The Tot Q&A: The right baby gear for you
Our product experts at The Tot answers your most pressing questions about the right baby & parenting products for you.
Unsure about which stroller to buy, what’s the best travel crib or diaper bag, what to get your 2-year-old niece for her birthday or the best organic skincare for pregnant mamas? Our product experts at The Tot answered your most pressing questions about the right baby & parenting products for you.
Q: alybcastro: Can you recommend a good baby bag? Thanks.
A: @alibcastro: A great question. Finding the right baby/diaper bag is a top priority when it comes to baby gear. We have a great range of options on The Tot depending on your budget and style. When choosing a suitable bag, think about the following things:
- Quality: Choose a bag that’s well-made, durable and made from high quality materials.
- Size: Think about a bag that suits your lifestyle and your physical build as you are going to be carrying it around with you a lot.
- Practicality: Take into consideration where you live and the environment – if you’re in the city and you need to maneuver around easily, maybe you want to consider a chic backpack? If a traditional bag design is more your style then make sure it has long enough straps that can hang over your stroller handles. You’ll also want easy-to-open pockets which are also secure and think about inclusions like a bottle holder, change mat, key ring holder and an easy-to-find pocket for your mobile. It also goes without saying that there will be spills, so choose a material that’s easy to wipe clean.
- Style: Think about your current handbag style – if you absolutely love it – then consider using a handy diaper bag insert. We have a great mini and larger option from Tote Savvy which mamas love.
- Color: Choose a bag that will complement your wardrobe and remain current. If you are spending a little bit more on your bag then think about longevity as you might want to consider using it as a travel tote once baby has outgrown diapers. We love the Mary Katrantzou diaper-travel totes or the stylish bag from Jem + Bea.
See our selection of the best Diaper Bags & Inserts.
Q: h_olson: Best baby jogger? Thank you!
A: Thanks for your question! When choosing a jogging stroller, it’s important to think about a few key features such as tires. We recommend either air filled – they’re durable and safe, and able to withstand changes in terrain, or foam filled: The Rolls Royce of tires, you’ll find these mostly on luxury strollers. They don’t go flat (obviously) and can handle rough terrains with ease.
We highly recommend The Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller. It is lightweight, user friendly and won’t slow you down. It can accommodate kids (6m+) up to 65 lbs so it should last you quite a long time. From a quick trip to the grocery store or an intense jog on the running trail – you’ll be covered. It features all-wheel suspension, a lightweight aluminium frame with an SPF 45+ canopy with extension for extra coverage, a large cargo basket, space for two water bottles and the stroller fabric is made made using a water-saving, solution dye process; 100% polyester not 100% recycled PET.
We also sell the Bugaboo Runner Base. Designed with active parents in mind, the Bugaboo Runner Base offers an easy, click-and-go jogging extension for Bugaboo owners. Simply take the seat of your Bugaboo stroller and click it onto the Bugaboo Runner chassis and you’re off. The large underseat basket will hold your essentials and all your favorite accessories will fit right on too. You can choose to have the seat facing you, or facing the world. The Bugaboo runner is a separate chassis designed purely for running and is suitable for Bugaboo Cameleon³, Bugaboo Bee and Bugaboo Donkey. Hope this helps!
Here are the Jogging options:
Q: lovefirst_healthfirst: Car seat? This will be my son’s second car seat (20 lbs and 6 months old). What do you recommend for this stage – At all the stages?
A: @lovefirst_healthfirst: Thanks for your question! If your son is able to sit up on his own, then we recommend the Clek Fllo car seat on The Tot. For rear-facing installation their usage guidelines are as follows: Your child’s height should be: 25-43 in. Weight: 14-50lb. Once he can sit forward-facing (from 2 yrs+ or 1yr minimum) the height guidelines are 30-49 in. Weight: 22-65lb. Clek’s compact convertible car seat equipped with safety from every angle – extended rear-facing, energy-absorbing crumple technology, and advanced side-impact safety! Tailored in GREENGUARD select certified Crypton fabrics and designed with best-in-class width at 17 inches, providing space to fit 3-across easily. Fllo comes with a steel Anti-Rebound Bar, which improves stability by limiting rotation of the child seat, helping protect your child’s head from impact in the event of a collision. Integrated into every Clek Fllo is an aluminum honeycomb safety system designed to reduce the forces transmitted to a forward-facing child in a collision.
We also offer seats for the next stage which we will include in the options below.
- Clek Fllo Car Seat
- Nuna Aace Car Seat (High back booster seat)
- Clek Mammoth Wool Foonf Car Seat
- Cybex Sirona M Car Seat with SensorSafe 2.0
Q: rebeccacraparo: I’m deciding between the Medela pump in style and spectra pump? Also looking for convertible booster car seat with a harness for my almost 4 year old, thanks!
