain to me how you loved the diaper genie. I'm gagging again just thinking about it.

Kylie said...

Totally agree on the diaper Genie. Total waste - really only used it for a few weeks then realized how stupid and disgusting it was - I think it actually creates MORE work. Have to disagree on the bumbo and exersaucer though. We enjoyed both - granted only for a very short span of time. Would recommend borrowing these items given the short window of time they will be used.

Unknown said...

The Diaper Genie I didn't even want in my home ( I told EVERYONE b4 my shower, to NOT GET ME ONE.) I think if I lived in NY, on the 20th floor, and had to take my trash out to some big Dumpster, in the 20" inches of snow MAYBE I would get one. =)

Sarah said...

Amanda I agree on all fronts. I made an active choice not to purchase any of these. We did have a play gym type thing that DC did use but I wish I didn't have that. Now a swing I feel totally different about, the cradle swing saved me.

Unknown said...

Amanda- This just came to me, from my online mom's group. Might be interesting.
http://www.kiwimagonline.com/MomsMeet/momsgroups/2010/03/baby-bill-blues-how-moms-save-money/
Also I 4got to say, there is a GREAT online group called http://www.freecycle.org/ This group is ALL over the USA, in most every city. Might be worth checking out, as a resource, for the "rarely used" baby items.

Amanda said...

Great sites. Thanks!