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Buying For Baby, Dad-to-be?

Fasten Your Seatbelt!

By Julia Rosien

Slings slip on and off easily, making it easy to place a sleeping infant in a crib. They also allow nursing mothers to breastfeed discretely. Many fussy newborns quiet quickly when placed in the sling with their ears close to a parent's heartbeat.

Carriers allow a baby to look around while being supported upright. They distribute weight more evenly and let the shoulders and back share the burden. Some carriers can be switched to a backpack when your child reaches 6 months of age.

"Both of our children were preemies and needed close contact. Our second fussed constantly and the Snugli gave me the time to play with the older one," says Chris Bruhm of Ontario. "Both babies spent weeks in the hospital at birth and the Snugli helped us bond while doing everyday things that needed to be done once they came home."

Want to paint your nursery before Baby comes home from hospital? Although you can't buy paint that contains lead, mercury or formaldehyde any more, it may be on the walls if you own an older home. Test painted surfaces before you begin the work with the help of a local paint store. Learn how to sand and paint safely without scattering lead dust and poisoning your family, pets or neighbors.

Latex- or water-based paint stands up just as well as oil-based paint, but without the fumes. If the walls were previously painted with oil-based paint, you'll need a special primer to seal the oil in and prepare the surface. Choose a latex paint that has medium to high gloss for scrub-ability. Paints designed for children's rooms are available.

Infant Car Seat Tips

• Many police departments, hospitals and car dealerships offer car seat clinics taught by certified car seat technicians to teach you how to install your seat correctly.
• Call your hospital, insurance plan or state Department of Motor Vehicles -- they often sell or rent infant seats for a small fee.
• Get professional help when installing a car seat. You can get safety tips many sources, such as GM's Goodwrench Web Site (http://www.goodwrench.com/Tips/SafeDriving.jsp).

Stroller Tips

• Be wary when buying strollers at garage sales or accepting hand-me-downs. Go through the same checklist as you would with a new model, and treat it like you would a used car. Walk around it, kicking the tires and checking for loose screws.
• Read product reviews and make sure the model you're looking at hasn't been recalled.

Baby Carrier and Sling Tips

• Carriers have safety restraints. Make sure the harness is fastened whenever your child is in the carrier.
• Slings do not have restraint systems. If you're using a sling, avoid vigorous activities.

Nursery Paint Tips

• Try to paint on a day when the windows can be opened. Although latex gives off fewer fumes than oil, it still requires caution.
• Paint at least one week before Baby will sleep in his room, and don't let your pregnant wife help you.

Want to see more?

• Get tips on surviving baby's first year financially in Having the Baby Without Breaking the Bank
• Check out the iParenting Recalls section to make sure your baby equipment has not been recalled.
• Read Clip This: How and Why to Use a Locking Clip for more car seat safety information.
• Read Read Carseat Safety Tips for more car seat safety information.
• Learn about stroller safety

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