Children’s products represent an $8.9 billion industry and new products are added to the lineup every year, but there are plenty of ways consumers can keep costs down. The 10th edition of Consumer Reports Best Baby Products ($16.95), which is available in all major bookstores and in our bookstore, provides a voice of reason, guiding you on what you really need and what you can live without.
Written by Sandra Gordon and the editors of Consumer Reports, Consumer Reports Best Baby Products is an A to Z guide to everything parents will need for their baby, including a handy “Where-to-Buy Guide” and a master checklist for Moms and Dads. “We try to distinguish between the essential and the nonessential, helping you select the safest, most durable, and most useful products,” Gordon says. “In this economy, it’s all about stretching every penny and getting the most mileage from the baby registry, while keeping the focus on safety.”
From the test labs of America’s most trusted product-testing organization, the guide features in-depth guidance and Ratings for parents, from everyday items like baby food and formula to big-ticket items like strollers and vehicles. It also answers some of your most pressing questions, such as:
–Do I really need that $750 stroller?
–How can I buy the safest crib?
–Does it pay to buy organic baby food?
–How can I buy baby products without the chemical bisphenol A?
–Which baby products are safe to buy used and which aren’t?
–Can I use the same car seat for baby number 2?
–Are “eco-friendly” mattresses really eco-friendly?
–Which toys will my baby enjoy the most?
Consumer Reports Best Baby Products also offers money-saving strategies, product ratings, and tips on how to make returns when you buy defective products or receive duplicate gifts. “When there are so many options to choose from, getting ready for a new baby can be confusing,” says Gordon, a mom of two from Connecticut. “Our mission is to help you confidently narrow the field and have a good idea of which products are safe and right for you, your baby, and your budget before you shop online or in the store, or register for your baby shower. It pays to do your homework.”
