Ad-free. Influence-free. Powered by consumers.
Skip to Main ContentThe payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.
Re-activateBabies have a way of accumulating toys and gear that can make even sizeable rooms and hallways into obstacle courses. Fortunately, you don't need everything. Here, top shopping strategies that can help cut down on the clutter.
1. Buy either a bouncer seat or a swing. Don't buy both, especially if space is a consideration. Many parents report that it's overkill since both provide a secure and soothing place for your baby to relax and stay occupied while you get some hands-free time to catch up on things around the house. If your baby doesn't like the motion of a swing (some don't), go with a bouncer. If your baby seems to need more motion than a bouncer provides, opt for a swing. If you opt for a swing, you can save even more space with a travel swing. It takes up much less floor space than a traditional infant swing.
2. Skip the play yard. Although play yards can provide babies with an enclosed place for playing or napping, and models with a changing table can function as a portable changing table, you can certainly live without one. I was excited when I received mine as a gift, but then, rarely used it. In my smallish home, it was just as easy to use the nursery and play with my baby on the floor of the living room.
3. "Cycle" the toys. Toys can be a tripping hazard if you have too many of them, and a chore to keep organized. To contain the chaos, buy fewer toys and set aside some of the bounty from holidays and birthdays to be taken out later. After the first group has lost it luster and you sense that your baby has gotten bored with the batch, bring out the sequestered toys, and so on. Toy-cycling helps to constantly refresh your baby's interest, so that what's old seems like new again and can make less seem like more.
Build & Buy Car Buying Service
Save thousands off MSRP with upfront dealer pricing information and a transparent car buying experience.
Get Ratings on the go and compare
while you shop