A: @rebeccacraparo: Thanks for your question! We actually only stock the Medela Pump range which we swear by. Our best-seller is the Medela Freestyle Pump. It’s designed for mamas who pump several times a day and includes 2-Phase Expression Technology among many innovative key features that help to keep any new mamas comfortable.So what does this mean exactly? Studies have shown that babies naturally nurse in 2 phases. Initially they suckle fast and light: To stimulate the milk ejection reflex (MER) and to start the milk flowing. Once the breast has been properly stimulated, they switch to a slower and deeper suck for the actual feeding phase: To get as much milk as possible. Similar to a nursing baby, Medela’s 2-Phase breastpump mimic a baby’s natural sucking behaviour. First, a fast pumping rhythm to stimulate the milk ejection reflex and to start the milk flowing. This phase is named stimulation. Then, a slower pumping rhythm to express milk gently and efficiently. This phase is named expression. We hope this helps!
As for a booster seat, we love the Nuna Aace Car Seat. The customizable side impact protection pods and belt-path indicators make riding in the car super secure. They’ll enjoy wearing a seatbelt just like you do. And you’ll be happy because you know they’re safe and comfy. When you have a 9 position adjustable headrest, and an extendible, expandable seat with eight recline positions, how could they not be?
Here are all the options for you to review:
Q: kellybhatia: Best backpack diaper bag and double stroller for infant and toddler. Priorities are lightweight and easy to fold.
A: @kellybhatia: Thanks for your questions! We love the backpacks by JEM + BEA. They include a change mat, multiple pockets as well as an insulated sleeve perfect for storing bottles. Available in leather, denim and nylon, they’re options you’ll use long after the diaper days are over.
As for a double stroller, we love the Nuna DEMI Grow Stroller. The modular design offers three different configurations as you remain perfectly mobile. It can accomodate a car seat, bassinet or second seat. Great for both twins and older and younger siblings, it’s a no-fuss option that we simply can’t fault.
Here are the options for you to review:
- JEM + BEA Denim Backpack
- JEM + BEA Jamie Nylon Backpack
- JEM + BEA Jamie Leather Backpack
- Nuna DEMI Grow Stroller
- Nuna DEMI Grow Bassinet
- Nuna DEMI Grow Sibling Seat
Q: amymassey1: Can you recommend the best stroller for a 3 year old and a newborn? Deciding between the City Select and the Bob…would like easy to transport and fairly light weight! Thanks a ton!
A: @amymassey1: Thanks for your question! When choosing a double stroller for a young baby and a toddler you should think about the following key features:
- Ergonomic design: A young baby’s back is still strengthening so it needs to be well supported by a firm, hypoallergenic mattress. A good stroller is also one that you can easily adjust to suit your height. Pay attention to the height of the seat as well – can it be adjusted to standard table height so you’re not constantly bending down? Your back will thank you too!
- Maneuverability: Make sure your stroller has 4-wheel suspension so if and when the pram jolts, your kids are still comfortable and hopefully sleeping! You’ll probably be carrying a lot of items for your baby and toddler in the basket so it helps if the stroller is easy and light to move around.
- Compactness: A good stroller is one that you can fold easily and store compactly.
- Storage space: You’ll want an easy-access XXL basket that can carry everything from groceries, drink bottles to lunchboxes and toys etc.
Again, we absolutely love the Nuna DEMI Grow when it comes to lightweight duo strollers! If you’re someone who knows you’re going to be carrying a lot of gear, then you should also consider the Bugaboo Donkey Duo. While it is a bit more substantial, it can be life-saving to have the storage capacity.
Here are the options for you to review:
Q: b_santana_: My 3.5 month old is starting to teethe but she doesn’t like teething rings or pacifiers. She is too young for teething gels. What can I do to help soothe her?
A: @b_santana_: Thanks for your question! Babies can definitely be quite picky when it comes to these things. And it might take a couple (even up to 20 or 30!) tries before she takes to a particular toy or teething aid. It’s also really important to try to choose products which are crafted from high grade FDA approved silicone and are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, latex and cadium. We’ve got a wide variety of teething aids on The Tot which are all non-toxic and made with high quality materials that may help to soothe her.
Parents particularly love the Loulou Lollipop Trinity teether. It’s great and light for little hands to grab and offers different textures for emerging baby teeth to explore. You could also try our range of Loulou Lollipop’s teether clips which fasten onto a bib so they don’t get lost.
Another great option, especially for a younger babies who require light toys that are easy to hold, would be the Little Standout teething range. You actually might want to try these first. They are made of 100% food grade silicone and contain zero plastic, they are really easy to clean and you can pop them in the freezer to chill – the cold will really help to soothe her sore little gums.
Once you’re little one is a bit older and has more hand, arm and neck control, take a look at the rest of our gorgeous teething options. We stock a lovely brand of wooden teething options by LexyPexy. We also have a great article on The Tot on How to manage teething which may help. Sometimes, it’s as simple as something like a clean, frozen washcloth that can provide immediate relief. We wish you all the best and hope that some of this has helped!
Here are the teething brands for you to review:
