Baby Gear: What Kids Need & What They Don't

Favorites:

• Learning tower

• Low table and chair set

• Pikler triangle

• Low shelves

• Small baskets/organizational containers

• Lovevery subscription

• Push toy

• Framed art/photos at child’s level

• Sturdy, slip-proof stools

• Front-facing bookshelf

• Waterproof outdoor blanket or mat

• Movable pressure gates

Use in moderation:

• High chair - While it’s understandable that many parents want their child to be able to join them at the dining table for family meals, high chairs are often overused, can limit autonomy around meals and cause struggles with feeding. Chairs that are fully adjustable and allow the child to climb in/out themselves are ideal. Incorporate a low table and chairs for meals once the child becomes fully mobile.

• Stroller - While strollers are of course essential, keep in mind that little ones need to move about outdoors and shouldn’t be restrained for long periods of time. Allow babies to lie on blankets outside; toddlers should be able to walk, run, climb etc. as much as possible.

• Baby carriers - Occasional use for newborns can be soothing and convenient, however even very young babies need to spend lots of time moving their bodies and taking in the world around them.

• Pacifiers - Try to use pacifiers only for sleep if needed. Overuse tends to increase a child's reliance on sucking for comfort and diminish a child’s ability to cope or self-soothe.

• Sippy cups - These are convenient but should ideally only be for use on-the-go. Introduce drinking from an open cup early on.

• Bassinet/crib - While the vast majority of parent use cribs, RIE and Montessori both recommend floor beds from the beginning as they allow autonomy around sleep. As the child becomes mobile, they can get into and out of bed on their own. If a child is resistant to sleeping in their crib, incorporating a floor bed (in a safe room that they cannot get out of) before age 2 can help.

• Swaddle blankets - Swaddling can be helpful for newborns who startle easily but shouldn’t be relied on long term as they can prolong the process of learning to sleep independently.

• Food mill/baby food maker - These are largely unnecessary as most babies can begin eating soft finger foods right away. Purées are not as conducive to autonomous eating.

Not recommended:

• Bouncy seat

• Bumpo seat

• Exersaucer

• Jumper

• Floor pillow “nest”/“cloud”

• Activity mat with hanging toys

• Electronic activity table

• Musical mobiles

• Electronic toys

• Television/computer/mobile apps (except for occasional video chats with extended family)

• Super ”busy” and colorful rugs/wall hangings/wall murals etc.

• Sleep positioners/pillows

• All-purpose large toy bins (except for storing toys not in use)

• Toddler “leashes”