Sam, Design Director at Ebates, tells Hollie his top three baby must-haves:

1. Ergo Baby Carrier

We’ve tried several different baby carriers and this one seems to be the most versatile and comfortable for both Margot (she usually falls asleep within a few minutes of getting into it) and us parents. This carrier mimics the natural way you’d hold a baby close to your body - some of the other brands like the Bjorn (which we have as well) support a baby from the crotch, and can put stress on the baby’s spine. It’s a little bit complicated at first (it comes with an instructional DVD!), but once you get the hang of all of the straps and do-dads it’s pretty easy. A major plus is that it has several pockets to keep pacifiers, wallet, etc. in, and a hood for rainy days or for shade from the sun.

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2. CoSleeper

This comes in the “Original” version and the “Mini” version – we have the original version, but if I had to do it again I’d get the mini for it’s smaller size (by the time your baby outgrows the mini they’ll be ready for a real crib or bed anyway). The only advantages that the larger size has is that it can “convert” into a changing table or “play yard”, but in reality once you get this thing set up and put together you’re not gonna want to rearrange it again (very hard to put it together, and not very clear instructions!). The benefit of a co-sleeper is that your baby is right there next to you in bed, making late night feedings much easier (not to mention being more easily able to calm fussiness and give her a pacifier). And it’s great to bring her into our bed in the mornings as we all wake up together – a great way to start the day!

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3. Tiny Love (Symphony-in-Motion) Mobile & Gymini

These seemed to be Margot’s favorite toys from the get-go, and after four and a half months they still keep her entertained and engaged. She loves the mobile and the (unfortunately for us parents) cheesy digital classical music that it plays (I now have the three “tunes” that it plays permanently burned into my brain). The Gymini is a play mat with arching struts for small toys to hang on (over the babies head). She took to it right away – again, there’s a hanging flower-pillow which plays a digital tune that she particularly loves (not great for parental sanity though).

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Honorable Mention: Grembo Sleep Sack

Once you’re through with the swaddling (after 3 months or so), this is a great way to keep a baby warm at night with a comfy cover that doesn’t fall off. Plus it’s really easy to get them in-and-out of (you’ll appreciate that after 3 month of swaddling…).

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